Footprint Method Research Articles

Research on the Carbon Footprint Accounting Method of Transformer’s Whole Life Cycle Under the Background of Double Carbon

In response to the existing gaps in the carbon footprint assessment framework for core electrical equipment transformers, which impedes power companies from effectively supporting low-carbon procurement of materials and products, this study proposes a novel evaluation method for transformer carbon footprints. This method comprehensively considers all stages of the transformer lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and decommissioning. A review of mainstream carbon footprint accounting schemes, both domestic and international, is first presented, summarizing established accounting methods and calculation processes. The paper then introduces a novel, integrated carbon footprint accounting approach for transformers, covering the entire ‘cradle-to-grave’ lifecycle, along with an associated calculation model. This framework analyzes the carbon footprint composition across production, assembly, transportation, usage, and recycling stages for four commonly used, high-efficiency transformers at State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company, the carbon footprint of an oil-immersed 100 kVA/10 kV transformer is 2.353 × 106 kg CO2e, approximately half that of a conventional 100 kVA/10 kV transformer. Finally, the study provides recommendations for carbon reduction pathways for transformers, considering both functional substitution and technological carbon reduction strategies.

Integrative single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis of the evolutionary trajectory features of adipose-derived stem cells induced into astrocytes.

This study employs single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing technologies (scATAC-seq) to perform joint sequencing on cells at various time points during the induction of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into astrocytes. We applied bioinformatics approaches to investigate the differentiation trajectories of ADSCs during their induced differentiation into astrocytes. Pseudotemporal analysis was used to infer differentiation trajectories. Additionally, we assessed chromatin accessibility patterns during the differentiation process. Key transcription factors driving the differentiation of ADSCs into astrocytes were identified using motif and footprint methods. Our analysis revealed significant shifts in gene expression during the induction process, with astrocyte-related genes upregulated and stem cell-related genes downregulated. ADSCs first differentiated into neural stem cell-like cells with high plasticity, which further matured into astrocytes via two distinct pathways. Marked changes in chromatin accessibility were observed during ADSC-induced differentiation, affecting transcription regulation and cell function. Transcription factors analysis identified NFIA/B/C/X and CEBPA/B/D as key regulators in ADSCs differentiation into astrocytes. We observed a correlation between chromatin accessibility and gene expression, with ADSCs exhibiting broad chromatin accessibility prior to lineage commitment, where chromatin opening precedes transcription initiation. In summary, we found that ADSCs first enter a neural stem cell-like state before differentiating into astrocytes. ADSCs also display extensive chromatin accessibility prior to astrocyte differentiation, although transcription has not yet been initiated. These findings offer a theoretical framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this process.

LCA-emergy and carbon footprint analysis in a steel industry reporting system: A case study of a Chinese steel company.

The steel industry is one of the heavy industries with significant global environmental impacts, and China, as the largest steel-producing country, holds representative significance for global sustainability in the steel production company. This study, based on data from China's largest steel company, quantitatively researched sustainability using a whole life cycle emergy approach and carbon footprint method from 2012 to 2022. The results indicate that, analyzing unit emergy values (UEVs) types, foundational UEVs are the lowest. Gas emissions increase UEVs indicators, with a 5% rise in 2012. Clean energy inputs reduce steel system burdens, lowering UEVs by about 2%. Solid waste and wastewater raise UEVs due to costs, like a 2% increase in 2012. Despite occasional fluctuations, the overall trend shows a decline, nearing the standard value of 1. This signals continuous enhancement in Baosteel Company's port product line sustainability. For instance, the basic ESI dropped from 11.5 in 2012 to 4.2 in 2022, highlighting substantial progress. This consistent improvement underscores Baosteel's dedication to environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and operational efficacy. Moreover, the application of clean energy, waste gas/solid waste/wastewater treatment, energy-saving technologies, intelligent operations, artificial wetland systems, etc., has enhanced the sustainability of the steel production system. In the face of the profound impact of artificial intelligence in the future, the dynamic and long-term sustainable characteristics of the steel product production system will be the focus of the next research steps. The most significant feature of this paper compared to current research is that it evaluates the dynamic relationship between China's steel production and the ecological environment, revealing the ecological energy value and carbon emissions research throughout the entire life cycle of the steel industry.

