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Biofuel production from waste materials offers an effective solution for generating renewable energy in biohydrogen, biogas, and biohythane while reducing waste and recycling valuable nutrients. This review examines recent advances in biohydrogen and biogas production from renewable resources, focusing on the environmental impacts of different production techniques. It emphasizes life cycle analysis (LCA) as an important tool for assessing these impacts and discusses key production pathways and processes. The variability in LCA methodologies – including differences in software, impact categories, system boundaries, functional units, and analytical approaches – poses challenges for direct comparisons of studies. Despite these challenges, fermentation‐based production methods show substantial environmental advantages, such as reduced CO2 emissions, diminished ozone depletion potential, improved human health outcomes, lower ecotoxicity, and reduced fossil fuel use. Combining biohydrogen production with anaerobic digestion for biohythane generation demonstrates even greater energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction. Adopting waste‐to‐energy strategies grounded in life cycle principles could advance renewable energy system implementation and sustainability significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid solar–biomass organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy production by combining abundant but intermittent solar energy with the reliable biomass energy. This study conducts a detailed thermodynamic and economic assessment of these hybrid systems, focusing on their potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study also evaluates the performance of various working fluids, identifying optimal configurations for different operating conditions. A key finding is that the hybrid system, with an optimized solar–biomass ratio, achieves up to a 21 to 31% improvement in efficiency and a 33% reduction in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to solar-only systems. Additionally, the study examines case studies of real-world applications, offering insights into the scalability and cost-effectiveness of these systems in regions with high solar irradiation and biomass availability. These results underline the need for continued technological innovation and policy support to promote widespread adoption of hybrid ORC systems, particularly in the context of global decarbonization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and the continuous increase of greenhouse gas concentration have a great impact on the human economy and society. Dozens of countries and regions have proposed the climate goal of "zero carbon" or "carbon neutrality." Therefore, how to make products low carbon has become a trend in product design. This study proposes a low-carbon optimization method based on carbon footprint allocation for products, which can be used to solve the problem of overall product low-carbon optimization and selection of key parts. The first contribution is to build a product carbon footprint analysis model and propose an element-based carbon footprint allocation method. The second contribution is to propose a low-carbon material selection method based on comprehensive carbon emissions, economic cost, and material density and to propose a structural topology optimization method on force condition and carbon emission reduction timeliness. The third contribution is to use force analysis and manufacturing process simulation to ensure the feasibility of the optimization scheme. Finally, a product life cycle carbon emission reduction scheme for high-carbon parts is formed, which takes into account the emission reduction time constraint, comprehensive carbon emissions, economy, mechanical properties, and manufacturability. For illustration, taking a dishwasher product as an example, the results show that the proposed method can effectively identify parts with high-carbon footprint and reduce the carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohydrogen has gained several advantages due to its high–energy content, pollution–free byproduct emission, ambient operating conditions, and ability to use various substrates for production. Further, the use of organic waste can be considered as a promising source for the production of biohydrogen while overcoming the possible environmental issues upon its disposal. However, the routes of biohydrogen production i.e. photo and dark fermentation encounter several challenges for commercialization due to lower yields. To make the process more expedient, nanomaterials such as metal, metal oxides, carbon–based, and inorganic are used to improve the hydrogen production owing to their unique physical and physical properties. In view of this, the current review highlights the role of these nanomaterials in the biological conversion of organic waste to biohydrogen. Further, emphasis is given on the mechanisms of nanomaterials' interaction with microorganisms, life cycle, and techno–economic analyses along with its major challenges and future prospects. • Photo/dark fermentative biohydrogen production from organic wastes. • Application of nanoparticles in pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation process. • Mechanism of interaction of nanoparticles with microorganisms during fermentation. • Techno-economic and life cycle analysis of biohydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed a 2 (calorie and carbon emission) × 2 (numeric and reference) experimental design to assess the impact of displaying nutritional and environmental information on menus in hotel's Chinese restaurant. Unlike previous studies primarily focused on simulated intention, it captured consumer actual behavior and perception. While such information did not significantly affect dietary choices, the inclusion of carbon emission information had a positive influence on perceived social responsibility. The reference format proved effective in enhancing transparency, especially when the information was complex. This research offers practical insights for restaurants to effectively communicate their commitment to health and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the environmental ramifications in the production and consumption of pizza. The PAS 2050 standard methodology was used to quantify the cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of a typical medium-sized Neapolitan pizzeria offering both table service and takeaway in cardboard boxes. A spectrum of sustainable practices capable of mitigating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of pizzerias was analyzed. By accounting for consistent GHG emissions across specific life cycle phases—such as energy consumption, refrigerant gas leakage, detergent production, and wastewater treatment—it was possible to estimate the cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of different iterations of the True Neapolitan Pizza. For instance, the Marinara pizza had a carbon footprint of approximately 1.7 kg CO2e /kg while the Margherita pizza topped with mozzarella cheese registered roughly twice that figure. Moreover, garnishing the Margherita with buffalo mozzarella increased its carbon footprint to 4.2 kg CO2e /kg. This difference in environmental impact can be chiefly attributed to the condiments of vegetable or animal origin, with variations in protein and fat content significantly influencing the energy value of each pizza variant. These findings emphasized the importance of informed decisions for a greener culinary future, highlighting the critical role of ingredient choices in shaping the sustainability profile of pizza offerings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the implementation of CO2 capture systems has increased. To reduce the costs and the footprint of the processes, different industrial wastes are successfully proposed for CO2 capture, such as gypsum from desulfurization units. This gypsum undergoes an aqueous carbonation process for CO2 capture, producing an added-value solid material that can be valorized. In this work, panels have been manufactured with a replacement of (5 and 20%) commercial gypsum and all the compositions kept the water/solid ratio constant (0.45). The density, surface hardness, resistance to compression, bending, and fire resistance of 2 cm thick panels have been determined. The addition of the waste after the CO2 capture diminishes the density and mechanical strength. However, it fulfills the requirements of the different European regulations and diminishes 56% of the thermal conductivity when 20%wt of waste is used. Although the CO2 waste is decomposed endothermically at 650 °C, the fire resistance decreases by 18% when 20%wt. is added, which allows us to establish that these wastes can be used in fire-resistant panels. An environmental life