Carbon Footprint Of Industries Research Articles

An Overview of Fly-ash Geopolymer Composites in Sustainable Advance Construction Materials

Fly-ash geopolymer composites are an exciting advancement in eco-friendly construction materials. Fly-ash has become a sustainable alternative to regular cement because the approach addresses critical concerns in construction, such as high energy use, excessive carbon emissions and the challenge of managing industrial waste. In this review, a brief discussion on how fly-ash geopolymer composites could transform construction practices and reduce their impact on the environment. The construction industry is a major contributor to climate change, whereas industrial byproducts like fly-ash can also be an environmental challenge. Thus, the fly-ash geopolymer composites offer an innovative solution by reusing this waste to create environmentally friendly binding materials. Fly-ash can effectively replace traditional cement in construction, improving the durability and sustainability of buildings. By reducing our reliance on regular cement, these composites could revolutionise construction practices across various industries. Developing and widely adopting fly-ash geopolymer composites could bring substantial benefits. It could significantly reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, ongoing research aims to enhance these composites' strength, heat resistance, and chemical durability, further promoting sustainable construction and supporting a circular economy by turning industrial waste into valuable construction materials.

FreshSense: Transforming Supply Chains with Low-Cost and Dynamic Food Quality Sensing at the Pallet-Level

Food wastage is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately 40% of produced food goes to waste after harvest[1], while 10% of the world's population goes to bed hungry each night[2]. The food industry is also known to have some of the highest emissions, and the environmental impact from produce that gets wasted post-harvest is a significant overhead to the industry's carbon footprint. On these accounts, there is an imminent need to detect and reduce food loss. In an effort to reduce such loss, in this work, we ask the question: Can we use wireless technology to track the change in food quality and nutrition, post-harvest, as it travels through the global supply chain? Current methods for monitoring food quality are sparse and prone to manual error. Literature shows that moisture content in produce is a good proxy for quality and nutritionnutrition[3,12]. However, the inability to accurately and efficiently track moisture content at scale leads to substantial loss. To address this challenge, we propose FreshSense, a novel wireless sensing system that enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of moisture content in produce as it moves through the supply chain.

Exploring Online Education for Circular Economy: Content Analysis and Didactical Approaches in Plastic Waste Management Courses

Purpose: The increasing emphasis on sustainable practices in managing plastic waste underscores the importance of education and training in fostering a circular economy. This article aims to elucidate the critical role of awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives, which have become pivotal as societies transition towards more sustainable economic models, particularly concerning plastic management. Study design/methodology/approach: This article investigates online courses' availability, content, and methodological frameworks dedicated to the circular economy and plastic-related issues. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework that elucidates how these courses are designed to enhance awareness of plastic-related challenges, disseminate relevant knowledge, and educate the public about potential solutions. Findings: The analysis focuses on these courses' structure, content, and pedagogical methodologies to evaluate their effectiveness in informing and engaging learners. It assesses how effectively these courses enhance learners' capacities to tackle plastic-related challenges and equip them with the skills necessary for fostering innovation within the plastic value chain. Originality/value: While awareness-raising and capacity-building are essential for advancing a circular economy, systemic changes in production and consumption patterns are equally critical. The integration of advanced recycling methods, renewable energy solutions, and carbon capture technologies can significantly mitigate the plastic industry's carbon footprint. A holistic approach that comprehensively addresses the lifecycle of plastics—from design to disposal—is essential for achieving a genuinely circular and climate-neutral economy.

