Life Cycle Cost Analysis Research Articles

A Comparative Environmental and Economic Analysis of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Recycling Processes Using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing

The recycling of carbon-fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) presents significant challenges due to their thermosetting matrix, which complicates end-of-life management and often results in energy-intensive disposal or significant waste accumulation. Despite advancements in recycling methods, knowledge gaps remain regarding their sustainability and economic viability. This study undertakes a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Life Cycle Costing analysis of four key recycling techniques: mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and high-voltage fragmentation (HVF). By using the SimaPro software, this study identifies mechanical recycling and HVF as the most sustainable options, with the lowest cumulative energy demand (CED) of 5.82 MJ/kg and 4.97 MJ/kg and global warming potential (GWP) of 0.218 kg CO2eq and 0.0796 kg CO2eq, respectively. In contrast, pyrolysis imposes the highest environmental burdens, requiring 66.3 MJ/kg and emitting 2.84 kg CO2eq. Subcritical solvolysis shows more balanced environmental impacts compared to its supercritical counterpart. Cost analysis reveals that for mechanical recycling and pyrolysis, material costs are negligible or zero. In contrast, solvolysis and HVF incur material costs primarily due to the need for deionized water. Regarding energy costs, pyrolysis stands out as the most expensive method due to its high energy demands, followed closely by solvolysis with supercritical water.

The Future of Last-Mile Delivery: Lifecycle Environmental and Economic Impacts of Drone-Truck Parallel Systems

With rapid advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, its integration into logistics operations has emerged as a promising solution for improving efficiency and sustainability. Among the emerging solutions, a collaborative delivery model involving drones and trucks addresses last-mile delivery challenges by leveraging the complementary strengths of both modes of transport. However, evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of this transportation mode requires a systematic framework to capture its unique characteristics and minimize environmental impacts and costs. This paper investigates the Parallel Drone Scheduling Traveling Salesman Problem (PDSTSP) to evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of a collaborative drone-truck delivery system. Specifically, a mathematical model for this delivery system is developed to optimize joint delivery operations. Environmental impacts are assessed using a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including emissions and operational noise, while a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) quantifies economic performance across five cost dimensions. Sensitivity analysis explores factors such as delivery density, traffic congestion, and wind conditions. Results show that, compared to the electric vehicle fleet, the proposed model achieves an approximate 20% reduction in carbon emissions, while delivering a 20–30% cost reduction relative to the fuel truck fleet. Drones’ efficiency in short-distance deliveries alleviates trucks’ load, cutting environmental and operational costs. This study offers practical insights and recommendations for implementing drone-truck parallel delivery systems, particularly in high-demand density areas.

Concrete strengthening with external prestressed metal straps: A critical review

AbstractExternal confinement can be used to strengthen, repair, and rehabilitate concrete buildings by providing stress laterally. Among various confining techniques, prestressed metal strap (PTMS) stands out as a cost‐effective and eco‐friendly active confining material. Numerous experimental and numerical analyses have been carried out to understand the capabilities of PTMS confinements. To systematically report the current research state of PTMS‐confined concrete, this review collected and analyzed the data obtained from previous research. This paper outlines the effects of PTMS on the strength and ductility of different types of structure elements, as well as the parameters that influence its effectiveness. The durability and seismic resistance of PTMS‐confined concrete are reviewed. This paper also examines the confinement models commonly used or proposed for PTMS‐confined specimens, hybrid techniques applied along with PTMS, and finite element analyses of PTMS‐confined structures. The findings have reached a consensus that PTMS is effective in improving or restoring the strength, ductility, and seismic performance of both intact and damaged concrete structures. More experimental and analytical works, such as durability testing, have to be conducted, and finally, problems of insufficient flexural stiffness improvement and limited effectiveness on prismatic specimens should be addressed to ensure the reliability of PTMS confinements. Additionally, service life estimation and life cycle cost analysis are recommended to assess the practicality of PTMS in real‐world construction.

