Environmental Economic Analysis Research Articles

Environmental-economic evaluation of sugar cane bagasse gasification power plants versus combined-cycle gas power plants.

Approximately 2.4 million tons of bagasse are produced each year in Iran, most of which are currently treated as waste adding to serious environmental concerns. Application of bagasse for energy production is a sustainable solution to supply the required energy within the sugar refineries and export the surplus electricity to the grid. Currently, the energy demand in Iranian sugar mills is mainly supplied by fossil fuels (natural gas or mazut). Bagasse fluidized bed and fixed bed gasification plants would respectively lead to save 59,250 and 21,750 tons of CO2 annually, compared to gas power plants of the same scale. The present study aims to compare the environmental economic analysis of electricity generation in 10-MW gas-fired power plants with that electricity generation in bagasse gasification plants (with fluidized bed and fixed bed reactors) exemplarily in Iran. The bagasse fluidized bed gasification option (with IRR of 28.6%) showed the most promising economic viability compared to bagasse fixed bed gasification and gas power plant cases with IRR values of 25.09 and 21.94%, respectively. Furthermore, bagasse gasification options were potentially characterized by a better environmental performance compared to fossil-fuelled options. On the other hand, the obtained levelised cost of electricity at gas power plants (2 cents/kWh) was lower than the global range and lower than bagasse gasification cases (7-9 cents/kWh). The results revealed the vital need of biomass power plants to governmental support in order to compete with fossil power plants by participation of private sector.

Consulting: Russian practice of economy greening

The article deals with the problem of greening the economy and the formation of the environmental services direction. Analyzed are the specifics of environmental consulting, identified the main activities falling under the definition of “environmental consulting”: environmental certification of equipment, production, plants and natural objects and territories; conducting integrated environmental-economic analysis of the functioning of existing and planned industrial facilities; environmental consulting environmental protection enterprises. The practice of Russian professional environmental consulting is presented and the activities of consulting agencies are listed. The Russian environmental consulting is focused on rendering a complex of services on ecological safety of the organizations and filling of the corresponding reporting and documentation. The basic principles of reporting on environmental activities of enterprises are given. The main aspects of environmental legislation of the Russian Federation are considered. A general idea of environmental consulting as a business policy is formed, including understanding of environmental problems, environmental monitoring and environmental audit of enterprises and organizations to identify areas of their environmental activities. It is proved that environmental consulting is necessary for most enterprises and organizations, especially those engaged in the field of environmental management.

Optimizing the asphalt pavement cold in-place recycling process containing waste pozzolans based on economic-environmental-technical criteria

Abstract In this research, it was tried to determine an optimized procedure in CIR process regarding the stabilizer additive type used to accelerate the setting of bitumen emulsion and executive thicknesses by considering the technical, environmental and economic criteria. Three stabilizers were studied including type II Portland cement (cement) as conventional stabilizer, coal combustion ash (CCA) and lime activated coal waste ash (LA-CWA) at rate of 2, 8 and 8% by weight of recycled asphalt pavement, respectively. In economic-environmental analysis the reconstruction method with unbound base and hot mix asphalt overlay was also analyzed as a conventional rehabilitation method. Four different thicknesses were considered for CIR layer including 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm. Furthermore, four equivalent single axle loads from 1 to 50 million were considered in designing the pavement structures. Based the results, by considering the total energy usage and CO2 emissions, implementing CIR layer with thicknesses lower than 20 cm is a sustainable rehabilitation technique, while the executive costs encouraged higher thicknesses than 20 cm. Among the pozzolanic additives, the use of LA-CWA resulted in more variable results in comparison to CCA. Therefore, considering the risk of construction processes, CCA can be recommended as a more reliable replacement of cement than LA-CWA.

