Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vitor Miranda de Souza, Jacqueline Bloemhof, Milton Borsato
Summary: Municipal Solid Waste Management in Brazil faces challenges, but implementing the waste management plan since 2020 can bring environmental and economic benefits by 2038.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
K. Swarna Swetha, T. P. Tezeswi, M. V. N. Siva Kumar
Summary: This article investigates the motivators of the workforce towards the implementation of construction waste management (CWM) in India by utilizing a hypothetical model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and conducting structural equation modeling. The results suggest that perceived behavior control is a crucial factor in predicting behavior intention, while knowledge significantly impacts the implementation of CWM, and subjective norm and perceived usefulness have insignificant effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kostas Anastasiades, Joos Dockx, Marc van den Berg, Mario Rinke, Johan Blom, Amaryllis Audenaert
Summary: The reuse of construction components is seen as more valuable than recycling in a Circular Economy (CE), but its widespread adoption is hindered by barriers. The ISO20887 standard believes that implementing construction standards can promote circular reuse, but these standards are still under development. To understand the construction sector's perspective, a survey was conducted among the Green Deal on Circular Construction (GDCC) network led by Circular Flanders. The survey explores the current implementation of Design for Disassembly and the reuse of construction components, as well as stakeholders' views on standardization to facilitate reuse.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yushuang Li, Jinhui Li
Summary: More than 100 cities in China are currently constructing zero-waste cities, but the lack of a unified quantitative evaluation method hinders the real-time display and analysis of progress. This study proposes a five-dimensional evaluation approach based on China's zero-waste city construction index system and conducts empirical research in Shenzhen. The results show that Shenzhen's construction score significantly increased, but there are still challenges.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lina Dagiliene, Viktorija Varaniute, Jurgita Bruneckiene
Summary: With half of the global population residing in urban areas, unsustainable production and consumption patterns, and ecological crises, the concept of circular economy is gaining traction. However, the implementation of circular economy at a local governance level remains fragmented, despite the crucial role of public policies in driving countries towards circular systems. Through research and discussions, challenges were identified in municipal waste management, resource distribution, and other areas, leading to the development of a framework for circular solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Haoqing Wang, Wen Yi
Summary: This article introduces a recycling mechanism called "appointment-recycling" in Hong Kong to address the problem of illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste (CDW). The mechanism involves a three-layered transportation network to recycle scattered CDW. The article proposes a two-stage Stackelberg game model to minimize the social costs of this transportation network.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhikang Bao, Weisheng Lu
Summary: The study aims to develop a decision-support framework to help plan on-site and off-site construction waste recycling, using qualitative research methods in Shenzhen, China. Project characteristics and industrial and governmental supports are found to determine the technical and economic viability of a particular recycling option. These factors interact with each other and evolve over time and context to effect.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
K. Radhakrishnan, P. Senthil Kumar, Gayathri Rangasamy, L. Praveen Perumal, S. Sanaulla, S. Nilavendhan, V. Manivasagan, K. Saranya
Summary: Plastic production has increased globally, leading to the disposal of plastic waste in landfills or scattered, posing health and environmental risks. Converting plastic waste into fuels or other options is a more sustainable waste management approach than landfill dumping. Effective plastic waste disposal is crucial due to the long degradation time of plastic.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mario Ramos, Graca Martinho
Summary: In the construction sector, the size of companies plays a significant role in factors related to CDW management, such as the presence of environmental technicians, registration of CDW generated, commitment to legal frameworks, subcontracting regime, and oversight of construction works. These differences highlight the need to reevaluate CDW management strategies and adapt them to the specific conditions of the construction sector.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Weisheng Lu, Wuyan Long, Liang Yuan
Summary: The activity of construction waste arises from new construction, renovation, and demolition. In recent years, renovation waste has become an important focus of construction waste management. Pre-renovation auditing plays a key role in effectively managing construction waste by accurately predicting renovation waste generation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Clelia Fagone, Margherita Santamicone, Valentina Villa
Summary: All sectors are impacted by digital, economic, and demographic transitions. The construction industry is also undergoing significant changes and needs to find strategic solutions to mitigate its environmental impact. A circular and sustainable approach must be developed to manage the industry's environmental footprint.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Takunda Shabani, Steven Jerie
Summary: Institutional solid waste management is a critical issue in Zimbabwe due to urbanisation, disease outbreaks, and population growth. The traditional fragmented approach to management has resulted in inefficiencies and increased environmental health risks. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of integrated management systems in Zimbabwe. The findings highlight the need for coordinated efforts, stakeholder involvement, and waste reduction alternatives to address the challenges.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Takunda Shabani, Steven Jerie
Summary: Institutional solid waste management in Zimbabwe is facing a critical crisis due to fragmented approach, lack of coordination, and inadequate adoption of appropriate waste management strategies. This has resulted in increased environmental health problems. Therefore, this review aims to assess the effectiveness of integrated management systems in institutional solid waste management in Zimbabwe.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weisheng Lu, Wendy M. W. Lee, Fan Xue, Jinying Xu