In-Depth Analysis of Photovoltaic-Integrated Shading Systems’ Performance in Residential Buildings: A Prospective of Numerical Techniques Toward Net-Zero Energy Buildings

The three categories of energy scarcity, population growth and environmental concerns explain the need for new energy sources. Saudi Arabia has become one of the regions capable of using solar energy, particularly through the use of photovoltaic systems, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s excellent ability to effectively utilize the sunlight. This study examines the performance of photovoltaic-integrated shading systems (PVIS) in enhancing energy efficiency for residential buildings under the extreme climatic conditions of Riyadh and Abha in Saudi Arabia. The study advances the knowledge of PVIS applications by addressing the dual challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in urban residential settings. Leveraging numerical simulations conducted with EnergyPlus, the research evaluates various shading configurations, including louvers, horizontal and sidefin canopies, to quantify their impact on cooling, heating, lighting demands and energy production. The annual efficiency of the proposed integrated systems to achieve sustainable and net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) is a key metric evaluated in this study. The key findings highlight the effectiveness of horizontal PVIS in achieving the highest energy efficiency, with up to 27.19% in Abha and 24.72% in Riyadh, based on the ratio of annual available solar energy to PV energy production. The integration of PVIS not only reduces the cooling loads by optimizing shading but also contributes significantly to renewable energy production toward NZEBs. The lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) identifies horizontal canopies as the most cost-effective configuration, with a payback period of 8.6 years in Abha and 10.2 years in Riyadh.

Optimal sizing of energy storage system for hydrogen-electric intercity trains based on life cycle cost analysis

Optimal sizing of energy storage system for hydrogen-electric intercity trains based on life cycle cost analysis

Sustainable decentralized food waste composting using a pulse alternating ventilation pilot-scale device: Case study based on LCA and LCC analysis

Sustainable decentralized food waste composting using a pulse alternating ventilation pilot-scale device: Case study based on LCA and LCC analysis

Assessing a Hybrid Wind-Solar Irrigation System for Kiwi Orchards in Northern Iran: Feasibility, Environmental Impact, and Economic Viability

In this research, the viability of hybrid wind and solar energy for irrigating kiwi orchards in Guilan province, located in the northern part of Iran is explored. Analysis of wind speed data reveals that wind energy can be utilized for irrigation purposes for more than six months annually. The wind power density, peaking at 467 W/m², supports the feasibility of wind energy for irrigation over ten months each year. Solar irradiance measurements estimate an energy generation of approximately 5.23 kWh/m² from January to July. The average daily temperature, peaking at 29.7°C, suggests optimal conditions for the efficient operation of solar panels. The net water requirement for the kiwi orchard during the irrigation period was calculated based on garden area and other relevant parameters, ensuring accurate irrigation planning. Using the calculated net water requirements and meteorological data, the necessary pumping power was determined, leading to the design of a hybrid wind-solar irrigation system. An environmental impact assessment estimated a significant reduction in CO2 emissions over a 25-year period. Additionally, a life-cycle cost analysis demonstrated that the hybrid irrigation system would incur only 60% of the total cost of a conventional system over the same period, highlighting its economic feasibility.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Connecting Tracks for Expansion of High-Speed Rail Network

New rail lines have been constructed to accommodate the growing demand for high-speed train passengers. In this regard, life cycle cost (LLC) analysis is an essential decision-support tool for evaluating the feasibility of track construction plans for high-speed rail lines. In the construction sequence for connecting tracks, a turnout track can be installed at the connection point between two lines after the existing track has been demolished. The LLC varies depending on the type of track components. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze the LCC results of different connecting track scenarios in high-speed rail lines. The total construction cost for designing the existing and new connecting tracks with a concrete track bed was found to be between 484 and 561 million KRW (for turnout No. 18.5–46), which is approximately 230 million KRW higher than that of a gravel track bed. However, the LLC of the ballast track exceeded that of the slab track after seven years of operation. A connecting track comprising a slab and high-speed turnout can reduce the LCC value.

Life cycle cost analysis of ultra-thin white topping of geopolymer concrete overlay on bituminous concrete pavement

The social and economic growth of nations greatly depends on effective pavement maintenance methods that adhere to sustainable principles, ensuring long-term durability and performance. Conventional methods for maintaining bituminous concrete pavements, such as using a bituminous concrete overlay, are not always the most efficient. In contrast, concrete overlays have consistently demonstrated superior performance globally. This paper focuses on the design, analysis of life cycle costs, and assessment of emissions of greenhouse gases associated with bituminous concrete pavement from a life cycle perspective. It evaluates two maintenance strategies: a bituminous concrete overlay and an ultra-thin geopolymer concrete overlay (often called "white topping"). The findings suggest that utilizing sustainable materials in an ultra- thin white topping (UTWT) geopolymer concrete overlay is a more favorable option when compared to a bituminous concrete overlay. The life cycle cost study, utilizing the net present value approach, demonstrates its superior economic viability in the long run. The study suggests that using a very thin layer of white topping geopolymer concrete as an overlay on bituminous concrete pavement improves its long term performance and provides economic and environmental advantages.

