Reduction Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Evaluating LiDAR technology for accurate measurement of tree metrics and carbon sequestration.

Evaluating LiDAR technology for accurate measurement of tree metrics and carbon sequestration.

Sustainable biokerosene from lipids using efficient ozone cracking

Diesel fuels and jet fuels will dominate the future liquid fuel market. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel are alternatives for carbon sequestration in the transportation sector. However, biodiesel and renewable diesel are unsuitable for use during cold winter seasons or as jet fuel. Moreover, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel face challenges such as harsh operating conditions and high energy consumption. A groundbreaking production process was investigated to synthesize biokerosene using nonanoic acid, a major compound from lipid ozone cracking. Various alcohols can be used to tune the physicochemical properties of biokerosene. The synthesized biokerosene exhibited excellent low-temperature performance, characterized by cloud points ranging from −35 to −67 °C, making it suitable for winter-season diesel, kerosene, and jet fuels. In addition, the products showed several superior qualities, such as long oxidation stability for extended storage, high flash points for safe handling, and high cetane numbers. Emission analysis indicated that the presence of oxygen in the fuel molecules facilitates combustion and reduces hydrocarbon and CO emissions. Moreover, nitrogen oxide emissions, associated with a global warming potential about 300 times that of CO₂, were significantly lower than those of biodiesel and jet fuel. Preliminary techno-economic analysis showed that the production cost of biokerosene was approximately USD 0.97/kg. Preliminary life cycle assessment showed CO₂ emissions of about 20.6 g CO₂-eq/MJ, representing a 77% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions can be further reduced to about 6 g CO₂-eq/MJ with clean electricity and low-carbon alcohol. In summary, the biokerosene synthesis presented in this study offers a sustainable and economical route for producing winter-season diesel and jet fuel.

Impact of biochar and deficit irrigation on greenhouse gas emissions reduction in maize-wheat rotation systems

Impact of biochar and deficit irrigation on greenhouse gas emissions reduction in maize-wheat rotation systems

Impact of the 2050 carbon-neutral emission scenario on air quality in South Korea.

Impact of the 2050 carbon-neutral emission scenario on air quality in South Korea.

Advancing a sustainable maritime future: Integrating energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise reduction strategies in commercial shipping.

Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) from ships has an environmental impact which needs addressing to ensure shipping becomes more sustainable. This paper explores the nexus between energy efficiency (EE) measures and URN mitigation, aligning with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategy. Investigating the synergy the study addresses the complexities of decarbonizing the maritime sector within a landscape of diverse energy efficiency technologies. Various EE measures, such as speed reduction, wind-assisted propulsion systems, energy saving devices, and air lubrication systems, show promise in achieving GHG emissions reductions. Reductions of 6dB in URN can be achieved by a 20% vessel speed reduction, while wind-assisted propulsion and air lubrication systems show even greater efficacy, surpassing 10dB in URN reduction. Considering the aging vessel fleet and upcoming Carbon Intensity Indicator requirements, the adoption of EE measures is expected to grow, leading to individual vessel URN reduction. Despite a worst-case scenario in seaborne trade growth projecting a 2.38dB increases in ambient noise levels by 2050, EE measures are anticipated to counteract this impact. Aligning with the Okeanos target of a 3dB reduction per decade, these measures could effectively mitigate ambient noise. The effectiveness of GHG emission regulations in reducing URN from commercial vessels greatly depends on the approach taken to achieve zero-emission shipping by 2050. While carbon-neutral fuels may not significantly impact URN reduction, the greater role of EE measures in the industry's decarbonization efforts increases the likelihood of reducing URN from commercial vessels.

Micromechanics for polymer matrix laminated composites: a literature review of fundamental models, advances and a trend analysis for future researches

Due to satisfactory mechanical properties, low specific weight and other advantages, a substantial utilization of laminated structural composites in many components and equipments of several industry sectors, especially in the past two decades, has been made. This class of materials has a good potential to be an important ally to support scientists and engineers with the main current world challenge: an energy transition process that must occur with sustainability, eco-friendly materials and based on an efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this framework, a microanalysis (scale length: 10μm to 1mm) of mechanical behavior that considers the multiphase characteristics, at leastwise a matrix and a reinforcement phase, of this kind of composites must be explored, i. e., a heterogeneous material is assumed to predict, for example, the effective tensors of stiffness or compliance using a homogenization process, modeling to damage analyses, studies about progressive delamination and other specific aspects of a composite can be previously investigated using micromechanical approaches. Therefore, the understanding of fundamental micromechanics as well as some advanced models are essential to apply these materials in structural industry components. In this sense, this literature review is designed to expose and investigate intrinsic physical hypothesis and theories behind the fundamental and advanced models of polymer laminated composite micromechanics. In fact, the text characteristics expanding possibilities to the development of more accurate approximations and the trend analysis contribute to the presentation of future perspectives.