An LED-driven Hematite/Bi4O5I2 nanocomposite as an S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for efficient degradation of phenolic compounds in real wastewater

Heterojunction-based photocatalysts have recently emerged as a promising solution for removing organic pollutants from wastewater, especially those synthesized using low-carbon footprint methods.

BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT: FORECASTING THE MARKET FOR DECARBONIZATION AND RELATED PRODUCTS USING THE LCA METHOD

The aim of this work is to manage business processes based on the forecasting of the decarbonization market and related products. The methods used in this study include general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction), theoretical research methods (abstraction, theoretical modeling. The importance of by-products in the metallurgical industry is demonstrated, including dust and sludge, hot rolling scale, iron ore, fine fractions of agglomerate, pitch, and sulfur. Based on the dynamic trend of retrospective data on steel production from the World Steel Association for the period 2003-2022, trends were analyzed and forecast indicators were developed. LCA inventory data (using OpenLCA software), calculated using the Environmental Footprint method (Mid-point indicator) considering a projected steel volume of 2,231 thousand tons, assessed environmental impacts. The results indicated the greatest impact on environmental indicators. The forecasted capacity of potential decarbonization markets and related products was determined. The most significant segments of the global steel market for by-products will be: sludge, tails, stockpiled.

Alternative Life Cycle Impact Assessment Methods for Biodiversity Footprinting Could Motivate Different Strategic Priorities: A Case Study for a Dutch Dairy Multinational

ABSTRACTThe private sector is increasingly engaged in formulating biodiversity strategies that aim to achieve net‐positive outcomes. Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methodologies are a leading approach for quantifying ‘biodiversity footprints’, providing baselines for biodiversity mitigation strategies. However, differences between existing LCIA methods remain understudied in this context. Using a large agricultural organisation case study, we compared biodiversity footprints from two LCIA methodologies: LC‐IMPACT and ReCiPe2016. Results varied considerably, with LC‐IMPACT attributing the largest impacts to international land use change from imported livestock feeds and ReCiPe2016 highlighting the impacts from imported feeds related to other pathways, such as water use, alongside on‐farm GHG emissions. These differences suggest that using different methodologies could lead to substantially different corporate biodiversity strategies and sub‐optimal prioritisation. To design effective biodiversity strategies, corporations must address uncertainties in biodiversity footprinting methods, and further research is needed to ensure these methodologies drive effective action to combat global biodiversity loss.

RNA tertiary structure and conformational dynamics revealed by BASH MaP.

The functional effects of an RNA can arise from complex three-dimensional folds known as tertiary structures. However, predicting the tertiary structure of an RNA and whether an RNA adopts distinct tertiary conformations remains challenging. To address this, we developed BASH MaP, a single-molecule dimethyl sulfate (DMS) footprinting method and DAGGER, a computational pipeline, to identify alternative tertiary structures adopted by different molecules of RNA. BASH MaP utilizes potassium borohydride to reveal the chemical accessibility of the N7 position of guanosine, a key mediator of tertiary structures. We used BASH MaP to identify diverse conformational states and dynamics of RNA G-quadruplexes, an important RNA tertiary motif, in vitro and in cells. BASH MaP and DAGGER analysis of the fluorogenic aptamer Spinach reveals that it adopts alternative tertiary conformations which determine its fluorescence states. BASH MaP thus provides an approach for structural analysis of RNA by revealing previously undetectable tertiary structures.

