Manufacturing Location Research Articles

Predictors of Pediatric Asthma Management: Identifying Actionable Results With Geographic Determinants.

Pediatric asthma remains one of the most prominent chronic health conditions among US youth. Geographic determinants such as air pollutants have been identified as playing a role in asthma development and exacerbation. The purpose of this study was to determine geospatial predictors of pediatric asthma exacerbation events and to prioritize housing remediation resources. Electronic medical records were abstracted from a health plan in Southern California. The inclusion criteria that created a sample of 51 557 members were those aged 21years and younger, who had at least 1 asthma-related encounter between January 2019 and December 2021. Diagnoses, age, number of clinic and emergency department visits, and home addresses were included. The air quality index from the closest monitoring station during the study period, residential distance from a primary roadway, and residential distance from manufacturing sites were included in the spatial analysis. The average number of asthma-related clinic visits was 2 across the sample. Individuals with more asthma-related clinic visits residing in public housing were more likely to live within 4 km of industrial manufacturing locations (P <.001), reside closer to a major roadway (P <.001), and experience a higher number of poor air quality days (P <.001). Modeling results show these factors were also significantly predictive of an increase of asthma-related health care encounters. The findings of this study were consistent with previous studies linking asthma and poor air quality and further highlighted some of the additive and potentially exponential challenges that public housing, major roadways, and manufacturing sites provide communities in their proximity. This research can guide environmental interventions, including the frequency of public housing inspections, community outreach, and the development of communication strategies, to reduce asthma-related experiences across neighborhoods.

Experimental study of electroosmosis and (Cl-) diffusion in fired-clay bricks

Electroosmosis (EO) is considered as a base for methods in drying moist masonry. EO and the other transport mechanisms, namely electromigration and diffusion, that can influence EO in the bricks, were studied in four Danish bricks with different manufacturing years and locations. Brick cubes were cut from each brick type and then saturated in NaCl 0.1 M solution. A cell with four electrodes was used to measure the electroosmotic permeability coefficient using a phenomenological approach based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The effective diffusion coefficient for chloride and electromigration coefficient were calculated. Results showed that the EO flux obtained in the bricks did not follow either the magnitude of zeta potential or ionic content present in the bricks. It was observed that there was a correlation between the EO coefficient and the porous structure of the brick, especially with the pore connectivity, since the bricks with higher pore connectivity and, therefore, with higher effective diffusion coefficient had a higher electroosmotic coefficient.

A Decision–Support Tool to Inform Coconut Log Procurement and Veneer Manufacturing Location Decisions in Fiji

A Decision–Support Tool to Inform Coconut Log Procurement and Veneer Manufacturing Location Decisions in Fiji

Functionality of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Plants: Toxicity and Control in Poaceae Crops Exposed to Abiotic Stress.

Agriculture and changing environmental conditions are closely related, as weather changes could adversely affect living organisms or regions of crop cultivation. Changing environmental conditions trigger different abiotic stresses, which ultimately cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. Common ROS production sites are the chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, mitochondria, peroxisomes, etc. The imbalance in ROS production and ROS detoxification in plant cells leads to oxidative damage to biomolecules such as lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. At low concentrations, ROS initiates signaling events related to development and adaptations to abiotic stress in plants by inducing signal transduction pathways. In plants, a stress signal is perceived by various receptors that induce a signal transduction pathway that activates numerous signaling networks, which disrupt gene expression, impair the diversity of kinase/phosphatase signaling cascades that manage the stress response in the plant, and result in changes in physiological responses under various stresses. ROS production also regulates ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways to mitigate drought stress. This review focuses on the common subcellular location of manufacturing, complex signaling mechanisms, and networks of ROS, with an emphasis on cellular effects and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant scavenging mechanisms of ROS in Poaceae crops against drought stress and how the manipulation of ROS regulates stress tolerance in plants. Understanding ROS systems in plants could help to create innovative strategies to evolve paths of cell protection against the negative effects of excessive ROS in attempts to improve crop productivity in adverse environments.