Experimental study and cost–benefit analysis of using polymer-modified binders for low-traffic roads in Minnesota

Polymer-modified binders (PMB) improve the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures compared to unmodified binders. Although for high-traffic roads, the choice of superior products is obvious, for low-traffic roads, there is not enough information to determine if using a PMB is cost-effective considering its higher initial cost. This research investigates the use of PMBs for low-traffic roads, focusing on Minnesota pavements. First, a laboratory experimental study is performed to compare the low-temperature cracking properties of polymer-modified and unmodified binders and mixtures used in Minnesota. Then, historical pavement performance data are analysed to compare the field performance of modified and unmodified mixtures. Based on the experimental results, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is conducted to compare the use of polymer-modified and unmodified binders. A sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the impact of key factors on the LCCA outcomes. The results show that using PMBs is expected to extend pavement service life by six years, and PMBs are more cost-effective than unmodified binders for low-traffic roads.

A Case Study on Sustainable Technologies in Residential Buildings from a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCC) Perspective

The article mostly addresses the application of sustainable technologies in residential construction through life cycle cost analysis (LCC) using the net present value (NPV) calculation method. The authors rely on data obtained through their own research and information received from the market environment. The article outputs are in the form of conclusions based on a case study on a specific building (apartment building), elaborated in several versions with respect to the technologies used. In total, there are seven alternative versions divided into two groups, where a so-called reference technology representing a traditional (standard) technical solution is present in each group so that a relevant comparison can be made. The first group includes technologies related to heating and hot water, while the second group focuses on the application of recycled water (so-called grey water). The outputs obtained provide an interesting and fact-based view of sustainable technologies within the life cycle of a building drawing from currently available information sources. At the same time, the presented analysis has incorporated price predictions for key commodities, i.e., electricity, water, gas. The article’s specific conclusions indicate that the technologies utilizing renewable energy sources (RES) are typically less economically advantageous (in the absence of subsidy sources) compared to conventional (traditional) solutions, despite the significant savings in operating costs. The LCC indicator revealed a cost value per square meter of gross floor area (GFA) for a residential building ranging from EUR 43 to 68, contingent on the specific option under consideration. This cost value was determined over a 20-year follow-up period and a real discount rate of 4%.

Optimizing the Design of Container House Walls Using Argon and Recycled Plastic Materials

Interest in the use of container houses has been increasing in recent years because of their resistance to earthquakes and fires. The incorporation of recyclable materials into these houses will simultaneously reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emission rates. In this context, the thermal performance of an external multi-layer wall of a container house mostly made of recyclable materials is studied and compared to that of a normal wall. The current study proposes a completely new structure, where there are air gaps and plastic layers between the steel sheets to enhance thermal insulation. In these gaps, different gases including argon are tested to reduce the heat loss. Calculations are carried out for a steady-state case in the winter season using the student version of ANSYS 2023 R2 Academic software, and the heat loss is calculated for different materials and different thicknesses of the wall layers. Afterward, based on a life-cycle cost analysis, the optimum air gap materials, optimum thickness of plastic and air gap, and energy savings are determined for a period of 20 years. We found that the optimum number of plastic layers to minimize the heating load is 21, but this reduces to 11 when considering economic factors. Furthermore, if a reflective layer covers the plastic layer, the optimum is just one layer. For an insulation thickness of 2 cm, the maximum total life-cycle savings are 335.14 and 350.52 USD, respectively, and the minimum ones are 16.06 and 31.44 USD, respectively, for multi-layer walls with and without reflective layers compared to conventional walls.

