Environmental Sustainability Analysis Research Articles

Apple Pomace Integrated Biorefinery for Biofuels Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Sustainability Analysis

The combination of techno-economic process modelling and life cycle assessment is an integrated methodology that addresses quantitative operational data, and evaluates the emissions associated with any process under development. In particular, the valorisation of waste streams within the context of the circular economy could be considered a valid and promising approach, especially regarding techno-economic and environmental indicators. This manuscript aims to evaluate the integral valorisation of apple pomace from the processing industry into bioethanol, and vinasses (a byproduct of the distillation process) into biogas and digestate as biofertiliser. In addition to biogas production, lagooning and composting were considered as strategies for vinasse management. After the conceptual design of the process options was completed, the environmental profile of bioethanol production was estimated across different scenarios. When biogas production was integrated to reduce the biorefinery’s energy demand, the carbon footprint was 1.13 kg CO2eq∙kg−1. This footprint increased to values around four when lagooning and composting were used as vinasse management strategies. Although the economic dimension posed a significant limitation due to high investment costs, the eco-efficiency analysis showed that the scenario of the co-production of bioethanol and biogas is the best alternative. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to explore the recovery of additional co-products to develop a high-potential strategy for apple pomace.

Analysis of Mechanisms and Environmental Sustainability in In Situ Shale Oil Conversion Using Steam Heating: A Multiphase Flow Simulation Perspective

Shale oil as an unconventional energy source holds significant extraction value. However, traditional extraction techniques often entail significant environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. In situ conversion of shale oil using superheated steam fits this bill. Based on this, we used a new TFC coupling simulator to build a geological model, providing a comprehensive depiction of the evolution process of various elements during in situ conversion by steam, thereby investigating the feasibility of this method. The results show that based on the temperature distribution within the shale oil reservoir during the heating stage, the area between the heating well and the production well can be divided into five regions. In addition, the steam injected contributes to driving the oil. However, due to the relatively low energy density of the steam, a large amount of steam needs to be injected into the reservoir in order to attain the intended heating outcome, resulting in a high ratio of liquid water in the produced products. Meanwhile, the evolution of components during in situ conversion is influenced by factors such as the injection rate of steam and soaking time. A slow injection rate and prolonged soaking time are both adverse to extraction of shale oil. On this basis, the in situ conversion heating strategy can be refined.

Environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and uncertainty analysis of agricultural residue-based bioethanol production: A comprehensive life cycle assessment study

Bioethanol produced from agro-residue provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, mitigating pollution, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy. However, challenges arise in sustainable sourcing, resource conflicts, water quality concerns, and managing environmental footprints to maximize agro-residue-based bioethanol benefits. The environmental impacts, net energy ratio (NER), net energy value, water footprint, and uncertainties associated with bioethanol production from agro-residues are analyzed in this study. The analysis followed a cradle-to-gate approach using 1 L of bioethanol produced as a functional unit (FU), allowing for a direct comparison of the environmental performance of the different feedstocks. The result shows that rice straw-based bioethanol exhibited higher environmental impacts, particularly in terms of ecotoxicity, ionizing radiation, human toxicity, and ozone layer depletion, except for greenhouse gas emission, which is lowest for corn stover (0.37 kg CO2 eq. per FU) and highest for cassava straw (1.1 kg CO2 eq. per FU). Furthermore, the Cumulative Energy Demand analysis highlighted a significant reliance on fossil fuels from agricultural biomass throughout the bioethanol production process. The energy balance analysis shows that the agricultural residues are feasible for bioethanol production with NER of 1.20, 3.10, and 3.28 for rice straw, corn stover, and cassava straw, respectively. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of the LCA results, Monte Carlo simulation was employed to account for uncertainty and variability in the data. This methodology provides a better understanding of the impacts of bioethanol production, with a focus on sustainability and advancements in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Sustainable Business Models: An Empirical Analysis of Environmental Sustainability in Leading Manufacturing Companies