A multinational firm’s global manufacturing location and outsourcing strategies

Due to rising labor costs in China and trade friction, many multinational firms (MNFs) consider moving manufacturing outside China to Southeast Asian Countries. Based on observations in real world, we build a three-tier supply chain model consisting of one component supplier, two contract manufacturers (CMs), an MNF, and a local original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The MNF monopolizes the market in country 1 (e.g., U.S.), but competes in country 2 (e.g., China) with the local OEM. The component supplier and one CM are located in country 2, and the other CM is located in country 3 (e.g., a country in Southeast Asia). We investigate the MNF’s global manufacturing location and procurement outsourcing strategies with considerations of tariffs and market environments. Currently, the MNF outsources its manufacturing to the CM in country 2, and decides whether to continue the cooperation with the current CM or develop a new CM in country 3. The MNF also considers whether to outsource its component procurement to the corresponding CM. Our study reveals that the MNF’s optimal strategy depends on the relative market sizes, the fixed cost of developing a new CM, as well as the manufacturing cost and tariff disadvantages in country 2. Interestingly, we find that the tariff disadvantage in country 2 does not always motivate the MNF to cooperate with the CM in country 3. Instead, an appropriate tariff may be beneficial to the MNF that manufactures in country 2. In addition, the MNF’s preferred procurement strategy is related to its manufacturing location. When cooperating with the CM in country 2, the MNF would switch from direct procurement to outsourced procurement as the market size of country 1 increases.

Exploring the Spatial Correlation Network and Its Formation Mechanisms in Urban Land Use Performance: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Urban land is the primary location for manufacturing and services, facilitating the expansion and interconnectedness of economic activities and factor flows to shape various urban land-use performances (ULUP). Exploring these spatial linkages of urban land-use performance can play a crucial role in fostering cohesive urban development. Taking 109 prefecture-level cities as research samples, this paper explores the characteristics and influencing factors of the spatial network associated with ULUP in the Yangtze River Economic Belt through modified gravity model, network analysis and QAP analysis. The analysis shows that ULUP has shown an N-shaped trend over the past two decades. It has formed a network of correlations, with Chongqing, Shanghai, and Wuhan emerging as central nodes. Notably, the correlation predominantly occurs between geographically adjacent cities, with weaker links between the Yangtze River Economic Belt’s upstream, midstream, and downstream regions. The network can be divided into four distinct types: main inflow plate, main outflow plate, agent plate, and bidirectional spillover plate. Geographic location is the most significant factor influencing network formation, followed by resource mismatch, economic development, and openness. The study provides theoretical guidance and empirical support for improving the utilisation of urban land and promoting coordinated development.

How will manufacturing capacity additions in China and North America affect the carbon footprint of silicon photovoltaics?

Global annual PV installation is expected to increase from 150 GW in 2021 to 820 GW in 2030 to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Electricity production from PV generates almost zero carbon emissions, but the emissions from the manufacturing phase are nonnegligible. While most installed PV modules in the US are imported from China, manufacturers are expanding the manufacturing capacity in North America to reduce reliance on Chinese PV modules. Although it has been commonly perceived that the North American modules would have a lower environmental footprint than Chinese ones, the effect of capacity expansions and regional impact considering where each component is produced has yet to be fully understood. This study aims to compare the carbon footprint and cumulative energy demand of PERC modules manufactured in China and North America based on the expected 2024 manufacturing capacity additions. We develop PV manufacturing scenarios to perform life cycle assessment (LCA) for the first time considering the regional manufacturing capacity, partnerships between suppliers and manufacturers, and regional electricity grids, while previous PV LCA studies evaluated the national average production. The carbon footprint of China's PERC modules for monofacial and bifacial designs, when using the national average grid, is 517 and 412 kg CO2eq/kWp, respectively. In comparison, the GWP of modules produced in North America is 22.0–22.2 % lower than in China, a difference attributed to the lower carbon footprint of electricity grids. When considering where each component is made, the GWP increases by 1.5 % in China compared to the national average. This difference arises because most of China's solar manufacturing facilities are in regions with higher carbon intensity grids than the national average. Solar manufacturers can reduce the carbon footprint of their products by changing manufacturing locations or increasing the share of renewable sources for manufacturing. We find that both China- and North America-made PERC modules meet the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) low carbon solar criteria (630 kg CO2eq/kWp). However, to meet the ultra-low carbon solar criteria (400 kg CO2eq/kWp), a significant share, approximately 60 % for China and 15 % for North America, of the total electricity supply must be sourced from renewable energy in addition to the existing grid. This study identifies the significant impact of manufacturing locations on the overall carbon footprint of PV modules. It is important to consider production locations by stage and the regional electricity supply when developing the carbon assessment methodology of PV modules. Otherwise, manufacturers may take advantage of assessing carbon footprint using the country's average grid while producing products in dirty grid regions.

