Low Carbon Research Articles

Tracking the Green Transition in the European Union Within the Framework of EU Cohesion Policy: Current Results and Future Paths

Green transition is one of the priority areas in the European Union (EU), and thus also the focus of EU cohesion policy implementation during the 2021–2027 programming period, through “green growth”. To establish adequate guidelines and achieve better outcomes, it is necessary to observe and evaluate current results connected with these aspects. In terms of the complexity of the green transition domains, measuring green transition is still developing. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the approaches that can be used in tracking the green transition as a result of EU cohesion policy implementation and to analyse achievements associated with the green transition. This will be done using desk research, previous studies, documents, evaluation reports and secondary data on the financing under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) in EU member states, with a special emphasis on themes such as the low-carbon economy, climate change adaptation and risk prevention, environment protection and resource efficiency, and network infrastructure in transport and energy. The paper discusses these results in the context of the current challenges faced by the EU in becoming a leader in the green transition and contributes to the evaluation of the EU cohesion policy.

The role of green finance in reshaping end-use energy consumption: insights from regional evidence in China

IntroductionGreen finance plays a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy by influencing energy consumption patterns. Despite growing interest in this area, the relationship between green finance and the optimization of end-use energy consumption remains underexplored, particularly in the context of regional disparities.MethodsThis study investigates the impact of green finance on end-use energy consumption structure across 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2021. A system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model and a panel threshold model are employed to analyze the relationship, incorporating nonlinearities and regional heterogeneities.ResultsThe findings indicate that green finance significantly reduces reliance on high-carbon energy sources and fosters cleaner energy consumption, particularly in provinces with advanced green financial systems. The effects are nonlinear, becoming evident only after green finance surpasses a certain threshold. Stronger impacts are observed in eastern regions due to mature financial infrastructures, whereas central and western regions experience comparatively weaker outcomes.DiscussionContrary to expectations, mediating factors such as industrial structure, energy efficiency, and green innovation have limited explanatory power for the observed impacts. These results highlight the need for tailored green financial policies and enhanced regional support mechanisms to accelerate sustainable energy transitions. This research underscores the transformative potential of green finance in energy governance and its contribution to achieving sustainable development goals.

Increasing the Nutritional Value of Camelina Meal via Trametes versicolor Solid-State Fermentation with Various Co-Substrates

Upcycling low-cost agricultural by-products into valuable and sustainable alternative feeding materials could secure human food-supply chains with a low carbon footprint. This study explored increasing the feeding value of camelina meal (CAM) mixed with wheat bran (WB), soybean hulls (SH), and rice hulls (RH) for monogastric animals via solid-state fermentation (SSF) using white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Experiments evaluated fungal growth, amino acid profiles, structural carbohydrates, glucosinolates, phytate and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Weight loss analysis indicated that fungal growth was more active in WB/CAM and SH/CAM substrates than RH/CAM. Significant phytic acid degradation and near-complete glucosinolate elimination improved CAM feed quality across all substrates. Fermentation increased total and essential amino acids in the SH/CAM mixture, while reductions occurred in WB/CAM and RH/CAM mixtures. SH/CAM fermentation caused substantial cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, resulting in a 44% IVDMD increase. Conversely, RH/CAM fermentation decreased IVDMD despite a reduction in cellulose, possibly due to protein degradation. This study demonstrates the potential of T. versicolor-mediated SSF to enhance CAM and other agricultural residues’ feeding value for monogastric animal applications.

Carbon footprinting and environmental impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures at a tertiary care institution: a prospective multi-dimensional assessment

BackgroundGiven the imperative to combat climate change, reducing the healthcare sector’s implications on the environment is crucial.ObjectiveThis study aims to offer a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of gastrointestinal...

Structural Design of Tall Mass Timber Buildings

Following the Industrial Revolution, the construction of tall buildings has surged as a means of utilizing dense urban lands more efficiently. Previously, iron/steel and reinforced concrete were the primary structural materials used in tall buildings. However, the use of engineered mass timber as a structural material for tall buildings is steadily increasing due to its numerous benefits compared to its steel or reinforced concrete counterparts. These benefits include a lower carbon footprint, biophilic effects on occupant well-being, high-quality products due to reduced on-site manufacturing and labor, and shorter construction periods. Nevertheless, there are structural design considerations for tall mass timber buildings. This study first briefly examines the development of industrialized mass timber and investigates mass timber products. Mass timber encompasses a range of timber products, including glued laminated timber (GLT), cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), dowel-laminated timber (DLT), laminated strand lumber (LSL), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), and mass ply panel (MPP). It then explores the types of framing systems created with mass timber. These framing systems can be categorized according to their material usage as all-timber or hybrid systems and, according to load-bearing element usage, as post and beam, point-supported panels, wall and panel, and modular. Later, structural design considerations for tall mass timber structures are explained. After conducting case studies for the five tallest mass timber buildings worldwide, current approaches and research areas were identified for tall mass timber building structures. Keywords: tall buildings, mass timber, structural system, framing system