CO2-enhanced oil recovery and CO2 capture and storage: An environmental economic trade-off analysis

CO2 enhanced oil recovery can play a significant role in stimulating carbon capture and storage because of additional oil revenues generated. However, it also leads to additional greenhouse gas emissions. We estimate the global warming potential of different CO2 capture scenarios with and without enhanced oil recovery. During a 10 year period in which oil and electricity are produced without CO2 being captured, the global warming potential is 11 MtCO2 equivalents. We show that if CO2 is captured and used for 15 years of enhanced oil recovery, the global warming potential decreases to 3.4 MtCO2 equivalents. This level is 100% higher compared to the scenario in which the captured CO2 would be stored in an offshore aquifer instead. If the capture of CO2 is stopped when the oil reservoir is depleted, the global warming potential resulting from 10 years electricity production is 6 MtCO2 equivalents. However, if CO2 is stored in the depleted reservoir, the global warming potential is six times lower during that period. Electricity production and oil refining are the main contributors to the global warming potential. The net present value analysis indicates that for CO2 prices lower than or equal to 15 €/t and oil prices greater than or equal to 115 €/t, it is most profitable to capture CO2 for enhanced oil recovery only. Because of the low CO2 price considered, large incomes from oil production are required to stimulate CO2 capture. The environmental economic trade-off analysis shows that if CO2-enhanced oil recovery is followed by CO2 capture and storage, costs increase, but the net present value remains positive and the global warming potential is reduced. Authorities could use these outcomes to support the development of economic mechanisms for shared investments in CO2 capture installations and to mandate both oil producer and large CO2 emitting firms to store CO2 in depleted oil fields.

An Economic-Environmental Analysis of Lithium Ion Batteries Based on Process Design and a Manufacturing Equipment Database

An Economic-Environmental Analysis of Lithium Ion Batteries Based on Process Design and a Manufacturing Equipment Database

Ten years of economic analyses for the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Overview of experiences and lessons learned

The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which came into force in 2008, requires from Member States inter alia to perform various (types of) economic analyses. In order to help Member States to implement this directive, the European working group on Economic and Social Analysis was initiated in 2009. This working group has developed various guidance documents which have been very useful in helping each other to understand the Directive and its requirements, to develop one language, to understand the pros and cons of various approaches, and to share experiences. However, up until now, outside of this working group this information is hardly known. Therefore, the authors of this article, considered the tenth anniversary of this working group a good opportunity to make the accumulated grey literature more accessible and to share information on experiences and lessons learnt from applying environmental economic theory and analyses in a policy context to a broader community, to increase the awareness of marine and social scientists on the progress made and remaining knowledge gaps, to enhance interdisciplinary science-policy dialogue, and to increase the value added of forthcoming research for policy making processes.

Environmental-Economic Analysis of Integrated Organic Waste and Wastewater Management Systems: A Case Study from Aarhus City (Denmark)

This study presents a comparative analysis of the environmental and economic performances of four integrated waste and wastewater management scenarios in the city of Aarhus in Denmark. The purpose of this analysis is to deliver decision support regarding whether (i) the installation of food waste disposers in private homes (AS1) or (ii) separate collection and transport of organic waste to biogas plants is a more viable environmental and economic solution (AS2). Higher environmental benefits, e.g., mitigation of human health impacts and climate change, are obtained by transforming the existing waste combustion system into scenario (ii). Trade-offs in terms of increased marine eutrophication and terrestrial ecotoxicity result from moving up the waste hierarchy; i.e., from waste incineration to biogas production at wastewater treatment plants with anaerobic sludge digestion. Scenario (i) performs with lower energy efficiency compared to scenario (ii). Furthermore, when considering the uncertainty in the extra damage cost to the sewer system that may be associated to the installation of food waste disposers, scenario (ii) is the most flexible, robust, and less risky economic solution. From an economic, environmental, and resource efficiency point of view, separate collection and transport of biowaste to biogas plants is the most sustainable solution.