The implications of the European Green Deal stemming from the REPowerEU plan for Brazil–European Union relations in the sustainable fuels sector (2019–2024)

This article examines the implications of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU program on Brazil-European Union bilateral relations in the sustainable fuels sector from 2019 to 2024. The research is based on the global relevance of the environmental agenda, Brazil’s strategic role as a bioenergy supplier, and the EU’s position as a leader in the pursuit of energy transition and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The adopted methodology combines a literature review and documentary analysis, thus enabling the mapping of European and Brazilian policies, as well as an assessment of their impacts on Brazilian exports. Among the findings, the strengthening of Brazil-EU relations stands out, particularly in the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and green hydrogen, driven by regulations and incentives on both sides. However, first-generation biofuels face regulatory challenges, which limit their access to the European market. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of energy transition dynamics and their effects on international relations.

Conversion to Variable Flow Rate—Advanced Control of a District Heating (DH) System with a Focus on Operational Data

This study aims to improve the operational efficiency of district heating (DH) systems by introducing a novel control method based on variable flow rate control, without compromising indoor comfort. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated analysis of flow control and substation configurations in DH networks, linking real-world operational strategies with mathematical modeling to improve energy efficiency and infrastructure costs. Using a case study from Omsk, Russia, where supply temperatures and energy demand profiles are traditionally rigid, the proposed approach utilizes operational data, including outdoor temperature, supply/return temperature, and hourly consumption patterns, to optimize heat delivery. A combination of flow rate adjustments, bypass line implementation, and selective control strategies for transitional seasons (fall and spring) was modeled and analyzed. The methodology integrates heat meter data, indoor temperature tracking, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-like system inputs to dynamically adapt supply temperatures while avoiding overheating and reducing distribution losses. The results show a significant reduction in excess heat supply during warm days, with improvements in heat demand prediction accuracy (17.3% average error) compared to standard models. Notably, the optimized configuration led to a 21% reduction in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including 6537 tons of CO2 annually), a 55.3% decrease in annualized operational costs, and a positive net present value (NPV) by year nine, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.4%. Compared to conventional scenarios, the proposed solution offers better economic performance without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades. These findings demonstrate that flexible, data-driven DH control is a feasible and sustainable alternative for aging networks in cold-climate regions.

Global land and carbon consequences of mass timber products

Mass timber products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing steel and cement. However, the increase in wood demand raises wood prices, and the environmental consequences of these market changes are unclear. Here we investigate the global carbon and land use impacts of adopting mass timber products, focusing on cross-laminated timber as a case study. Our results show that higher wood prices reduce the production of traditional wood products but expand productive forestland by 30.7–36.5 million hectares from 2020 to 2100 and lead to more intensive forest management. If the cumulative global cross-laminated timber production reaches 3.6 to 9.6 billion m3 by 2100, long-term carbon storage can increase by 20.3–25.2 GtCO2e, primarily in forests (16.1–17.7 GtCO2e) and in cross-laminated timber panels (4.1–8.1 GtCO2e). Including emission reductions from steel, cement, and traditional wood products, the net reduction of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions will be 25.6–39.0 GtCO2e.

Energy Management Applications in an Industrial Plant in Edirne-Turkey

The objective of energy management in industrial facilities is to ensure the economical and efficient use of energy, as well as to eliminate energy waste and losses. This is achieved through a series of interrelated processes, including planning, training, energy audits, measurement, monitoring, and applications. The present study investigates the sources of energy wastage in a facility operating in Edirne, Turkey. The objective of this study is to implement energy management applications in the aforementioned facility and to ascertain the energy savings of each system by analysing the data generated by the applications. In March 2023, an energy audit was conducted at the industrial facility over a period of one month. During this time, the current situation of the industrial facility was examined, measurements were taken in the energy-consuming components, and the measured data were evaluated using the methods specified in the Material and Methods section. Additionally, potential improvements that could be made to increase energy efficiency were discussed. The potential for savings has been calculated in relation to the use of frequency inverters in pumps and fans, heat recovery in the boiler and compressor, and electricity generation with solar energy. This study has enabled the potential for increasing energy efficiency in the aforementioned facility to be determined, as well as the contribution of efficiency-improving applications in the systems installed therein. Furthermore, the economic viability of energy efficiency-improving applications is assessed through the use of the payback method, while the environmental benefits are also considered. The implementation of efficiency-improving applications is projected to result in a total of 194.17 TOE/year in energy savings, an economic gain of 446,338.31 $/year, and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 1,871.42 tCO2/year. The annual net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by the implementation of efficiency-improving applications is equivalent to 1,871.42 tCO2; this is the same as 342.83 unused cars and pickup trucks.

