Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adriana Del Borghi, Valeria Tacchino, Luca Moreschi, Agata Matarazzo, Michela Gallo, Diego Arellano Vazquez
Summary: The increase in world population is putting pressure on soil, water resources, and ecosystems. This study uses a combination of precision agriculture and life cycle assessment to improve the energy-environmental performance of vegetable crops.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Susie Ruqun Wu, Lindo Wang
Summary: Transparency is crucial for supporting scientific claims in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, but the disclosure of secondary datasets and analysis scripts of models is still relatively low. The use of open-source programming languages can enhance transparency and reproducibility. It is also important to disclose secondary datasets and provide justifications for their selection to ensure accurate interpretation of LCA results.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gulizar Balcioglu, Harish K. Jeswani, Adisa Azapagic
Summary: This study evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts and costs of heat and electricity generation from poplar and Miscanthus, two potential energy crops in Turkey. The results show that poplar-based combined heat and power (CHP) combustion is the best option in terms of environmental impacts. All bioenergy plants provide significant reductions in global warming potential, fossil fuel depletion, and human toxicity. Poplar-based energy plants have better environmental and economic profiles compared to Miscanthus, except when land use change is considered.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoju Chen, H. Scott Matthews, W. Michael Griffin
Summary: This study systematically evaluated uncertainties resulting from different LCIA methods, showing significant uncertainties in impact categories, which should be considered in impact assessments.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charlotte Hemingway, Mathieu Vigne, Claire Aubron
Summary: This study proposes a carbon footprint assessment method to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions from crops and livestock in an Indian village impacted by both Green and White revolutions. The results show that fertilization, irrigation, and methane from paddy fields are the main drivers of emissions at the plot level. Livestock farming systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions at the farm and village level.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Fernandez-Lobato, Y. Lopez-Sanchez, R. Baccar, M. Fendri, D. Vera
Summary: This study aims to analyze the environmental impacts of Tunisian olive oil production and establish the most sustainable practices through a cradle to gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results show that agricultural activities contribute the most in all impact categories, emphasizing the need to reduce their impact and improve yield for lower overall environmental impact. The study proposes improving efficiency in agriculture and investing in the 2-3 phase combined system.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bu Zhao, Chenyang Shuai, Ping Hou, Shen Qu, Ming Xu
Summary: The study developed a machine learning model to estimate missing unit process data, which can complement primary LCI data, successfully classify zero and nonzero flows, and accurately estimate the values of nonzero flows.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sankhya Ramanan, Godfrey Mkongo, Qian Zhang, Haibao Wen, Felix Mtalo, Junjie Shen
Summary: Animal bone char has been widely used as an adsorbent for removing fluoride from drinking water, particularly in developing countries, due to its low cost and ease of use. However, the environmental impact of its production has not been fully investigated, with transport and charring gas emissions identified as major contributors to climate change and terrestrial acidification. Despite the environmental cost of producing bone char exceeding its local market price, the sustainability of this technology remains uncertain.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Darlene Echeverria, Richard Venditti, Hasan Jameel, Yuan Yao
Summary: This research uses process simulations to generate life cycle inventory data for different grades of dissolving pulp (DP) and finds that biomass feedstock directly affects the environmental impacts of DP. The study shows that hardwood acetate grade has a higher global warming potential compared to softwood acetate, but lower impacts in other categories related to ecosystems and human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Filippo Zuliani, Alessandro Manzardo, Alessandro Marson, Andrea Fedele
Summary: Among the environmental issues, nitrogen and phosphorus perturbations in biogeochemical flows have attracted attention due to their global risks and social implications. The evaluation of environmental impact related to this issue, specifically changes in the nitrogen cycle, has gained interest. A novel method using the nitrogen footprint indicator and aligning with ISO standards is proposed to calculate reactive nitrogen emissions in a product system. The method is validated through comparison with literature references, demonstrating good agreement.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Amelie Mueller, Lorenz Friedrich, Christian Reichel, Sina Herceg, Max Mittag, Dirk Holger Neuhaus