UiO-67 metal-organic framework loaded on hardwood biochar for sustainable management of environmental boron contaminations

Boron contamination in water poses significant potential risks to human health and the environment, necessitating the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable remediation technologies. This study introduces a novel composite material combining a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-67) and a low-cost carbonaceous material (hardwood biochar, BC) with synergetic efficiency to address boron-polluted waters. The UiO-67-biochar (UBC) composite exhibits effective surface chemistry and a remarkably high specific surface area of approximately 881.9m²/g, substantially increasing from the 19.7m²/g of biochar. Our experimental results demonstrate that UBC removed up to 88.5% of boron from 20 ppm polluted water, achieving levels compliant with the WHO standards. The composite also showed excellent reusability, maintaining 95% efficiency over multiple cycles without loss of crystallinity. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis indicate that an optimal MOF to biochar ratio of approximately 60wt% minimises CO2 emissions and costs while maximising the boron removal efficiency. The UiO-67-biochar composites proposed here offers a promising scalable solution for boron contamination and potentially other environmental pollutants, combining the high functionality of UiO-67 with the practical and economic advantages of biochar.

Sustainable surfactant removal and wastewater reuse in carwash systems using natural zeolite

<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;tab-stops:467.8pt;">Jordan is the world’s second water-poorest country. Treating and reusing of wastewater are significantly important at the national level. This research aims to investigate the use of natural and modified Zeolite for the removal of Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) and lead (Pb), major constituents of carwash wastewater (CWW) that can pose great health and environmental risks. Five samples were collected from each station. Then, physical, chemical, and biological tests were conducted for each sample including Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness (CH), Total Hardness (TH), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Oil and Grease, and MBAS. Raw wastewater was pre-treated starting with a settling step to flotation which precedes sand filtration and finally zeolite batch adsorption process. Results showed that the natural zeolite is effective in removing MBAS by 55.28% and 93.42% overall removal efficiency of the system. The best conditions of mixing time 30-minute, PH=6.8, and water temperature = 20<sup>o</sup>C, as this time the initial concentration of Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS), which is the main pollutant component of the CWW was decreased from 2.5 mg/L to 1.25 mg/L at the final step of treatment. Other contaminants like Pb were reduced during the treatment processes, with 46% removal by sedimentation unit.  Reductions observed were alkalinity by 35%, CH by 75%, TH by 86%, COD by 67%, oil and grease by 99.6%, TS 62%, TSS by 76%, TDS by 18%, and BOD by 22%. </span><span style="color:#222222;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;tab-stops:467.8pt;">Sensitivity analysis of the CWW treatment steps shows that the zeolite adsorption unit is the most effective, particularly for reducing parameters such as CH, TH, COD, BOD, O&G, and MBAS showing removal efficiencies up to 99%. Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) analysis </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;tab-stops:467.8pt;">indicates that the developed system is highly profitable and cost effective with a quick payback period, a high rate of return, and substantial net benefits over the lifecycle duration. </span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;tab-stops:467.8pt;">Furthermore, this sustainable and eco-friendly technique, which utilizes a natural material, is considered one of the most effective methods for enhancing water resources.</span></p>

Financial Performance Assessment of Flat Buildings Using Life Cycle Cost and Cost–Benefit Analysis

Buildings resulting from construction projects are durable assets and decisions related to construction projects have enduring impacts. In many cases, building owners prioritize only the initial costs, such as building design, construction, and equipment costs, while neglecting the future operation and maintenance costs. This research studies life cycle costing (LCC) analysis to evaluate the financial feasibility of urban housing. The LCC calculates all the costs incurred and benefits during the building's operation. The cost is generated from construction, operational, and maintenance costs. At the same time, the benefit breaks down into flat rental costs, retail rental costs, and parking costs. The costs incurred are estimated over 25 years, and the parameters of feasibility are net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The study generates negative NPV, BCR < 1, and 0.61% of IRR. It indicates that the project is not feasible. This research gives alternatives to make the project feasible. This study employed a trial-and-error approach to ascertain the viability of investing in flat rentals by systematically adjusting rental rates. Incremental adjustments to rental rates are tested by a series of rate hikes of 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% using a trial-and-error approach. The project will become feasible if the flat rate increases to 150-200% of the initial rental rate.

Integrating Digitalization and Asset Health Index for Strategic Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Power Converters

In the context of energy storage systems, optimizing the life cycle of power converters is crucial for reducing costs, making informed decisions, and ensuring sustainability. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for calculating the life cycle cost (LCC) of power converters, employing a nine-step process that integrates digitalization, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and the Asset Health Index (AHI). The methodology adapts the Woodward model to provide a detailed cost analysis, encompassing the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life phases. Our findings reveal significant insights into asset management, highlighting the importance of preventive and major maintenance in controlling failure rates and extending asset life. This study concludes that adopting sustainable business models and leveraging advanced technologies can enhance the reliability and maintainability of power converters, ultimately leading to more competitive and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions.