Life cycle environmental evaluation of medical oxygen masks in the UK

In a clinical setting, medical oxygen masks (MOMs) are made using lightweight and transparent materials with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) being a popular choice. Environmental concerns around the use of PVC have arisen due to the toxicity of plasticisers required; in particular the use of increasingly regulated phthalate (Pht) based plasticisers. Non-Pht plasticisers and alternative materials to PVC are being sought as potential replacements in order to keep MOMs in line with current and expected regulations. This study explores the environmental impacts of three (low-flow) MOMs using a life cycle assessment approach from cradle to grave with a functional unit defined as ‘one single-use low-flow medical oxygen mask for adult use in the UK’. The results account for all 11 impact categories as provided by the CML-IA baseline v3.03 methodology. PVC is the main component of two MOMs: mask A using a non-Pht based plasticiser and mask C (a hypothetical mask) using Pht-based plasticiser DEHP. For Mask B, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-S) and polypropylene is used instead of PVC. Mask B shows the lowest environmental impact across all impact categories. For six out of 11 impact categories (including global warming potential and ozone depletion), mask C scores highest, whereas mask A is highest for the other five categories (with large impacts in human toxicity and ecotoxicities). Two scenario analyses show the importance of supply chain logistics (i.e., the location of the manufacturing site and location of end user) on overall environmental impact. The results of this study intend to provide evidence to policy makers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers of MOMs to improve the overall environmental impacts of these products, as they contribute around 4437 tonnes of CO2 eq. yearly in the UK alone. The results show that switching from plasticised PVC to TPE-S would reduce the impacts of the use of MOMS within the UK by 2755 tonnes of CO2 eq. per year.

An optimization framework for efficient and sustainable logistics operations via transportation mode optimization and shipment consolidation: A case study for GE Gas Power

General Electric (GE) Gas Power, a leading manufacturer of gas and steam turbines, manufactures and installs these turbines in power generation plants worldwide. They source components for these turbines from suppliers globally and transport these components to manufacturing and assembly locations in the United States using various modes of transportation, including ocean, air, and ground. These transportation options have different lead times and costs. The challenge lies in identifying the most cost-effective solution that meets the assembly requirements, given the high volume of shipments and the complexity of the intermodal freight network. To address this challenge, a customized, multi-period (dynamic), multi-commodity network flow model and a novel heuristic approach with a rolling time horizon are developed. This model incorporates consolidation and storage options at intermediate nodes, allowing the business to optimize its shipments. This research addresses a unique real-world logistics problem and offers an optimization model together with an efficient solution approach for industry. Computational experiments indicate that the heuristic approach proposed can yield results closely aligned with those produced by state-of-the art commercial solvers. Furthermore, the experiments show the criticality of full container load shipments in achieving substantial cost-saving in global shipments.

Standardizing Collections Record Data for Increased Understanding of Glass Collections Across the Smithsonian Institution

ABSTRACT The information contained in museum collections catalog databases is an invaluable resource for understanding and caring for collection items. The identification and grouping of items in a collection based on criteria such as location of manufacture, use, or materials composition allows for items at greater risk for long term preservation issues to be more appropriately monitored and cared for. However, identifying these items can be difficult, particularly when the collections data or terminology included in collections catalogs and databases vary significantly between items or across collections. This paper discusses the process and results of a data consolidation and cleaning campaign that was undertaken by the Smithsonian’s Glass Deterioration Working Group. This work was done in order to develop a consistent database of glass and glass-containing collection items that is able to be effectively queried for items of particular concern or interest from a preservation standpoint.

Оценка потенциала развития индустриального парка на базе АО «Пластик»

The tendencies of the industrial park creation based on the Russian chemical enterprises are explored in the article, the potential resident basic requirements to the new manufacturing location are determined. The multiyear experience of the industrial park making in the JSC “Plastic” territory is summarized: from the engineering infrastructure modernization to the participation in the federal project “Proffessionalitet”.

Environmental and economic assessment of hydrogen-powered ferries for inland transportation

This paper investigates the environmental and economic impacts of hydrogen-powered ferries in inland passenger and car transportation using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). Three types of electrolysers and two types of fuel cells, focusing on their manufacturing locations, are compared with two Marine Diesel Oils (MDOs) with various sulphur percentages. In addition, this study utilises the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to weigh and rank the environmental impacts of all power options based on expert opinions. As a result of the combination of LCA and AHP analysis, the most environmentally friendly power option is found to be the Solid Oxide Electrolyser-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell system for the case study, while the worst option is the Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyser- Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell system. Moreover, MDOs are the most cost-effective power options in all carbon-tax scenarios.