This study thoroughly investigates the role of sustainable business models in enhancing environmental sustainability in leading manufacturing companies. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we empirically analyse the integration of sustainability goals into corporate strategies. This study identifies sustainable business models based on an analysis of the sustainability reports published on the website, examining the strategies and action plans declared by 30 companies that are leaders in the sustainability industry, according to their Dow Jones Sustainability Index World (DJSI World) and S&P Global ESG Scores. The strategies considered are aligned with the following specific sustainability development goals: 6 (water security); 7 (renewable energy); 12 (responsible consumption and production); and 13 (climate action). The dataset contains several variables, each reflecting a particular facet of a company’s environmental sustainability, as follows: energy consumption; greenhouse gas emissions; waste management strategies; and water conservation initiatives. We use a multidimensional data analysis technique called multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). After using MCA, we use a hierarchical clustering algorithm with the aim of classifying the different companies. Our findings underscore the presence of seven clusters of companies. Compared to the well-established literature on the topic of sustainable business, the innovative contribution of this study is linked to the identification of reaction time as a strategic variable explaining the different sustainable business models. The study makes it clear that the different business models are linked to reaction time to strategic alignment with environmental objectives. The country in which the company is based is also important. This study provides practical insights for companies aiming to align their practices with SDGs. In fact, the time variable provides important information in this regard and makes it possible to identify different approaches to sustainability as well as strong and weak sustainable business models; the former are characterised by a medium long-term strategic orientation towards environmental sustainability, which can be interpreted as the desire to undertake more solid and structured environmental sustainability strategies.

Environmental Sustainability Analysis of Rotary-Screen Printing and Digital Textile Printing

Worldwide concern regarding the need for more sustainable textile supply chain prompted emphasis on innovation in the coloration process, often considered the most problematic segment of the supply chain. Digital textile printing, an emerging coloration technology, has the potential to improve sustainability significantly. This study undertakes an environmental sustainability analysis that compares the impacts of rotary-screen printing, the traditional, more established printing method, and digital textile printing. Researchers partnered with Creditex S.A.A., a vertically integrated textile company from Peru, to perform the research in a realistic factory setting. Creditex printed a 16-color design for an order of 1000m cotton fabric with reactive dye occupying both rotary-screen printing and digital textile printing and collected environmental impact data throughout the production process, including consumption, usage, and wastage. The findings suggest that digital textile printing is favorable to rotary-screen printing in terms of environmental sustainability impacts within the research context.

Comparative Analysis of Environmental Sustainability and Performance Indices of Different Gas Turbine Inlet Cooling Systems

Comparative Analysis of Environmental Sustainability and Performance Indices of Different Gas Turbine Inlet Cooling Systems

Energy efficiency, economic growth, and natural resource rent: A trilemma analysis of environmental sustainability in Africa

Climate change, exacerbated by a global economic model reliant on carbon-intensive industrialization and unchecked growth, disproportionately affects vulnerable regions such as Africa. Therefore, transitioning to an ecologically sustainable development paradigm is imperative for developing countries facing climate disruptions. The current study analyzes the trilemma effect of energy efficiency, economic growth, and total natural resource rent on environmental quality in Africa from 2010 to 2018 using SMB-DEA and PMG ARDL methods. The results are as follows: first, SMB-DEA analysis found traditional and renewable energy efficiency at 89 % and 58 %, respectively, indicating infrastructure and policy deficiencies in optimizing renewables. Second, economic expansion poses significant environmental costs; energy efficiency has an insignificant ameliorating effect on efficiency; and counterintuitively, natural resource rents become less environmentally harmful over time, though remain detrimental in the short term. Third, country-specific analyses presented heterogeneous outcomes, reflecting the complexity of global climate solutions. Fourth, transforming inefficient energy-growth-emission systems onto sustainable trajectories requires 262 % CO2 emission cuts and 46.7 % increased renewables capacity to reach efficiency frontiers. Fifth, Bidirectional causal relationships exist between income, energy efficiency, emissions, and resource rents, mutually influencing one another. These findings support suggestions for upscaling green energy capacity and improving green energy efficiency.

