Eco-efficiency Measures Research Articles

Relative Eco-Efficiency Recognition Based on DEA Neural Network

Regional eco-efficiency is regarded as a relative concept. It could be presented the relative eco-efficiency with the change of economy and environment. That means it could not the optimal compared with the predicted optimum in the future. It would be a basis of policy decision making of local governments according to identify the life cycle stage of current regional eco-efficiency. As a beneficial supplement of the eco-efficiency measurement, this paper set up a DEA Neural Network recognition model which can effectively analyze and identify the current relative eco-efficiency of a regional. The empirical research shows that the phenomenon of forecasted value “floating upon” has been restrained effectively. It is an obvious advantage that this method is showed as a method of fast convergence, accurate identification, extensive application and promotion value in practice.

Plant-wide control: Eco-efficiency and control loop configuration

Since the eco-efficiency of all industrial processes/plants has become increasingly important, engineers need to find a way to integrate the control loop configuration and the measurements of eco-efficiency. A new measure of eco-efficiency, the exergy eco-efficiency factor, for control loop configuration, is proposed in this paper. The exergy eco-efficiency factor is based on the thermodynamic concept of exergy which can be used to analyse a process in terms of its efficiency associated with the control configuration. The combination of control pairing configuration techniques (such as the relative gain array, RGA and Niederlinski index, NI) and the proposed exergy eco-efficiency factor will guide the process designer to reach the optimal control design with low operational cost (i.e., energy consumption). The exergy eco-efficiency factor is implemented in the process simulation case study and the reliability of the proposed method is demonstrated by dynamic simulation results.

A software algorithm/package for control loop configuration and eco-efficiency

Software is a powerful tool to help us analyze industrial information and control processes. In this paper, we will show our recently development of a software algorithm/package which can help us select the more eco-efficient control configuration. Nowadays, the eco-efficiency of all industrial processes/plants has become more and more important; engineers need to find a way to integrate control loop configuration and measurements of eco-efficiency. The exergy eco-efficiency factor; a new measure of eco-efficiency for control loop configuration has been developed. This software algorithm/package will combine a commercial simulator, VMGSim, and Excel together to calculate the exergy eco-efficiency factor.

A data envelopment analysis approach to choose transport modes based on eco-efficiency

The main purpose of this paper is to use data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a support tool to establish a relative eco-efficiency measure for the different bioethanol transportation modes and to prioritize these different modes according to these figures. From a review of previous studies, we selected a set of attributes to be considered in DEA, and then experts were consulted about the importance of these attributes for this type of analysis in Brazil. To quantify the attributes, we established indicators and submitted them to DEA to evaluate the relative eco-efficiency to each available transportation mode for the case studied. The use of DEA established the guidelines to improve the transportation modes that were not considered 100 % relatively eco-efficient. These improvements could be achieved considering the percentage, reduction or growth for each of the attributes in the selected transportation mode. The proposed approach can help the Brazilian government to develop a plan to improve the bioethanol transportation infrastructure and can be used to propel short-term improvements in the highway transport of bioethanol, which could be useful given the Brazilian transportation context.

Eco-efficiency of the world cement industry: A data envelopment analysis

Chemical reactions and the combustion of dirty fuels, such as coal and petroleum coke (petcoke), that are used in cement production processes generate a significant amount of CO 2 emissions. In this paper, we provide an eco-efficiency measure for 21 prototypes of cement industries operating in many countries by applying both a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a directional distance function approach, which are particularly suitable for models where several production inputs and desirable and undesirable outputs are taken into account. To understand whether this eco-efficiency is due to a rational utilization of inputs or to a real carbon dioxide reduction as a consequence of environmental regulation, we analyze the cases where CO 2 emissions can either be considered as an input or as an undesirable output. Empirical results show that countries where cement industries invest in technologically advanced kilns and adopt alternative fuels and raw materials in their production processes are eco-efficient. This gives a comparative advantage to emerging countries, such as India and China, which are incentivized to modernize their production processes.

Russell non-radial eco-efficiency measure and scale elasticity of a sample of electric/electronic products

In this paper, a Russell non-radial measure of eco-efficiency is proposed. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used for the computations. The inputs considered are the damage indicators provided by the Ecoindicator 99 methodology for Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). The single output is consumer price, used as a surrogate of economic value. After projecting onto the efficient frontier using input orientation and obtaining efficient target values for the damage indicators, additional DEA models are solved in order to compute corresponding scale elasticities bounds. The proposed approach is illustrated on a small sample of household electric and electronic products. The results confirm that mobile phones, desktop computers and vacuum cleaners are eco-efficient and, of these, only mobile phones are scale efficient. Bounds on the scale elasticity of all products are reported. Most products show decreasing eco-efficiency returns to scale.