cycle assessment was conducted by analyzing a recycling case in Spain. The results indicate that the material with CO2 capture waste offers no environmental advantage over gypsum unless the production plant is located within 200 km of the waste source, with transportation being the key factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life cycle assessment of residential buildings – Part 1: Analysis of the achievability of KfW's requirements for climate friendly new buildings Germany is currently discussing whether, when and how requirements for limiting greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of buildings should be integrated into regulatory law. Traditionally, in the run‐up to such decisions, possible calculation approaches and requirement levels are tested in the form of a promotional program. The KfW's promotional program for climate‐friendly new buildings (KFN) adopts requirements from the Quality Seal for Sustainable Building (QNG) for calculating and assessing greenhouse gas emissions. The QNG contains limit values for the consumption of non‐renewable primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle. This article presents these requirements and the options for meeting them under the real conditions of current planning and construction practice. The subject of the investigations, which were conducted as of summer 2024, are newly constructed residential buildings of various sizes and construction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare systems contribute 5%–10% of the global carbon footprint. Given the detrimental impact of climate change on population health, health systems must seek to address this environmental responsibility. This is especially relevant in the modern era of minimally invasive procedures (MIP) where single‐use instruments are increasingly popular. We compared the environmental footprint of single‐use versus multi‐use instruments in MIP. Methods: We conducted a systematic review across five databases to identify relevant original studies, following the PRISMA guidelines. We extracted environmental impact data and performed a quality assessment of included studies. Results: We included 13 studies published between 2005 and 2024. Eight employed Life Cycle Analysis (LCAs), which is the gold standard methodology for studies evaluating environmental impact. The instruments studied included laparoscopy systems, endoscopes, cystoscopes, bronchoscopes, duodenoscopes, and ureteroscopes. Six studies, including three high quality LCAs and one fair quality LCA, showed that single‐use instruments have a significantly higher environmental footprint than their multi‐use counterparts. Six studies suggested a lower environmental footprint for single‐use instruments, and one study presented comparable results. However, these studies were of poor/fair quality. Conclusion: Although our systematic review yielded mixed results, all high quality LCAs suggested multi‐use instruments may be more environmentally friendly than their single‐use counterparts. Our findings are limited by inter‐study heterogeneity and methodological quality. There is an urgent need for additional research employing gold standard methodologies to explore the interplay between environmental impact and operational factors such as workflow efficiency and cost‐benefit ratio to allow health systems to make more informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a detailed inventory analysis of the manufacturing process of a cosmetic cream using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) as novel nanocomponents for cream. The inventory analysis was focused on the evaluation of the two raw materials of the nanocomponents, the consumption of electricity and water, which enabled an insight into the process flows within the production process. The data obtained from this analysis of the inventory of nanocomponents provide an insight into the potential improvements that can be made in the manufacturing process of nanocomponents, in order to reduce the environmental impact of the production of new cosmetic creams. These results will serve as the basis for the second part of the analysis, where a life cycle analysis will be carried out to assess the environmental impacts of cream production from the acquisition of raw materials to the disposal of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, sustainability has been given immense attention, thus novel state-of-the-art materials and building systems are emerging as alternatives. With those different alternatives, comparison and the selection of a better-performing material or a building system using diverse perspectives becomes important. Literature shows its complexity in adopting social and cultural dimensions in decision-making that adversely impacted on most desirable material selections in tropical underdeveloped countries as well as indigenous communities. This study proposed an eco-design-based material selection approach that considers the individual and holistic perspective of diverse eco-design indicators such as economic, ecological, social, and cultural. Several subthemes are identified under each theme and are verified through expert surveys. The identified sub-themes are verified and compared Pairwise through expert surveys and using the Analytical Hierarchy Process leads to proposing weights for each theme and sub-theme and developing an eco-design-based material selection framework. Accordingly, saving energy (10.7%), reducing the overexploitation of natural resources (9.1%), reducing energy emissions (7.9%), and reducing construction (7.3%), as well as operational cost (7.6%), are the parameters that create a greater impact on the selection of sustainable material with the aid of eco-design. Overall, the ecological theme creates the highest impact of around 46% and the cultural theme contributes to a lower percentage of around 5% while the economic and social themes impact considerably 30% and 19% respectively. Furthermore, the developed framework is tested in a case study by comparing an emerging walling material, Cement Stabilized Earth Blocks with conventional materials such as Burnt Clay Bricks and Cement Sand Blocks. Technique for Order Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution was carried out to compare and rank the respective walling materials under different scenarios. Accordingly, Cement Stabilized Earth Blocks is concluded to be the best alternative when analyzed in the eco-design concept. The proposed framework could be highly beneficial for industry practitioners in tropical underdeveloped countries and indigenous communities in choosing community-preferred, affordable, and environmentally-friendly construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgency of addressing climate change, energy security, and ecological concerns has driven the global shift towards renewable energy systems. In this transformative era, green hydrogen emerges as a pivotal energy resource, promising substantial reductions in global emissions. Methods like water electrolysis, biomass gasification, and methane reforming with carbon capture and storage offer pathways to synthesize hydrogen without greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, hydrogen accounts for approximately 4% of global energy generation, with projections suggesting this could increase to 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2050. Integrating nuclear energy into hydrogen production presents a low-carbon option, promoting reliability and meeting growing demand across sectors. For instance, incorporating nuclear energy could reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional methods. Categorizing hydrogen production into colors based on emissions provides a framework for understanding their environmental and socio-economic profiles. For example, green hydrogen can reduce lifecycle emissions by 60–90% compared to gray hydrogen. Life cycle analysis aids in evaluating overall impacts, guiding policy formulation and industrial decisions towards sustainability. This review examines various production pathways, highlighting their potential contributions to a carbon-neutral economy and discussing the hydrogen spectrum's role in characterizing production processes based on carbon emissions. [Display omitted] • H 2 spectrum characterizes manufacturing processes based on carbon emissions. • Renewable hydrogen reduces emissions more effectively than gray hydrogen. • Nuclear hydrogen has a low impact using Cu–Cl thermochemical cycles. • Multifaceted approaches needed to overcome hydrogen production challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative energy sources have significantly impacted the global electrical sector by providing continuous power to consumers. The deployment of renewable energy sources in order to serve the charging requirements of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) has