Think global act local: The dependency of global lithium-ion battery emissions on production location and material sources

The pursuit of low-carbon transport has significantly increased demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, the rapid increase in battery manufacturing, without adequate consideration of the carbon emissions associated with their production and material demands, poses the threat of shifting the bulk of emissions upstream. In this article, a life cycle assessment (LCA) model is developed to account for the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of lithium-ion batteries across 26 Chinese provinces, 20 North American locations and 19 countries in Europe and Asia. Analysis of published LCA data reveals significant uncertainty associated with the carbon emissions of key battery materials; their overall contribution to the carbon footprint of a LIB varies by a factor of ca. 4 depending on production route and source. The links between production location and the gate-to-gate carbon footprint of battery manufacturing are explored, with predicted median values ranging between 0.1 and 69.5 kg CO2-eq kWh−1. Leading western-world battery manufacturing locations in the US and Europe, such as Kentucky and Poland are found to have comparable carbon emissions to Chinese rivals, even exceeding the carbon emissions of battery manufacturing in several Chinese provinces. Such resolution on material and energy contributions to the carbon footprint of LIBs is essential to inform policy- and decision-making to minimise the carbon emissions of the battery value chain. Given the current status quo, the global carbon footprint of the lithium-ion battery industry is projected to reach up to 1.0 Gt CO2-eq per year within the next decade. With material supply chain decarbonisation and energy savings in battery manufacturing, a lower estimate of 0.5 Gt CO2-eq per year is possible.

(042) Reasons For and Time to Failure Associated with Inflatable Penile Prosthetics: A Multi-Center, High, Volume Experience

Abstract Introduction Despite technological advancements in the composition material, pump design, and infection retardant coatings, inflatable penile prosthetics (IPPs) remain prone to mechanical failure due to pump malfunction and/or fluid loss. Objective We aim to distinguish IPP component failure etiologies at the time of device replacement and/or repair between the two most common manufacturers: American Medical Systems/Boston Scientific (BSCI) and Coloplast (CP). Methods We performed an IRB approved, retrospective chart review of two private, high volume IPP surgeon revision and virgin cases (CPT codes 54405, 54408 and 54410) from January 2018 to May 2023. Mechanical revision indications were stratified by manufacturer and component location (pump, tubing, cylinder, and reservoir). Non mechanical revision cases were excluded (planned upsizing, patient dissatisfaction, herniation without replacement, impending erosion/eroded, crossover, and infection). Other exclusions included missing data (reason for failure, device type, op note, patient specific data, and/or prior institution operative details). Results Between the two surgeons, we identified a total of 646 cases during the study period. 120 were revision IPP cases, 66 of which, met inclusion criteria (57 BSCI and 9 CP). Of the BSCI mechanical inflatable penile prosthetic failures, 24/57 (42%) were due to cylinder rupture, 5/57 (9%) were due to tubing leaks, 3/57 (5%) were associated with reservoir perforation, 5/57 (9%) were due to cylinder aneurysm, and 20/57 (35%) were due to pump failure. Coloplast device mechanical failure was predominantly due to tubing fracture 7/9 (77.8%) while reservoir rupture and cylinder aneurysm each were 1/9 (11.1%). Between manufacturers, cylinder rupture and pump failure were more common in BSCI devices (25/57 vs 0/9, p=0.036; CI 95%) and (21/57 vs 0/9, p=0.064; CI 90%). While tubing fracture was more common in CP devices (5/57 vs 7/9, p=0.002; CI 95%). Cylinder aneurysm and reservoir rupture did not significantly differ between manufacturers. Similarly, log rank analysis illustrates similar time to mechanical failure between BSCI and CP (median 48 vs 41months respectively, p=0.277; CI 95%). Conclusions BSCI and CP device time to failure appears to be similar; this was also shown in recent published literature. BSCI pump failure appears to be greater than the previously described rate of 2% during their recall period from 2018-2020 and they fail significantly more than CP devices. BSCI devices most commonly fail due to cylinder rupture then other component failure. CP devices fail most commonly due to tubing rupture and this adds to the prior published literature. Further, multi-center studies are needed to validate these findings. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast and Boston Scientific Consultant.