Allocating quotas for industrial carbon emissions fairly and efficiently to achieve “peak carbon”: A case of the yellow river basin in China

The “peak carbon” target has triggered wide-ranging and profound systemic changes and transformations that have left the provinces along the basin facing the dual dilemma of implementing carbon reduction actions and socioeconomic development. The allocation of carbon emission quotas is a fundamental task that reflects the division of labour and collaboration within a river basin to achieve the “peak carbon” target. Therefore, the fair and efficient allocation of industrial carbon emission quotas is the key to the implementation of carbon emissions trading and the establishment of carbon offset mechanisms. In the study, based on the description of the spatial and temporal evolution of the industrial carbon footprint and its carrying capacity, the industrial carbon offset area and industrial carbon reimbursement area are divided. Moreover, the allocation method of industrial carbon emission quotas is proposed by accounting for the principles of fairness, efficiency, and sustainability, and is verified using the provinces along the Yellow River Basin in China as a case. The results show that the industrial carbon carrying capacity is “unbalanced”. The provinces with strong carrying capacity are in the middle and upper reaches, and provinces with weak carrying capacity are in the middle and lower reaches. Moreover, the industrial carbon offset in the basin as a whole is higher than the industrial carbon compensation, which is potentially conducive to the implementation of cross-basin carbon offset. The weights of the equity, efficiency and sustainability indicators are 0.46, 0.23 and 0.31, respectively. The two industrial carbon compensated provinces can transfer the surplus industrial carbon emission quotas to the two industrial carbon offset provinces after obtaining the corresponding financial compensation. The Gini coefficient is 0.26, which is relatively fair. The study not only reveals the mechanism of the relationship among industrial carbon carrying capacity, carbon emission quota and carbon offset, but also provides a scientific basis for the establishment of a carbon emission quota trading market and the strengthening of the inter-provincial coordinated emission reduction incentives in the basin.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Molecules from (Hemi)Cellulose: Computational Insights into Synthesis Routes, Fuel Properties, and Process Chemistry Metrics.

Production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) can significantly reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint. Current pathways that produce SAFs in significant volumes from ethanol and fatty acids can be costly, have a relatively high carbon intensity (CI), and impose sustainability challenges. There is a need for a diversified approach to reduce costs and utilize more sustainable feedstocks effectively. Here, we map out catalytic synthesis routes to convert furanics derived from the (hemi)cellulosic biomass to alkanes and cycloalkanes using automated network generation with RING and semiempirical thermochemistry calculations. We find >100 energy-dense C8-C16 alkane and cycloalkane SAF candidates over 300 synthesis routes; the top three are 2-methyl heptane, ethyl cyclohexane, and propyl cyclohexane, although these are relatively short. The shortest, least endothermic process chemistry involves C-C coupling, oxygen removal, and hydrogen addition, with dehydracyclization of the heterocyclic oxygens in the furan ring being the most endothermic step. The global warming potential due to hydrogen use and byproduct CO2 is typically 0.7-1 kg CO2/kg SAF product; the least CO2 emitting routes entail making larger molecules with fewer ketonization, hydrogenation, and hydrodeoxygenation steps. The large number of SAF candidates highlights the rich potential of furanics as a source of SAF molecules. However, the structural dissimilarity between reactants and target products precludes pathways with fewer than six synthetic steps, thus necessitating intensified processes, integrating multiple reaction steps in multifunctional catalytic reactors.

SUSTAINABILITY IN TEXTILES: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF ECO – FRIENDLY PRACTICES AND MATERIALS

Sustainability in textiles, focusing on eco-friendly practices and materials. The paper examines the multifaceted approaches adopted by the fashion industry to mitigate environmental impact and promote ethical production. It scrutinizes the adoption of eco-conscious practices, such as utilizing organic fibers, recycled materials, and innovative biodegradable textiles. Through an analytical lens, the review evaluates the efficacy of these eco-friendly measures in reducing the industry's carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and conserving natural resources. It delves into the challenges faced in the widespread adoption of sustainable practices, considering issues related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and consumer adoption. Further more, the review assesses the social and ethical dimensions of sustainable fashion, emphasizing fair labor practices, supply chain transparency, and the empowerment of communities involved in textile production. Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles, industry reports, and case studies, this review critically examines the progress, limitations, and future prospects of sustainability in fashion and textiles, providing insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing eco-friendly practices within the industry.

