Positive Environmental Attributes Research Articles

One approach does not fit all settings: Exploring the effects of natural and built environments on running pleasantness across places

Running is one of the most frequently practiced exercises worldwide. Perceived pleasantness of running contributes to exercise motivation and thereby can promote running behaviours. However, the associations between environmental factors and running experience have been largely overlooked. This study adopts a public participation GIS approach to collect the mapped point features (N = 941) and assess running pleasantness from 222 runners who resided in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland. The results of a global regression model indicated that nature exposure (including eye-level greenness, top-down greenness, and blue space availability) and housing price were positively related to running pleasantness. Intersection density, traffic noise, and population density were negatively associated with running pleasantness. The spatial heterogeneity of these associations across the study area was revealed by adopting a local regression (MGWR) approach. Positive environmental attributes (e.g. blue space availability) increase running pleasantness more effectively when such attributes are more abundant, while negative attributes (e.g. traffic noise) strongly affect running pleasantness in settings where such environmental features are relatively rare. Given that the spatially-varying and scale-varying relationships between running pleasantness and environmental variables were observed across the study area, our findings provide evidence-based knowledge for planners and related policymakers, which suggests that utilizing a single approach without targeting specific settings is unwise to promote running exercise. Activity-based locations tend to have various environmental characteristics, the exposure of which needs to be adjusted uniquely and separately. Therefore, location-targeted interventions would be more effective in promoting running exercise and other physical activities than blanket approaches.

Comparative evaluation of advanced adiabatic compressed gas energy storage systems

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a mature electrical energy storage option among different types of energy storage technologies. The positive environmental attributes of the advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA-CAES) arise from a lack of the need for a combustion chamber. Taking into account the thermodynamic properties and economic considerations, a new approach has been adopted to investigate the effect of various working fluid specifications on the overall performance of the AA-CAES system. This approach involves utilizing hydrogen and nitrogen as working fluid. The technical evaluation includes energy and exergy analysis supported by economic and parametric analysis for advanced adiabatic compressed hydrogen storage (AA-CHES) systems and in addition, an advanced adiabatic compressed nitrogen storage (AA-CNES) is also considered. The results of the thermodynamic analysis illustrate the performance measurements parameters for round-trip efficiency and exergy round-trip efficiency for AA-CHES, AA-CNES, and AA-CAES are equal to 55.05 % - 63.47 %, 54.74 % - 63.16 %, and 54.5 % - 62.91 %, respectively. It is clear that changing the working fluid improves the performance of the studied system. The payback period for AA-CNES, AA-CAES, and AA-CHES are 1.2, 1.3, and 5.4 years, respectively. Additionally, the parametric investigations reveal the influential behaviors of the design parameters on the main output of the system.

A novel NIRS modelling method with OPLS-SPA and MIX-PLS for timber evaluation

The identification of timber properties is important for safe application. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology is widely-used because of its simplicity, efficiency, and positive environmental attributes. However, in its application, weak signals are extracted from complex, overlapping and changing information. This study focused on the stability of NIR modeling. The Orthogonal Partial Least Squares(OPLS) and Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA) eliminates noise and extracts effective spectra, and an ensemble learning method MIX-PLS, is applied to establish the model. The elastic modulus of timber is taken as an example, and 201 wood samples of three species, Xylosma-congesta (Lour.) Merr., Acer pictum subsp. mono, and Betula pendula, samples were divided into three groups to investigate modelling performance. The results show that OPLS can preprocess the near-infrared spectroscopy information according to the target object in the face of the system error and reduce errors to minimum. SPA finally selects 13 spectral bands, simplifies the NIR spectral data and improves model accuracy.The Pearson's correlation coefficient of Calibration (Rc) and the Pearson's correlation coefficient of Prediction (Rp) of Mix Partial Least Squares (MIX-PLS) were 0.95 and 0.90, and Root Mean Square Error of Calibration (RMSEC) and Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) are 2.075 and 6.001, respectively, which shows the model has good generalization abilities.