Cradle to grave environmental-economic analysis of tea life cycle in Iran

Abstract Tea as the second most consumed none-alcoholic beverage in the world next to the water is involved with considerable environmental impacts during its life cycle. Because of the high importance of the tea sector in northern Iran, the present study aimed to assess the environmental burdens of tea in life cycle, including green tea leaf production in the farm and its transportation to the factory, tea processing, tea packaging, processed tea transportation to the local shop and its preparation in private household in Guilan province, Iran. The hotspots of each stage were identified and then all of stages were combined and different alternatives were compared. For this purpose, Life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used based on the ISO 14040 standard. CML-IA baseline method was applied for impact assessment. Also the economic performance was assessed for green tea leaf and packaged black tea by calculating eco-efficiency (EE) scores. Required input data were collected from 30 farms and 30 tea processing factories in Lahijan and Langroud regions. LCA results showed that machinery and diesel fuel were the most pollutant inputs in farm and factory, respectively. Tea green leaf production was identified as the major contributor (57%) to environmental burdens in comparison with other steps throughout tea life cycle. Two-layer packaging was found as the most pollutant scenario in comparison to other scenarios (one-layer, three-layer and polyethylene packages). Cooktop was found to be more environment-friendly than electric kettle. Low EE score for most impact categories indicated the necessity of reconsidering the patterns for tea leaf production. For packaging scenarios, three-layer packaging had the highest net income with lowest environmental impacts. Based on the modelled results, it is suggested that negative environmental consequences of tea life cycle can be reduced by optimization of agro-chemicals uses such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the farm, using natural gas instead of diesel fuel in tea processing factory, applying three-layer packages for packaging black tea and using cooktop for boiling water.

Valoración económica del consumo y producción de materias primas para la fabricación de biodiésel en Guatemala

Objetivo: realizar la valoración económica del consumo y producción de materias primas para la elaboración de biodiésel en Guatemala. Metodología: se utilizó fue el Método de Valoración Contingente para estimar el valor económico-ambiental que los consumidores y productores le otorgan a la producción de las materias primas Higuerillo (Ricinus communis) y Piñón (Jatropha curcas) para generación de biodisel. Para el caso de la Palma Africana (Elaeis guinnensis), se utilizó el método de valoración denominado Cambio de Productividad para establecer el excedente del productor y el método de valoración contingente para determinar el excedente de los consumidores. Resultados: los resultados del análisis de valoración económica ambiental reportan bienestar o excedentes para el consumo de biodiésel y la producción de las tres materias primas a valor presente en el orden de los US $71 millardos de dólares para un periodo de quince años y con la meta de sustituir el 80% del diésel por biodiésel con el cultivo y producción de 374,832 hectáreas. De este excedente total, el 99.76% está dado por el excedente de los consumidores por lo que el bienestar de los productores de las materias primas a valor actual se estimó en US $169 millones. Limitaciones: son las propias de la metodología de valoración económica que se utilizó, ya que al generar mercados hipotéticos se pueden caer en sesgos de la información los cuales se reducen por las técnicas estadísticas utilizadas. Conclusiones: se recomienda que la asignación de recursos se debe orientar a la demanda de los compradores que más valoran el consumo de biodiésel, es decir aquellos que muestran una mayor disposición a pagar (DAP).

Implementation of Life Cycle Assessment Method (LCA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to Determine the Development of Recycling Unit of Waste Water in Grati CCPP PT Indonesia Power up Perak Grati

Waste water result from operating activities of Grati Combined Cycled Power Plant (CCPP) is significant amount and has potentially to be reutilized. A recycling unit as the pilot project has been applied in Grati CCPP PT Indonesia Power UP Perak Grati for capacity 4 tons/hour of service water product. Development plant of Grati CCPP up to year 2018 will produce more amounts of waste water, and potentially increase the pollution load in the unit area.Considering the use of alternative development for unit recycled waste water effluent from the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) has implications to the environmental and cost aspects, therefore a proper assessment to decide the alternative is needed. Proposed method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is to measure the impact to the environment. And the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is to measure the economic criteria. To integrate the results of the two methods, it is used and calculated by using Hierarcy Analytical Process (AHP).The result of the study about the environmental impact and economic analysis, the development of the recycling unit is required to process all waste water produced by power plants. Focus group by experts in power plant operation using AHP is based on the results of SimaPro 7.0 and CBA. The most beneficial result is with a single score of 0.2314 Pt / 1 ton of water service, the payback period of 2.5 years, 37.5% IRR and NPV US$ 88,577.23 and the MMF-RO unit for total capacity of 14 tons/hour has become the most alternative of development.