Towards new modes of knowledge exchange for sustainability transformations: an exploration of multi-sited dialogue as conferencing practice

Actors working on global climate and sustainability challenges are faced with two competing imperatives: first, there is an ever-expanding body of knowledge, networks and initiatives generating new insights that should be shared. Second, we see a growing recognition that fly-in, fly-out conferencing practices are an insufficient and unsustainable model for learning, boundary crossing and collaboration towards sustainability transformations. Against this backdrop, we argue that knowledge exchange for societal transformations needs to consider three interrelated dimensions: (1) equity and inclusion – access to and representation in both process and content for all, (2) low carbon – limits the ecological burden produced by the exchange, and (3) impact – outcomes at individual and collective levels that enhance our ability to act. How we navigate the tensions that may emerge from these dimensions is a matter of pressing importance. This research article examines the potential of multi-sited dialogues as an approach to co-producing transdisciplinary solutions by using the three dimensions as the analytical framework. We report on a series of dialogue-focused conference sessions convened at three international conferences in 2023. Our findings describe the contributions that the multi-sited dialogue process brought to knowledge co-production across space and time, and the contribution of facilitation practices to the outcomes of these dialogues. We also introduce and discuss the set of principles for transforming sustainable conferencing practices that were co-produced over the three dialogues.

Green impacts of transforming green electricity into microwave for ammonia and urea production

AbstractGreen NH3 production is challenged by high energy consumption, costs, and low yields. Here, we proposed a new green NH3 process utilizing microwave (MW)‐driven N2 transformations (GreenE+MW). This process integrates water electrolysis, air separation, MW‐assisted NH3 synthesis, and NH3 separation. For comparison, a green NH3 process using the Haber–Bosch technology (GreenE+HB) was established, and the energy, economic, and environmental impacts were evaluated. The GreenE+MW process increased NH3 yield by 25.14% and reduced energy consumption by 20.69% compared to the GreenE+HB process. Furthermore, it demonstrated notable advantages in cost and carbon footprint, with green NH3 production costs potentially reduced to 326.84 USD/tNH3 at electricity price of 0.02 USD/kWh. Based on which, a green urea process was proposed, achieving an 85% reduction in carbon emissions (0.128 kgCO2e/kgUrea) compared to conventional methods. This work offers a unique electrification technology to reconstruct the industrial NH3 and urea production processes with a lower carbon footprint.

Effect of Long Term Nutrient Management on Carbon Pools and Indices in Rice-Rice Cropping System in Lateritic Soils of Humid Tropics

ABSTRACT Soil organic carbon (SOC) serves a vital role in sustaining environmental quality and supporting agroecosystems. The study evaluated the effects of long-term manuring and fertilization on SOC pools in rice-rice cropping system in the lateritic soils of Central Plain, Kerala, India. Soil samples from the long term fertilizer plots were used to determine the SOC pools. Treatments were: 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) (50% NPK), 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + lime, 100% NP, 100% N, 100% NPK + farm yard manure (FYM) (100% NPK + FYM), 50% NPK + FYM, 100% NPK + Sesbania aculeata (SA), 50% NPK + SA and no fertilizers or manures (control). Integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments improved the Walkley and Black carbon (WBC) content. Water-soluble carbon (WSC) ranged from 0.009 to 0.012%, with the highest value found in INM. KMnO4-oxidizable carbon ranged from 0.092 to 0.158%. The management practices were found to greatly influence microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in the soil with values 195.55 to 298.19 µg g−1 soils. The treatments had a significant effect on fractions of SOC that are strongly connected to aggregate stability namely, total polysaccharides, and glomalin. Application of NPK from 50% to 150% improved WBC, WSC and MBC by 7.69%, 22.22% and 27.90%, respectively. The INM practices also improved the SOC stocks. The carbon management index (CMI) found to be superior in one receiving INM practices than one receiving prescribed levels of nutrition using only mineral fertilizers.