(Digital Presentation) Life Cycle Cost and Technical Analysis of Corrosion Control Methods to Prevent Failures in Water Service Systems

INTRODUCTION Water service systems, such as drinking/potable water and process water (e.g., cooling water), are undoubtedly strategic in any industrial installation. Their continuous, reliable and quality-controlled operation must be therefore guaranteed. The stable operation of a water supply system (and of other processes/areas) depends on many factors, namely: preventive maintenance, operation within the range of specific conditions and appropriate design, among others. In a petrochemical estate, especially in the Caribbean where all-year-round exposure to harsh environmental conditions aggressively enhances corrosion, high corrosion-related remediation costs are incurred if appropriate corrosion protection/minimization methods, such as corrosion control by materials selection and/or intervention corrosion control techniques, were not implemented during the design and construction phases and/or are not currently in place, respectively. The focus of this study is to perform a combined life cycle cost and technical aspects analysis in order to evaluate the feasibility of several corrosion prevention techniques for two important and strategic pieces of plant equipment: a potable water tank and a direct cooling water (DCW) pipeline, in use at several companies at a petrochemical estate located in the Caribbean. At least five (5) different construction materials for both pieces of equipment under study were selected for the analysis. Cost estimates from different sources (vendors, suppliers, providers) were obtained. All costs were discounted by applying an appropriate discount rate. For convenience and to facilitate the comparison in the cost analyses, normalization of all costs to those of the (total) initial costs of the two pieces of equipment to be evaluated was done. An adequate service life of 30 years was selected for this study. METHODOLOGY Corrosion prevention methods: materials selection - Potable water tank Five (05) different materials, some combined with different coatings and other corrosion protection techniques, are considered as replacements: Stainless Steel 304 grade tank (SS 304 Tank), Hot Dipped (Zinc) Galvanized Steel Tank (HDG STank), Chlorinated Rubber coated Steel Tank with Cathodic Protection (CRC STank CP:), Polyurethane coated Steel Tank with Cathodic Protection (PUC STank CP), and (inorganic)Zinc Silicate coated Steel Tank with Cathodic Protection (ZnSC STank CP). - Direct cooling water (DCW) pipeline Five (5) different alternatives(materials) are considered as DCW pipeline replacements, in addition to a new (inorganic)Zn-silicate coated steel pipeline (ZnSC SPipe): Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline (PVC Pipe), Ductile Iron Pipeline (DuctI Pipe), Hot Dipped (Zn) Galvanized Steel Pipeline (HDG SPipe), Fusion Bonded Epoxy coated Steel Pipeline (FBEC SPipe), and 3-Layer Polyethylene coated Steel Pipeline (3LPEC SPipe). Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) The LCCA was carried out in accordance with the appropriate ASTM standard [1]. A reasonable 30-years life cycle was taken into consideration, as in other studies [2]. After calculating costs and in order to standardize and facilitate the comparison among the different techniques under study, all the LCC results were normalized to the (total) initial costs of purchasing (new) current equipment, (potable water) mild steel tank and (DCW) Zn-silicate coated steel pipelines. CONCLUSIONS A combined life cycle cost(LCC) and technical feasibility analysis of several corrosion control methods to prevent failures in water service systems at a petrochemical complex was carried out. A potable water tank and a direct cooling water (DCW) pipeline were the equipment chosen in the study. For the potable water tank, using SS304 as the material of construction was proven to be the best option(Figure 1) to replace the current (mild) steel tank. In the case of the DCW pipeline, keeping a currently installed zinc-silicate coated steel pipeline was a suitable choice. This study highlights the imperative nature of managing corrosion by selection of fabrication materials in plant equipment to minimize maintenance activities and to avoid failures associated with corrosion. REFERENCES [1] "Life-cycle cost analysis of corrosion protection systems is focus of new ASTM iron and steel product standard", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 58 No. 4 (2011)[2] D. Kowalski, B. Grzyl & A. Kristowski, The Cost Analysis of Corrosion Protection Solutions for Steel Components in Terms of the Object Life Cycle Cost. CEER 26 (3): 005-013 (2017) FIGURE CAPTIONS Fig. 1. Cumulative discounted & normalized LCC for potable water tank alternatives. The even slighter increment that Zn Silicate coated steel tank with cathodic protection (CP) alternative exhibits every 12 years is due to cost of replacing the zinc coating; while the CRC and PUC options present slight increments (not noticeable) every 3 and 4 years, respectively, due to the need of their respective coating´s replacement. Also, every 20 years the CP for the ZnSC, PUC and CRC STanks is replaced (not noticeable in their respective lines). Figure 1

