Article
Business
Rita Mura, Francesca Vicentini, Ludovico Maria Botti, Maria Vincenza Chiriaco
Summary: In this paper, the environmental and economic performance of a circular business model (CBM) in the wine industry is measured using a combination of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methods. The results show that by implementing a sustainable CBM, a firm can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% to 90% and save 6% to 63% of its economic costs.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
I. Josa, A. Petit-Boix, M. M. Casanovas-Rubio, P. Pujadasd, A. de la Fuente
Summary: In recent years, policies and technological solutions have targeted the construction sector to reduce its environmental impacts. Reusing materials in construction, specifically in trenches for protecting services, has shown promising potential for increasing sustainability and circularity. This research study assesses the economic and environmental impacts of four scenarios of trenches, concluding that the eco-trench system, which reuses all materials, can significantly reduce both environmental and economic impacts.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carmen Ferrara, Valeria Migliaro, Francesco Ventura, Giovanni De Feo
Summary: The main aim of this study was to compare the environmental and economic performance of different wine packaging systems in Italy. Aseptic cartons and bag-in-box systems were found to be the most sustainable alternatives, while glass bottle systems had the poorest performance due to their high weight and energy consumption during production. The size of the containers was a key factor that impacted both the environmental and economic results.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Ramos, Abel Rouboa
Summary: Waste-to-energy techniques, such as plasma gasification, are seen as possible approaches to convert solid waste into energy efficiently and reduce pollution issues. This review examines the environmental, technical, economic and social impacts of plasma gasification using the life cycle thinking methodology, providing insights for achieving circular economy goals.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bruna Moura, Helena Monteiro, Teresa M. Mata, Muriel Iten, Antonio A. Martins
Summary: Mushroom farming has been rising to meet consumer demand, however, a significant amount of fresh mushrooms are wasted annually. Mushroom residues, a natural source of high value-added ingredients, can be utilized through the extraction of ergosterol. Despite the growing interest in natural food additives, their environmental impacts have not been widely addressed. This study conducted an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of the early-stage development of ergosterol extraction from mushroom bio-residues, identifying the processes with the highest environmental impact and proposing improvement measures. The results showed that electricity consumption was responsible for a significant share of the environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Sourbh Thakur, Jyoti Chaudhary, Pardeep Singh, Walaa F. Alsanie, Sotirios A. Grammatikos, Vijay Kumar Thakur
Summary: Renewable biomass-based chemical extraction has gained attention due to environmental concerns and depletion of biomass assets. Bio-based chemicals provide opportunities for sustainable development of non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible products, particularly in biomedical applications. Researchers are focused on developing innovative technologies with social benefits utilizing renewable feedstock bio-resources through microbial fermentation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Clarisa Alejandrino, Irma Mercante, Maria D. Bovea
Summary: Although the methodological development of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment is still in discussion, a growing number of case studies have been published. This research aims to identify how LCSA is applied for each sustainability pillar and integrated into decision-making processes. The systematic review of case studies revealed key findings regarding goals, scope variations, data sources, impact indicators, and operational research methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kevin R. Fingerman, Jerome Qiriazi, Cassidy L. Barrientos, Max Blasdel, Jeffrey M. Comnick, Andrew R. Harris, Carisse Geronimo, Chih-Wei Hsu, Jeffrey M. Kane, Elaine Oneil, Sabrinna Rios-Romero, Luke W. Rogers, Mark Severy, Micah C. Wright
Summary: California is facing a crisis on its forested landscapes due to aggressive logging, fire suppression, and climate change. State policymakers have turned to biomass electricity generation as a potential solution, but the climate and air pollution impacts are still unclear. The California Biomass Residue Emissions Characterization (C-BREC) model provides a framework to assess the impacts of biopower from forest residues and suggests that utilization of residue offers the best climate and air quality performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Andler, C. Valdes, V. Urtuvia, C. Andreessen, A. Diaz-Barrera
Summary: Fruit residues have the potential to be a sustainable substrate for PHA production, offering benefits such as simple processing, high fermentable sugar content, and non-competition with food crops. With proper optimization, integrating fruit residues into PHA production processes can lead to a more eco-friendly and circular bioeconomy transformation in the industry.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Mansoor Maitah, Daniel Toth, Karel Malec, Seth Nana Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Kamil Maitah, Dariusz Panka, Piotr Prus, Jaroslav Janku, Robert Romanowski
Summary: Due to unplanned harvesting, the amount of wood biomass has increased. Wood and non-wood forest products are important resources for renewable energy and the paper industry. This study aims to develop a predictive model for estimating the decline in the price of wood biomass and apply it in forestry and wood industry. The proposed linear regression model is suitable for practical use.