become a crucial area of research in emerging nations. This research work explores the techno-economic and environmental viability of on-grid charging of PEVs integrated with renewable energy sources in the Surat region of India. The system is designed to facilitate power exchange between the grid network and various energy system components. The chosen location has contrasting wind and solar potential, ensuring diverse renewable energy prospects. PEV charging hours vary depending on the location. A novel metaheuristic-based optimization algorithm, the Pufferfish Optimization Algorithm (POA), was employed to optimize system component sizing by minimizing the system objectives including Cost of Energy (COE) and the total net present cost (TNPC), ensuring a lack of power supply probability (LPSP) within a permissible range. Our findings revealed that the optimal PEV charging station configuration is a grid-tied system combining solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels and wind turbines (WT). This setup achieves a COE of USD 0.022/kWh, a TNPC of USD 222,762.80, and a life cycle emission of 16,683.74 kg CO2-equivalent per year. The system also reached a 99.5% renewable energy penetration rate, with 3902 kWh/year of electricity purchased from the grid and 741,494 kWh/year of energy sold back to the grid. This approach could reduce reliance on overburdened grids, particularly in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing presents promising potential as a sustainable processing technology, notably through integrating post-consumer recycled polymers into production. This study investigated the recycling of high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) into 3D printing filament, achieved by the following optimal extrusion parameters: 180 °C temperature, 7 rpm speed, and 10% glass powder addition. The properties of the developed rHDPE filament were compared with those of commonly used FDM filaments such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) to benchmark the performance of rHDPE against well-established materials in the 3D printing industry, providing a practical perspective for potential users. The resulting filament boasted an average tensile strength of 25.52 MPa, slightly exceeding ABS (25.41 MPa) and comparable to PLA (28.55 MPa). Despite diameter fluctuations, the filament proved usable in 3D printing. Mechanical tests compared the rHPDE filament 3D printed objects with ABS and PLA, showing lower strength but exceptional ductility and flexibility, along with superior sound absorption. A life cycle analysis underscored the sustainability advantages of rHDPE, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional disposal methods. While rHDPE falls behind in mechanical strength against virgin filaments, its unique attributes and sustainability position it as a valuable option for 3D printing, showcasing recycled materials' potential in sustainable innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soils present significant challenges to infrastructure stability, necessitating the use of stabilizing materials. This study conducts a comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) research design to evaluate the environmental sustainability of various stabilizing materials for expansive soil. The study uses a quantitative analysis assessing materials, including cement, limestone, natural pozzolana, iron ore tailings, and geopolymers (especially alkaliactivated slag cement). The method involves a comprehensive LCA, considering phases from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal. The analysis reveals distinct differences in environmental impact. Cement and lime, common stabilizers, show a high carbon footprint. Natural pozzolana and iron ore tailings exhibit potential as supplementary cementitious materials with reduced environmental impact. Geopolymers, particularly alkali-activated slag cement, offer promising alternatives with lower carbon emissions. This research contributes insights into sustainable geotechnical practices, guiding material selection aligned with environmental goals for effective expansive soil stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel supplies for conventional vehicles are vulnerable to scarcity, which could ultimately lead to an increase in fuel prices. There has been a realization regarding national energy security as a result of these high gasoline costs, which further increase the overall cost of ownership. Additionally, the emissions from burning conventional fuels make consideration of the already pressing environmental issues necessary. On the other hand, because they have low running costs and no tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles are being considered as a viable alternative to conventional automobiles. But when a vehicle's whole life cycle is taken into account, the common-sense belief that electric vehicles are cheaper and emit no emissions may be misleading. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both the economic and environmental elements of whether electric vehicles are a viable alternative to conventional automobiles. In this article, a life cycle analysis-both economic and environmental—between battery-electric and conventional automobiles is presented in the context of India. For financial analysis, a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model is created to show how compatible battery-electric vehicles are. OpenLCA software, which is based on the ReCePi 2016 technique, is used to conduct the environmental analysis for all impact categories at both the mid-point and end-point levels. According to the findings, electric vehicles are more expensive than conventional automobiles in India based on current data and regulations. However, it is shown that electric vehicles have cost parity and can sometimes even become more inexpensive than conventional automobiles by using specific optimizing factors in sensitivity analysis. The results of environmental studies show that battery electric vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases (GHGs) than do conventional automobiles. Battery electric vehicles, however, had less of an impact in ten of the eighteen impact categories that were examined, and they even have a lower impact score at the end-point level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation technologies have been a focus in reducing atmospheric carbon levels for the past few years. One such mitigation technology is pyrolysis, where biomass feedstocks are combusted at elevated temperatures for varying durations to produce three main products: biochar, bio-oil, and biogas. While bio-oil and biogas are typically used to produce energy via further combustion, biochar can be used in several different applications. Furthermore, using forest harvest residues as a feedstock for biochar production helps use excess biomass from the forestry industry that was previously assumed unmarketable. In our study, we combined forest carbon analysis modelling with cradle-to-gate life cycle emissions to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of biochar produced from forest harvest residues. We examined three collection scenarios, spanning two harvesting methods in one forest management unit in northern Ontario, Canada. From our analysis, we observed immediate reductions (− 0.85 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1 in year 1) in CO2-equivalent emissions (CO2eq) when producing biochar from forest harvest residues that would have undergone controlled burning, without considering the end use of the biochar. For the forest harvest residues that would remain in-forest to decay over time, producing biochar would increase overall emissions by about 6 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1. Throughout the 100-year timeframe examined–in ascending order of cumulative emissions–scenario ranking was: full tree harvesting with slash pile burn < full tree harvesting with slash pile decay < cut-to-length/tree-length harvesting. Highlights: Cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis for biochar production was evaluated. Forest harvest collection methods influence overall life cycle emissions for biochar. Harvest residues that typically undergo controlled burning are an ideal feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluctuating nature of renewable energies results in the need for sustainable storage technologies to defossilize the energy system without other negative consequences for humans and the environment. In this study, a pilot-scale trickle-bed reactor for biological methanation and various scale-up scenarios for 2024 and 2050 were investigated using life cycle assessment. A best- and worst-case scenario for technology development until 2050 was evolved using cross-consistency analysis and a morphological field, based on which the data for