Consequences of increasing greenhouse gas emissions: case study on the impact of the food industry

The global carbon footprint has increased to frightening heights due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the energy and industrial sectors, which include the food industry. This case study examines how the industry's carbon emissions have changed over time, highlighting the sector's major environmental impact and the pressing need to implement decarbonization plans. The particularity of the study lies in the analysis of the crucial role that emissions from the food industry play in global emissions. An overview of the global industrial carbon footprint was created through an analysis of carbon emissions data from multiple sources, with a particular focus on the food industry. Since the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide emissions have increased dramatically worldwide, reaching a record high of 36.3 billion tons in 2019. With around 23% of global emissions coming from industry, the energy sector is the largest emitter. The main cause of emissions is the use of fossil fuels in heavy industries such as steelmaking, cement, and chemicals; the two largest emitters are China and the United States. Achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and halting climate change requires reducing carbon emissions from the food industry. The adoption of low-carbon technologies, increased energy efficiency and a shift to cleaner energy sources are essential remedies. The industrial sector needs to decarbonize faster, and this can only be achieved through international cooperation and strong government regulations.

Asymmetric relationship between competitive industrial performance, renewable energy, industrialization, and carbon footprint: Does artificial intelligence matter for environmental sustainability?

Developing nations have emerged as integral contributors to the global economy since the beginning of the 21st century. Their swift economic expansion and associated activities lead to a rise in carbon footprint. Keeping this in view, unlike previous studies, this study unfolds the asymmetric repercussions of competitive industrial performance and renewable energy within the context of the industrialization era in seven Asian developing countries from 1990 to 2020. The panel NARDL and asymmetric panel causality methodologies have been applied for the purpose of nonlinear analysis. According to the results, the advantageous influence of competitive industrial performance is considerably more pronounced than that of industrialization. The coefficient magnitude associated with the negative shock demonstrates a significantly substantial value in comparison to the positive shock concerning the influence of competitive industrial performance on carbon footprint. Both positive and negative changes in competitive industrial performance mitigate carbon footprint. Renewable energy generates favorable consequences by promoting environmental quality via a reduction in carbon footprint. Across various emerging economies in Asia, the rapid rise of industrialization is linked to the deterioration of environmental quality. Finally, artificial intelligence and natural resource rents decrease carbon footprints while information and communication technology intensifies environmental concerns. The research emphasizes the critical nature of integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and technological industrial competitiveness in order to adequately tackle the carbon footprint in Asian developing countries.

Analysis and prediction on carbon emissions from electrical and electronic equipment industry in China

This research employs the IPCC methodology to assess carbon emissions from China's Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry for 2012–2020, utilizing the GM (1) model to predict emissions for the next decade. Six scenarios evaluate emissions, guiding strategies for reduction. Key findings reveal the usage phase as the highest emitter, while WEEE dismantling incurs the lowest. In 2020, emissions from production, sales, transportation, usage, recycling transportation, dismantling, and recycling were projected. Scrapping imported EEE from 2012 to 2020 results in 1.88 million tons of emissions. Projected 2030 emissions, under current policies or low-carbon measures, are 136 million tons and 72 million tons, respectively. Urgent actions, especially in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and stakeholder roles, are essential. The study advocates for consumer awareness on energy conservation and reducing dependence on imported products. Manufacturing emissions highlight the need for eco-design, emphasizing sustainable practices. Recycling and dismantling phases also contribute emissions, necessitating optimized routes and advanced technologies. In addition, the study explores the potential for carbon reduction by incorporating the organic combination of carbon trading markets, evaluating the carbon emission reduction potential of recycling enterprises. The proposal suggests replacing government subsidies with the sale of carbon credits, not only to stimulate companies to actively promote green dismantling but also to address the current inadequacy of subsidies. Establishing a comprehensive life cycle management system is crucial to minimizing the EEE industry's carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future.

