Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rizal Taufiq Fauzi, Patrick Lavoie, Audrey Tanguy, Ben Amor
Summary: Buildings have a significant impact on the environment, with the choice of attributional or consequential approach affecting the results. The application of consequential LCA and LCC methods in the building sector is limited, but necessary for policy-making and uncovering hidden impacts.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Silvia Guillen-Lambea, Raphael Abrahao, Monica Carvalho
Summary: Developing new clean power generation systems is important for the energy sector. This research assesses the environmental impacts of two medium power generation systems using consequential life cycle assessment methods. The results highlight the importance of considering the temporal variation of environmental impacts and the need for improved methodologies and standards in environmental assessments.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas Schaubroeck, Simon Schaubroeck, Reinout Heijungs, Alessandra Zamagni, Miguel Brandao, Enrico Benetto
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a common method to assess the potential environmental impact of human/industrial systems, with attributional (ALCA) and consequential (CLCA) being two prominent types. This article aims to argue for and select definitions for each concept, specify their characteristics, and go beyond current findings. ALCA attributes environmental impact to a product life cycle, while CLCA assesses the consequences of decisions, with different modelling restrictions and evaluation approaches for each type.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Walid Ijassi, Helmi Ben Rejeb, Peggy Zwolinski
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of choosing the appropriate allocation method in life cycle assessment studies, especially when evaluating co-products. Through literature review and case studies, a decision-aid tool is presented to help LCA practitioners select the most suitable allocation method based on the study objectives and the characteristics of co-products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Lago-Olveira, Ricardo Rebolledo-Leiva, Pasquale Garofalo, Maria Teresa Moreira, Sara Gonzalez-Garcia
Summary: Wheat plays a crucial role in global food security, but intensive agricultural production poses threats to ecosystems and farmers' economic stability. Crop rotation, especially with leguminous crops, offers a sustainable solution, but not every rotation is suitable for sustainability. This research demonstrates the environmental and economic benefits of introducing chickpea into a wheat-based system, showing lower environmental impacts and higher gross margins.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dieuwertje L. Schrijvers, Philippe Loubet, Guido Sonnemann
Summary: This paper demonstrates and discusses the application of allocation procedure allocation at the point of substitution (APOS) on recycled products, showing that recycled YOX has lower impacts than primary YOX for most impact categories. The study provides useful information on the future sustainability of rare earth element supply chains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dieuwertje L. Schrijvers, Philippe Loubet, Guido Sonnemann
Summary: This paper proposes using an axiomatic method to identify a suitable allocation procedure for a defined LCA goal and transparently communicate the rationale behind it.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federico Taranto, Luigi Assom, Alessandro Chiolerio
Summary: This paper introduces a sustainability framework for global and scalable payment systems, based on energy and resource consumption and pollutant classes. The framework is designed for the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in a Life-Cycle Assessment methodology. It aims to consider the impacts at stakeholders' level and extend the impact allocation to the level of products and services through software integration.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Ichiro Daigo
Summary: Life cycle assessment is a critical method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle. It is essential for achieving a zero-emission society and circular economy. However, when applied to materials, the assessment of recycling effects and methodologies for consuming and recovering secondary raw materials should be considered.
TETSU TO HAGANE-JOURNAL OF THE IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE OF JAPAN
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Venla Kytta, Marja Roitto, Aleksi Astaptsev, Merja Saarinen, Hanna L. Tuomisto
Summary: The study reviewed different allocation methods used in LCA studies of milk and beef production, with biophysical allocation being the most common and economic allocation being the second most common. However, by-products are often not considered in these studies, with allocation typically done between milk and meat.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Vyom Thakker, Bhavik R. Bakshi
Summary: Efforts towards sustainable engineering have expanded to consider life cycle, economic, and environmental objectives. A framework combining Reaction Network Flux Analysis and Process-to-Planet frameworks has been developed to design chemical reaction pathways, life-cycle value-chains, and economic cash flows in an integrated manner. This framework is capable of designing novel chemical pathways while avoiding shifting impacts to larger scales.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiyuan Li, Huadun Chen, Juan Wang, Tao Zhao
Summary: This study uses a multi-objective decision approach to allocate CO2 emission quotas among cities in the Bohai Rim Economic Circle (BREC) in 2030, based on principles of fairness, efficiency, sustainability, and feasibility. Three allocation schemes are proposed, with results showing that cities like Beijing have the largest quotas while others will need to undertake significant emission reduction obligations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Mathematics
Ahmed Amin, Mohamed Ebeed, Loai Nasrat, Mokhtar Aly, Emad M. Ahmed, Emad A. Mohamed, Hammad H. Alnuman, Amal M. Abd El Hamed
Summary: This paper investigates the optimal allocation and sizing of PV-DGs with DSTATCOM functionality on a distribution network, using the Gorilla troop's optimizer. The integration of PV-DGs with DSTATCOM functionality shows superiorities in reducing total system cost and enhancing system performance in voltage deviations and stability. Optimal integration can reduce total cost and voltage deviations by 15.05% and 77.05% respectively, while voltage stability is enhanced by 25.43% compared to the base case.