Comparing Wood versus Concrete: An Explorative Study of Municipal Civil Servants' Beliefs About Multistory Building Materials in Finland

Abstract The rising interest in wooden multistory buildings (WMSB) has led to multiple studies investigating how construction professionals perceive different structural frame materials. These investigations, however, exclude viewpoints from public employees (i.e., civil servants), who are central to driving the implementation of WMSB. This study is part of a broader inquiry to examine perceptions from Finnish civil servants who are responsible for municipal land-use planning and development. To this end, a questionnaire applying the theory of planned behavior was designed. Civil servants were asked to evaluate how strongly they believe WMSB possess 16 attributes in comparison to concrete multistory buildings (CMSB). The attributes constitute statements concerning various economic, social, and environmental impacts of multistory buildings, as well as technical properties. Responses (N = 273) indicate that WMSB are believed to possess positive environmental attributes and to support economic development. In contrast, CMSB are regarded to have lower construction and maintenance cost and to be less susceptible to fire. Furthermore, exogenous factors, like demographics, previous experience, and social environments, were significantly correlated to respondents' beliefs. Especially prominent was the relationship between profession and beliefs about technical and environmental attributes. Future research should focus on determining whether the set of attributes assessed in this study are relevant to the implementation of multistory building projects within Finnish municipalities.

Eutrophication and climate change impacts of a case study of New Zealand beef to the European market

ObjectiveBeef production in the Lake Taupō region of New Zealand (NZ) is regulated for nitrogen (N) leaching. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the implications of nitrogen emission limitations on eutrophication and climate change impacts of NZ beef through its life cycle to a European market and uniquely link it to 2) estimation of the reduction in these impacts that can be funded by the consumer's willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for a low environmental-impact product. MethodThe cradle-to-market Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of NZ beef on the European market included beef production on farms, meat processing, packaging and transport stages. Various beef production systems in the Lake Taupō region were modelled: farm systems with and without regulated N leaching limits in place (using N fertiliser inputs of 0 and 100 kg N/ha/year respectively) using suckler beef or beef derived from surplus calves from a dairy farm. The FARMAX model was used to model farm productivity and profitability under these various scenarios, whereas the OVERSEER® model was used to model field/farm emissions (N, phosphorus (P)) and the NZ greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory model was used to estimate total GHG emissions. Eutrophication and climate change impacts of NZ beef to the European market were calculated using recent regionalised LCA indicators. We estimated freshwater and marine eutrophication impacts of European beef using published N emissions to water and air. We estimated the European consumer's WTP for beef with positive environmental attributes based on a meta-regression analysis based on 21 published studies and compared farmer's profit for the farm system scenarios. ResultsWhen using common P-driven eutrophication indicators, the farms using 100 kg fertiliser-N/ha/year appeared to have a lower freshwater eutrophication impact than farms using no N fertiliser, which is in contradiction with the local freshwater policy for N regulations. When the contribution of both N and P were accounted for, the farms using no N fertiliser had the lowest estimated impact. Comparison with published environmental footprint of beef from Europe showed lower climate change and eutrophication impacts for NZ beef, thus showing potential positive environmental attributes for NZ beef. The European consumer's WTP (32% price premium) for such a beef product with low environmental impacts could offset the cost to farmers for implementing the reduction of N emissions. ConclusionsBridging the gap between local freshwater policy and LCA indicators starts by considering both P and N emissions and impacts. Combining an environmental LCA with an economic analysis revealed that the consumer willingness to pay could compensate for the environmental cost of protecting the lake that currently only the farmers are bearing.

CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE MILK PACKAGING: THE CASE OF AN INFERRED ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTE

AbstractEcolabeling allows firms to segment a market by informing consumers about unobservable attributes of a product. Previous studies evaluate consumer preferences for products explicitly labeled as possessing positive environmental attributes. This research evaluates consumers’ willingness to pay for a product that is perceived by the consumer as having environmentally friendly attributes. We explore glass packaging for fluid milk as a case study. Data were collected through a contingent valuation survey, and a bound-and-a-half logit model was employed. The estimated premium is 59.78 cents with a premium between $0.73 and $0.92 for consumers more likely to prefer the glass alternative.

Environmental Marketing - Establishing Credibility Through Partnerships

Companies engaged in manufacturing and retail often have difficulty establishing credibility when it comes to the positive environmental attributes of their products. Moving forward, companies will need to do more than improve their Eco-friendly processes, they will need to convince consumers that their efforts are credible and demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. Partnering with known environmental agencies, governments, consumers, and participating in public education on environmental issues are effective paths for establishing a business as a credible, Eco-responsible supplier of goods and services.

