Search

This paper presents an overview of the scholarly works employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the environmental impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) fine fractions derived from concrete elements throughout their life cycle. Unlike conventional studies, this work addresses the challenge of reducing the carbon footprint associated with CDW-based building materials, emphasizing environmental impact mitigation. The study highlights that approximately 30% of CDW is landfilled, 50% is recycled, and 20% is used as fill material, underscoring the potential for increasing recycling rates through improved processing techniques and management practices. In the reviewed studies, most research has been conducted in Europe, Asia, the USA, and China. The primary and secondary data sources for the life cycle inventory (LCI) vary depending on the study region and locality. By exploring innovative practices and critical stages in CDW fine fractions utilization for concrete components, the study aims to contribute to greener construction practices and sustainable resource management. The distinctive aspect of this research lies in its comprehensive review of CDW-based aggregates, binders, and alternative cementitious materials, highlighting the significance of sustainable energy resources and transportation strategies in enhancing the sustainability of CDW-derived concrete. Key findings highlight the necessity of sustainable energy for pretreatment and optimized transportation strategies, including route planning and vehicle selection, to produce greener CDW fine fraction-based building materials. Additionally, the study suggests key steps and parameters required for defining the system boundary and preparing the inventory for conducting an LCA of building materials based on CDW fine fractions. Through a detailed analysis of environmental burdens at each production stage, this study seeks to promote the adoption of greener concrete solutions worldwide. The use of CDW in concrete production promotes environmental sustainability and greener concrete regardless of the region. • LCA examine lifecycle impacts of CDW fine fractions in concrete. • LCI and system boundary designed to assess concrete's environmental impacts. • Transport and pretreatment raise emissions by 10%–30%. • Waste treatment necessitates 100% sustainable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is increasing recognition that ecosystems and their services need to be managed at landscape scale and greater. The development of landscape-scale conservation strategies need to incorporate information from multiple sources. In this study, we combine various research tools to link landscape patterns with production units and systems in the Usumacinta River Basin, and inform the discussion of key questions around decision-making related to conservation action and policy in Southern Mexico. A typology based on policy-relevant farmer characteristics (land tenure, farm size, source of income, farming system) differentiated between farmers (traditional vs. cattle ranching) with different motivations that determine how management affects landscape configuration. Five main types of traditional farming systems were identified that combine different forms of land use and vary in their degree of land intensification. Major fragmentation and decrease in connectivity coincided spatially with floodplains dominated by large-scale commercial farms that specialize in livestock production. Traditional practices within large units with low-sloped high quality land were also seen to be intensive; however the presence of trees was notable throughout these units. Policies that promote livestock farming are among the principle causes motivating deforestation. Land intensification by traditional farmers decreased as the landscape became increasingly rugged. Traditional farmers are the focus of initiatives developed by the Biological Corridor project which seeks to increase forest cover and landscape connectivity. These initiatives have shown high levels of rural participation (10,010 farmers benefited from 27,778 projects involving 95,374 ha of land) and acceptance (producers carried out more than one project and several types of projects during the first eight years of work). Strong action is still required to take on the segment of large-scale ranchers. Changes in the structure of land tenure over the past decade are highlighted that could have a profound impact on conservation policies and programs. Highlights • Key to address conservation options is the heterogeneity of farming systems. • Conservation programs receive high degree of acceptance from traditional farmers. • Strong action is still required to take on the segment of large-scale ranchers. • Well-managed areas tend to increase more with moderate and sustained financial support. • Recent changes in the structure of land tenure threatens conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusive wealth approach is increasingly common to measure the sustainable development of the countries. It comprised the natural, human and produced capital of nations to measure social wellbeing. We measure the inclusive wealth of the provinces in China from 2000 to 2015 and reports the sustainable use of the resources. We identify that three types of capital have increased to varying degrees, with produced capital increasing by 615.6%, natural capital increasing by 33.8%, and human capital increased by 337.0%. The total amount of inclusive wealth has increased by 300.4% in the past 15 years. However, the provinces in China are still facing unbalanced development across the country compared to developed nations. The use of the natural capital, more specifically now-renewable resources, has been restricting the wealth growth in some provinces. Although ecological services account for a small proportion of the total inclusive wealth, more attention is essential for sustainable development. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of carbon damages posed threat to future wealth accumulation. Innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development are the goals of China 13th and 14th five-year plan and our inclusive wealth of China will be key measurement tool of this achievement. • This study focus on inclusive growth of the provinces in China. • On average, inclusive wealth growth is 300.4% from 2000 to 2015 in China. • Produced, natural and human capital growth is 615.6%, 33.8% and 337% respectively. • Reduction of the use of non-renewable natural resources slow down the growth in some provinces. • Carbon damages posed threat to the future wealth accumulation in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]