Sustainable Performance of Recycled Rubber and Mining Waste Utilized for Efficient Rail Infrastructure

AbstractUtilizing waste byproducts from mining industries and recycled rubber as alternate materials in railway tracks promotes sustainability of transportation infrastructure, while also increasing track longevity by reducing ballast degradation. This paper provides an overview of two such applications including (i) rubber-intermixed ballast stratum (RIBS) by replacing 10% ballast aggregates with granulated rubber particles with the particle sizes carefully selected according to Australian Standards, (ii) synthetic energy absorbing layer using a mixture of steel furnace slag, coal wash and rubber crumbs to replace traditional capping layer. These materials when tested using large-scale triaxial apparatus and field trials proved that tracks with waste materials performed better than the conventional ballasted tracks by reducing ballast breakage and exploiting the higher damping potential of these materials. Though the vertical deformations of the track slightly increased by using these materials albeit within the specified standards, the overall stability improved by reduced dilation and track vibrations. Increasing the life of ballast layer can lead to long-term cost benefits by saving millions of dollars in track maintenance and provide environment benefits through minimizing quarrying of natural rock aggregates and reducing the carbon footprint of mining industries.

Fly Ash from Coal Power Plants and its Application - a Step Towards Green Building

The utilization of fly ash, a byproduct from thermal power plants, in construction materials such as concrete, mortar, bricks, asphalt mixes, and binders for stabilization offers significant environmental and economic benefits. This comprehensive technical review delineates the historical background, current applications, and future potential of fly ash in reducing the construction industry's carbon footprint, particularly in Serbia. It outlines the successful integration of fly ash in various construction scenarios, emphasizing its role in enhancing material properties while contributing to sustainability by repurposing industrial waste. The document further explores the environmental advantages of fly ash use, highlighting its impact on lowering the carbon emissions associated with traditional cement and aggregate production. Through a detailed comparison of carbon footprints, the text argues for the adoption of fly ash in construction practices as a pathway towards achieving a carbon-neutral future. The discussion on the variable CO2 footprint of fly ash, influenced by production methods, underlines the importance of optimizing these processes to fully leverage its environmental benefits. This review underscores the need for the construction industry to embrace fly ash as a key component in materials, aiming for both performance improvement and sustainability, aligning with global efforts towards a CO2-neutral environment.

Sustainable utilization of alkali-activated steel slag material: Effects of silicate modulus and GBFS on fresh, mechanical and pore structure properties

To improve the sustainable utilization of alkali-activated steel slag material, experiments were conducted to systematically investigate effects of sodium silicate modulus and GBFS content on the setting time, workability, mechanical properties and pore structure of alkali-activated steel slag cementitious material. Results show that the setting time is prolonged and workability is reduced as silicate modulus increases. The setting time is first shortened and then prolonged and workability is slightly reduced as GBFS content increases. Increasing silicate modulus and adding GBFS have positive effects on the development of elastic modulus, compressive and splitting tensile strength of alkali-activated steel slag material due to more refined pore structure. The highest compressive strength at 28 d can reach C35 strength level. Manufacturing alkali-activated steel slag material can achieve low energy consumption and carbon emission. If chemical activators can be replaced by some industrial wastes, cost, energy consumption and carbon footprint will be further decreased.

European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care consensus document on sustainability: 4 scopes to achieve a more sustainable practice.

Climate change is a defining issue for our generation. The carbon footprint of clinical practice accounts for 4.7% of European greenhouse gas emissions, with the European Union ranking as the third largest contributor to the global healthcare industry's carbon footprint, after the United States and China. Recognising the importance of urgent action, the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) adopted the Glasgow Declaration on Environmental Sustainability in June 2023. Building on this initiative, the ESAIC Sustainability Committee now presents a consensus document in perioperative sustainability. Acknowledging wider dimensions of sustainability, beyond the environmental one, the document recognizes healthcare professionals as cornerstones for sustainable care, and puts forward recommendations in four main areas: direct emissions, energy, supply chain and waste management, and psychological and self-care of healthcare professionals. Given the urgent need to cut global carbon emissions, and the scarcity of evidence-based literature on perioperative sustainability, our methodology is based on expert opinion recommendations. A total of 90 recommendations were drafted by 13 sustainability experts in anaesthesia in March 2023, then validated by 36 experts from 24 different countries in a two-step Delphi validation process in May and June 2023. To accommodate different possibilities for action in high- versus middle-income countries, an 80% agreement threshold was set to ease implementation of the recommendations Europe-wide. All recommendations surpassed the 80% agreement threshold in the first Delphi round, and 88 recommendations achieved an agreement >90% in the second round. Recommendations include the use of very low fresh gas flow, choice of anaesthetic drug, energy and water preserving measures, "5R" policies including choice of plastics and their disposal, and recommendations to keep a healthy work environment or on the importance of fatigue in clinical practice. Executive summaries of recommendations in areas 1, 2 and 3 are available as cognitive aids that can be made available for quick reference in the operating room.