Analyzing the role of main energy transition policies upon renewable energy penetration in the EU: An assessment of energy productivity and low carbon economies

Analyzing the role of main energy transition policies upon renewable energy penetration in the EU: An assessment of energy productivity and low carbon economies

Glycogen-accumulating organisms promote phosphate recovery from wastewater by pilot-scale biofilm sequencing batch reactor: Performance and mechanism

A high phosphate (P) recovery concentration was achieved in pilot-scale biofilm sequencing batch reactor (BSBR) with a low carbon source (C) cost. Especially, a high-abundance glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) (13.93–31.72%) was detected that was accompanied by a high P recovery concentration of BSBR. High-abundance GAOs obtain additional C through various C compensation pathways (split tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), glyoxylate shunt and gluconeogenesis), thus reducing the need to compete with polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) for C and weakening the adverse effects on P recovery by PAO cells. Under the action of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs)-mediated quorum sensing (QS), GAOs promoted the secretion of a large amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which helped to realize the P recovery of EPS-dominated biofilms (68.02%–96.89%). This study provides a low-carbon technology for the recovery of high concentration P from municipal wastewater, and improves the ecological theory of P recovery in collaboration with GAOs and PAOs.

Sustainable stabilization/solidification of electroplating sludge using a low-carbon ternary cementitious binder

Electroplating sludge (ES), due to its high dosages of heavy metals (HMs), is classified as hazardous waste, presenting risks to both health and environment. Stabilization/solidification (S/S) technology is extensively applied in ES treatment. This study designs a low-carbon ternary cementitious binder, limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), for S/S treatment of ES and investigates the immobilization mechanism of HMs in the crystalline products and calcium alumino-silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) within LC3. Results show that CrO42- and Cd2+ are primarily stabilized in aluminate crystalline products by replacing SO42- and Ca2+ in the double-layered plate structure, respectively. The remaining CrO42- is captured by the (SiOOH)2AlCa⁺ groups in C-A-S-H generated from substitution of aluminum tetrahedra to bridging silicon tetrahedra. For positively charged Cd2+, it is mainly stabilized through ion exchange with Ca2+ on the C-A-S-H chains. The pozzolanic reaction of calcined clay increases the Al/Ca and Si/Ca atomic ratios in C-A-S-H, enhancing the immobilization efficiency of C-A-S-H to CrO42- and Cd2+. The synergistic effect of calcined clay and limestone, along with the dissolution of aluminosilicates in calcined clay, changes the structure and composition of hydration products, facilitating the chemical binding of CrO42- and Cd2+ by aluminate products. Moreover, the extra hydration products generated by the pozzolanic reaction and the formation of numerous carboaluminate phases strengthen the physical encapsulation performance to HMs. Regarding actual S/S performance, multi-scale evaluation results show that the designed LC3 binder achieves sustainable S/S of ES with high strength, low carbon emission, low cost, and low energy consumption.

Advancing Zero-Carbon community in China: Policy Analysis, implementation Challenges, and strategic recommendations

Zero-carbon community (ZCC) is essential in addressing critical social and environmental challenges, particularly in reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. However, several issues are still unclear, including inconsistent definitions of ZCC, the lack of detailed policy analyses, and limited exploration of implementation challenges and solutions persist. This study addresses these gaps by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the drivers and barriers to ZCC development in China. It begins with a detailed review of the definitions of ZCC, comparing and contrasting them from both domestic and international perspectives. Then, it evaluates existing incentives, categorizes them into policy documents, laws, and standards while assessing their evolution and real-world applications. This study also presents case studies of exemplary ZCC, including the Beddington Community in the UK and the Zero Carbon Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo Park in China. These cases offer insights into practical approaches, societal impacts, and advanced practices, proposing a ZCC construction model tailored to China’s unique economic and policy environment. Furthermore, the study identifies key barriers to adopting ZCC in China and proposes targeted recommendations across five domains: administrative, economic, technological, socio-cultural, and environmental. A “macro-meso-micro” implementation pathway is developed, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration as a core element for successful execution. This study systematically reviews and critically analyzes current policies and practices related to ZCC, and offering valuable theoretical guidance for developing regulations and standards, along with practical solutions to address current implementation challenges.