the ecological models were determined. The results show that the plant scale-up has a very positive effect on the ecological consequences of methanation. In the best-case scenario, the values are a factor of 23–780 lower than those of the actual plant today. A hot-spot analysis showed that electrolysis operation has an especially large impact on total emissions. The final Monte Carlo simulation shows that the technology is likely to achieve a low global warming potential with a median of 104.0 kg CO2-eq/MWh CH4 and thus can contribute to decarbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total primary embodied energy (EE) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (ECO2e) of geopolymer concrete (GPC) in high-rise (60 m height) residential buildings located at Chennai city, India, were carefully examined in this study. The buildings were analysed and designed with the same aspect ratio and loading with two structural systems; Reinforced concrete (RC) framed and Shear wall type. The computation was performed for floor area, building volume, and concrete quantity. The results show that for the same grade of concrete, compared with conventional concrete (CC), GPC's EE is reduced by 46%, ECO2e is reduced by 42%, and the cost is reduced by 7%. The primary energy consumption (EET) and CO2 emissions (ECO2eT) towards material transportation in GPC shear wall and framed structures are 8% lower and associated cost is 22% cheaper than CC buildings. Compared to CC, the total primary EE and ECO2e of GPC RC shear wall and framed buildings are 46 and 55% lower, respectively. From the study, it has been observed that GPC is more environmentally beneficial than that of using CC in high-rise structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Optimal human health requires the adequate provision of all nutrients in the correct proportions, ensuring the provision of energy and essential small molecules. All primates, including humans, are omnivorous but the most striking difference from other primates is the remarkable diversity of the diets we consume. Animal-sourced foods are important for human nutrition and health, but they can have a negative impact on the environment. The aim here is to examine these impacts that can result in land use tensions associated with population growth and the loss of native forests and wetlands during agricultural expansion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and high water use with poor water quality outcomes. However, several technologies and practices can be used to mitigate against these impacts. These include grazing when feed quality is high, the use of dietary additives, breeding of animals with higher growth rates and increased fecundity, rumen microbial manipulations using vaccines and other additives, soil management to reduce nitrous oxide emission, management systems to improve carbon sequestration, improved nutrient use efficacy, use of cover crops, low-emission composting barns, covered manure storages, and direct injection of animal slurry into soil. Other technologies and systems to provide further solutions continue to be researched. Animal-sourced foods are important for human nutrition and health, but they can have a negative impact on the environment. These impacts can result in land use tensions associated with population growth and the loss of native forests and wetlands during agricultural expansion. Increased greenhouse gas emissions, and high water use but poor water quality outcomes can also be associated. Life cycle analysis from cradle-to-distribution has shown that novel plant-based meat alternatives can have an environmental footprint lower than that of beef finished in feedlots, but higher than for beef raised on well-managed grazed pastures. However, several technologies and practices can be used to mitigate impacts. These include ensuring that grazing occurs when feed quality is high, the use of dietary additives, breeding of animals with higher growth rates and increased fecundity, rumen microbial manipulations through the use of vaccines, soil management to reduce nitrous oxide emission, management systems to improve carbon sequestration, improved nutrient use efficacy throughout the food chain, incorporating maize silage along with grasslands, use of cover crops, low-emission composting barns, covered manure storages, and direct injection of animal slurry into soil. The technologies and systems that help mitigate or actually provide solutions to the environmental impact are under constant refinement to enable ever-more efficient production systems to allow for the provision of animal-sourced foods to an ever-increasing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exhaust gases in production of burnt clay bricks is responsible for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission which increase the carbon footprint in the ecosystem. Here, we report carbon emission and thermal performance based evaluation of 8 ft. × 9 ft. × 8 ft. building. The bricks used in building construction are manufactured from fly ash, agro-forestry wastes, construction & demolition wastes (C&D), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) using NaOH as activator in order to provide compressive strength in the range of 3–6 MPa with ambient curing at 30 °C for 28 days. Life cycle analysis (LCA) reveals the total CO2 emission for fly ash and burnt clay bricks estimated to be 43.28 gCO2 and 290 gCO2 per brick, respectively. Considering the current scenario, by replacing 1–2% of brunt clay bricks with agro-forestry waste, C&D waste based fly ash bricks can potentially reduce 0.5–1.5 million tons of CO2 emission annually. The embodied energy calculation shows fly ash based bricks consumes 10–15 times less energy as compared to burnt clay bricks. Thermal paremeters viz., U-value (0.5–1.2 W/m2K), thermal conductivity (0.4–0.5 W/mK) show adequate insulation of agro-forestry waste based fly ash bricks highlighting its importance of thermal comfort, CO2 reduction along with sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Life Cycle Analysis of two materials for spacecraft structures is conducted. • A relationship between fragments generation and materials properties is established. • A novel metric for the evaluation of debris generation upon collision is introduced. • Results are discussed based on terrestrial and orbital impact indicators. Space debris are a primary environmental concern for the sustainability of space mission activities. When considering terrestrial applications, the Life Cycle Assessment represents a widely standardised technique for estimating the environmental impacts of human activities; however, its implementation in the space-related value chain is still in an early stage. In this study, the implications of two alternative materials in the development of a CubeSat structural bus are investigated with reference to the well-established categories for the Life Cycle Impact Assessment. Moreover, the potential impact of these materials on the orbital environment is quantified by the evaluation of the number of generated fragments upon collision for different significant low Earth orbits. The results of this study allow to quantify the impact of alternative design solutions for space systems on the terrestrial environment as well as the degradation of the orbital resources as a result of the space debris generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheduling pipe replacement is critical for water distribution systems (WDSs) when managing finances and water loss. WDS replacements are often delayed due to high immediate costs without considering long‐term environmental consequences. This study is the first to examine a real‐world WDS using a novel workflow transferrable to other WDSs that integrates GIS, hydraulic modeling, breakage prediction, and life cycle analysis to evaluate environmental impacts and water loss of five replacement schedules (25‐, 50‐, 75‐, 100‐, 150‐year intervals). Environmental impacts were reduced by half when replacement interval changed from 25 year to 150 years, yet volume of water leaked from the system quadrupled. Benefits plateaued beyond 50–75‐year replacement while water loss steadily increased. Lowering water loss through break management enabled one‐sixth pipe replacement without exceeding original leakage at 25‐year replacement. Results were robust to uncertainty parameters and assert the importance of equilibrating environmental impacts and water loss when designing pipe replacement frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remanufacturing is a process that returns end-of-life equipment to as-new conditions and offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. To fully capitalize on remanufacturing, its synergistic interactions with design must be fully realized and addressed during the design stage. Although this fact is widely recognized in