Life Cycle Analysis of Coaxial Layered Fiber Spinning for Wind Turbine Blade Recycling.

This article explores the environmental sustainability of recycling decommissioned wind turbine blades to produce polyacrylonitrile fiber. By comparing greenhouse gas emissions across various scales of production in different regions, including the US and Europe, the study highlights how cleaner energy grids, such as those in France, can substantially reduce the carbon footprint. The carbonization and graphitization stages, identified as highly energy-intensive, underscore the need for energy-efficient techniques and alternative energy sources. The study reveals significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with scalable production, demonstrating US production emissions reduced to 3.89 kg CO2 equiv/kg fiber and European production to 3.28 kg CO2 equiv/kg fiber from a lab scale of at least one order of magnitude higher. The findings emphasize the importance of sustainable raw materials, green chemistry, and renewable energy in enhancing the sustainability of carbon fiber production and promoting a circular economy in wind energy.

A Comprehensive Carbon Footprint Analysis and Emission Reduction in Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Case Study in Pattaya City

This study analyzes the contributions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) at Pattaya City to the areas of Naklua, Pattaya City, and Jomtien. This analysis was carried out 2021-2023 by visiting the sites, interviewing plant managers, filling out scientifically designed questionnaires and by processing the data obtained using computational methods developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It was found that the total carbon footprint (CF) from both the Pattaya City and Jomtien WWTPs had the potential to contribute 5,610.61-6,020.18 tCO2eq/year and that carbon intensity ranged between 0.45-0.47 kg CO2eq/m3 in treated wastewater. The study found that the main sources of emissions were the wastewater collection system (34.47-44.61%), activated sludge process (43.02-45.74%), and electricity consumption (30.02-39.48%). Therefore, the study suggests three options for GHG reduction. Installing solar cells on the office building roof could generate 156,780 kWh annually, resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 108.70 tCO2eq/year, and a savings of 35,658.52 USD. This is equivalent to a 2.38% reduction in the WWTP’s GHG emissions. Installing solar cells in the plant could also generate 823,680 kWh annually, leading to a reduction in GHG emissions of 571.06 tCO2eq/year, or 12.50%, and a savings of 187,304.58 USD. Installing a WWTP at station PS12 with a capacity of 60,874.65 m3/day could also reduce the GHG footprint from the wastewater collection system by 1,219.44 tCO2eq/year, or 36.41%, and result in a savings of 239,091.57 USD. To reach carbon neutrality and energy sustainability, the approaches for resource recovery, nutrient recycling, water reuse, and energy production on-site with combined heat and power (CHP) from biogas should be investigated in the future.

Food waste management practices in hospital foodservices and their associated greenhouse gas emissions: potential for increased environmental sustainability.

Hospitals produce and waste large amounts of food. When disposed in landfill it creates greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the decomposition process. While various food waste management strategies exist that divert hospital food waste to an alternative end of life pathway to landfill, it is not clear which can decrease GHG emissions the most. This study aimed to (a) compare the differences in GHG emissions associated with hospital foodservice food waste before and after adopting a food waste management strategy, and (b) identify which waste management strategy can prevent the most GHGs in 1 year. A secondary analysis of data from a systematic review reporting on food and food-related waste diversion strategies in hospital foodservice was conducted. The online "ReFED Impact Calculator" was used to calculate GHG emissions from food waste in the original scenario (e.g., landfill), and the alternative scenario after a food waste management strategy that reused, recycled or recovered resources was implemented. The net change of GHGs was calculated, and the GHGs emissions avoided in paired samples and between food waste management scenarios was analyzed statistically. Fifty-five food waste management strategies (surplus food donation, feeding animals, anaerobic digestion or industrial uses, and composting) were eligible for analysis and were grouped into eight scenarios. The median GHGs generated decreased after adopting the alternative strategy in all scenarios. There was a statistically significant median reduction in GHGs when changing from landfill to donations (-11.54, p < 0.001), landfill to industrial uses (-25.92, p < 0.001), and landfill to composting (-15.24, p < 0.001). Percentage change in GHGs generated in these 3 scenarios demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.001), with landfill to donations displaying the greatest reduction in GHGs (-92.02%), followed by composting (-8.69%) and industrial uses (-7.75%). Various food waste diversion strategies can handle types and volumes of hospital food waste, yet each strategy displays a reduction in GHG emissions compared to a lower prioritized strategy. Donating waste shows the greatest reduction in GHG emissions and if food waste cannot be avoided, it may be the preferred end of life pathway for food waste.

Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Drivers in Poland and the EU: Correlation and Regression-Based Assessment

The growing global interest in mitigating climate change implies an increased importance of sustainable development to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. The paper analyses the impact of key economic and environmental factors, such as the share of renewable energy, gross domestic product (GDP), fossil fuel consumption, final energy consumption in households and industry, and forest area, on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (consisting of 27 members) and Poland for comparison—for the period from 1990 to 2023. The study fills a gap in identifying the cross-sectoral determinants of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, focusing specifically on Poland and the whole EU region since the beginning of the European Union. The research involved the implementation of statistical analyses, dynamic analyses, correlation analyses, and regression analyses. The results showed an increase in the share of renewable energy, GDP, and forest area, which was negatively correlated with the volume of GHG emissions. In contrast, final fossil fuel consumption and final energy consumption in industry and households (to a slightly lesser extent) were also significantly but positively correlated. It is worth noting that the strength of calculated relationships differed for the EU and Poland. The study revealed trends and correlations that affect GHG and are relevant to policy implications for EU climate goals. Considering the various determinants of GHG emissions and Poland’s unique situation (high dependence on coal and a large share of heavy industry), conclusions were formulated for Poland’s and the EU’s climate policies in the context of the European Green Deal.

A Review of Polyhydroxybutyrate Production from Wastewater Sources

Among our day's most significant worldwide problems are the vast numbers of non-biodegradable petroleum plastics, their manufacture and disposal, and the growing volumes of wastewater from industry and municipalities. Potential replacements for non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics include biodegradable plastics made from biopolymers like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which microorganisms produce. The present state of wastewater-cultivated microorganisms used in PHB production is reviewed in this research, along with several wastewaters that may be used to produce PHB in pure or mixed cultures. Additionally, commercially viable PHB-producing strains and suggested selection criteria for selecting the best PHB microbe for process improvement are emphasized. To illustrate recent advancements in genetic engineering approaches, this study also discusses the metabolic pathways involved in microbial PHB synthesis. Alongside the discussion of metabolic pathways, a comparative analysis of the outputs from different PHB production methods is provided to highlight the variability in yield and efficiency. In addition, it explores alternative metabolic routes and by-products that are co-produced with PHB in biorefinery systems, as well as the key factors that influence its biosynthesis. The impact of various extraction techniques on PHB yield and quality is also examined, aiming to facilitate the commercial-scale production of biodegradable polymers. Furthermore, the study provides an overview of current industrial players in PHB production that are contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Altogether, this work highlights significant research progress in the field of microbial biopolymers, with a particular emphasis on PHB.

An Environmental and Economic Assessment of Household Food Waste Management Scenarios in Ireland

Effective management of household food waste (HFW) is essential for sustainability and aligning with Ireland’s waste reduction goals. This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of four HFW management scenarios—incineration, anaerobic digestion (AD) with digestate composting, AD with digestate incineration, and AD with digestate gasification—using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) analyses. The functional unit is 1000 tons of daily HFW treatment. The results show that AD scenarios offer significant environmental advantages over incineration, with AD combined with digestate composting identified as the most sustainable option. This scenario achieves the greatest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhances nutrient recovery. Economically, while AD involves higher capital investments (€677,000–€2,033,000), its long-term cost effectiveness is demonstrated through LCCs ranging from €1,016,000 to €3,386,000, partially offset by revenues of €339,000–€677,000. The sensitivity analysis highlights opportunities for improvement, such as optimizing water use and reducing emissions from biogas engines. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of integrating AD with composting as a preferred strategy for HFW management.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE CHANGE IN PENILE IMPLANT SURGERY – A PILOT STUDY IN A MOVE TOWARDS “NET ZERO”