Biomass‐based functional separators for rechargeable batteries

AbstractThe global transition toward sustainable energy sources has prompted a paradigm shift in the field of energy storage. The separator is an important component in rechargeable batteries, which facilitates the rapid passage of ions and ensures the safety and efficiency of the electrochemical process by preventing direct contact between the anode and cathode. Traditional polyolefin‐based separators induce environmental concerns due to their nonbiodegradable nature. Biomass‐based separators derived from renewable sources such as plant fibers, agricultural waste, and biopolymers have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional polymer separators. In this review, we summarize the current state and development of biomass‐based separators for high‐performance batteries, including innovative manufacturing techniques, novel biomass materials, functionalization strategies, performance evaluation methods, and potential applications. The review also delves into the environmental impact and sustainability analysis of biomass‐based separators, offering insights into the potential of biomass as the most sustainable resource for future energy storage solutions. This review could provide a holistic understanding of the advancements and potential of biomass‐based separators, shedding light on the path toward sustainable and efficient energy storage based on biomass‐derived separators.

Environmental Sustainability Analysis of Land Use/Land Cover Change Using the WEI Index: Application to the Municipalities around the Doñana Area in Spain

This paper presents a novel definition of the Weighted Environmental Index (WEI) specifically adapted to integrate with the official land use and land cover (LULC) cartographic historical database employed in Andalusia. This adapted WEI framework was applied to investigate land use changes within municipalities surrounding the Doñana area (South of Spain). The analysis focused on the period 1991–2016, with a detailed examination of land use modifications in thirteen individual municipalities. The results demonstrate the WEI’s adaptability in incorporating information from diverse databases. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of integrating the analysis of WEI evolution over time. This combined approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and environmental drivers influencing land use changes in municipalities around the Doñana area. The findings reveal a sustained decrease in WEI values over the analyzed period. This decline is attributed to the expansion of irrigated cropland at the expense of rain-fed agriculture. Additionally, a significant increase in greenhouse surface area was observed. This intensification of agriculture has contributed to aquifer overexploitation, with potential environmental consequences for the Doñana area.

An Efficiency and Coupling Analysis of Chinese Regional Economic and Environmental Sustainability Based on a Super-SBM Model and Coupling Coordination Model

This study presents a two-stage framework for analyzing the coupling mechanism between regional sustainable economic development and environmental protection subsystems. We propose a modified super-slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate efficiency and apply a coupled coordination model to measure the coordinated development levels of regional economies and environments. Subsequently, we assess the economic and environmental efficiency and coordination levels of 30 Chinese regions from 2011 to 2019. The findings indicate a strong synchronization between regional economic development and environmental protection, whereby regions with better economic development exhibit superior environmental protection measures. Regional technical inefficiency is primarily attributed to scale inefficiency, although the overall developmental trend is predominantly determined by pure technical advancement. While the synchronization between the economy and environment remains highly robust, over time, the coordination level gradually diminishes, transitioning from a state of well-coordinated and orderly development to dysfunctional and disorderly recession. Noticeable regional disparities in efficiency and coordination levels are apparent among the eastern, western, and central regions, with the central region demonstrating exemplary performance across all aspects. To promote sustainable high-quality coordinated development, regions with limited capacity should prioritize economic construction. Conversely, in other regions, the simultaneous promotion of economic development and environmental protection would be more appropriate to achieve a higher level of coordinated regional development.

Sentiment analysis of the awareness of environmental sustainability

This study examines the sentiment analysis of awareness of environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability is the responsible management and utilization of Earth's natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation and ensure that future generations will access those resources. The awareness of environmental sustainability has been growing globally as people, businesses, and governments recognize the importance of preserving the planet for current and future generations. Sentiment analysis of environmental sustainability involves evaluating opinions, attitudes, and emotions expressed in texts related to environmental sustainability, and analyzing sentiment can provide insights into public perception, awareness, and engagement with environmental issues. This exploratory study's primary goal is to conduct social media opinion mining in the context of Thai people's environmental sustainability. The paper presented how to build a model of sentiment analysis with linguistic analysis, including data preprocessing steps, feature extraction, and model constructions. The techniques used in this research include Logistic Regression, Random Forests, Support Vector Machine, Word Segmentation and Bag of Words. The result shows that the model is able to categorize sentiment analysis opinions in the sustainability context primarily in positive terms. The positive sentiments suggest a sustained, long-term shift in awareness, or they might be influenced by specific events or trends. However, positive sentiment analysis results are expressed towards environmental sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, waste reduction efforts, or conservation programs. Moreover, public awareness plays a crucial role in influencing individual behavior, corporate practices, and government policies towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Developing a Catalogue of Environmental Sustainability Tools to Inform Biomedical Engineering Design Education