the literature, most of the current studies focus primarily either on the design or remanufacturing aspects of design for remanufacturing (DfRem). In an effort to offer a more integrated DfRem approach than those reported in the literature, we propose a new combined design and remanufacturing optimization (reman co-design) framework that takes a holistic approach by leveraging the intricate interplay between design and remanufacturing. The aim of this formulation is to identify the optimal decisions that maximize the benefits of remanufacturing throughout the entire lifespan of a product. To showcase the utility of the new formulation, we are using a case study of a hydraulic manifold, (re)manufactured by John Deere. Using this industry example, we compare the results of reman co-design to the ones from a decoupled remanufacturing design approach. Results reveal that remanufacturing benefits are better realized and improved upon when using the developed reman co-design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the past few decades, thousands of experiments have been performed to characterize urban waste and biomass to estimate their bioenergy potential and product identification. There is a need to develop an integrated process model based on the experimental literature, as well as simulations to obtain suitable products. In this study, municipal solid waste (MSW), including paper and plastic characterization and an integrated process model, were developed to optimize the final products in a reactor system. The process model has two modes, R&D and reactor control (RC), to obtain suitable products including bio-oil, char, and gases. A database was integrated based on thermokinetics, machine learning, and simulation models to optimize product efficiency. The experimental data include those obtained by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which were linked to a pyrolysis experimental setup. Feedstock product mapping models were incorporated into the database along with the temperature, heating rates, elemental analysis, and final product concentration, which were utilized for the pyrolysis reactor setup. Product feasibility was conducted based on life cycle cost, affordability, and product efficiency. The present work will bridge the gap between experimental studies and decision-making based on obtained products under several experimental conditions around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society is shifting to an environmental basis due to threats caused by climate change, resource scarcity, and excessive generation of plastics. Biotechnology has sought alternatives to valorise waste streams, such as sludge generated in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Sludge bio-fermentation is suitable for sustainable volatile fatty acids (VFA) production by anaerobic digestion (AD). This biotechnological process is an excellent opportunity, as VFAs are in high demand by industry. This work aimed to study the environmental impacts generated by the bioproduction of VFA from primary sludge (PS) from the El Salitre WWTP in Bogotá using the life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology. VFA production was carried out in three semi-continuous reactors, using PS, an initial organic load of 14 gVS/L, a temperature of 25 °C, and a pH of 10 for 7 and 16 d, obtaining a higher VFA production and yield for the 16-day experiment with 6048 mgCOD/L; 432 gCOD/gVS, compared to 5472 mgCOD/L; 391 gCOD/gVS produced in 7 d. An LCA was carried out to select the best retention time considering eighteen environmental categories. The study of the impact categories and the modelling of the inventory data were carried out using the ReCiPe Midpoint method and Simapro software. The results showed that energy use in the process steps is the bottleneck point for sustainability and causes significant effects in almost all the impact categories evaluated. Additionally, it was found that producing VFA from municipal WWTP sludge can be considered a sustainable process due to the indicators obtained being lower than those found in the literature. Also, the concentrations achieved allow the use of these VFAs as carbon sources for making polyhydroxyalkanoates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As policy incentivizes low-carbon hydrogen production, there is growing interest in the deployment of natural gas hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Here, we conduct comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA) on five hydrogen production cases, with a focus on characterizing emissions and cost implications of varying CCS schemes for hydrogen production with CCS. We find that CCS cases can achieve over 95% CO 2 capture at the plant, while reducing the well-to-gate (WTG) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 3.21–3.65 kg CO 2 eq/kg H 2 , this is 63–68% lower than the emissions of industrial baseline case. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of CCS pathways is estimated in the U.S. context to be 1.17–1.56 $/kg as compared to $1.04/kg of industrial baseline case. Given regional variations in fuel and electricity prices and their upstream emissions impacts, we also performed a regional analysis of the proposed pathways. [Display omitted] • Three ATR pathways and two SMR cases are compared in this study. • Life cycle analysis shows CCS cases can reduce WTG GHG emissions by more than 60%. • Techno-economic analysis shows CCS cases increases LCOH by $0.13–0.52/kg-H 2. • Regional analysis organizes 14 NG basins in to three groups for future investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ICT-OEC six-step Cu-Cl cycle dissociates water thermochemically to produce hydrogen and oxygen. In the Cu-Cl cycle integrating the hydrolysis and hydrogen processes poses a crucial engineering challenge. Hydrolysis at 350-400 °C requires extra steam, resulting in the generation of dilute HCl instead of dry HCl gas, which must be recycled for hydrogen production. To address this, pressure swing distillation (PSD) is integrated into the hydrolysis and hydrogen generation reactions to separate HCl and water. The study examines operating parameters in PSD processes. A simulated process integration model includes an intermediate heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with PSD to complete the overall conceptual design. The nuclear-based Cu-Cl cycle without PSD demonstrates a lower environmental impact when compared to the Cu-Cl cycle with PSD. The Cu-Cl cycle with a higher HCl concentration in PSD feed exhibits a minimum global warming potential (GWP) value of 2.53 kg of CO 2 eq for 1 kmol/h hydrogen production. [Display omitted] • Analysis of the ICT-OEC six-step Cu-Cl closed loop thermochemical cycle. • Integration of pressure swing distillation of hydrolysis and hydrogen generation processes. • Separation of HCl-water enhances the efficiency of the Cu-Cl cycle. • Molar ratio of CuCl 2 to water has a significant impact on the Cu-Cl cycle. • Life cycle assessment of Cu-Cl cycle with and without pressure swing distillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The deposit-refund system enables the bottle-to-bottle high value recycling of PET. • High value recycling reduces GHG emissions and comprehensive environmental impact. • Reducing energy consumption and increasing yield are important cut-in points. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used packaging material and has high value in recycling. However, under China's dominant informal recycling system, most PET bottles are downcycled into fibers. The deposit-refund system (DRS) is considered a feasible mechanism to facilitate the high-value recycling of PET bottles. To comparatively evaluate the environmental performance [reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) and pollutant emissions] under different scenarios using life cycle assessments, including the current system based on informal recycling, an improved system with a larger contribution from the source separation of municipal solid waste, and evolving systems with DRS application, five scenarios were set up. The DRS can reduce GHG emissions and the comprehensive environmental impact by 0.538 kg CO 2 /kg PET bottles and 1.73 × 10−3 PE/kg PET bottles, respectively, compared to informal recycling. It can be concluded that the DRS-based recycling approach and the bottle-to-bottle recycling provide the substantial emission reduction potential of GHGs and pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer components, in particular, backsheets (BSs) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants, play a crucial role in the degradation of commercial silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. Degradation mechanisms depend in a complex way on the composition and properties of all involved polymers. In this study, we demonstrate that differences in the