A Cradle-to-Retailer Environmental Profile of Yellow Lentils (Lens culinaris ssp. Orientalis) as Such or Malted

This study evaluated the environmental impact of malted, decorticated, and split yellow lentils, specifically Moroccan (ML) and Onano (OL) varieties, cultivated in Morocco and Italy, using a cradle-to-retailer Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. An analysis through SimaPro 9.5.0.0 software and the Product Environmental Footprint method revealed carbon footprints of approximately 4.5 and 3.3 kg CO2e per kg for malted, dehulled, and split MLs and OLs, respectively, representing increases of 50% and 52% compared to their untreated dry seed counterparts. The Product Environmental Footprints also rose significantly, by 50% for MLs and 55% for OLs, reflecting the higher water and energy demands, as well as additional waste generation, associated with the malting process. This study emphasizes the importance of focusing mitigation efforts on improving the agricultural phase, particularly in land and water use efficiency. While supplemental irrigation can boost yields, especially in water-limited regions, it significantly increases the environmental footprint, underscoring a trade-off between yield gains and sustainability. Consequently, the optimal environmental strategy may not involve increasing irrigation, but rather developing drought-resistant lentil varieties, which could reduce the overall environmental impact.

Ecological Carrying Capacity and Driving Factors of the Source Region of the Yellow River in China over the Past 30 Years

The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) serves as a crucial ecological barrier on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. In recent decades, the ecological condition of the SRYR has deteriorated, resulting in a state of ecological insecurity. This state of affairs endangers the region’s living environment, aggravates poverty, and seriously hinders the region’s sustainable ecological, social, and economic development. Ecosystems, landscape patterns, ecological carrying capacity (ECC), and drivers interact with each other in the region, shaping the regional ecological pattern’s past, present, and future. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these interactions have yet to be elucidated. Based on the land use type data of the SRYR in China for the last 30 years in seven periods (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020), and combined with the ecological footprint method, we carried out a study of spatial and temporal changes at the county scale and the source region scale, used the landscape pattern index to describe the changes in ECC, and analyzed the main drivers that affect the ECC of the source region. The results indicate the following: (1) Over the past 30 years, the greatest changes in the area have occurred in grasslands and unused lands. Between 2005 and 2010, a significant conversion of unused lands to grasslands occurred in the SRYR, amounting to 7382.33 km2, mainly distributed in Maduo County and Maqin County. (2) The absolute ecological carrying capacity (AECC) of grasslands in the SRYR has shown an upward trend, while that of forests has declined. The ECC of the source region has generally increased, with higher ECC observed in Maqin County, Maduo County, and Xinghai County. (3) The spatial distribution of ECC in the SRYR has shown non-uniform changes, with an increasing trend observed across all county-level areas. The spatial heterogeneity of AECC is high, with minor overall spatial distribution changes. (4) There is a positive correlation between the ECC of the SRYR with SPLIT, PARA_MN, and COHESION (p < 0.05). The impact of landscape pattern indices on ECC ranked as COHESION > PARA_MN > SPLIT. (5) Principal component analysis indicates that the primary driving forces of the SRYR’s ECC are social factors, such as urban population (X5) and per capita GDP (X8), with natural factors being less significant than social factors. This research is crucial for maintaining ECC in the SRYR, protecting and restoring the ecological environment, and ensuring the sustainable development of the economy and society.

Impact of urbanization and planting structure on water footprint of food, cash, and feed crops in China's northern agro-pastoral ecotone

China, especially the northern agro-pastoral ecotone, is facing severe water scarcity, which presents a significant challenge for the agriculture sector, the largest consumer of water. This study selected Yanchi County as a typical area. First, the water footprint method is used to evaluate the water usage of food, cash, and feed crops in the region from 1990 to 2020. Then, the vector error correction model (VECM) is used to analyze the short-term effects and long-term effects of urbanization and planting structure on the water consumption of these three types of crops. The results show: 1) The total agricultural water footprint (WF) in Yanchi County, as well as the WFs of the predominantly grown food and feed crops, show an upward trend. Additionally, the proportion of blue WF is relatively high across all crop types. 2) Reducing the proportion of food crops will increase the WF of cash and feed crops, but it will not necessarily decrease the WF of food crops. 3) An increase in the level of urbanization may reduce the agricultural WF in the short term, but ultimately, it will lead to an increase in the WF. Overall, this study reveals the growing pressure on agricultural water use faced by the agro-pastoral ecotone during the processes of urbanization and planting structure transformation. It highlights the importance of developing rain-fed agriculture, seizing the technological development opportunities brought by urbanization, and reasonably adjusting the cropping structure for the sustainable use of water resources.