Abstract Objectives Operating theatres are significant contributors to the global climate crisis and as a result offer the greatest tangible opportunity for efficient and effective reduction in our carbon footprint. A change in the climate of delivery of services in our healthcare to encompass a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to “net zero” by 2040 has resulted in a stride of green interventions across the National Health Service (NHS). Our aim is to streamline penile implant trays, to avoid unnecessary instruments not routinely being used in a penile implant case from being processed. The ultimate aim being to reduce our carbon footprint in a move towards “net zero”. Methods We performed a prospective audit of 17 consecutive penile implant cases. We assessed all instruments provided in each surgical tray versus instruments used during the operation. Results A significant number of instruments (up to 30%) included in the surgical trays are not used during penile implant surgeries. This will result in a significant cost-savings and reduction in our carbon footprint once the new surgical trays have been implemented. Conclusions Surgical instrument rationalisation and standardisation has significant financial and carbon savings and will have a great impact in the move towards “net zero” in our hospitals. In our next phase, the new surgical trays will be implemented. Conflicts of Interest Sarah Norton - Boston Scientific sponsored fellowship.

Policy Analysis of Latvia’s Waste Sector: A System Dynamics Approach

Latvia’s waste management sector generates annually increasing waste volume, more than doubling to 2.71 Mt in 2023 from 1.26 Mt in 2004. The current national policy aims to address this challenge to reduce waste generation and landfilling by promoting circular economy principles. The long-term strategy is focused on achieving climate neutrality in 2050 with a 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2017 levels. This study performed a comprehensive analysis of European Directives, National Policy Plans, Regulations, and IPCC reports for the waste management sector. Relevant data has been systematically extracted from these documents and analyzed. In this study, a System Dynamics approach has been used to capture complex interactions within the waste management sector. The System Dynamics model has been developed to assess and evaluate the current state of Latvia’s waste management sector and incorporate various policies. The model has been validated on historically available data and structural analysis. Policies regarding ways to minimize waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions and their associated effects on socioeconomics have been analyzed using the model. An interactive decision-making interface has been developed on top of the model to be used by stakeholders for various scenario analyses. The interface allows users to analyze Business-as-Usual (BAU), optimistic, worst-case scenario, and custom scenarios by providing own inputs and policy mix. Two stakeholder workshops have been performed where waste management experts and policymakers performed scenario assessments using the developed interface. Discussions with the stakeholders during the workshops have shown trust and support for the model, and they report that it is beneficial to incorporate the model into the national policy analysis and planning.

Advancing Towards Positive Energy Districts (PED) Using a Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Cities and their inhabitants are among the largest consumers of energy and contributors to environmental pollution, accounting for 70 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. One of the European Union’s key strategies for addressing this issue is the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). Although some PEDs already exist, the concept remains an emerging field of study that goes beyond achieving neighborhoods with net-zero energy imports – or even net-positive energy production. It also emphasizes sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article explores solutions for implementing PEDs, focusing on energy flow analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to inform decision-making. Developing PEDs is a multifaceted process that involves improving building energy efficiency, assessing existing energy sources, exploring opportunities for on-site energy generation, integrating renewable energy systems, and ensuring efficient storage of generated energy. A significant aspect of LCA is calculating embodied emissions for all PED-related implementations, particularly in existing districts where substantial improvements are needed to meet PED goals. In such cases, LCA plays a crucial role in ensuring not only net-zero energy imports but also meaningful GHG emission reduction. Although LCA is not yet widely applied in the development of PEDs, this article highlights its importance in addressing key aspects of achieving climate neutrality goals when transforming urban areas to PEDs. Existing districts with nearly zero or zero-energy buildings have lower embodied emissions when transformed into PEDs, due to the high energy efficiency of the buildings. However, they achieve smaller overall emission reductions because of their already low baseline impact. This underlines the importance of establishing a clear baseline and defining expected outcomes when creating PEDs, ensuring the achievement of net-zero or net-positive energy imports and supporting progress toward climate neutrality.

The Impact of Increasing Anthelmintic Resistance on Ruminant Performance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract We are unlikely to see reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ruminants in the UK without changes to the way we farm. However, there are many ways in which emissions can be reduced, without reducing our meat and milk output (which raises the risk of displacement of production and emissions). Improving productivity often leads to reductions in emissions intensity (EI, the kg of GHG emitted per kg of output), thereby enabling emissions to be reduced while maintaining output. One way of improving productivity is to improve ruminant health. Helminth parasites (roundworms and fluke) are among the most important production-limiting pathogens of grazing livestock in the UK. However, there is also evidence of increasing anthelmintic resistance (AR) among some important parasites, which could render current treatments less effective. In this case study, we review the evidence on trends in ruminant emissions and explain why health status is an important determinant of GHG emissions. We then review trends in AR and outline options for tackling it. Information © The Authors 2025