Environmental-economic analysis of the heating system for a single-family building

This paper discusses the use of modern and effective heating systems, using fossil fuels and renewable energy sources on the example of a comparative analysis of a gas boiler and heat pump for a single-family building. The aim of the work was to conduct a comparative analysis of heating systems in terms of energy, economy and ecology. The concepts of heating systems based on a gas boiler and a heat pump are proposed. An economic analysis based on the LCC and ecological method was carried out, related to the equivalent emission, in order to compare the degree of environmental nuisance of the proposed heat sources. For the building in question, a more advantageous solution was the use of a system based on a condensing gas boiler. The economic analysis shows that in the assumed life cycle (20 years), the total cost for a heating system based on a gas boiler is lower than in the case of a heat pump by 11%. Also, the initial costs in this variant are lower by nearly half compared to the heat pump system. Environmental analyzes have shown lower annual emissions of pollutants and a 6-fold lower equivalent emission for a gas-fired heating system.

Environmental and economic evaluation of selective non-catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides

There are two groups of atmosphere protecting measures: technology (primary) and treatment (secondary). When burning high-calorie low-volatile brands of coals in the furnaces with liquid slag removal to achieve emission standards required joint use of these two methods, for example, staged combustion and selective non-catalytic reduction recovery (SNCR). For the economically intelligent combination of these two methods it is necessary to have information not only about the environmental performance of each method, but also the operating costs per unit of reduced emission. The authors of this report are made an environmental-economic analysis of SNCR on boiler Π-50P Kashirskaya power station. The obtained results about the dependence of costs from the load of the boiler and the mass emissions of nitrogen oxides then approximates into empirical formulas, is named as environmental and economic characteristics, which is suitable for downloading into controllers and other control devices for subsequent implementation of optimal control of emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations at the lowest cost at any load of the boiler.

Is it beneficial to use biogas in the Danish transport sector? – An environmental-economic analysis

Denmark is ambitious in the green transition of its transport sector. The biogas has potentials to substitute diesel as the vehicle fuel. In this paper, we examine the whole chain of biogas utilisation (biomass supply, biogas production and distribution, and fuel substitution) from both environmental and economic perspectives. We find that with low/high biomass supply potentials, the saved greenhouse gas emissions range from 0.89 to 1.66 million tons/2.19 to 4.27 million tons CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). The soil carbon stock could increase 52310/124770 tons with low/high biomass supply potentials (measured as remaining carbon in soil in 100 years after application of digestate into soil). The biogas plant owners can obtain a return of investment ranging from 10.78% to 13.62% depending on biomass supply potentials and biogas production technologies. The farmers can save up to 717.93 and 1382.1 million DKK (Danish krone) by substituting mineral P (phosphorus) and N (nitrogen) fertilisers with low biomass supply potential and 1.74 and 3.44 billion DKK with high biomass supply potential. Finally, the vehicle users have incentives to use biogas because of its cost advantage. However, there are also some potential barriers and uncertainties in achieving the green transition, e.g. initial investment for CO2 conversion equipment and diesel-vehicle users' sunk costs, which could require suitable policy supports. We suggest that using biogas in heavy-duty vehicles could be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.