composition of EVA encapsulants, in particular, the presence of additives, such as UV blockers, affect the degradative processes in a decisive way, even for modules with identical BSs. A combination of spectral, imaging, and electrical characterization techniques applied in a mixed lab/field study showed that the field aging of PV modules with the same BSs and different encapsulant components results in the development of different degradation signs, such as insulation resistance loss, corrosion of metal interconnects, water ingress, oxidation depth in the encapsulant, and potential‐induced degradation, depending on the presence of additives in the encapsulant. The present study provides an outlook on the complex influence of polymer components on the lifetime and performance of silicon PV modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As various regions around the world implement carbon taxes, we assert that the competitiveness of steel products in the marketplace will shift according to individual manufacturers' ability to reduce CO2 emissions as measured by cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). This study was performed by using LCA and cost estimate research to compare the CO2 emissions and the additional cost applied to the production of various decarbonized materials used in sheet for automotive industry applications using the bending stiffness-based weight reduction factor. The pre-pandemic year 2019 was used as a baseline for cost estimates. This paper discusses the future cost scenarios based on carbon taxes and hydrogen cost. The pathways to decarbonize steel and alternative materials such as aluminum and reinforced polymer composites were evaluated. Normalized global warming potential (nGWP) estimates were calculated assuming inputs from the current USA electricity grid, and a hypothetical renewables-based grid. For a current electricity grid mix in the US (with 61% fossil fuels, 19% nuclear, 20% renewables), the lowest nGWP was found to be secondary aluminum and 100% recycled scrap melting of steel. This is followed by the natural gas Direct Reduced Iron–Electric Arc Furnace (DRI-EAF) route with carbon capture and the Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) route with carbon capture. From the cost point of view, the current cheapest decarbonized production route is natural gas DRI-EAF with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). For a renewable electricity grid (50% solar photovoltaic and 50% wind), the lowest GWP was found to be 100% recycled scrap melting of steel and secondary aluminum. This is followed by the hydrogen-based DRI-EAF route and natural gas DRI-EAF with carbon capture. The results indicate that, when applying technologies available today, decarbonized steel will remain competitive, at least in the context of automotive sheet selection compared to aluminum and composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most of the urban areas of Tanzania, poor and inadequate solid waste management is a growing environmental and public health concern. Despite an array of solid waste management options, choosing an appropriate one remains a challenge. This study applied a novel two-stage-based approach to assess the environmental impacts and sustainability performance of the 27 scenarios for municipal solid wastes (MSW) management of Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. In the first stage, the study utilized a life cycle analysis (LCA) to quantify the environmental impacts of MSW scenarios. In the second stage, the study used the principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the sustainability performance of the same. The LCA results indicated that no scenario performed better in all environmental impacts. The current SWM option, which involves landfilling most of the wastes at the Pugu landfill, leads to adverse environmental impacts and therefore poses an environmental and public health risks potential. The PCA results indicated that the scenario that involves the composting of organic wastes, recycling of the recyclable materials and landfilling the rest of the waste is the more sustainable option with a score of -1.7105. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the transportation process is responsible for the higher environmental burdens in most scenarios. Thus, promoting resource recovery at the premises of the waste generation would be crucial for minimizing the environmental impacts. This study demonstrated that the decision-makers could potentially use a combined LCA-PCA methodology to select the optimal MSW scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When all inputs are included, energy is over half the cost of manufactured goods. All metal components start as a casting. Metalcasting is the lowest energy, most direct manufacturing line from metallic ores to metal products. The metalcasting industry is the largest recycling body on the planet. However, the metalcasting industry is slow to develop and deploy new products and methods. With Industry 4.0 upon us, we must either "innovate or die." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of the addition of glass powder, nozzle size, and infill density on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) pieces. To do so, a factorial design of experiments was accomplished. The specimens were tested under tensile and bending conditions. Regression equations were extracted from the maximal strength, strain at maximal strength and modulus, and an analysis of the significance of the terms was carried out. All the factors influence the output variables, independently and in combination. As for the environmental impact, a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis (LCA) of the printing material with different glass powder additions, including the manufacturing process and transportation of the raw materials, was performed. Additionally, a cost assessment of each alternative was calculated for each case. Since the concurrence of mechanical, environmental, and cost performance is needed to enter a new product in the industry, a multicriteria decision-making analysis was performed to select the best combination. The criteria considered were the material and printing costs and the environmental impact, all normalized with maximal strength. Two different alternatives were found to be the best solution depending on the strength selected. Both of them were printed using a 1.2-mm nozzle with 100% infill and different glass percentages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work carried out a bibliometric correlation analysis between keywords related to life cycle analysis (LCA) and wastewater treatment systems, seeking to identify the relevance of treatment with microalgae. The biomass of these microorganisms allows the valorization of the residual effluent since it can be used to obtain energy through the biogas generated in the digestion of anaerobic reactors and as a potential source to produce metabolites of high industrial value. Most of the LCAs obtained in the search use reference flows such as the amount of biomass produced, the volume of water treated, and the equivalents produced per person. The most frequently reported functional units are 1 m3 of treated wastewater and produced wastewater per population equivalents. The predominant tool for developing LCAs corresponded to the SimaPro software, applying the ReCiPe impact methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is the identification of the main factors affecting the cost of urban air mobility (UAM) based on results of ASSURED-UAM project. These factors can be found among such cost areas as investments (infrastructure, aircraft), operational, energy, end of life, delay and environmental. Once determined, they can be of great value for all UAM stakeholders, including manufacturers, urban planners and air service providers. Design/methodology/approach: The obtained results were based on the outcomes of ASSURED-UAM project. Having the information about the magnitude of each cost category, we were able to identify the most costly factors of UAM. As a result, it was possible to suggest feasible cost reduction means. Findings: For each cost category, there is the possibility to lower its value among the total cost of UAM. Each cost category has its own cost reduction means. It is vital however that the obtained results depend strongly on the assumptions made at the beginning of cost calculations. Originality/value: The value of this paper is the identification of key UAM costs reduction means which may be found beneficial for all UAM stakeholders involved in the development of UAM infrastructure and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen could play an important role in reducing the climate impact of the transport sector. This study explores the possibility of using existing biomethane infrastructure to enable the