Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoyang Zhong, Mingming Hu, Sebastiaan Deetman, Bernhard Steubing, Hai Xiang Lin, Glenn Aguilar Hernandez, Carina Harpprecht, Chunbo Zhang, Arnold Tukker, Paul Behrens
Summary: The growth of building stock around the world drives extensive material consumption and environmental impacts. Future emissions will depend on socioeconomic development, material use strategies, and supply strategies. Increasing efficiency in the building material sector could reduce emissions by half by 2060, but additional emissions reductions are needed to meet the 1.5 degrees C target.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Torkan Fazli, Xinyi Dong, Joshua S. Fu, Brent Stephens
Summary: The study examines the changes in energy use, indoor pollutant concentrations, and chronic health outcomes in U.S. residential buildings in the mid-21st century. Predictions show a decrease in energy consumption for space conditioning and indoor concentrations of most pollutants of ambient origin, while concentrations of indoor pollutants with persistent indoor sources are expected to increase. Overall, there are estimated negligible changes in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with indoor pollutant exposures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ramon Hingorani, Nils Dittrich, Jochen Kohler, Daniel B. Muller
Summary: This study quantifies the future stocks and flows of structural materials and their embodied emissions in German residential buildings using dynamic material flow analysis. The results show that emission mitigation measures, such as the replacement of masonry structures with timber structures and downsizing of structural material quantities, could contribute significantly to achieving emission neutrality.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fei Yu, Wei Feng, Maohui Luo, Kairui You, Minda Ma, Rui Jiang, Jiawei Leng, Liqun Sun
Summary: This research examines the cost-effectiveness of different heating strategies in China and Europe to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study demonstrates that electrifying heating systems with heat pumps and retrofitting building envelopes can lower costs and mitigate energy dependence on natural gas. However, the upfront investment for high-performance heat pump systems may hinder their cost-effective deployment. The research also provides policy recommendations for future building retrofits and heating electrification in Europe.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Corey Lesk, Denes Csala, Robin Hasse, Sgouris Sgouridis, Antoine Levesque, Katharine J. Mach, Daniel Horen Greenford, H. Damon Matthews, Radley M. Horton
Summary: The article discusses the need for a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate risks caused by climate change. The study estimates the CO2 emissions embedded in the broader climate transition using a set of models. The results suggest that while emissions from adaptation-related interventions are relatively low, emissions from deploying renewable energy capacity are much higher. The article emphasizes the importance of considering emissions from mitigation actions and highlights the potential for reducing emissions through ambitious energy decarbonization efforts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alienor Jue Hammer, Charles Millar, Sebastian John Hennige
Summary: This article highlights the greenhouse gas emissions in the Scottish salmon aquaculture industry and calls for the development of comprehensive emissions reductions measures. Case studies of two aquaculture operators and comparison with data from the Carbon Disclosure Project reveal imbalances in mitigation strategies and identify potential routes for carbon emission reductions.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shangwei Liu, Hongxun Liu, Denise L. Mauzerall
Summary: In 2017, the Chinese government launched a clean heating campaign that replaced millions of rural coal stoves with clean heaters, leading to remarkable improvements in air quality. However, the study highlights the insufficient consideration of improving building envelope efficiency to reduce heating demand. It provides a quantitative assessment of the potential energy savings, costs, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and adoption strategies for improving building envelope efficiency in Chinese rural residential buildings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaojun Zhang, Xiaomeng Wu, Xuan Zheng, Yifan Wen, Ye Wu
Summary: This paper investigates the black carbon (BC) emissions from on-road transportation in China and establishes an updated inventory. The research shows that comprehensive control policies in the past have significantly reduced BC emissions, and there is still great potential for further reduction in the future through stringent control policies and advanced technologies. Various scenarios suggest substantial BC emission reductions can be achieved in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Can Cui, Dabo Guan, Daoping Wang, Jing Meng, Vicky Chemutai, Paul Brenton, Shaohui Zhang, Yuli Shan, Qiang Zhang, Steven J. Davis
Summary: Efforts to mitigate dangerous climate change have largely focused on major economies and populous countries. However, recent years have seen a significant increase in emissions from a group of less-examined countries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current mitigation targets. This study analyzes the trends and drivers of emissions in these 'emerging emitters' and estimates the costs of decarbonization pathways. The results highlight the need for increased mitigation efforts in these countries and faster emission reductions in other nations to achieve international climate goals.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ji Min, Gongxing Yan, Azher M. Abed, Samia Elattar, Mohamed Amine Khadimallah, Amin Jan, H. Elhosiny Ali
Summary: During the anthropocentric period, sustainable energy supply and climate change pose significant problems for humans. The building sector is a major contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and reducing a building's energy consumption and environmental impact is crucial. This can be achieved through the use of zero-energy buildings and sustainable clean energy, resulting in savings in energy, CO2, and improved building performance.