Maintenance Costs Optimization Of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Facilities And Infrastructure Based On Life Cycle Cost Analysis (Case Study: South Sumatra LRT)

The construction of the South Sumatra Light Rail Transit (LRT) requires a huge development cost, besides that it has quite a large annual operational and maintenance cost. In order for South Sumatra LRT maintenance costs to run efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to optimize maintenance costs for South Sumatra LRT facilities and infrastructure based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis. Life Cycle Cost is an economic analysis method that refers to all costs associated with development, operating and maintaining a construction project over a certain period of time (Heralova, 2017). The research objectives were to analyze the physical condition of Facilities and Infrastructure South Sumatra LRT, evaluate South Sumatra LRT maintenance strategies and develop maintenance cost scenarios based on Life Cycle Cost. Based on data processing using the combined condition index method, the total value of the South Sumatra LRT infrastructure components reached 5,718. The physical condition of the South Sumatra LRT infrastructure reviewed is on a good scale with minor damage so that the option of preventive or time-based maintenance activities can be used. For the Life Cycle Cost of South Sumatra LRT infrastructure, the value obtained is IDR 2,080,482,508,541,480.

Life cycle cost analysis of circular photovoltaic façade in dense urban environment using 3D modeling

Photovoltaic façade gradually diffuses in dense urban environment for decarbonization. In this study, life cycle cost analysis is applied to assess the economic feasibility of circular photovoltaic façade. An innovative aerial video-based 3D modeling method is developed to reconstruct the target structures, significantly reducing time and labor costs in modeling work. Given the recycling potential, this study develops a workflow to recycle photovoltaic components to save the spence. Multi-objective optimization is conducted to identify the optimal configuration of photovoltaic facades given an initial budget constraint. A representative building in Central Business District is selected to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Then the simulation is extended to major metropolises in China. The results demonstrate that the 3D modeling method can successfully reconstruct target structures, allowing for accurate simulation of solar radiation access and assessment of the economic feasibility of photovoltaic facades. Moreover, the photovoltaic façade on the selected building is not profitable without recycling. Some cities achieve profitability when the proposed recycling strategy is implemented. This highlights the importance of recycling in achieving economic viability. The study promotes further studies exploring the feasible deployment of photovoltaic façades in dense urban environments.

Energy Solutions for Decarbonization of Industrial Heat Processes

The global rise in population and advancement in civilization have led to a substantial increase in energy demand, particularly in the industrial sector. This sector accounts for a considerable proportion of total energy consumption, with approximately three-quarters of its energy consumption being used for heat processes. To meet the Paris Agreement goals, countries are aligning policies with international agreements, and companies are setting net-zero targets. Upstream emissions of the Scope 3 category refer to activities in the company’s supply chain, being crucial for achieving its net-zero ambitions. This study analyzes heating solutions for the supply chain of certain globally operating companies, contributing to their 2030 carbon-neutral ambition. The objective is to identify current and emerging heating solutions from carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) impact, economic, and technical perspectives, considering regional aspects. The methodology includes qualitative and quantitative surveys to identify heating solutions and gather regional CO2e emission factors and energy prices. Calculations estimate the CO2e emissions and energy costs for each technology or fuel, considering each solution’s efficiency. The study focuses on Europe, the United States, Brazil, China, and Saudi Arabia, regions or countries representative of companies’ global supply chain setups. Results indicate that heat pumps are the optimal solution for low temperatures, while biomass is the second most prevalent solution, except in Saudi Arabia where natural gas is more feasible. For medium and high temperatures, natural gas is viable in the short term for Saudi Arabia and China, while biomass and electrification are beneficial for other regions. The proportion of electricity in the energy mix is expected to increase, but achieving decarbonization targets requires cleaner energy mixes or competitive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) projects. Brazil, with its high proportion of renewable energy sources, offers favorable conditions for using green electricity to reduce emissions. The utilization of biomethane is promising if costs and incentives align with those in the EU. Although not the objective of this study, a comprehensive analysis of CAPEX and lifecycle costs associated with equipment is necessary when migrating technologies. Policies and economic incentives can also make these solutions more or less favorable.