accelerated roll‐out of hydrogen as a transport fuel in a Swedish context. The concept of multifuel filling stations for hydrogen and biomethane are examined based on four cases, where the hydrogen is produced either via electrolysis or biomethane reforming, at a smaller or larger scale, and through either centralised or decentralised production. The cases are compared using established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to establish their respective impact from a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation potential. The LCA results show generally good GHG performance for all production paths being studied with a range from −7 g CO2 eq./MJ hydrogen for hydrogen production based on biomethane via steam reformation (SMR) compared to +19 g CO2 eq. for production based on Swedish National Grid Mix via electrolyser. The SMR is the more efficient technology in mitigating GHG emissions, especially if system expansion is applied. In addition, sensitivity analyses also show that electrolyses production based on renewable wind power will decrease the impact significantly and vice versa that a European Average Electricity Grid Mix (EU – 28) would increase the impact significantly. The findings of this study underline the potential of the gradual introduction of hydrogen as a fuel for transport without the need for large investments in a dedicated fuel‐specific distribution system. The concept could contribute to overcoming the current chicken‐and‐egg catch of achieving both scalable and profitable supply of hydrogen for transport as well as the vehicles using it as fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are agricultural products that require preservation to enhance and protect shelf life, encapsulate natural flavour, and retain nutritional content. Globally, agricultural products are preserved by a range of means, the most prevalent of which is the heat pump dryer, which produces the best results even in unfavourable climatic conditions. Heat pump dryers come in different types and their performance varies depending on the type. This study aims to evaluate recently developed heat pump dryers based on key performance indicators, impacts on food colour and nutritional content, techno‐economic, exergoeconomic, and environmental issues associated with the development of heat pump dryers, which are underrepresented in most of the existing heat pump dryers' reviews. This study also discusses mathematical drying kinetic models, and regulation or policy aspects related to the development of heat pump dryers. In the present study, the results on performance analysis indicate that heat pump dryers examined were effective in reducing drying time and obtaining high coefficients of performance ranging from 1.94 to 5.338 and specific moisture extraction rate ranging from 0.156 to 9.25 kg/kWh, as well as significantly reducing energy consumption by up to 80%. The nutritional composition and colour results show that heat pump dryers maintain the maximum nutrient content while also improving colour. The expansion valve has the lowest exergoeconomic factor of all heat pump dryer components, whereas the compressor has the highest cost of exergy destruction in general, according to the results of exergoeconomic analysis. Techno‐economic analysis results demonstrated that most developed heat pump dryers have short payback periods ranging from 1.6 to 3.6 years. However, due to a lack of research in this field, the environmental implications of heat pump dryers are unknown. As per the findings of this study, future research in this field should focus on the design of simple and low‐energy heat pump dryers, life cycle, techno‐economic, and exergoeconomic assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the use of ethanol/gasoline fuel blends in a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine with energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analysis. Test fuels (G100, E10, E20, E30, E40, E50, and E100) prepared by adding ethanol obtained from agricultural products to gasoline at different ratios were utilized in experimental studies. Thermodynamic analyses were carried out using the performance and emission data obtained from the engine tests. Thermal efficiency and exergy efficiencies were computed with energy and exergy analyses. The highest efficiencies were acquired at 2500 rpm for all fuels. The exergy efficiency of G100, E20 and E40 fuels at this engine speed is 17.13%, 15.81% and 14.62%, respectively. Furthermore, cost of engine shaft work in exergoeconomic analysis and environmental cost of shaft work in exergoenvironmental analysis were found in study. When an engine speed was 2500 rpm in E50 fuel, the cost of shaft work was 74.21 $ MJ−1, and the environmental cost of shaft work was 59.07 $ GJ−1. Moreover, exergoeconomic factor and exergoenvironmental factor values of fuel blends were computed. It was revealed that increased ethanol ratio in fuel blends increased economic and environmental costs. In terms of economy and environment, it can be considered appropriate that the ethanol ratio in fuel blends is between 30 and 40%. If ethanol is used higher than these rates, costs increase and fuels become uneconomical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among heavy industrial sectors worldwide, the steel industry ranks first in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Technologies that produce direct reduced iron (DRI) enable the industry to reduce emissions or even approach net‐zero CO2 emissions for steel production. Herein, comprehensive cradle‐to‐gate (CTG) life cycle analysis (LCA) and techno‐economic analysis (TEA) are used to evaluate the CO2 emissions of three DRI technologies. Compared to the baseline of blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace (BF–BOF) technology for steel making, using natural gas (NG) to produce DRI has the potential to reduce CTG CO2 emissions by 33%. When 83% or 100% renewable H2 is used for DRI production, DRI technologies can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 57% and 67%, respectively, compared to baseline BF–BOF technology. However, the renewable H2 application for DRI increases the levelized cost of steel (LCOS). When renewable natural gas (RNG) and clean electricity are used for steel production, the CTG CO2 emissions of all the DRI technologies can potentially be reduced by more than 90% compared to the baseline BF–BOF technology, although the LCOS depends largely on the cost of RNG and clean electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This series of articles presents the use of computer programmes in university teaching of building physics and building technology for architects and civil engineers. The Department of Building Physics/Energy‐efficient Buildings (Faculty of Civil Engineering) at the RPTU in Kaiserslautern offers lectures and seminars for students of civil engineering (Bachelor and Master) and for students of architecture (Bachelor). In addition, courses are offered for other degree programmes. Software tools are mainly used in the specialisation module "Building Physics – Energy Efficiency and Modeling" of the Master's programme "Structural Engineering" in Civil Engineering. Students are introduced to the basics of building physics modeling and simulation. The focus of the courses is to acquire the methodological competence of learning and correctly using simulation programmes and to deepen the understanding of building physics processes in components, rooms and buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have long regarded photovoltaics (PV) as a poor energy return (ER) compared to fossil fuels. Although the latter's energy-return-on-investment (EROI), like oil, coal, and gas, are above 25:1 at the primary, they are about 6:1 at the final stage. Following the technology creation, it is essential to investigate whether the solar module technology innovation affects the ER. Much literature delivers the ERs of fossil fuels and PV. However, it does not address the life cycle analysis or life cycle energy analysis (LCEA) assessments. This paper, employing time-series and LCEA analyses, performs an ER evaluation of the 181-MWp global most extensive offshore floating PV (OFPV) in a 30-year life cycle at Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, Taiwan. The results show that the energy payback time (EPBT) is about one year. The EROI is about 29.8, which is superior or complies with the upper limits of previous studies under the same insolation. The approach proposed in this study should help future PV stations' ER analysis and clarify whether the innovation benefits from improving the system's performance. The results also assist in investors' decision-making regarding deploying PV projects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the structural and electrochemical advantages of LiFePO4 (LFP) as a cathode