An economic-environmental analysis of selected barrier-coating materials used in packaging food products: a Swedish case study

The purpose of a barrier coating in food packaging is primarily to increase the shelf life of the foodstuff contained within the packaging, preserve its colour, odour, taste and quality, and thereby reduce food wastage (both at retail outlets and households). While most publications hitherto have compared packaging and barrier-coating materials on the basis of their environmental impacts alone, this paper adopts a more holistic approach by factoring in the economic aspect as well. Four barrier material alternatives—starch, polyethylene, EVOH + kaolin and latex + kaolin are analysed. Two well-defined end-of-life handling scenarios, relevant to Sweden, are: one in which everything except starch is recycled, with starch being composted, and the other in which everything is incinerated. Among the several environmental impact categories which can be analysed, this paper considers only global warming. Two approaches are tested to combine the economic and environmental aspects—normalisation, weighting and aggregating on the one hand, and using the carbon tax to internalise the externality caused by GHG emissions on the other. For the set of weighting factors obtained thanks to a survey conducted by the authors (40.6% for environmental and 59.4% for economic), starch emerges as the most sustainable alternative, followed by polyethylene for both the end-of-life handling scenarios. This tallies with the result obtained by using the carbon tax for internalisation of the externality. The case study, methodology and results presented in this paper, will hopefully be a springboard for more detailed studies of this nature, under the umbrella of sustainability.

Land Use Change and Traffic Impact Analysis in Planned Urban Areas in Tanzania: The Case of Dar es Salaam City

This paper is based on the review of the statutory requirements for land use change development projects in Urban Planned areas. In spite of Environmental and Social Economic Impact Analysis reports considered as basic requirements for the approval of development plans in Tanzania, the depth of traffic impact measurements and Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) has not been adequately considered in urban plans. More concern is on approval process of development proposals that makes a case for the preparation of TIA as a separate and distinct study for proposed projects. We argue in this paper that while TIA is more germane in areas where land use change proposals are taking place very rapidly, most projects still do not asses or analyse the traffic impacts from the proposed developments on the existing transport networks. Thus, in Tanzania, TIA is the most concealed component in urban planning laws and regulations and its approach, level of execution and functional standards are neither exposed nor put into urban planning operations. The paper observes that, traffic impact analysis is an important component to be subsumed as potential study among generalized studies during land use change practices in urban planned areas. Furthermore, TIA is overviewed for big investments in urban developments, but current studies have revealed the need of TIA in small and spot developments which collectively has shown a great traffic impacts in cities with rapid land use change practices. The paper recommends the inclusion of traffic impact analysis report as a statutory document in the portfolios which are basically required to be submitted for approval of urban development proposals. The paper advocates the need for the urgent enactment of necessary legislation to make this requirement an obligation in land use change process.

Incorporation of Environmental Law Requirements during Waste Management at Rubbish Recycling Plants in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Objectives: The research is aimed at improving the system of municipal solid waste handling; improving the efficiency, reliability, environmental and social acceptability of the complex of services on collection, transportation, recycling, processing and disposal of municipal solid waste; modernizing MSW sector based on advanced technologies and management practices, as well as taking measures to strictly comply with the Kazakhstan environmental law requirements. Methods: Such scientific methods as research, analysis, synthesis and substantiation were used to study this environmental problem based on the works of both domestic and foreign scholars. Findings: The authors carried out systemic legal and environmental-economic analysis of waste processing technologies and equipment enabling to assess the negative impact on the environment, as well as to study the requirements of environmental law during waste management at the rubbish recycling plants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It has been proposed to apply life cycle assessment (LCA) in designing and selecting the best waste management option and provide support of rubbish recycling companies from the republican budget resources. Application/Improvements: Implementation of the research will improve the quality of services rendered in MSW management, increase the amount of collected and recycled secondary material resources, allow taking full advantage of the MSW energy potential and minimizing the negative environmental impact as a result of MSW treatment. Thus, it will contribute to a significant improvement in the quality and conditions of life of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Impact Investment of Project Financing: Opportunity for Banks to Participate in Supporting Green Economy