Tourist Destination Integral Product Eco-Efficiency

The main objective of this article is to illustrate the accounting methodology for eco-efficiency measurement, which allows for inclusion of the economically-orientated component in the processes of environmental reporting on tourist destination integral product, while examining the interrelation of eco-costs and values found in the classic LCC and particular tourist destination SBU (Strategic Business Unit). The process of tourist destination integral product eco-efficiency measurement calls for development of environmental accounting methods suitable for presentation of economically-orientated sustainability information. In the complex process of integral product eco-efficiency measurement, LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and LCC (Life Cycle Costing) take important roles. Interpretation and presentation of the data includes detailed cradle-to-grave environmental impact assessment of direct and indirect tourist activity and different products of tourist destination SBU’s. Eco-costs represent the monetary component in the processes of environmental accounting and reporting on environmental impact of tourist destination integral product.

Conditional eco-efficiency measure from the perspective of pollution emission firms

This paper proposes a conditional eco-efficiency measure with constraints to profit and pollution goals from the perspective of pollution emission firms. The measure is obtained not only by comparing the relative performance to other decision-making units (DMUs), but also by comparing the existing level relative to expected profit and pollution goals. We use the proposed measure to appraise the eco-efficiency of 32 paper mills along the Huai River in China, and discuss the sensitivity of eco-efficiency with some varying parameters. Different from the previous eco-efficiency measures, our technique admits the selfish motives of pollution emission firms which have little motivation to minimise the pollution emission. As a result, the current approach can be accepted by pollution emission firms for providing feasible strategies in performance improvement.

Development of eco-efficiency in Finnish forest industry: 1997-2007

In this article I reconsider if eco-efficiency (EE) concept is suitable practical tool and instrument to measure the progress towards sustainable development (SD) and the aims of industrial ecology in forest industries. The SD strives for material and energy metabolism that is within the ecological carrying and regeneration capacity of the nature. The aim of eco-efficiency is commonly to reduce the use of natural resources in order to alleviate the environmental consequences from overburdening of the environment. This article analyses the EE of Finnish forest industry and some of the largest forest companies. Results show that the EE has decreased during the time period 1997 to 2007. This is due to the stagnating demand for pulp and paper and expanded production capacity. Yet there have been no improvements in the efficiency of materials use. The EE measures suggest a need for major structural changes within the industry to become more eco-efficient and sustainable.

Cost data quality considerations for eco-efficiency measures

Cost data are a central aspect of eco-efficiency measures, either as means to assess value of production, or, more directly, as one dimension of the efficiency ratio. Several aspects may affect the quality of cost data, among them definitions, time and space, and confidentiality issues. Somewhat surprisingly, cost data quality has received little attention in the field of sustainability and eco-efficiency so far. Even worse, perhaps, is the lack of tools suitable for a cost data quality assessment and management. This paper discusses parameters that affect cost data quality, and will then propose a pedigree matrix as a tool designed for managing cost data quality issues. The application of the matrix is described, also in combination with a previously proposed, and broadly used, pedigree matrix for environmental data quality management.

The ecological modernisation of SMEs in the UK’s construction industry

Ecological Modernisation (EM) theorists argue that businesses in industrialised nations are ecologically restructuring in response to market signals, and that economic actors increasingly perceive a business case for sustainability. Whilst UK policymakers urge companies to undertake environmental measures voluntarily on the basis that it will be good for business, a qualitative study exploring the environmental practices of small and medium-sized construction firms found that the opinions of owner-managers had little resonance with this ‘win–win’ rhetoric. Respondents did not perceive the financial returns to be gained from eco-efficiency measures to be significant enough to warrant the short-term investment in time and resources required to pursue them. Moreover, the market was not signalling that product value could be raised or that customers could be won by embracing environmental best practice. The paper concludes by questioning the UK government’s faith in EMs ‘win–win’ ideology to encourage the greening of industry.

Cleaner production and methodological proposal of eco-efficiency measurement in a Mexican petrochemical complex

Abstract In the frame of the Petróleos Mexicanos Institutional Program for Sustainable Development, processes were evaluated in the manufacture operation of the petrochemical industry, with the purpose of reducing their ecological fingerprint. Thirteen cleaner production opportunities were registered in six process plants: ethylene oxide and glycols, acetaldehyde, ethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene switch and acrylonitrile, and 45 recommendations in the waste water treatment plant. Morelos is the second most important petrochemical complex in the Mexican and Latin American petrochemical industry. A tool was developed to obtain eco-efficiency indicators in operation processes, and as a result, potential savings were obtained based on best performance, as well as the integrated distribution of Sankey diagrams. Likewise, a mechanism of calculation to obtain economic savings based on the reduction of residues during the whole productive process is proposed. These improvement opportunities and recommendations will result in economic and environmental benefits minimising the use of water, efficient use of energy, raw materials and reducing residues from source, generating less environmental impacts during the process.