Using in vivo intact structure for system-wide quantitative analysis of changes in proteins

Mass spectrometry-based methods can provide a global expression profile and structural readout of proteins in complex systems. Preserving the in vivo conformation of proteins in their innate state is challenging during proteomic experiments. Here, we introduce a whole animal in vivo protein footprinting method using perfusion of reagents to add dimethyl labels to exposed lysine residues on intact proteins which provides information about protein conformation. When this approach is used to measure dynamic structural changes during Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression in a mouse model, we detect 433 proteins that undergo structural changes attributed to AD, independent of aging, across 7 tissues. We identify structural changes of co-expressed proteins and link the communities of these proteins to their biological functions. Our findings show that structural alterations of proteins precede changes in expression, thereby demonstrating the value of in vivo protein conformation measurement. Our method represents a strategy for untangling mechanisms of proteostasis dysfunction caused by protein misfolding. In vivo whole-animal footprinting should have broad applicability for discovering conformational changes in systemic diseases and for the design of therapeutic interventions.

Carbon footprint calculating for fruit processing and storage activities

Food production plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these issues in agriculture and production requires strategies that consider regional and national contexts while ensuring food security. There is no universal solution for agro-processing sector; thus, research and adaptable tools must be employed based on local conditions. The research were focused on analysis of fruit paste production technology, refrigerated storage and transport. As a result, a calculating carbon footprint method for these processes was developed. Conclusions of this research can be of great value to agri-food industry, enabling producers to make more informed decisions about energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it possible to move toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly production, while ensuring high quality products throughout their shelf life.

Quantifying and Zoning Ecological Compensation for Cultivated Land in Intensive Agricultural Areas: A Case Study in Henan Province, China

Cultivated land ecological compensation (CLEC) is an important way to solve regional development imbalance and cultivated land problems, and the scientific quantification of the ecological value of cultivated land is the key to CLEC. This study quantified the total amount and urgency of CLEC in China’s main grain-producing region using the cropland ecological footprint (EF) and ecosystem service value (ESV) methods. Furthermore, this study analyzed the comprehensive zoning of CLEC considering natural and economic development. The results showed that the spatial distribution of EFs and the ecological carrying capacity of cultivated land in Henan Province are similar, presenting the spatial characteristics of being high in the southeast and low in the northwest; the cultivated land in most of the counties and districts is in a state of ecological surplus, and the cultivated land resources are sufficient to support their own consumption needs. Henan Province as a whole is an ecologically compensated region, with a compensation amount of CNY 1.39 billion, and the total amount of compensation is in a positive value of 94.94%. The Southwest Yu and North Yu economic zone of Henan are the areas of high and low values of cultivated land compensation. The priority compensation region is the most extensive and widely distributed type in the five regions of Henan Province, accounting for 55% of the counties and districts. The degree of compensation is most urgent in the Huanghuai, Southwest Yu, and North Yu economic zones. This study’s findings provide new ideas for the development of differentiated ecological compensation policies, and provide references for the participation of multiple market participants and the diversification of compensation forms.

Life cycle assessment of common urban trees - The environmental performance of three Mediterranean cities

Given the increasing pressure from extreme events due to climate change, the planting of new trees has become a priority in the political agendas of cities. However, the rush to plant trees often fails to account for the reduced performance and lifespan of trees in heavily urbanized areas and the environmental impact of their production, maintenance, and eventual disposal. By means of the Life Cycle Analysis, this study aims to investigate the potential environmental benefit and impact of trees planted in three European cities located in Mediterranean areas (Perugia, Thessaloniki, and Cascais), that have adhered to the management guidelines of the LIFE Clivut project. The environmental performance of each tree is mainly affected by the tree management operations performed, by the climatic conditions, and by the tree performance in carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and Particulate matter (PM) capture. The impact assessment obtained by ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint (H) methodology evidenced that the trees' beneficial effects widely overcome the impact of the operations carried out during the tree management. Broadleaved species showed an average environmental performance higher than conifers. The best results have been obtained by Tilia cordata Mill., Quercus ilex L., Populus spp. and Celtis australis L. in the case of broadleaved trees, and by Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin and Cedrus spp. for Conifers. The results of the Environmental Footprint (EF 3.1) method highlighted the urban trees' potentiality to mitigate Human Health problems and to improve Ecosystem Quality. Future studies may explore other management scenarios to optimize energy and materials use, reduce emissions, hence obtaining an increase of the environmental benefit for the urban areas.