Creation of an Aluminum Alloy Template with a Surface Structure by Micro-Milling for Subsequent Replication of the Microstructure to Achieve Hydrophobicity

This research paper focuses on the fabrication of a microstructure based on a natural structure pattern of hydrophobic properties using micro-milling technology, followed by an investigation of the dimensional accuracy, roughness, and replication of the fabricated microstructure. Design, modeling (CAD system), fabrication, and replication are the steps of this process. Knowledge of biomimetics was used to select the microstructure. The main research aim of the experiments is to verify and extend the applicability of conventional CNC manufacturing technologies to obtain a functional surface structure. The micro-milling was carried out on a conventional DMG MORI CNC machine, a CMX 600 V three-axis horizontal milling center, using an external high-frequency electric spindle clamped to the machine. The machined material was aluminum alloy EN AW 7075. The tool was a 0.1 mm diameter double-edged ball mill made of sintered carbide and coated with TiSiN. The cutting conditions were determined according to the tool manufacturer’s recommendations. To compare the achieved accuracies, the same microstructure was fabricated using PLA technology. For subsequent replication of the sample, the negative of the selected microstructure was created and machined. Subsequently, a positive microstructure was created using the silicone impression material by the replication process. This paper and the experiments performed extend the technical knowledge in the field of manufacturing surface functional structures and confirm the possibility of manufacturing the designed structures using chip and laser machining technology, with achieved discontinuities in the range of 3 to 50 μm. They also highlight the issues of replication of such structures with respect to critical manufacturing locations (geometrical parameters of the structures affecting the functional properties of the structure, venting, replica defects, etc.).

Material intensity and carbon footprint of crystalline silicon module assembly over time

The growing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations have raised concerns about the life cycle carbon impact of PV manufacturing. While silicon PV modules share a similar framed glass-backsheet structure, the material consumption varies depending on module design, manufacturer, and manufacturing year, leading to varying carbon emissions. However, current life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and public inventory databases of silicon PVs lack an assessment of the variability in commercialized solar module designs and their potential impact on module reliability and carbon footprint. The present study aims to address this research gap by providing a temporal analysis of aluminum and glass intensity in crystalline silicon modules produced from 2006 to 2021. The material inventory data is obtained from specification sheets of 167 crystalline silicon modules produced by 31 manufacturers. Subsequently, we use the collected material inventory to estimate the carbon footprint of manufacturing silicon modules in multiple countries over the past decade. The results reveal a 30% reduction in the aluminum intensity used for frames from 2010 to 2021, while the solar glass thickness remains relatively constant. Additionally, the comparison among manufacturer tiers indicates that more reliable modules tend to use more materials for module production. Moreover, the comparative life cycle assessment of modules manufactured in various countries demonstrates a significant impact of local electricity mixes on the carbon footprint of module manufacturing. Modules manufactured in China exhibit the highest carbon emissions, followed by Malaysia (4–9% lower than China), South Korea (15–16% lower than China), the US (17–18% lower than China), Thailand (19–21% lower than China), Turkey (18–21% lower than China), and Vietnam (25–30% lower than China). Overall, the present study highlights the importance of up-to-date data on material inventory and local electricity mixes in evaluating the environmental impacts associated with PV manufacturing. Lastly, we advocate for integrating the variability of module designs and manufacturing locations within low-carbon solar module criteria and guidelines, recognizing the importance of adaptability in achieving sustainable solar manufacturing.

Bringing Light into the Dark-Overview of Environmental Impacts of Carbon Fiber Production and Potential Levers for Reduction.

Carbon fibers (CFs) are a crucial material for lightweight structures with advanced mechanical performance. However, there is still a paucity of detailed understanding regarding the environmental impacts of production. Previously, mostly singled-out scenarios for CF production have been assessed, often based on scarce transparent inventory data. To expand the current knowledge and create a robust database for future evaluation, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out. To this end, a detailed industry-approved LCI is published, which also proved plausible against the literature. Subsequently, based on a global scenario representing the market averages for precursor and CF production, the most relevant contributors to climate change (EF3.1 climate change, total) and the depletion of fossil energy carriers (EF3.1 resource use, fossil) were identified. The energy consumption in CF manufacturing was found to be responsible for 59% of the climate change and 48% of the fossil resource use. To enable a differentiated discussion of manufacturing locations and process energy consumption, 24 distinct scenarios were assessed. The findings demonstrate the significant dependence of the results on the scenarios' boundary conditions: climate change ranges from 13.0 to 34.1 kg CO2 eq./kg CF and resource use from 262.3 to 497.9 MJ/kg CF. Through the investigated scenarios, the relevant reduction potentials were identified. The presented results help close an existing data gap for high-quality, regionalized, and technology-specific LCA results for the production of CF.