Development of sustainable concrete with pulverized coal bottom ash for low cost and carbon emission

Development of sustainable concrete with pulverized coal bottom ash for low cost and carbon emission

Field and laboratory study on the distribution, fate and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the loess porous medium at a refinery polluted site: Understanding the soil-groundwater interface

Soil and groundwater pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has become a global concern. This study therefore investigates the occurrence, sources, and transport mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil-groundwater system of a closed refinery. Field investigations and laboratory column experiments revealed widespread PAH contamination in both groundwater and soil, with higher concentrations near the groundwater level (6.45–8.75 m). PAHs in soil and groundwater were predominantly low and medium molecular weight compounds (LMW and MMW), originated from petroleum leakage and coal combustion. The region’s soil, primarily composed of loess and gravel with low total organic carbon (TOC) content (mean 0.07 %), showed a positive correlation between PAH concentration and TOC/clay content, while sand content had no significant impact. Groundwater fluctuations influence PAH accumulation at the soil-groundwater interface (SGI), which may suggest potential for increased migration under varying hydraulic conditions. This vertical migration offers new insights into contaminant transport models in groundwater systems, particularly for arid regions, and could inform future remediation strategies for similar contamination scenarios.

Long-chain fatty acids as sole carbon source in polyhydroxyalkanoates production by Cupriavidus necator H16.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are promising eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical plastics. This study investigated the impact of the main fatty acids present in waste and fresh oils -palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid-on PHA production using Cupriavidus necator H16, focusing on production yield, polymer composition, thermal properties, and microbial viability. Experiments were conducted with low (5g/L) and high (15g/L) carbon content for 168h. Oleic acid was the most effective carbon source, yielding higher PHA production rates, especially noticeable at higher concentrations. The monomer composition and thermal properties of PHAs varied with the type and concentration of fatty acid used. Stearic acid produced PHAs with more 3-hydroxyvalerate and medium-chain length monomers. Microbial viability was consistent across all conditions, except for linoleic acid, which had a detrimental effect. These findings provide key insights into optimizing fatty acid selection to enhance PHA production and tailor polymer properties for industrial applications.

Impact of climate and human-induced fire on the Dongyuan Lake, Southern Taiwan during the last 1850 cal years BP

Impact of climate and human-induced fire on the Dongyuan Lake, Southern Taiwan during the last 1850 cal years BP

Mitigating public hygiene anxiety in waste material applications: Development of an antibacterial and high performance triboelectric nanogenerator from recycled PET

The development of triboelectric nanogenerators using waste materials (WM-TENGs) has gained significant attention for advancing a low-carbon economy and enhancing renewable energy utilization. However, consumer concerns about hygiene and safety hinder their acceptance in human-related applications, particularly due to fears of residual bacteria on reused materials from previous users and the potential for new bacterial growth from new users. To address these concerns, we developed an antibacterial and high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator from waste PET materials (AW-TENG). By incorporating small antibacterial polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) molecules into the PET molecular chains, the resultant material, PET-PHMG, not only retains the excellent antibacterial properties of PHMG but also exhibits significantly enhanced triboelectric properties. The PET-PHMG nanofiber based AW-TENG achieved a maximum output voltage and current of 120.2V and 2.9 μA, while demonstrating effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The corresponding charge density of 22.1nC/cm² stands out as one of the highest among WM-TENGs. Given these attractive characteristics, the AW-TENG is well-suited for applications such as self-powered pressure sensors and fire alarm systems. This study highlights the advanced utilization of discarded PET-derived antibacterial material in TENG technology, which can effectively foster public confidence in the use of wasted materials.

Nitrogen and phosphorus removal in microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland integrated with layered double hydroxides coated filter for treating low carbon wastewater

Nitrogen and phosphorus removal in microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland integrated with layered double hydroxides coated filter for treating low carbon wastewater

Converting cellulose to biogas with anaerobic digestion at incubation temperatures of 5 °C difference in the effort for efficiency and low carbon emission

Converting cellulose to biogas with anaerobic digestion at incubation temperatures of 5 °C difference in the effort for efficiency and low carbon emission

The effect of digital technology innovation on low carbon investment in renewable energy enterprises

This study focuses on examining the impact of digital technology innovation (DIT) on low carbon investment(LCI) in renewable energy enterprises, and empirically tests the sample of listed renewable energy companies to obtain the following conclusions. Firstly, DIT significantly promotes the LCI of listed renewable energy companies. Secondly, DIT will suppress LCI by increasing production costs, and promote LCI by promoting environmental information disclosure and internal control management quality. Thirdly, DIT has an inverted U-shaped impact on LCI, with an impact that is first promoted and then suppressed. Fourthly, in terms of heterogeneity. DIT has a stronger promoting effect on the LCI of large-scale enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and eastern enterprises. Fifthly, intellectual property protection, digital infrastructure construction, and government's digital orientation will all promote the positive impact of DIT on LCI. This study aims to provide insights on digital construction for promoting LCI in renewable energy enterprises.