Research progress on quantitative evaluation methods of urban ecological carrying capacity

Quantitative evaluation of urban ecological carrying capacity is a critical foundation for measuring urban sustainable development in the new era. This review would enrich the concept and connotation of urban ecological carrying capacity by sorting out its components and characteristics. We categorized the methods for quantifying urban ecological carrying capacity into static evaluation methods, including ecological footprint method, comprehensive evaluation method, state space method, net primary productivity method, and carbon-oxygen balance method, as well as dynamic simulation prediction methods, including system dynamics models, BP neural network prediction models, and grey prediction models. We further summarized both the advantages and disadvantages of these quantitative evaluation methods. Finally, we predicted the development trends of quantitative evaluation methods for urban ecological carrying capacity, and put forward further in-depth research from aspects such as strengthening theoretical foundations, constructing indicator systems, establishing evaluation principles, and optimizing methods.

Income-based environmental effects of family food consumption and the affordability towards healthy diets

Environmentally sustainable diets are attracting increasing attention, but the environmental impact of diets with different income residents is still poorly understood. Based on the environmental footprint method, we explored the environmental impact of food consumption in China from 2000 to 2020, and used the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model to investigate its driving factors. Furthermore, we constructed a multi-objective optimization model, incorporating the affordability indicator, to optimize a healthy diet pattern. The results show that: (1) The food diversity index (FDI) was directly proportional to income, and geographically, the FDIs of economically developed provinces were higher than that of economically developing provinces. (2) The environmental footprint caused by food consumption was gradually increasing, with 60 % of the carbon footprint of low-income residents coming from grain and pork. (3) Dietary affordability was a major factor in increasing environmental footprint. High-income residents had greater access to milk, meat, etc., which had a greater negative environmental impact. We put forward suggestions on dietary optimization and affordability for different income residents, with a view to achieving nutritional and healthy diets of Chinese while generating minimum resource and environmental load, and promoting the transformation of the agro-food system.

A study on ecological sustainable cities based on LCA-emergy-carbon footprint and geographic information system (GIS) approach

ABSTRACT Sustainable cities, as an effective response to global climate aberrations, have increasingly garnered the attention of researchers. However, due to the wide range of interpretations and applications associated with sustainable cities, diverse methodologies can yield starkly contrasting results. This paper adopts ecological and low-carbon perspectives to evaluate and discuss urban sustainability. The core of this investigation involves quantitatively measuring a city’s sustainability based on the lifecycle metrics of emergy and carbon footprint. The findings reveal that Yangzhou, recognized as a model ecological city by authorities, exhibits an emergy sustainability index below the standard benchmark (ESI = 0.02 < 1). GIS mapping reveals that the city’s largest ecological service system is situated in the northwest water region. Both the emergy and carbon footprint analyses indicate that urbanized areas exert a detrimental influence on the city’s overall sustainability. Additionally, the administrative authorities in Yangzhou have implemented proactive measures to transition the city towards sustainability. Currently, the impacts of clean energy adoption and urban wetland restoration are particularly pronounced. The application of lifecycle emergy and carbon footprint methods offers a holistic approach for urban managers, enabling sustainable urban planning that harmoniously integrates ecological emergy and low-carbon considerations. This approach is instrumental in the realization of sustainable cities.

RNA tertiary structure and conformational dynamics revealed by BASH MaP.

