Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ilaria Capasso, Barbara Liguori, Claudio Ferone, Domenico Caputo, Raffaele Cioffi
Summary: Management of soil waste from various human activities using geopolymer technology can effectively transform them into innovative eco-sustainable building materials. By mass producing building materials, while conserving and recycling resources such as cement, it plays a significant role in sustainable waste management.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juliana Vieira Martins, Maria Teresa Paulino Aguilar, Dayana Cristina Silva Garcia, White Jose dos Santos
Summary: This study evaluates the forms of concrete waste generation in concrete batching plants (CBP) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and focuses on the reuse of this waste in the productive sector of CBP. The research reveals that the current waste management methods in CBP are inefficient and costly, and proposes for the reuse of waste within the company to reduce costs and identify potential reuse options.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Fabiola Martins Delatorre, Gabriela Fontes Mayrinck Cupertino, Michel Picanco Oliveira, Felipe da Silva Gomes, Luciene Paula Roberto Profeti, Demetrius Profeti, Mario Guimaraes Junior, Marcia Giardinieri de Azevedo, Daniel Saloni, Ananias Francisco Dias Junior
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of charcoal fines as reinforcing agents in biocomposites, exploring the effects of pyrolysis temperatures. Charcoal fines produced at 800 degrees C show promising properties as fillers in polymeric matrices, improving strength and elasticity of biocomposites. The results indicate that biocomposites incorporating charcoal fines from high-temperature pyrolysis exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and morphology, making them a promising alternative in engineering applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sabine Weber, Olaf Weber, Komal Habib, Goretty Maria Dias
Summary: This study presents a novel procedure for assessing textile waste, categorizing and grading textiles into six categories and 44 sub-categories using textile collectors. Through analyzing 1767.6 kg of textile waste collected from Ontario municipalities, the researchers found that textiles made up 4.4% of the residential waste stream and 65% of this waste could be reused, with 21% recycled. The diversion of this waste would lead to significant environmental benefits and economic savings.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Soren Munch Lindhard, Simon Wyke, Hadi Mahami, Seyyed Saeed Vaezzadeh, Kjeld Svidt
Summary: This study investigated the existing methodologies for waste prediction through literature review and analysis of two construction cases in Denmark. The results showed that waste management is influenced by multiple factors, not fully reflected in current estimation methods, and waste behavior and organizational factors are key contributors. Additionally, the study found that existing estimation methodologies for waste generation tend to be either complex or inaccurate, limiting their benefits, and that similar projects in close proximity can differ significantly, highlighting a clear limitation for waste estimation method development.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pekka Peura, Olli Voutilainen, Jussi Kantola
Summary: This case study examines the development of waste management in the Vaasa region of Finland, highlighting the transition towards a circular economy and product service systems. The research identifies the key features of this development, including the closure of dumping sites, the implementation of source separation systems, and the construction of waste treatment systems. These efforts have resulted in increased regional collaboration, a significant decrease in dumping, and the emergence of circular economy practices. The study emphasizes the importance of societal changes and systemic technological solutions in driving this evolution.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Chen-Fu Chien, Kathleen Aviso, Ming-Lang Tseng, Minoru Fujii, Ming K. Lim
Summary: The limitations of traditional waste management methods and the increasing generation of solid waste necessitate the collection of research on efficient models and better treatment technologies in a virtual special issue. Strategies focusing on reuse and recycling in solid waste management have revealed their current challenges, and the progress in addressing these limitations is of growing importance for emerging economies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bethan R. Dolphin, Peter J. Shaw, Ian D. Williams
Summary: The social benefits of charity retail are well-recognized, but there is a lack of data on the potential benefits to the sustainable use of end-of-use consumer goods. Through a survey and observational study at a typical charity shop, we aimed to quantify and evaluate reuse through charity retail outlets. Valuable insights were revealed regarding stock data recording, donation procedures, use of standard approaches, quantification of key variables, and accuracy of previous survey data. Methods were successfully developed to measure diversion of end-of-use products from waste and estimate the cost of unsaleable donations. Routine use of these methods for charity retail shops is recommended, with acknowledgment of reporting limitations. Four key beneficiaries were identified: the parent charity, charity shop workers, donors, and customers. Efforts to improve positive impacts should focus on securing appropriate donations, facilitating information capture, and promoting reuse. Balancing income generation and social benefits is crucial for charities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jean-Pierre Alcaraz, Laurence Le Coq, Jeremie Pourchez, Dominique Thomas, Sandrine Chazelet, Isabelle Boudry, Maud Barbado, Sophie Silvent, Claire Dessale, Fabienne Antoine, Catherine Guimier-Pingault, Laurent Cortella, Sophie Rouif, Nathalie Bardin-Monnier, Augustin Charvet, Olivier Dufaud, Lara Leclerc, Yoann Montigaud, Coralie Laurent, Paul Verhoeven, Aurelie Joubert, Ala Bouhanguel, Yves Andres, Joel Gaffe, Donald K. Martin, Christophe Huet, Sandrine Boisset, Max Maurin, Pascal Rumeau, Frederic Charlot, Emmanuel Richaud, Alexandre Moreau-Gaudry, Vincent Bonneterre, Philippe Cinquin, Caroline Landelle