Abstract The article analyses impact investment of project financing. Companies’ own funds, own funds of the consortium members, the company’s own resources and budget funding, own funds of the company on the basis of a production sharing agreement, borrowed funds; the funds raised by the bond issue are all considered as the project financing sources in the natural resource field. The purpose of this article is to consider various opportunities to support environmentally oriented projects in the framework of project financing, including through attracting funds of banks for the development of “green” economy. The role of banks and the banking sector in supporting environmentally and socially oriented projects is analysed. The experience of banks in Asia, Europe and the United States in terms of “green” economy projects is shown. Moreover, environmental and social risks, and impact of a project, the project compliance with the norms and standards of responsible finance are all considered in this article. Classification of environmental projects with the purpose of project financing is proposed, and also the scheme of interaction between stakeholders is shown, including banks, in the implementation of projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, impact investment in financing projects with the participation of banking sector is analysed and justified on the example of such countries as Mongolia, Russia, Japan, the United States and others. Evaluation procedures and the selection of projects for social investment purposes are shown in the article, including the measures of supporting banks for the project implementation in the field of “green” economy. The following research methods are considered: systematic analysis, environmental economic analysis environmental auditing, statistical methods for evaluating the costs and benefits from implementing environmentally oriented projects, methods of assessment of damage from environmental pollution, etc.

Environmental Performance and Economic Analysis of Different Glazing–Sunshade Systems Using Simulation Tools

AbstractWith the increasing capabilities of computer modeling and simulation technology, the analysis of options for maximizing gains in energy efficiency for buildings can be realized more efficiently and cost effectively. Conducting building performance simulations allows for the analysis of the environmental impacts of buildings and the economic vitality of green building techniques. Commercial buildings consume nearly one-fifth of all the energy used in the United States, costing more than $200 billion each year. The building envelope plays a key role in determining how much energy is required for the operation of a building. Individual thermal and solar properties of glazing and shading systems only provide information based on static evaluations, but it is very important to assess the efficiency of these systems as a whole assembly under site-specific conditions. This paper presents a case study that was conducted using computer simulation tools to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of ...

Building integrated bioenergy production (BIBP): Economic sustainability analysis of Bari airport CHP (combined heat and power) upgrade fueled with bioenergy from short chain

Harnessing biomass-derived energy can improve environmental and economic sustainability of a Combined Heat and Power production. The paper presents a new decision making policy and its application in meeting the energy up-grading needs of the Bari airport (300 kWe), based on an economic-environmental analysis related to the use of different bioenergy from short chain (<70 km). The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate how a “Zero Kilometer Energy” design model in a CHP plant represents a more sustainable alternative to the conventional approach, in terms of impacts on the local socio-economic system. The study has been carried out in order to promote a synergistic and sustainable relationship between a territory and the infrastructures that service it, in terms of energy supply chain. For this purpose, three different bioenergy production systems (biomass from wood waste, vegetable oil/biodiesel and biogas from food waste) harnessing local agro-energy resources in Apulian region (Italy) were analyzed. The analysis has been integrated by a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) Method, identifying the economic feasibility to make an informed choice. Finally the theoretical paybacks under different governmental incentive schemes, from 2012 to 2015, have been calculated along with estimated carbon savings to highlight the energy market trends for the different biomass resources.

Economic-environmental analysis of traffic-calming devices

A set of indicators are proposed to determine the effect of traffic-calming devices on the environment and economy. They are based on vehicular emissions and energy consumption and are used to evaluate the viability and positioning of traffic-calming devices. First, a time window is defined on which the influence of a traffic-calming device can be determined providing a convenient frame of reference. Second, a concept of local cruising conditions is defined in order to have a basis of comparison between cases “with” and “without” traffic calming devices. The emissions considered were: HC, NOx, CO, PM10, and CO2. From the latter fuel consumption was estimated. Valuation of speed bumps on a secondary road in Mexico City was obtained as an example application of the proposed methodology.