Article
Polymer Science
Furqan Tahir, Abdelnasser Mabrouk, Sami G. Al-Ghamdi, Igor Krupa, Tomas Sedlacek, Ahmed Abdala, Muammer Koc
Summary: The study compared the conventional MED desalination plant with titanium tubes to one using thermally enhanced polymer composite tubes. The results showed that the polymer composite tubes had economic and carbon emission advantages, reducing the cost of the MED evaporator by 40% and lowering carbon emissions by 35% compared to titanium tubes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hamid Karimi, Shahram Jadid
Summary: This paper proposes a two-stage multi-objective optimization framework for optimal energy management of multi-microgrid systems, considering total cost, energy not supplied, and greenhouse gas emissions. The model uses a hybrid lexicography-compromise programming to handle non-homogeneous objective functions and achieves the best plan from economic, ENS, and CO2 emissions perspectives.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicole Bamber, Melanie Jones, Louise Nelson, Kirsten Hannam, Craig Nichol, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: Wood and bark chip mulch have been shown to reduce certain environmental impacts in apple orchard production, but further investigation is needed due to significant uncertainty in the results.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammad Davoud Heidari, Suryo Gandasasmita, Eric Li, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: Feed production plays a significant role in the environmental footprint of livestock products. Goal programming and Life Cycle Assessment are commonly used tools to help reduce impacts and improve sustainability outcomes. It is essential to consider feed ingredients, cost, environmental impacts, and nutritional requirements in sustainable feed formulation. Integration of regionalized life cycle impact assessment results into goal programming can help evaluate and improve specific feed formulations.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shiva Zargar Ershadi, Mohammad Davoud Heidari, Baishali Dutta, Goretty Dias, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: In this study, different nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) strategies were considered and analyzed using ISO 14044 compliant environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and NUE calculations. The application of scrubbers in layer barns was found to significantly increase NUE, reduce acidification and eutrophication emissions. Furthermore, the combined application of all strategies led to a further increase in NUE but at the cost of increased energy consumption.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Annette L. Cowie, Goran Berndes, Niclas Scott Bentsen, Miguel Brandao, Francesco Cherubini, Gustaf Egnell, Brendan George, Leif Gustavsson, Marc Hanewinkel, Zoe M. Harris, Filip Johnsson, Martin Junginger, Keith L. Kline, Kati Koponen, Jaap Koppejan, Florian Kraxner, Patrick Lamers, Stefan Majer, Eric Marland, Gert-Jan Nabuurs, Luc Pelkmans, Roger Sathre, Marcus Schaub, Charles Tattersall Smith, Sampo Soimakallio, Floor Van der Hilst, Jeremy Woods, Fabiano A. Ximenes
Summary: The scientific literature contains conflicting findings on the climate effects of forest bioenergy, influenced by the wide diversity of bioenergy systems and assessment methods. Assessing these effects requires a systems approach considering the entire lifecycle and system-level interactions, while also highlighting the need for greater transparency and consistency in greenhouse gas reporting and bioenergy-related accounting.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas Schaubroeck, Simon Schaubroeck, Reinout Heijungs, Alessandra Zamagni, Miguel Brandao, Enrico Benetto
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a common method to assess the potential environmental impact of human/industrial systems, with attributional (ALCA) and consequential (CLCA) being two prominent types. This article aims to argue for and select definitions for each concept, specify their characteristics, and go beyond current findings. ALCA attributes environmental impact to a product life cycle, while CLCA assesses the consequences of decisions, with different modelling restrictions and evaluation approaches for each type.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Y. Li, V Arulnathan, M. D. Heidari, N. Pelletier
Summary: Livestock, especially poultry production, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Designing net zero energy poultry housing using strategies from commercial and residential NZEB research can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease emissions. Focus areas for energy savings in poultry housing include structural design, energy efficient technology systems, and renewable energy generation, with considerations for specific requirements of intensive poultry production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ian Turner, Davoud Heidari, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: The Canadian egg industry is transitioning to alternative production systems, with organic systems showing the lowest environmental impacts and free range systems performing the worst. Continued monitoring is crucial to ensure positive outcomes during this transition.