Waste input–output linear programming model with its application to eco-efficiency analysis

This paper is concerned with a decision analytic extension of the waste input–output model, based on the method of linear programming. The resulting model, which is named the waste input–output linear programming model, allows one to automatically obtain an ‘optimal’ waste management and recycling strategy from among a given set of alternative feasible strategies. The model can thus explore the extent to which a given measure of eco-efficiency can be maximized by an appropriate combination of existing (technological and resource) potentials. An application to Japanese data is also presented.

Environmental management accounting applications and eco-efficiency: case studies from Japan

This paper explores the links between environmental management accounting and measures of eco-efficiency in Japanese business. Environmental management accounting is a relatively new environmental management tool initially designed to trace and track environmental costs and physical environmental flows. In the paper, first, the recent development of environmental management accounting is considered; second, the links between environmental management accounting and eco-efficiency measurement are examined. Recent case studies in environmental management accounting from Japan are used as a basis for the analysis. It is concluded from the analysis that the practice of linking eco-efficiency measurement with environmental management accounting information is underutilised, diverse and in need of further promotion if EMA is to help Japanese business move production processes and consumption of its products towards sustainability.

Eco-efficiency reporting exemplified by case studies

This paper presents current and future trends and requirements for environmental, eco-efficiency and sustainability reporting. Further it defines the concept of eco-efficiency, and describes ways of developing eco-efficiency indicators for production sites and for product chains. Eco-efficiency measures give indications both on economic and on environmental performance. These indicators are then exemplified by results from case studies within Norwegian and European industrial companies. Some of these projects have also laid the foundation for environmental accounting and reporting systems in local communities. Eco-efficiency as a tool for measuring the performance along product value chains is demonstrated in the paper. Product oriented eco-efficiency indicators are seen in the context of the international efforts on standardisation of environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are ways to report the environmental performance of products. This is exemplified with cases from furniture production value chains. The presentation focuses further on the concept of corporate social responsibility and on the challenges of how to incorporate this in future sustainability reporting.

Limited LCAs of pharmaceutical products: merits and limitations of an environmental management tool

AbstractThis article explores both the merits and the limitations of life cycle analysis (LCA) as an environmental management tool in the framework of the pharmaceutical industry.In this study, limited LCAs in the form of product lifecycle‐oriented energy balances were established for two rather different pharmaceutical products. Primary energy requirements served as the single indicator for the products' direct and indirect environmental impacts. The functional units of the products were defined as the one year treatments of average patients.The results of the case studies indicate that the portion of the active substance in the pharmaceutical end product is an important predictor for the breakdown of energy requirements and thus environmental impacts over the life cycle. Despite its limitations, the energy balances provide first‐hand indications of where eco‐efficiency measures should be taken. In this sense, the limited LCAs served as a useful environmental management tool. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment

Industrial ecology study and research program at Norwegian University of Science and Technology

This paper gives a brief presentation of the industrial ecology study and research programs at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). These programs have been running for a few years, and they have recently been evaluated. The revised program will be presented. A central topic within the framework of industrial ecology is eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency should be a tool for measuring internal progress as well as a tool for communicating level of economic and environmental performance. Some of the research projects in the NTNU program deal with this concept. Effort has been put into clarifying the terminology of eco-efficiency, the definitions and the methodologies for selecting eco-efficiency indicators, and how they can be used for reporting purposes and as a tool for improvement measures. The paper presents examples of the use of indicators for eco-efficiency measures both for production sites and for products and value chains. The paper further gives an overview of upcoming international requirements to environmental reporting in the context of industrial ecology. Here we find different types of reporting initiatives, e.g. that eco-efficiency reports inform about economic performance in addition to the environmental performance while sustainability reports encompasses social, economic and environmental aspects, the "triple bottom line". Today we see a move from traditional environmental reporting to eco-efficiency reporting and sustainability reporting. For products, we see an international standardisation effort of environmental product declarations (EPDs). Among the research activities at the industrial ecology program at NTNU, is the search for eco-efficiency indicators that can be harmonised with the product declaration standards.

An Eco-Efficiency Analysis of an Economy

In the paper the efficiency of an economy is defined by the linear program based on the input-output model with make and use tables that maximizes the level of domestic final demand – given its proportions – for given amounts of primary factors, labour and capital. For the notion of the eco-efficiency this concept is extended by taking into account pollutants or the undesirable outputs produced in the economy. The degree by which a net output vector – for given stocks of capital and labour and for given environmental standards – could be extended, is a measure for the eco-efficiency of an economy. In order to obtain Pareto-Koopmans efficiency a so-called slack-based measure of eco-efficiency is proposed and illustrated by a numerical example.