Summary: The study compared the environmental impacts of sc-Si glass-backsheet and glass-glass modules produced in China, Germany, and the EU, showing lower impacts for glass-glass modules and for production in Germany and the EU compared to China. The study emphasizes the significant levers for future reductions of environmental impacts, such as module efficiency, energy requirements, silicon consumption, and carbon intensity of electricity during production. The importance of up-to-date inventories and current modeling of electricity mixes for representative LCA results of PV modules is highlighted.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patrick Haun, Philipp Muller, Marzia Traverso
Summary: Global warming is a critical challenge and car manufacturers are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. This paper presents an approach to construct an LCI model for automated LCA, which enables consistent and efficient evaluation of the environmental impact of vehicles while maintaining accuracy and applicability. The methodology can be applied to other complex products and impact categories, not limited to vehicle LCAs and carbon footprints.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tiago Barreto Rocha, Carmenlucia Santos Giordano Penteado
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental impact and benefits of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) reverse logistics system through the life cycle assessment (LCA), showing that the benefits outweigh the impacts mainly due to the savings of metals and mineral resources and the reduction of potential environmental impact in human toxicity categories.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Troy Hottle, Troy R. Hawkins, Caitlin Chiquelin, Bryan Lange, Ben Young, Pingping Sun, Amgad Elgowainy, Michael Wang
Summary: This study develops life-cycle inventories for ready-mix concrete and portland cement production technologies in the U.S., providing baselines for evaluating their environmental performance. The findings highlight the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through advanced calcination technologies, as well as the significance of metal releases and particulate-matter emissions generated by non-combustion-related activity.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laurine Santos Carvalho, Camila Daniele Willers, Bruna Borges Soares, Alex Rodrigues Nogueira, Jose Adolfo de Almeida Neto, Luciano Brito Rodrigues
Summary: The environmental performance of cow milk produced in a conventional semi-intensive system was evaluated using a life cycle assessment method. Methane and nitrogen emissions from enteric animals and feeding inputs were identified as major contributors to impacts. Strategies based on literature were suggested to mitigate environmental impacts, emphasizing productivity improvement and efficient use of supply chain inputs. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency of results despite uncertainties in methodological choices and database usage.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Stefania Fiameni, Simone Battiston, Valentina Castellani, Simona Barison, Lidia Armelao
Summary: The goal of this study was to identify the environmental hotspots of an experimental research work at lab scale involving physical vapor deposition magnetron sputtering of aluminum titanium nitride based thin coatings onto commercial laminated steel. The main driver of impacts in the analyzed laboratory activities was found to be the electricity used for instruments operations, particularly for vacuum keeping. Optimization strategies were evaluated to reduce overall electricity consumption and improve the environmental profile of experimental activities.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Serenella Sala, Eleonora Crenna, Michela Secchi, Esther Sanye-Mengual
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serenella Sala, Andrea Martino Amadei, Antoine Beylot, Fulvio Ardente
Summary: Life cycle thinking (LCT) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are crucial concepts and methods for sustainable transitions, particularly in EU policies. While there has been an increasing mention of life cycle concepts and approaches in EU policies over three decades, implementation remains a challenge, especially in certain sectors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carla Caldeira, Valeria De Laurentiis, Agneta Ghose, Sara Corrado, Serenella Sala
Summary: National studies on food waste in EU countries show discrepancies due to different quantification approaches. Two modelling approaches are proposed, based on Material Flow Analysis and waste statistics, to estimate food waste. Estimates from waste statistics are generally lower than those from Material Flow Analysis.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lugas Raka Adrianto, Mitchell K. van der Hulst, Janot P. Tokaya, Rickard Arvidsson, Carlos F. Blanco, Carla Caldeira, Gonzalo Guillen-Gonsalbez, Serenella Sala, Bernhard Steubing, Matthias Buyle, Mohamad Kaddoura, Nicolas H. Navarre, Julien Pedneault, Massimo Pizzol, Beatrice Salieri, Toon van Harmelen, Mara Hauck
Summary: This paper summarizes the 76th LCA Discussion Forum end its main findings regarding emerging technologies, highlighting the lack of primary data and common methodology for future background scenarios. Organizers recommend improving consistency, continuing to share technology data, and streamlining the process of including scenarios for background systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Serenella Sala, Andrea Martino Amadei, Antoine Beylot, Fulvio Ardente