Article
Economics
Yanyan Ke, Weiguang Cai
Summary: Various studies have examined the application of the inverted-U-shaped relationship in different industries, with a focus on the relationship between building carbon emissions (BCEs) and residents' income. Using threshold regression techniques, this study found an inverted-U-shaped relationship with two turning points between BCEs and household income, and observed a lock-in effect of high BCEs as income increases. The concept of income-waiting dilemma was proposed, involving the passive waiting for BCEs to decrease with an increase in residential income. The study also explored mechanisms and proposed solutions to overcome the predicament and accelerate the inflection point of BCEs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chuyin Tian, Guohe Huang, Joseph M. Piwowar, Shin-Cheng Yeh, Chen Lu, Ruixin Duan, Jiayan Ren
Summary: This study develops a stochastic RCM-driven residential energy demand analysis to assess the heating and cooling energy demand of residential buildings in British Columbia, Canada. The results suggest a significant increase in energy use for cooling and a slight decrease for heating over the next 80 years. The projected energy use difference between optimistic and pessimistic levels could result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Ou, Christopher Roney, Jameel Alsalam, Katherine Calvin, Jared Creason, Jae Edmonds, Allen A. Fawcett, Page Kyle, Kanishka Narayan, Patrick O'Rourke, Pralit Patel, Shaun Ragnauth, Steven J. Smith, Haewon McJeon
Summary: Examining 90 mitigation scenarios pairing different levels of CO2 and non-CO2 GHG abatement pathways can help understand how comprehensive greenhouse gas mitigation is crucial in achieving the 1.5 degrees C and 2 degrees C climate change goals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaihui Song, Giovanni Baiocchi, Kuishuang Feng, Klaus Hubacek, Laixiang Sun, Daoping Wang, Dabo Guan
Summary: Subnational and non-governmental actors play a crucial role in climate actions, but quantifying their emissions poses challenges due to emissions transferred through supply chains. Research shows that states in the U.S. Climate Alliance have a larger share of emissions when accounting for transferred emissions, highlighting the need to pay attention to these emissions.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Tengfei Huo, Yuling Ma, Tao Yu, Weiguang Cai, Bingsheng Liu, Hong Ren
Summary: This study explores the decoupling relationship between residential building carbon emissions and residential income across 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2015. Results show a significant change in the decoupling trend, primarily influenced by residential energy intensity and per capita income. The findings provide valuable references for international policymakers to formulate targeted carbon reduction policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anber Rana, Rehan Sadiq, M. Shahria Alam, Hirushie Karunathilake, Kasun Hewage
Summary: Financial incentives for green buildings in Canada can be categorized into tax, loans, grants, and rebates, with utility provider rebates being the most common. Special incentives are also available for specific end-users and building types. There is a clear contrast in incentives offered at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, with some provinces leading in green building efforts.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tharindu Prabatha, Hirushie Karunathilake, Amin Mohammadpour Shotorbani, Rehan Sadiq, Kasun Hewage
Summary: This study compares different mathematical modeling techniques used in energy planning for grid connected renewable energy systems and finds that robust optimization can be used to develop an uncertainty-based decision model, significantly reducing evaluation time. The presence of uncertainties can change the optimal configuration of a planned energy system, but the assessment method itself does not significantly impact the outcomes.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Haonan Zhang, Kasun Hewage, Hirushie Karunathilake, Haibo Feng, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: This study investigated energy retrofit policy instruments for existing residential buildings in 11 countries, summarized the different approaches to implementation and obstacles, and proposed policy recommendations.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raneesha Fernando, Janaka Gamage, Hirushie Karunathilake
Summary: The study focuses on the environmental impacts of machining in the manufacturing sector, with wet machining showing better performance compared to dry machining. Electrical energy consumption is identified as the major contributor to environmental impacts, while the use of metalworking fluid has minimal effect. The choice of workpiece material and cutting insert material significantly impacts the aquatic ecosystem and resource depletion damage categories.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sandun Wanniarachchi, Tharindu Prabatha, Hirushie Karunathilake, Shuai Li, M. Shahria Alam, Kasun Hewage
Summary: The study found that bridges reinforced with SMAs have better seismic performance and economic advantages compared to conventional bridges. However, from an environmental perspective, conventional bridges showed better overall scores.