Towards a greener electrosynthesis: pairing machine learning and 3D printing for rapid optimisation of anodic trifluoromethylation

Applying electro-organic synthesis in flow configuration can potentially reduce the pharmaceutical industry's carbon footprint and simplify the reaction scale-up.

Exploring the Significance of Malaysian Consumers' Intentions to Purchase Green Products

The trend toward environmental sustainability is already gaining traction, and it is becoming more common in developed and developing countries. Consumers are becoming more aware of sustainability's importance and making more conscious choices about the products they purchase. The Malaysian Government is also promoting green technology by offering incentives and subsidies to companies producing eco-friendly products, also known as green products. Additionally, the Government is introducing regulations to reduce the carbon footprint of businesses and industries. On the other hand, the Government has signed the SDGs and is struggling to achieve them by 2030. Consumption and production are the primary focus of the 12th Sustainable Development Goal. A limited number of studies have been conducted to investigate the consumers' intentions toward purchasing green products in the Malaysian context, particularly on SDGs. Green products are available in the open markets in Malaysia, but consumers' behaviors and their intentions toward such products are considered low. This study is therefore conducted with the aim to investigate the level of consumers' intention towards purchasing green products. Using a 7-point Likert, 385 valid responses were collected from respondents in Selangor, Perak, and Johor. The study found that Malaysian consumers have a medium level of intentions when it comes to purchasing green products. This could be due to the fact that green products tend to be more expensive than their non-green counterparts, and many people are not willing to pay the extra cost. Also, there could be various factors influencing consumers' intentions to buy green products, which future studies can investigate.

Advancements in low-carbon concrete as a construction material for the sustainable built environment

Researchers seek sustainable materials for eco-friendly cement and concrete to reduce CO2 emissions. This paper offers an extensive overview of the research conducted on concrete technology with minimal to zero-carbon emissions. This review paper reviews materials and technologies for lowering the construction industry's carbon footprint, focusing on alternative binders and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Additionally, the paper explores the transformative potential of carbon capture and utilization technologies for sustainability. It also explored life cycle assessments, economic aspects, and financial implications of this technology. Overall, the review summarizes low-carbon concrete in the context of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. It has been found that substituting SCMs for cement reduces carbon emissions in concrete without compromising strength and durability. Materials such as slag, metakaolin, calcined clay, and limestone can replace clinker, eliminating CO2 emissions in cement production. This study highlights challenges, including market adoption and material availability, offering insights for successful implementation.

Investigating the environmental and economic impacts of using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) using the life cycle approach

Concrete production significantly contributes to the construction industry's carbon emissions and resource depletion. Replacing Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve the sustainability and performance of concrete. However, limited holistic research compares SCMs considering environmental, economic, durability, and strength criteria. This study comprehensively evaluates supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete production using life cycle assessment. The SCMs examined were rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), metakaolin (MK), and trass. The study quantified CO2 emissions, cost, compressive strength, and service life of concrete mixes with these SCMs and compared them to ordinary Portland cement concrete. The findings reveal that the 15 % metakaolin replacement sample had the best overall performance. It reduced CO2 emissions of one m3 of concrete per year of service life by 83 % and costs of one m3 per year by 78 % compared to ordinary concrete. The metakaolin concrete also increased the compressive strength by 25 % and extended the service life from 8 to 43 years in a marine environment. Among the SCMs, RHA demonstrated a 90 % reduction in CO2 emissions per service life year and unit compressive strength compared to ordinary concrete. SCBA had the highest cost due to high production requirements. Trass offered a 44 % decrease in CO2 emissions per service life year and unit compressive strength. The results highlight metakaolin's optimal balance between sustainability and performance. The reduced CO2 emissions demonstrate SCMs' potential to lower the construction industry's carbon footprint. The study offers original data and insights to enable greener and lower carbon concrete production using supplementary cementitious materials.