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Valentina Castellani, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: Current patterns of household goods consumption generate significant environmental pressures, impacting not only Europe but also third countries where products are imported from. Assessing the entire life cycle of products helps to consider trade-related transboundary effects. The main environmental impacts of household goods consumption are on climate change, fossil resource use, and water use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulia Ferronato, Sara Corrado, Valeria De laurentiis, Serenella Sala
Summary: The study combines Material Flow Analysis and Life cycle Assessment to analyze the meat supply chain in Italy. Results show an average meat consumption of 55 kg per capita per year, with pork, poultry, and beef being the main contributors, where beef contributes the most to CO2 emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andrea Martino Amadei, Valeria De Laurentiis, Serenella Sala
Summary: This study critically assesses the available monetary valuation approaches applicable in LCA and highlights challenges and research needs towards the development of a set of monetary valuation factors. The review found significant variability in the availability of monetary valuation coefficients across impact categories. Results from a case study on the environmental impacts of the consumption of an average European citizen showed a contribution of external damage ranging from 15% to 41% of per capita expenditure.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: This paper examines the potential role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in supporting EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on evaluating environmental impacts, achieving sustainability goals, and integrating the Planetary Boundaries framework. The study emphasizes that LCA can strengthen EU policies towards achieving SDGs while considering the physical limits of the planet.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serenella Sala, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Esther Sanye Mengual, Erwan Saouter
Summary: This paper presents the principles and methods for calculating the set of characterisation factors for toxicity-related impact categories in the EU environmental footprint version 3.0. The updates to the USEtox(R) model and the use of high-quality data from EU agencies have resulted in an increased number of characterised chemicals and improved alignment between LCA toxicity data and data used for risk assessment purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Antonio Valente, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Martin Dorber, Francesca Verones, Alexandra Marques, Jorge Ortigosa Rodriguez, Valeria De Laurentiis, Simone Fazio, Serenella Sala
Summary: This paper focuses on mapping LCIA methods and models addressing biodiversity loss to specific LCI nomenclatures, proposing mapping rules for elementary flows related to chemicals, carbon emissions, land use, water use, and particulate matter, while discussing specific aspects to consider in mapping elementary flows. Main gaps in LCI nomenclatures are associated with toxicity and climate change impacts, with EF 3.0 showing better alignment with LCIA methods and models compared to ecoinvent 3.6. Further efforts are recommended for harmonizing elementary flows nomenclature in the LCA community.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Antonio Valente, Stephan Pfister, Serenella Sala
Summary: This study compares eight LCIA methods and models to assess the biodiversity impacts of EU consumption. The results show that land use, climate change, and ecotoxicity have a significant contribution to biodiversity loss, and food, mobility, and household goods are the major contributors. The study emphasizes the importance of impact category coverage in assessing biodiversity impacts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laura Garcia-Herrero, Davide Gibin, Mattia Damiani, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: Food consumption is a major contributor to global water consumption and its environmental impact. This study compares the volumetric blue water footprint assessment (WFA), a pressure method, with the scarcity-weighted WF AWARE model, an impact method, to evaluate the water footprint of food consumption in the EU27. The results show that almonds and cashew have the highest pressure and impact in both methods. EU food consumption has a water footprint pressure of approximately 54 m3/capita/year and an impact of approximately 3525 m3 eq/capita/year under an aligned scope. Considering the full supply chain, the water footprint impact increases by 30%, with wine and chocolate being the top contributors. Integration of WFA data into life cycle assessment (LCA) inventory could be explored for a more comprehensive analysis.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Philip Nuss, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: The European Green Deal and the German Resource Efficiency Programme aim to decouple resource consumption from economic growth and reduce associated environmental burdens. This study uses the consumption footprint indicator to assess Germany's environmental impacts in various sectors. The findings reveal that Germany exceeds the safe operating space for several impact categories.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