Use of bio-based insulation materials in buildings: modelling of hygrothermal conditions in use – resistance of a wood fibre material to moulds according to climatic conditions

Due to their positive environmental attributes and their performance, the use of bio-based insulation materials such as wood fibre, loose fill cellulose, hemp, flax and straw has been increasing in the construction industry across Europe. However, the current test method requirements to get technical approval do not take into account the real hygrothermal conditions in use. This research project aimed to model hygrothermal conditions of bio-based insulation materials (rigid, semi-rigid and loose-fill). The modelling of coupled thermal and humidity transfers was carried out with WUFI 2D software. Representative wall and roof were studied, with different end uses for insulation materials (outer, inner, distributed insulation). Four unfavourable French climates where studied (cold continental, humid oceanic, Mediterranean, mountain). Regarding modelled hygrothermal conditions and insulation material behaviour, two humidity use classes could be defined. An experimental design was carried out with wood fibre insulation material to assess the impact of temperature and relative humidity on the mould growth. An innovative mould test was developed with a quantitative assessment of mould growth. Finally, corroborating these two parts, this project gave to the manufacturers of biobased insulation materials the option to highlight natural durability of their products, testing them in an environment that fits with the real hygrothermal conditions in use.

Perceived Built Environment and Physical Activity in U.S. Women by Sprawl and Region

A number of studies have demonstrated relationships between the perceived built environment and physical activity among adults. However, little is known about whether these associations differ by U.S. region and level of urban sprawl. To examine associations between the perceived built environment and physical activity in U.S. women by region and urban sprawl. Nurses' Health Study II participants (N=68,968) completed four perceived neighborhood environment survey items in 2005. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with meeting physical activity recommendations, adjusting for demographic and weight-status variables, and stratifying by region and sprawl. Data analyses were completed in 2011. Perceived proximity to shops/stores was positively associated with physical activity across regions and levels of sprawl (ORs=1.21-1.46). Perceived access to recreation facilities was also a positive physical activity correlate in most region-sprawl strata, with strongest relationships found in the West (ORs=1.31-1.70). Perceived crime and presence of sidewalks did not show statistically significant associations with physical activity in most region-sprawl strata, although ORs for perceived crime showed a consistent pattern of negative associations (ORs=0.60-0.95). A higher number of positive environmental attributes was associated with a greater odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. Findings indicate that perceived proximity to shops/stores and access to recreation facilities are important correlates of physical activity for women, irrespective of region or sprawl.

Intention to pay conventional-hotel prices at a green hotel – a modification of the theory of planned behavior

Numerous studies have employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to understand customers’ behaviors in various fields, but none has tested and extended the theory to explain customers’ decision formation to pay comparable regular-hotel prices for a green hotel. This is the first study designed to test and modify the TPB by including environmental concerns, perceived customer effectiveness and environmentally conscious behaviors, which are critical in explaining eco-friendly consumer behaviors. Salient belief items were identified using an elicitation method (focus group and open-ended survey). A survey obtained 389 respondents. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that measurement items for all study variables had an adequate level of reliability and validity. The findings from the structural equation modeling showed that the proposed model had a satisfactory fit to the data and better predicted hotel customers’ intention than the original TPB. The results also indicated that all antecedent variables of intention significantly contributed to forming the intention to pay conventional-hotel prices for a green hotel. Respondents were happy to have minor inconveniences, e.g. reusing towels and using recycled products, and were keen to learn about the positive environmental attributes of green hotels. Benefit awareness was shown to be important in customer decision-making.

Switchgrass selection as a “model” bioenergy crop: A history of the process

A review of several publications of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Biofuels Feedstock Development Program and final reports from the herbaceous crop screening trials show that technology, environmental, and funding issues influenced the decision to focus on a single herbaceous “model” crop species. Screening trials funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in the late 1980s to early 1990s assessed thirty-four herbaceous species on a wide range of soil types at thirty-one different sites spread over seven states in crop producing regions of the U.S. Several species, including sorghums, reed canarygrass, wheatgrasses, and other crops, were identified as having merit for further development. Six of the seven institutions performing the screening included switchgrass among the species recommended for further development in their region and all recommended that perennial grasses be given high research priority. Reasons for the selection of switchgrass included demonstration of relatively high, reliable productivity across a wide geographical range, suitability for marginal quality land, low water and nutrient requirements, and other positive environmental attributes. Crop screening results, economic and environmental assessments by the Biofuels Feedstock Development Program staff, and Department of Energy funding limitations all contributed to the decision to further develop only switchgrass as a “model” or “prototype” species in 1991. The following ten year focus on development of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop proved the value of focusing on a single “model” herbaceous crop. The advancements and attention gained were sufficient to give government leaders, policymakers, farmers, and biofuel industry developers the confidence that lignocellulosic crops could support an economically viable and environmentally sustainable biofuel industry in the U.S.