JOURNAL OF BRIDGE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sandun Wanniarachchi, Tharindu Prabatha, Hirushie Karunathilake, Qi Zhang, Kasun Hewage, M. Shahria Alam
Summary: Bridges are crucial for a country's transportation system, and earthquake-induced damages can be severe. Therefore, it is important to use innovative high-performance materials in seismic regions to mitigate the impacts of earthquakes. Despite the higher initial investment, these seismically enhanced bridges can provide cost advantages in the long run. However, the cost-benefit analysis should consider various factors such as seismic damage, bridge lifespan, and material costs.
JOURNAL OF BRIDGE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ravihari Kotagodahetti, Kasun Hewage, Hirushie Karunathilake, Tharindu Prabatha, Harish Krishnan, Adebola S. Kasumu, Tyler Bryant, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: The study focuses on quantifying the environmental outcomes of generating Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) through exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from British Columbia (BC) to China. By replacing coal with LNG, significant emissions reductions can be achieved in various industries. The study provides stakeholders with a systematic approach to determine the total greenhouse gas emissions and emissions reduction potential of different LNG export scenarios.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sandun Wanniarachchi, Kasun Hewage, Chan Wirasinghe, Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha, Hirushie Karunathilake, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: This article critically reviews the existing knowledge on the current status of hydrogen fueling supply chain and explores the potential of integrating hydrogen fuel for road freight transportation. It reveals that transforming freight transportation into low-emission alternative fuels requires a comprehensive multicriteria assessment and identifies decision parameters affecting the optimal fuel selection process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sandun Wanniarachchi, Kasun Hewage, Chan Wirasinghe, Hirushie Karunathilake, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: Freight trucks powered by alternative low-emissions fuels can reduce tailpipe emissions, but significant emissions still exist throughout the supply chain. A study found that hydrogen systems using electrolysis have better environmental performance over the entire vehicle life cycle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ravihari Kotagodahetti, Kasun Hewage, Hirushie Karunathilake, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: CCUS technology can reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-based energy systems and is more feasible in provinces with high reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. Government policies play a critical role in accelerating the commercialization of CCUS technologies. The findings of this study aim to provide decision support tools for policymakers, investors, and utility providers.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. U. M. Jagoda, J. R. Gamage, H. P. Karunathilake
Summary: This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework that combines life cycle thinking with functional analysis to systematically and holistically compare sustainable packaging design options. The case study on rigid plastic packaging, such as ketchup bottles, shows that material quantity, type, and shape significantly influence the functional, environmental, and economic impacts. The aggregated scores allow for a comparison of the overall sustainability of design options.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Catherine Lalman, Hirushie Karunathilake, Rajeev Ruparathna
Summary: Life cycle analysis is helpful in comparing the environmental impacts of different medical devices. The study found that single-use devices are preferable from an environmental perspective, but disinfection and reuse significantly reduce costs. The research outcomes will assist in developing more sustainable policies and guidelines for the healthcare industry.
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
S. U. M. Jagoda, J. R. Gamage, Hirushie Karunathilake
Summary: PET is widely used in the global beverage bottling industry, but its production has adverse environmental effects. Various approaches are being studied to mitigate the negative impacts. Local markets offer a variety of PET bottle products, and a life cycle approach is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the industry's actual impacts.
MORATUWA ENGINEERING RESEARCH CONFERENCE (MERCON 2021) / 7TH INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING RESEARCH CONFERENCE
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
W. L. R. Fernando, H. P. Karunathilake, J. R. Gamage
Summary: The industrial sector, particularly the manufacturing industry, plays a crucial role in global energy utilization with a growing focus on sustainability. Within the machining sector, turning operations stand out for their significant energy consumption, prompting the need for strategies to reduce environmental impacts. The findings of this review are expected to contribute to enhancing sustainability in the machining industry.
CLEANER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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)