material, the solid-state reaction commonly used as a method to produce it at the industrial level has known disadvantages associated with high energy and fossil fuel consumption. On the other hand, solution-based synthesis methods present a more efficient way to produce LFP and have advantages such as controlled crystal growth, homogeneous morphology, and better control of pollutant emissions because the reaction occurs within a closed system. From an environmental point of view, different impacts associated with each synthesis method have not been studied extensively. The use of less polluting precursors during synthesis, as well as efficient use of energy and water, can provide new insights into the advantages of each cathode material for more environmentally friendly batteries. In this work, a solvothermal method is compared to a solid-state synthesis method commonly used to elaborate LFPs at the commercial level in order to evaluate differences in the environmental impacts of both processes. The solvothermal method used was developed considering the reutilization of solvent, water reflux, and a low thermal treatment to reduce pollutant emissions. As a result, a single high crystallinity olivine phase LFP was successfully synthesized. The use of ethylene glycol (EG) as a reaction medium enabled the formation of crystalline LFP at a low temperature (600 °C) with a nano-plate-like shape. The developed synthesis method was evaluated using life cycle analysis (LCA) to compare its environmental impact against the conventional production method. LCA demonstrated that the alternative green synthesis process represents 60% and 45% of the Resource Depletion impact category (water and fossil fuels, respectively) of the conventional method. At the same time, in the Climate change and Particular matter impact categories, the values correspond to 49 and 38% of the conventional method, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnets are expected to play a crucial role in the realization of the clean economy. In particular, the neodymium-iron-boron (Nd2Fe14B or NdFeB) magnets, which have the highest energy density among rare earth permanent magnets, are needed for building more efficient windmill generators, electric vehicle motors, etc. Currently, near-net shape magnets can be either made through sintering and compression molding with extensive post machining or directly through injection molding. However, injection molding has a loading volume fraction limitation of 0.65 for nylon binders. A novel method of manufacturing bonded permanent magnets with loading fraction greater than 0.65 has been demonstrated using big area additive manufacturing (BAAM) printers. As energy density is directly proportional to the square of the magnet loading fraction, magnets produced using BAAM printers require less volume and magnetic material compared to that of injection molded magnets on average. A comparative life cycle assessment shows that this difference in magnetic powder consumption nearly constitutes the difference in the environmental impact categories. Even after assuming recycled magnetic input, the BAAM magnets perform better environmentally than injection molded magnets, especially in the ozone depletion category. Since BAAM printers can accommodate even higher loading fractions, at scale, BAAM printers possibly can bring about a significant decrease in rare earth mineral consumption and environmental emissions. Furthermore, single screw extrusion enables BAAM printers to have high print speeds and allow them to be economically competitive against injection molding. Therefore, BAAM printed magnets show great promise in transitioning towards the clean economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life cycle analysis of newly developed carbon concrete building components The CUBE building represents the research results of the whole C3‐project with many new building elements, materials, and construction designs. The article analyses the ecological sustainability of some building elements, although structural, engineering, and in part even financial aspects were more important during design and construction of the building. For specific wall and ceiling elements, a life cycle analysis following EN 15804 was performed. For the results are compared with those of typical steel reinforced concrete building elements. The curved element TWIST no such comparison exists. In this article, a representative section of the TWIST is analysed and the results presented for 1 m2. Overall, the environmental impacts of the newly developed building elements are comparable with current steel reinforced concrete constructions. Contrasting those, carbon concrete offers substantial potentials for short‐term improvements in environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decisions made at every stage of the built environment life cycle impact how materials in that environment are eventually managed at the end of their life, whether in a linear or cyclical manner. Linear fates often terminate in landfills, whereas more sustainable cyclical fates are continuously extended through reduction, reuse, repair, recycling, and recovery (5Rs) practices. Despite a notable increase in the literature on sustainable construction and demolition waste (CDW) management, there is still a lack of studies comprehensively addressing the full life cycle of the built environment. A gap also exists in the understanding of the root causes underlying unsustainable CDW management practices. To address these gaps and shortcomings, this study synthesizes the literature on CDW management to identify the causal factors contributing to the current unsustainable management practices, their root causes across the life cycle of the built environment, and sustainable strategies with proven efficacy in mitigating the detected root causes. Considering the implications of these strategies on the management of CDW, as well as their applicability across different stages of the built environment life cycle, this study characterizes them using the 5Rs waste hierarchy and using a five-stage built environment life cycle framework: interim, planning, construction, use, and end of life. All such information is integrated into a single ranking framework that proposes prioritized sustainable strategic pathways to address the most relevant root causes of unsustainable CDW management across the entire built environment life cycle. The actual implementation of the proposed framework for the sustainable management of the built environment is demonstrated through an analysis of Louisiana, in which peacetime construction/demolition and disaster debris generation and reconstruction/demolition have resulted in large amounts of CDW that often ended in landfills. Future decision makers can avoid similar fates by mitigating their own root causes of unsustainable waste management by better utilizing relevant mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of studies covering different life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) tools and urban water systems (UWSs) emphasize the need to synthesize current research. While LCSA studies focus on an integrated approach considering the life cycle assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodologies, these tools are typically applied separately, disregarding the trade-offs amongst economic, social, and environmental impacts. In this context, this review aims to critically analyze the literature on LCSA tools to enhance the integrated application in the future. Furthermore, we aim to identify technological trends, current challenges, and future research directions to improve sustainability. The ProKnow-C methodology was applied using a combination of four keyword sets and three databases. We selected 72 relevant papers that were analyzed in detail. Results demonstrate that authors apply different boundaries when using different LCSA tools, and lack of data was also a common issue. Furthermore, papers lack system description in the scope definition, leading to a biased interpretation of results. Another important issue was the functional unit selection, which did not represent the complexity of UWSs, lacking important details such as water loss, water quality, and population served. Water treatment is the most researched process in UWSs, and stormwater systems (collection or treatment) are rarely included, representing only 25% of the analyzed literature. In conclusion, the application of LCSA tools faces fundamental challenges, such as data quality and availability. Concerning the engineering improvements, future works should use LCSA data to support design and technology development, also focusing on human behaviour and frugal technology alternatives. Finally, new paradigms need to be developed and applied to enhance sustainability and integrate UWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]