Evaluating environmental consequences of producing herbaceous crops for bioenergy

The environmental costs and benefits of producing bioenergy crops can be measured both in terms of the relative effects on soil, water and wildlife habitat quality of replacing alternate cropping systems with the designated bioenergy system, and in terms of the quality and amount of energy that is produced per unit of energy expended. While many forms of herbaceous and woody energy crops will likely contribute to future biofuels systems, The Department of Energy's Bioenegy Feedstock Development Program (BFDP), has chosen to focus its primary herbaceous crops research emphasis on a perennial grass species, switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum). The choice of switchgrass as a model bioenergy species was based on its high yields, high nutrient use efficiency and wide geographic distribution. Another important consideration was its positive environmental attributes. The latter include its positive effects on soil quality and stability, its cover value for wildlife, and relatively low inputs of energy, water and agrochemicals required per unit of energy produced. A comparison of the energy budgets for corn, which is the primary current source of bioethanol, and switchgrass reveals that the efficiency of energy production for a perennial grass system can exceed that for an energy intensive annual row crop by as much as 15 times. In addition potential reductions in CO 2 emissions, tied to the energetic efficiency of producing transportation fuels and replacing non-renewable petrochemical fuels with ethanol derived from grasses are very promising. Calculated carbon sequestration rates may exceed those of annual crops by as much as 20–30 times, due in part to carbon storage in the soil. These differences have major implications for both the rate and efficiency with which fossil energy sources can be replaced with cleaner burning biofuels. Current research is emphasizing quantification of changes in soil nutrients and soil organic matter to provide improved understanding of the long term changes in soil quality associated with annual removal of high yields of herbaceous energy crops.

97/00817 Biocatalyst development for bioethanol production from hydrolyzates

The environmental costs and benefits of producing bioenergy crops can be measured both in terms of the relative effects on soil, water and wildlife habitat quality of replacing alternate cropping systems with the designated bioenergy system, and in terms of the quality and amount of energy that is produced per unit of energy expended. While many forms of herbaceous and woody energy crops will likely contribute to future biofuels systems, The Department of Energy's Bioenegy Feedstock Development Program (BFDP), has chosen to focus its primary herbaceous crops research emphasis on a perennial grass species, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The choice of switchgrass as a model bioenergy species was based on its high yields, high nutrient use efficiency and wide geographic distribution. Another important consideration was its positive environmental attributes. The latter include its positive effects on soil quality and stability, its cover value for wildlife, and relatively low inputs of energy, water and agrochemicals required per unit of energy produced. A comparison of the energy budgets for corn, which is the primary current source of bioethanol, and switchgrass reveals that the efficiency of energy production for a perennial grass system can exceed that for an energy intensive annual row crop by as much as 15 times. In addition potential reductions in CO2 emissions, tied to the energetic efficiency of producing transportation fuels and replacing non-renewable petrochemical fuels with ethanol derived from grasses are very promising. Calculated carbon sequestration rates may exceed those of annual crops by as much as 20–30 times, due in part to carbon storage in the soil. These differences have major implications for both the rate and efficiency with which fossil energy sources can be replaced with cleaner burning biofuels. Current research is emphasizing quantification of changes in soil nutrients and soil organic matter to provide improved understanding of the long term changes in soil quality associated with annual removal of high yields of herbaceous energy crops.

Regulation of Environmental Marketing Claims: A Comparative Perspective

As a result of media coverage and other events, public awareness and concern about the environment, particidarly in highly industrialized countries, has grown. Given the desire of many consumers for environmentally sound products, many companies have begun to focus on the positive environmental attributes of their products in their marketing communications. This article examines a number of issues (e.g. consumer understanding of environmental claims and the regulation of such claims in the United States and Australia) surrounding the use of environmental marketing claims. Suggestions are then made for improving environmental marketing so as to yield real benefits for consumers and society.