Review
Polymer Science
Sravendra Rana, Manisha Solanki, Nanda Gopal Sahoo, Balaji Krishnakumar
Summary: In order to achieve sustainable development goals and reduce CO2 emissions, researchers are developing bio-based materials to replace conventional polymers. However, these bio-based materials are limited in real-time applications due to their performance, cost, and durability. To achieve a sustainable circular economy, there is a need to develop bio-vitrimeric materials with prominent properties.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ayu Miyamoto, Karen Allacker, Frank De Troyer
Summary: To tackle sustainability in the building sector, this research aims to develop a visual approach that integrates life cycle assessment and life cycle costing with the design process. The approach supports architects in making more desirable design decisions and provides an easy overview of the impact of their design on sustainable dwellings.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Celine Montanari, Hui Chen, Matilda Lidfeldt, Josefin Gunnarsson, Peter Olsen, Lars A. Berglund
Summary: The sustainable development of functional energy-saving building materials is important for reducing thermal energy consumption and promoting natural indoor lighting. A novel fully bio-based transparent wood biocomposite for thermal energy storage, with excellent heat storage properties, tunable optical transmittance, and mechanical performance, is introduced. The bio-based TW holds great potential as scalable and sustainable transparent heat storage solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ming-Lun Alan Fong
Summary: This paper discusses the impact of ventilation strategies on energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and cost-effectiveness, with a systematic approach applied to a medium-sized space in two regions. The results show that stratum ventilation is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option among the three ventilation strategies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Lan Yang, Xue-Chao Wang, Min Dai, Bin Chen, Yuanbo Qiao, Huijing Deng, Dingfan Zhang, Yizhe Zhang, Cecilia Maria Villas Boas de Almeida, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Jiri Jaromir Klemes, Yutao Wang
Summary: The article discusses the importance and challenges of sustainability in biomass resources during the transition from fossil-based economy to modern circular bio-based economy. It also provides a novel indicator framework for assessing the sustainability of biomass resources, offering important insights for future systematic research and policy regulation.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
A. Persiani, M. Pergola, C. Ingrao, A. M. Palese, G. Celano
Summary: Composting is an efficient bioconversion technique for processing organic wastes into humus-like substances for various uses. Research shows that the most environmentally sustainable option may not always be the most cost-effective choice.
AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Massimo Zaccardelli, Graziana Roscigno, Catello Pane, Giuseppe Celano, Marisa Di Matteo, Marika Mainente, Alessandra Vuotto, Teresa Mencherini, Tiziana Esposito, Antonella Vitti, Enrica De Falco
Summary: This study aimed to recover residues of aromatic plants by extracting essential oil and aromatic water and reusing oil-free biomasses for composting in a circular economy perspective. The results showed higher yields of essential oils, especially for sage and rosemary, from plant residues. The compost can be applied for soil fertility restoration, and composts derived from the three species were found to be suitable for agricultural use based on phytotoxicity tests.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Assunta Maria Palese, Catello Pane, Domenica Villecco, Massimo Zaccardelli, Gessica Altieri, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: This study found that the total nitrogen content in aerated compost teas increased with rising doses of additives, but the contribution to plant mineral nutrition was limited. However, the teas exhibited a broad spectrum of suppressive properties against plant pathogens, especially when used in a raw form.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Maria Teresa Pergola, Luigi Saulino, Maria Castellaneta, Angelo Rita, Giovanni Pecora, Mario Cozzi, Nicola Moretti, Osvaldo Pericolo, Domenico Pierangeli, Severino Romano, Mauro Viccaro, Francesco Ripullone
Summary: Managing forest residues according to the carbon content of the soil helps to minimize the ecological footprint of their removal. This study assessed the amount of forest biomass residues that should be left on-site to minimize the depletion of soil fertility. It found that approximately 5800 m(3) year(-1) of forest residues could be potentially available for bio-based industries at the regional scale within the next 10 years.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mauro Viccaro, Donatella Caniani, Salvatore Masi, Severino Romano, Mario Cozzi