Summary: The French consortium was established to address the mask shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic by finding ways to reuse medical masks. Their workflow provided a successful method for safely reusing medical masks, contributing to waste management and providing better protection than cloth masks.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sina Kheirabadi, Amir Sheikhi
Summary: Medical waste has increased in the past 3 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation is expected to worsen as healthcare markets grow and the population ages, posing health threats to the public through environmental impacts. Urgent medical waste management is needed to alleviate these effects.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ryan Leonard, Ian D. Williams
Summary: This article introduces a novel method for estimating the total value and mass of all debris objects in orbit, and presents several estimation results based on the method. The article also emphasizes the importance of developing in-orbit services to solve the orbital debris problem, and suggests that a future circular economy for space has the potential to bring benefits in various aspects.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Daniel Ddiba, Kim Andersson, Arno Rosemarin, Helfrid Schulte-Herbruggen, Sarah Dickin
Summary: This study estimates the resource recovery potential of organic waste streams in low- and middle-income countries, using Kampala, Uganda as a case study. The findings indicate that these waste streams have significant potential for resource recovery even at current collection rates, with potential revenues reaching millions of dollars.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jinze Cao, Zeying Wang, Xiaohan Ma, Xiangdong Yang, Xiaohong Zhang, Hengyu Pan, Jun Wu, Min Xu, Lili Lin, Yanzong Zhang, Yinlong Xiao, Hongbin Luo
Summary: This study proposes an integrated approach to compare waste reuse schemes based on environmental performance, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic indicators, providing comprehensive decision-making information.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Vassallo, D. La Corte, N. Cancilla, A. Tamburini, M. Bevacqua, A. Cipollina, G. Micale
Summary: This study focuses on the development and testing of a pilot plant for the selective recovery of magnesium and calcium from spent brines using a novel proprietary crystallization unit. By adding alkaline solution in two consecutive steps and controlling reaction pH, magnesium and calcium hydroxide were selectively precipitated from the waste brine, with high purity and recovery rates achieved.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gigliola D'Angelo, Marina Fumo, Mercedes del Rio Merino, Ilaria Capasso, Assunta Campanile, Fabio Iucolano, Domenico Caputo, Barbara Liguori
Summary: Demolition activity in the EU's construction industry is significant in total energy consumption. An experimental plan explores using crushed brick waste as a new construction material, showing potential for reducing emissions and energy consumption while maintaining strong mechanical performance compared to traditional building materials.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Patrick Manu, Richard Ohene Asiedu, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Paul Olaniyi Olomolaiye, Colin Booth, Emmanuel Manu, Saheed Ajayi, Kofi Agyekum
Summary: Effective procurement of infrastructure is crucial for achieving the sustainable development goals. This research identified three components of organizational procurement capacity and found that management of the procurement process had the greatest impact on achieving procurement objectives. The study provides empirical justification for investing in the development of procurement capacity in public agencies involved in infrastructure procurement.
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Management
Babatunde A. Salami, Saheed O. Ajayi, Adekunle S. Oyegoke
Summary: This study investigates the measures taken by construction businesses to mitigate the risks of contractual disputes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through field study and survey research, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and reliability analysis. The study identifies strategies such as maintaining good relationships with contractual partners, promptly reporting potential disputes, collaborating with contractual parties, making early decisions on site closure, and studying contractual terms. The findings offer valuable insights for construction firms in minimizing risks and uncertainties and maintaining contractual relationships for future business.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Christian Nnaemeka Egwim, Hafiz Alaka, Luqman Olalekan Toriola-Coker, Habeeb Balogun, Saheed Ajayi, Raphael Oseghale
Summary: This study aims to identify the underlying factors causing construction project delays. Through surveys and analysis, the study recommends focusing on supplier performance evaluation, using data-driven technologies for decision-making, and leveraging weather data to minimize the impact of bad weather. Prospective research using qualitative and inductive approaches is recommended to explore new factors that may impact construction project delays.