The functional effects of an RNA can arise from complex three-dimensional folds known as tertiary structures. However, predicting the tertiary structure of an RNA and whether an RNA adopts distinct tertiary conformations remains challenging. To address this, we developed BASH MaP, a single-molecule dimethyl sulfate (DMS) footprinting method and DAGGER, a computational pipeline, to identify alternative tertiary structures adopted by different molecules of RNA. BASH MaP utilizes potassium borohydride to reveal the chemical accessibility of the N7 position of guanosine, a key mediator of tertiary structures. We used BASH MaP to identify diverse conformational states and dynamics of RNA G-quadruplexes, an important RNA tertiary motif, in vitro and in cells. BASH MaP and DAGGER analysis of the fluorogenic aptamer Spinach reveals that it adopts alternative tertiary conformations which determine its fluorescence states. BASH MaP thus provides an approach for structural analysis of RNA by revealing previously undetectable tertiary structures.

Evaluation of water resource balance in the Urmia Lake Basin: Integrating carrying capacity and water footprint model for sustainable management

Given the scarcity of water resources and the ever-growing demand, effective water flow management becomes crucial. The Lake Urmia Basin, a critical region in Iran, faces severe water scarcity exacerbated by climatic changes, land use alterations, over-extraction of groundwater, and mismanagement. This study evaluates the water resource balance by integrating carrying capacity and water footprint models to assess sustainable water management practices. Utilizing the InVEST model, water provisioning ecosystem services have been estimated as the supply, while the ecological footprint method quantifies water demand across various sectors. Three scenarios are evaluated: continuation of the current situation, an ideal scenario with substantial reductions in water consumption and pollution, and implementation of operational programs. The findings reveal significant water deficits in certain sub-basins, highlighting the need for a fundamental revision of resource allocation based on each region’s ecological capacity. Lake Urmia, the central nucleus of the basin, has experienced a significant size reduction, approximately 10 % of its original size, from the early 1990s to 2018, due to climatic changes, land use alterations, over-extraction of groundwater, and mismanagement. The environmental deficit in some sub-basins raises serious concerns, even in the best scenario where ecological footprint reduction is considered. These results underscore the effectiveness of ecosystem-based comprehensive capacity analysis for sustainable watershed development. This research offers a unified spatial system for quantifying ecological footprints and land resilience, providing critical insights into addressing water scarcity and supporting holistic regional planning.

Life cycle assessment of a circular textile value chain: the case of a garment made from chemically recycled cotton

Abstract Purpose The textile industry faces major challenges in reducing environmental impacts along the whole value chain. The overall aim of this paper was to assess the potential environmental benefit of a circular textile value chain, by evaluating a garment partly made from a chemically recycled cellulose carbamate fibre. The cellulose carbamate technology is a novel technology that turns cotton-rich textile waste into a cotton-like regenerated fibre. Methods Life cycle assessment was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of a garment made from the chemically recycled fibre, considering the whole life cycle. The evaluation also considered that the garment was part of a take-back system, meaning that the garment is collected for recycling after consumer use and thereby helps in closing the loop of the circular textile value chain. The focus of the assessment was on climate impact, water scarcity impact and land use impact. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were included to test parts of the European Commission’s product environmental footprint method, e.g. the impact of applying the circular footprint formula. Results and discussion The results showed that (1) using a recycled cellulose carbamate fibre over primary conventional cotton showed benefits in all considered environmental impact categories; (2) compared to organic cotton, the benefits were also shown for the land use impact category; (3) the cradle to gate processes were the main hotspots for the garment’s life cycle, meaning that using a recycled feedstock is not the only measure needed to reduce environmental burdens; (4) the use phase, and in particular using the garment to its full life length, is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact per garment use; and (5) methodological choices related to the use of recycled feedstock, and sending materials to recycling at end-of-life, affect the outcome of the study. Conclusions Selecting a chemically recycled cellulose carbamate fibre over primary fibres showed environmental benefits for the evaluated garment, but there are however trade-offs between different environmental impact categories and fibre types. Furthermore, using recycled fibres is one important step in reducing the environmental concerns of garments, but it is important to also make improvements along the whole textile value chain.