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ian Turner, Davoud Heidari, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: The global egg industry is transitioning to alternative housing systems, motivated by animal welfare concerns and the potential to reduce environmental footprint. A study in Canada found that egg farms operate at high levels of efficiency in terms of feed and pullet inputs, with potential for further reductions in environmental impacts. Further research is needed to identify key strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Scenario analyses show a shift away from conventional production systems towards alternative housing systems, resulting in varying levels of environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vivek Arulnathan, Mohammed Davoud Heidari, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: The study proposes a feed energy - Metabolizable Energy (ME) utilization model for allocation in egg production Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), based on internal causality. Results underscore the importance of practitioners clearly justifying their choice of allocation strategy and describing its application in detail, given that small differences in methods can result in divergent outcomes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vivek Arulnathan, Mohammad Davoud Heidari, Maurice Doyon, Eric P. H. Li, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is commonly used for economic assessment in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), but its focus on costs alone cannot adequately represent the various aspects of economic sustainability. This review aims to identify additional economic indicators that can complement the use of LCC in LCSA. A total of 21 indicators were analyzed and categorized into six economic impact categories. While these indicators performed well in terms of methodology and use, most are not suitable for direct integration into the LCC/LCSA framework due to limitations in aggregating data across life cycles and lack of granular data. A conceptual framework is proposed to integrate these indicators and maintain the utility of LCC for more holistic economic assessments in LCSA.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jannatul Ferdous, Farid Bensebaa, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: It is common practice to assess the feasibility and sustainability of specific technologies or product supply chains using life cycle assessment (LCA) or techno-economic analysis (TEA). However, there is currently no integrated framework proposed for the pulse protein processing sector. This study aims to propose such a framework that integrates process simulation and optimization capabilities to assess and improve the sustainability of pulse protein extraction pathways.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sara Gonzalez-Garcia, Fernando Almeida, Miguel Brandao
Summary: This study aims to assess the impact of global warming on winter wheat cultivation under different rotation systems in the region of Galicia, Spain. The results show that the global warming impact differs between the attributional life cycle assessment and the consequential life cycle assessment. However, regardless of the approach, the cultivation of native winter wheat under ecological management is always the preferred choice.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicole Bamber, Ian Turner, Baishali Dutta, Mohammed Davoud Heidari, Nathan Pelletier
Summary: The field crop industry in Canada has both economic benefits and environmental impacts, including land and energy use and emissions. There are two types of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) - attributional LCA (ALCA) and consequential LCA (CLCA) - that can be used to study the impacts of field crops. This paper aims to review and curate CLCA studies on the effects of changes in field crop production systems, focusing on temperate climate conditions.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Fabiane de Fatima Maciel, Richard Stephen Gates, Ilda de Fatima Ferreira Tinoco, Fernanda Campos de Sousa, Nathan Pelletier, Maro A. A. Ibarburu-Blanc, Carlos Eduardo Alves Oliveira
Summary: Promoting sustainability in food production is crucial due to its global expansion. Life cycle assessment (LCA) provides quantitative information on environmental impacts in different categories. This review presents LCA methodology for Brazilian egg production and identifies feed production as the main impact point, covering various impact categories. The results can promote environmental practices and strategies, including animal welfare, food safety, and reduced emissions.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
F. Grassauer, V. Arulnathan, N. Pelletier
Summary: Despite having relatively low greenhouse gas emissions compared to other animal protein sources, the egg production industry is under pressure to reduce climate impacts. This review identifies available technologies and strategies for reducing emissions in the egg sector, and estimates the potential for reduction based on different emission scopes. Implementing market-ready options could achieve significant emissions reduction in the short to medium term.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)