Summary: The research shows that prefabrication reduces waste generation rates by 15.38% compared to traditional construction, with precast windows and walls being more effective in waste minimization. The study highlights the positive effects of prefabrication on waste minimization and emphasizes the importance of the proportion of prefabrication in total construction volume.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Song, Huixuan Zhao, Zongfang Ma, Qi Song
Summary: This study proposes a two-level fusion-based method for the classification of construction waste. The method utilizes statistical histograms and gradient histograms, encodes and fuses visual features using the bag-of-visual-words method, and achieves automatic classification of construction waste through a joint decision-making model.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Ting Shang, Xin Hu, Kunhui Ye, Vivian W. Y. Tam
Summary: This study reveals the phenomenon of contractors using construction-related environmental recovery as an excuse for carrying on unsustainable construction, and highlights the importance of promoting sustainable construction development.
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Management
Cuong N. N. Tran, Thang Tran Huynh Tat, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Duc Hoc Tran
Summary: This study aims to identify the core factors affecting the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Vietnam and create a branching database to approach the standards of a smart city. A total of 28 factors influencing ITS project development were identified, including lack of government attention, financial constraints, inadequate transport infrastructure, over-development of urbanization, and readiness and integration for ITS. The study adds new insights and contributes to a greater understanding of mobility in smart cities. It also provides a useful measurement tool for government agencies, planners, and traffic system designers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vivian W. Y. Tam, Anthony Butera, Khoa N. Le
Summary: This paper investigates and compares the performance of CO2 Concrete and ordinary virgin aggregate concrete in terms of shrinkage, concrete shrinkage reversibility, and permeability. The results show that CO2 Concrete consistently achieves similar to better performance than virgin aggregate concrete for drying shrinkage and permeability. CO2 Concrete with 30% and 50% recycled aggregate content outperforms virgin aggregate concrete in many cases. The injection of CO2 does not significantly affect the concrete shrinkage reversibility.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mingxue Ma, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Khoa N. LE, Anthony Butera, Wengui LI, Xiangyu Wang
Summary: In the current age of enhanced environmental awareness, transformation to sustainable management in the construction sector is needed. China currently produces the largest amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste around the world, but the average recovery rate of the waste was only about 5% in 2017. In order to investigate problems in current C&D waste management in China, a cross-national comparative analysis is conducted among China and seven selected countries (Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom), to compare legal texts of national policies and laws which relate to C&D waste management and are currently being used. Through the comparison, problems in management of C&D waste in China are investigated. The problems could be concluded to: (a) inadequate guidance on recycling, (b) lack of market incentives in utilising recycled materials, (c) incomplete knowledge of stakeholders' responsibilities, (d) lack of penalty for other stakeholders, and (e) inefficient supervision system. By understanding these problems, this paper further provides recommendations to enhance the performance of C&D waste management in China.
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vivian W. Y. Tam, Yijun Zhou, Liyin Shen, Khoa N. Le
Summary: This research develops a way of selecting the optimal BIM-LCA integration approach that incorporates the needs of different scenarios. Three scenarios of environmental impact assessment are designed to demonstrate the application of the proposed way. The results indicate that using visual programming languages is the optimal BIM-LCA integration approach for assessing environmental impacts in the early and construction design stages, while using LCA plugin and visual programming languages are the optimal approaches for environmental assessment in the scenario of detailed design stages.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yijun Zhou, Mingxue Ma, Vivian WY. Tam, Khoa N. Le
Summary: The building sector has significant environmental impacts, and the decisions made during the design process largely determine the life-cycle environmental impacts of a building. This research critically reviews design variables affecting the environmental impacts of buildings at three design stages. Eight design variables in early design stages and four design variables in detailed design stages are found to have an impact on a building's life-cycle environmental impacts. The types of finishing materials are closely related to the environmental impacts of a building in construction design stages. The findings contribute to understanding the contributors to the environmental impacts of a building from the perspective of building design and provide guidance for future research on eco-friendly building design.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Archiman Lahiry, Khoa N. Le, Vo Nguyen Quoc Bao, Vivian W. Y. Tam
Summary: A simple and energy-efficient communication system configuration is proposed for UAV-ETs for WPT applications, improving WPT time and reducing power consumption compared to UAV-BSs. The study also introduces a holistic framework for energy efficiency optimization and hardware design parameters, as well as a 3D placement optimization for maximizing WPT time. Additionally, it examines the impact of AA losses and power amplifier efficiency on WPT time and presents a manufactured AA that meets the hardware component design requirements.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Clyde Zhengdao Li, Yu Zhen, Hengqin Wu, Zhe Chen, Bing Xiao, Vivian W. Y. Tam
Summary: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the latest engineering brain used for the whole life cycle planning of construction projects. However, research on BIM lacks systematic review and analysis. In this paper, a holistic analysis method is adopted to comprehensively analyze the research trend of BIM in the field of engineering management. This research provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners to identify influential research and journals, and understand the current research hotspots and future directions.