Despite the negative impact that the environmental crisis can have on human health, the healthcare sector is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, biomedical engineering design has primarily focused on human safety, with limited attention to environmental sustainability. To address this, we conducted a review of tools to support environmental sustainability analysis and proposed how we think they can support biomedical engineering design education. We conducted a literature search to identify available tools and categorized them according to the biomedical engineering design process taught at the University of British Columbia. We found that there was a lack of tools to support sustainability at early design stages, limiting student’s ability to take a proactive approach to sustainable design. Moving forward, we plan to use this review as a reference tool to guide curriculum improvements for biomedical engineering design courses to include a greater focus on environmental sustainability.

Biodegradable Electrospun Membranes for Sustainable Industrial Applications.

The escalating demand for sustainable industrial practices has driven the exploration of innovative materials, prominently exemplified by biodegradable electrospun membranes (BEMs). This review elucidates the pivotal role of these membranes across diverse industrial applications, addressing the imperative for sustainability. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of biodegradable materials underscores their significance in electrospinning and their role in minimizing the environmental impact through biodegradability. The application of BEMs in various industrial sectors, including water treatment, food packaging, and biomedical applications, are extensively discussed. The environmental impact and sustainability analysis traverse the lifecycle of BEMs, evaluating their production to disposal and emphasizing reduced waste and resource conservation. This review demonstrates the research about BEMs toward an eco-conscious industrial landscape for a sustainable future.

Perspectives on cultivation and harvesting technologies of microalgae, towards environmental sustainability and life cycle analysis

The development of algae is seen as a potential and ecologically sound approach to address the increasing demands in multiple sectors. However, successful implementation of processes is highly dependent on effective growing and harvesting methods. The present study provides a complete examination of contemporary techniques employed in the production and harvesting of algae, with a particular emphasis on their sustainability. The review begins by examining several culture strategies, encompassing open ponds, closed photobioreactors, and raceway ponds. The analysis of each method is conducted in a systematic manner, with a particular focus on highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential for expansion. This approach ensures that the conversation is in line with the objectives of sustainability. Moreover, this study explores essential elements of algae harvesting, including the processes of cell separation, dewatering, and biomass extraction. Traditional methods such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation are examined in conjunction with novel, environmentally concerned strategies including flocculation, electro-coagulation, and membrane filtration. It evaluates the impacts on the environment that are caused by the cultivation process, including the usage of water and land, the use of energy, the production of carbon dioxide, and the runoff of nutrients. Furthermore, this study presents a thorough examination of the current body of research pertaining to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies, presenting a perspective that emphasizes sustainability in the context of algae harvesting systems. In conclusion, the analysis ends up with an examination ahead at potential areas for future study in the cultivation and harvesting of algae. This review is an essential guide for scientists, policymakers, and industry experts associated with the advancement and implementation of algae-based technologies.

Analysis of environmental health and sustainability of Brazilian municipalities in the Baixo Pardo/Grande River Basin

Population growth, the lack of urban planning and poor sanitation infrastructure have persisted in the management of urban space when the core issue is environmental health and the sustainability of municipalities. This paper aimed to evaluate the environmental health and sustainability of the 12 Brazilian municipalities in the Baixo Pardo/Grande (SP) river basin. The exploratory approach and the case study guided the comparative analysis of sustainability through the Sustainable Cities Development Index (100 indicators) and the Brazilian Environmental Health Index (18 indicators) to obtain an integrated classification of these indices on a municipal scale. The analyses highlighted that 100% of studied municipalities reached medium level (score: 51-75) out for health and sustainability, especially to Altair and Orlândia results Bebedouro, Viradouro and Colina require careful monitoring of the following indicators sanitary sewage and vector control, water and socioeconomic resources, and water and socioeconomic resources, respectively. The basic sanitation, health diseases and infant mortality pillars relating to these indices identified seven similar indicators, that is, they measure the same aspects of the analyzes. Then, they were excluded to avoid duplication of data. The least promising results of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were Gender equality (SDG 5), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), Protect life on Earth (SDG 15) and Partnerships and means of implementation (SDG 17). Finally, the great challenges of the Baixo Pardo Grande River Basin pointed out social, technological and connectivity issues between interinstitutional sectors from a regional perspective.