Summary: Biofuels play a crucial role in decarbonization, energy security, and rural development. However, the competition between energy and food resources necessitates a robust methodology to promote sustainable resource management. This study proposes a land suitability model for energy crops to analyze the interrelationships between land, water, and energy, aiming to optimize resource usage in the bioenergy context.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gessica Altieri, Angela Maffia, Vittoria Pastore, Mariana Amato, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: This study aims to define a rapid procedure to calculate geometric parameters of the canopy of hazelnut trees using UAV images and remote sensing technologies, providing scientific basis for hazelnut orchard management. By analyzing the NDVI and CHM values derived from the UAV images, the canopy area and height can be accurately calculated. Applying this technology to hazelnut orchards can improve resource use efficiency and crop quality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mario Cozzi, Carmelina Prete, Mauro Viccaro, Frans Sijtsma, Paolo Veneri, Severino Romano
Summary: The study provides empirical evidence demonstrating the significant relationship between urban and rural areas in Italy, with a focus on natural amenities. The research identifies rural clusters that serve as hubs for urban well-being, shedding light on the often neglected urban-rural connection.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Pergola, Alessandro Persiani, Daniele D'Ammaro, Vittoria Pastore, Carmine D'Adamo, Assunta Maria Palese, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: This research analyzed and compared the environmental and energy sustainability of two orchards (peach versus kiwifruit) in Southern Italy using Life Cycle Thinking. The results showed that peach production had minor impacts on the environment but higher energy consumption compared to kiwifruit. Despite emitting CO2 and consuming energy during orchard management, both orchards had significant capacity to store CO2 and energy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Enrico Tonelli, Alessandro Vitali, Francesco Malandra, J. Julio Camarero, Michele Colangelo, Angelo Nole, Francesco Ripullone, Marco Carrer, Carlo Urbinati
Summary: Late spring frosts have a negative impact on the productivity and growth of temperate beech forests. This study investigated the effects of late spring frosts on forest cover and radial growth of European beech populations at different elevations. The results showed that the growth reduction caused by late spring frosts ranged from 36% to 84%, but recovery occurred within 1-2 years after the event. There was no clear relationship between beech forest elevation and occurrence of late spring frosts defoliations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Siano, Gianluca Picariello, Anna Sofia Sammarco, Giuseppe Celano, Tonino Caruso, Ermanno Vasca
Summary: This study evaluated two recently developed analytical methods for categorizing EVOO and compared them to other commonly used quality indexes. The Coulometrically Determined Antioxidant Capacity (CDAC) and Fast Blue BB (FBBB) assays showed high correlation with the HPLC-UV reference method and can serve as alternative methods for categorizing EVOO samples.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mauro Viccaro, Adele Coppola, Maria Consiglia D'Angelo, Francesco Genovese, Severino Romano, Mario Cozzi
Summary: Understanding food waste behavior among young people is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. This study extends the theory of planned behavior by incorporating personal norms and environmental concern, and finds that these factors play different roles in influencing food waste behavior among different generations.
Article
Entomology
Antonio Franco, Carmen Scieuzo, Rosanna Salvia, Ignazio M. Mancini, Donatella Caniani, Salvatore Masi, Patrizia Falabella
Summary: This study evaluated the bioconversion process of black soldier fly larvae on fresh and mature dairy manure. The findings showed that the larvae successfully converted the manure into useful products while reducing the negative impact of the substrate. This has significant implications for waste management.
BULLETIN OF INSECTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Angela Maffia, Assunta Maria Palese, Maria Pergola, Gessica Altieri, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: The aim of this research is to assess the sustainability performance of the olive oil supply chain in a typical production area in Southern Italy. The results show that, considering various aspects, the organic system BIO1 is the most sustainable system.
Article
Environmental Studies
Guido Masiello, Francesco Ripullone, Italia De Feis, Angelo Rita, Luigi Saulino, Pamela Pasquariello, Angela Cersosimo, Sara Venafra, Carmine Serio
Summary: This paper introduces a new water deficit index that utilizes infrared satellite observations to monitor the vegetation stress caused by drought and heatwaves in summer. By studying the 2017 heatwave, it is found that the index's time series is consistent with meteorological drought and soil moisture.
Article
Horticulture
Enrica De Falco, Antonella Vitti, Giuseppe Celano, Domenico Ronga
Summary: This study evaluated the suitability of on-farm green compost for the controlled environment production of baby leaf species. The addition of GC to potting soil affected pH and electrical conductivity. Germination tests showed no phytotoxic effects at certain dilutions of GC extracts. Different dosages of GC in the growing medium had varying impacts on growth parameters, with optimal responses observed at lower doses. Positive correlations between root and shoot biomass, seedling height, and the number of true leaves were also observed.