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Civil
Kun Lu, Xueyuan Deng, Xiaoyan Jiang, Baoquan Cheng, Vivian W. Y. Tam
Summary: This paper addresses the unclear state of LCCA based on BIM by reviewing 45 relevant peer-reviewed articles through a systematic literature search, selection, and assessment. The results show that three data exchange methods integrate BIM and LCCA. Precision management, optimization measures, and parameter analysis through BIM significantly improve the value of buildings. A methodological framework that combines LCC with other indicators based on BIM is summarized to assess life cycle sustainability costs.
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weiqi Xing, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Khoa N. Le, Jian Li Hao, Jun Wang
Summary: Massive emissions and energy consumption in concrete production pose threats to sustainable development and human health. Studies on sustainable concrete mainly focus on technical properties, while limited research has integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) to measure environmental impacts. This research examines 570 concrete mix designs incorporating recycled aggregate (RA) and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to analyze their environmental behavior and develop a model to predict carbon emissions and energy consumption. The results show that the environmental impact of sustainable concrete is related to compressive strength, water-to-binder ratio, and RA/SCMs ratios, and the allocation coefficient and alternative fuel utilization significantly affect the impact.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lei Liu, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Laura Almeida, Khoa N. Le
Summary: Rapid urbanization and rising living standards in China have led to significant increases in building energy consumption, creating environmental pressures. Accurately assessing national energy consumption can be challenging due to the complexity of energy systems. This study develops a national-level Integrated Dynamic Energy Assessment (IDEA) model to explore the interactions among energy-related factors and quantify the life cycle energy consumption of urban residential buildings in China. The results provide insights into the growth and connections of energy-related subsystems and reveal changes in occupants' energy-use behaviors.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoxiao Xu, Hao Yu, Qiuwen Sun, Vivian W. Y. Tam
Summary: This research aims to review the evolution of occupant behavior research, investigate the knowledge base and domains, and identify current research gaps and future directions. The results show that the focus has shifted from individual behavior to complex behaviors. By using bibliometric approach and content analysis on 2791 relevant articles, this research provides potential researchers with sufficient knowledge and inspires them for future studies.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Robert Osei-Kyei, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Ursa Komac, Godslove Ampratwum
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review to explore the relationship management strategies for using public-private partnership (PPP) to build community flood disaster resilience. A total of twenty-nine relevant journal articles were selected for analysis, leading to the identification of twenty-eight individual relationship management strategies. A conceptual framework was developed using a meta-governance approach to make these strategies actionable.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mingxue Ma, Vivian WY. Tam, Khoa N. Le, Robert Osei-Kyei
Summary: Effectively managing and utilizing construction and demolition waste is crucial for sustainability. Recycling waste into usable materials, like recycled aggregate, for concrete production offers both environmental and economic benefits. However, the price competitiveness of recycled concrete is a major obstacle. This study develops a system dynamics model to evaluate the dynamic effects of key factors on the price of recycled concrete and suggests short-term and long-term solutions.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Management
Ivan Polanco-Guzman, Marcos Rodriguez-Troncoso, Ahmed W. A. Hammad, Assed N. Haddad, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Diego A. Vasco
Summary: This study examines the development of a push-pull ventilation system for use in wastewater treatment. The proposed system aims to minimize H2S concentration in the settling stage of a wastewater treatment plant. Computational simulations and measurements were used to assess and improve the existing ventilation system. The results show that the improved system effectively decreases H2S concentration, meeting the regulations in Chile.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.