Assessment of building materials in the construction sector: A case study using life cycle assessment approach to achieve the circular economy

The construction sector plays a significant role in contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, necessitating effective and practical solutions. This study addresses the underutilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the construction sector and demonstrates its benefits as a decision-making tool for mitigating embodied carbon. The research focuses on a G+2 building in Dubai, UAE, conducting LCA during the construction phases to assess embodied carbon levels. Results indicate that the careful selection of construction materials and involvement of LCA at the early stages of construction resulted in a 26 % reduction in the building's embodied carbon. The study recognizes the limitations of LCA but emphasizes its value and recommends future research to enhance its coverage of sustainability aspects. The findings highlight the construction sector's potential to overcome anthropogenic challenges through green solutions. Policymakers' support is crucial for implementing strategies that reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint and embrace a circular economy. The study contributes to the literature by bridging the gap in understanding the application of LCA in construction decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of transitioning to sustainable practices and circularity in the construction sector. By using LCA as a tool, construction professionals can make informed choices to reduce embodied carbon. This study underscores the urgency for adopting greener practices in the construction sector, leading to a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

Industrial Carbon Footprint (ICF) Calculation Approach Based on Bayesian Cross-Validation Improved Cyclic Stacking

Achieving carbon neutrality is widely regarded as a key measure to mitigate climate change. The industrial carbon footprint (ICF) calculation, as a foundation to achieve carbon neutrality, primarily relies on roughly estimating direct carbon emissions based on information disclosed by industries. However, these estimates may not be comprehensive, timely, and accurate. This paper elaborates on the issue of ICF calculation, dividing a factory’s carbon emissions into carbon emissions directly produced by appliances and electricity consumption carbon emissions, to estimate the total carbon emissions of the factory. An appliance identification method is proposed based on a cyclic stacking method improved by Bayesian cross-validation, and an appliance state correction module SHMM (state-corrected hidden Markov model) is added to identify the state of the appliance and then to calculate the corresponding appliance carbon emissions. Electricity consumption carbon emissions come from the factory’s electricity consumption and the marginal carbon emission factor of the connected bus. Regarding the selection of artificial intelligence models and cross-validation technique required in the appliance identification method, this paper compares the effects of 7 cross-validation techniques, including stratified K-fold, K-fold, Monte Carlo, etc., on 14 machine learning algorithms such as AdaBoost, XGBoost, feed-forward network, etc., to determine the technique and algorithms required for the final appliance identification method. Experiment results show that the proposed appliance identification method estimates device carbon emissions with an error of less than 3%, which is significantly superior to other models, demonstrating that the proposed approach can achieve comprehensive and accurate ICF calculation.

The performances and applications of gas turbines in the aviation industry

This paper focuses on using gas turbines in various industries, particularly aviation, due to their unique power-to-weight ratio. It provides a detailed description of how gas turbines operate based on the thermodynamic Brayton cycle, which includes compressors, combustors, and power turbines. Additionally, the paper analyses both ideal and realistic cycles of gas turbines. Despite numerous advantages, gas turbines have limitations, such as high fuel consumption. However, technological advancements have led to the development of more efficient and quieter gas turbines. The paper explains the classification of jet engines, including turbojets, turboprops, and turbofans, each with specific applications. Moreover, the paper discusses the efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels in aviation due to the increasing awareness of the impact of climate change. Scientists and engineers are exploring substitute fuels and materials and developing gas turbine systems that maximize work generated with minimal combustion; thus, this paper also highlights the importance of developing more efficient and environmentally friendly gas turbines to reduce the industry's carbon footprint while maintaining their productivity.