Pathways to green urbanism: evaluating Jeddah’s environmental sustainability progress and prospects

Abstract This research provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental sustainability in Jeddah, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities it faces as a rapidly urbanizing city in an arid region. The study evaluates Jeddah’s performance across multiple environmental areas, including energy and carbon dioxide emissions, land and building use, transportation, waste management, water use, sanitation and air quality. A detailed SWOT analysis identifies the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in achieving sustainable urban development. The results reveal high per capita carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption and waste generation, along with challenges in managing water resources and maintaining air quality. The study highlights Jeddah’s efforts in renewable energy policies, urban mass transportation and waste management strategies. The conclusion provides a set of comprehensive recommendations for policy improvement, focusing on the need for sustainable urban planning, energy conservation, improved waste and water management and public engagement. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of urban sustainability in arid environments, providing a valuable framework for policymakers and urban planners.

Rescheduling Multiproduct Delivery Planning With Digital Technologies for Smart Mobility and Sustainability Goals

In this article, we study a load-dependent vehicle routing problem (LDVRP) to devise a delivery plan for vehicles carrying various types of products (with different quality and rejection rates) to deliver at the lowest cost and environmental impact. Therefore, this study develops a multidepot, multiproduct, multivehicle model considering the demands of customers, rejection rates of products, predefined time windows, speed limits, and extra waiting time. To manage the complexity of such a system, digital technologies support the decisions since the systems’ conditions are dynamic and vary in an uncontrollable way. For example, unexpected changes in traffic require the support of digital technologies to properly handle a full rescheduling by changing both the vehicles’ speed and the waiting time. In terms of sustainability aspects, these decision variables affect carbon dioxide emissions, customers’ satisfaction, and delivery costs. The proposed model will be discussed mathematically and solved using a Genetic Algorithm. Finally, different numerical examples reveal how smart mobility sets the proper decisions and solves the tradeoffs emerging from the analysis of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Environmental sustainability and architectural design analysis of Taihu Olympic sports center gymnasium

Environmental sustainability and architectural design analysis of Taihu Olympic sports center gymnasium

IoT-enabled co-integration analysis of foreign trade and environmental sustainability in Quanzhou city

IoT-enabled co-integration analysis of foreign trade and environmental sustainability in Quanzhou city

Environmental Sustainability Analysis: A Theoretical Review of Emissions and Sanitation Management in Realizing Sustainable Tourism at Turtle Tourism Beaches in West Sumatra, Indonesia

The importance of sanitation and management of emission waste in realizing environmental sustainability is a must, especially in tourism areas. Creating the concept of sustainable tourism, one of the leading indicators, must pay attention to aspects of environmental sustainability. The purpose of this research is to analyze environmental sustainability in realizing sustainable tourism in terms of sanitation waste management and emissions in the turtle beach tourism object area in Nagari Ampiang Parak, West Sumatra. The methodology uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type. Data collection through interviews, documentation studies, and field observations. Determinate informants using a purposive sampling technique (organizer/manager informants) and snowball sampling (tour visitor informants and the surrounding community). Data were analyzed using source triangulation. The results of the study show that sanitation waste management using communal septic tanks can have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and the sustainability of turtle hatchery. Meanwhile, emission problems can be minimized by reforestation and improving the environment around coastal tourism areas by planting ketapang trees, mangroves, and sea cypress. The activities mentioned above have proven to positively impact environmental sustainability in the turtle beach tourism area of West Sumatra, Indonesia.