Energizing Tomorrow: Analyzing the Transformative Potential of Electric Vehicle Adoption

INTRODUCTION: A developing economy lacks the infrastructure required to produce renewable energy sources on a large scale that can be coupled with conventional resources. This prevents the economy from taking advantage of these types of resources. The emergence of the electric vehicles (EVs) industry has been a primary catalyst for both the expansion of the economy and the production of new employment opportunities. The manufacturing and distribution of electronic automobiles have cleared the way for the construction of new manufacturing locations as well as a supply chain. This has been made possible as a result of the increased demand for EVs.&#x0D; OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are to know the overall impact of EVs on the environment through a review of the literature and to study if ongoing changes affect the economy of India.&#x0D; METHODS: The systematic review of literature is used to fulfil the objectives of the study. &#x0D; RESULTS: EVs offer a solution to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions due to their zero tailpipe emissions. They eliminate pollutants like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, improving air quality and public health. EVs, powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their higher energy efficiency and technological advancements in batteries also create employment and innovative economic opportunities. Additionally, EVs contribute to quieter and more serene environments, especially in densely populated areas, due to their silent operation.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the adoption of EVs has both positive and negative impacts on economy countries. But as compared to negative impacts, positive impacts are very high on the economic condition of any country.

Carbon footprint and energy life cycle assessment of wind energy industry in Libya

The recent investigation has demonstrated that wind energy holds great potential as a viable and environmentally friendly energy source in Libya. The study employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate various energy, economic, and environmental indicators for potential wind farm installations at multiple suitable locations across Libya. The assessment encompassed estimations of energy requirements and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the conversion of wind energy into electricity throughout the entire life cycle of the proposed wind farms. In light of Libya not being a producer of wind energy converters, a novel approach was developed to define the system's boundaries. These boundaries included distinct subsystems, each corresponding to various stages within the life cycle of a wind energy system, encompassing factors such as shipping emissions from the manufacturer's location to Tripoli's marine ports, land transportation to the wind farm sites, energy and emissions associated with installation, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposal of wind turbines.Hourly climate data spanning a 25-year period from 1995 to 2020 were gathered from the SolarGis climate information site. The System Advisor Model (SAM) program was utilized to predict the energy yields of 100 MW capacity wind farms at 12 sites in Libya. Additionally, a novel eco-environmental indicator known as the Life Cycle Levelized Cost of Energy (LCLCOE) was introduced, which factors in all environmental damage costs throughout the entire lifespan of wind energy projects. The study's findings revealed that the Gamesa turbine, with a capital cost of $146,916,400 for a 100 MW capacity wind energy farm, exhibited the most favorable economic and environmental performance. GHG emission factors across all examined cities ranged from 32 to 70 gGHG/kWh, with carbon payback durations spanning from 4.5 to 12.3 months. The estimated energy payback period varied from 13 to 22 months, while the LCLCOE ranged from 4.8 to 8.4 ¢/kWh.

The Urban-Industrial metabolism: contribution of waste recycling to the circular economy objectives within the construction sector

The construction and buildings sector is facing an urgent need to reduce GHG emissions and ensure efficient resource utilization while minimizing waste in order to comply with climate change policies and circular economy initiatives. Alkali-activated materials, as an alternative binder to CO2-intensive conventional cement, show potential in utilizing waste streams from urban environments in their production technology, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. This study examines two waste streams generated in Switzerland: incineration ashes from municipal solid waste treatment facilities and mineral wool waste from building stock renovation and demolition activities. Geospatial analysis is combined with LCA methods to assess optimal scenarios for waste recycling, utilizing a multi-objective optimization framework based on mixed integer linear programming. The objectives are to minimize the environmental impacts and costs associated with alternative supply chain networks, thereby identifying optimal locations for waste pre-treatment and concrete manufacturing. The proposed scenarios demonstrate reductions of 56% in global warming potential and 29% in costs when compared to the business-as-usual scenario of conventional cement concrete use and waste landfilling. Results show that recycling of urban waste streams in alternative concrete can reduce GHG emissions of industry and heavy transportation sectors by 0.46 mt. CO2 eq. by year 2030, equivalent to 23% and 4% of the Swiss carbon budget reduction targets for these sectors.