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Babatunde A. Salami, Saheed O. Ajayi, Adekunle S. Oyegoke
Summary: The outbreak of Covid-19 has tested the resilience of the construction industry, leading companies to adopt various strategies to protect the safety of employees, construction sites, and projects. The study explores key measures implemented by construction firms and discusses the top-rated strategies used to navigate through the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Razak Olu-Ajayi, Hafiz Alaka, Ismail Sulaimon, Funlade Sunmola, Saheed Ajayi
Summary: Comparing different machine learning algorithms for energy performance assessment at the design stage of residential buildings, this research shows the feasibility of developing a high performing ML model. The Gradient Boosting (GB) model outperformed others with an accuracy of 0.67 in predicting building energy performance.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Razak Olu-Ajayi, Hafiz Alaka, Ismail Sulaimon, Funlade Sunmola, Saheed Ajayi
Summary: This study employs machine learning techniques to predict annual building energy consumption, finding Deep Neural Network as the most efficient predictive model, aiding in energy optimization at the early design phase.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Temitope Seun Omotayo, Bankole Awuzie, Valerie Kenechukwu Obi, Saheed Ajayi, Lovelin Ifeoma Obi, Oluyomi Osobajo, Adekunle Oke
Summary: Cost overrun is a global issue affecting transportation infrastructure projects, including the rail industry in the UK. Understanding the factors contributing to cost overruns during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to sustain the industry's contribution to economic development and growth in the UK.
Review
Management
Ali Saad, Saheed O. Ajayi, Hafiz A. Alaka
Summary: This paper systematically reviews BIM-based plugins and finds that custom-built plugins excel in various areas, enhancing productivity and efficiency, saving costs and time, and minimizing errors. Additionally, the paper presents a framework to facilitate a better understanding of programming dynamics in developing BIM-based plugins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Business, Finance
Olayiwola Oladiran, Adesola Sunmoni, Saheed Ajayi, Jiarong Guo, Muhammad Azeem Abbas
Summary: This study examines the importance of property attributes to UK university students in their online accommodation search. It also analyzes the impact of information provided on the attractiveness and booking potential of the property. The results show that purpose-built student accommodation attributes are important to students, and failure to provide key information may reduce the attractiveness of the property.
JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN REAL ESTATE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muideen Adegoke, Alaka Hafiz, Saheed Ajayi, Razak Olu-Ajayi
Summary: Building energy efficiency is crucial, and a high-accuracy energy prediction model is proposed to understand and optimize energy consumption. The multilayer extreme learning machine (MLELM) combines autoencoders with an extreme learning machine to achieve efficient feature extraction and decision-making, outperforming other methods commonly used in building energy consumption prediction.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Oluwaseun Enoch Akindele, Saheed Ajayi, Luqman Toriola-Coker, Adekunle Sabitu Oyegoke, Hafiz Alaka, Sambo Lyson Zulu
Summary: This study investigates the barriers and strategies of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. The findings identify education and training as the most influential strategy to overcome these barriers.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROJECT AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Oluwaseun Akindele, Saheed Ajayi, Adekunle S. Oyegoke, Hafiz A. Alaka, Temitope Omotayo
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of the core application areas, system integration patterns, challenges, and future directions of GIS in the construction industry. The findings identify spatial planning and design, construction-task tracking, defect detection, and safety monitoring as the main application-based areas. The study also highlights the lack of interoperability between heterogeneous systems as a key impediment to adopting GIS in the built environment.
SMART AND SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Muhammed Bolomope, Abdul-Rasheed Amidu, Saheed Ajayi, Arshad Javed
Summary: Procurement decision-making is crucial for project success. This study developed a decision-making framework that guides construction clients in making informed procurement choices by evaluating clients' specifications and project deliverables.
Article
Business, Finance
Adekunle Sabitu Oyegoke, Robert Powell, Saheed Ajayi, Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte, Temidayo Akenroye
Summary: This study aims to identify and rank the factors influencing the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry. The research methodology involved a mixed-method approach of qualitative exploration, questionnaire survey, and follow-up interviews. The findings indicate that budgeting, cost forecasting, and cashflow monitoring are the most effective cost control techniques, while factors such as cost information, company size, and effectiveness of the technique play a crucial role in the selection process.
JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Temitope Omotayo, Bankole Awuzie, Saheed Ajayi, Alireza Moghayedi, Opeyemi Oyeyipo
Summary: The study explores the contribution of smart campuses to smart cities and vice versa, emphasizing the importance of micro-transfer of smart technologies and procurement models. Using a systems thinking approach, it identifies interrelationships between smart campus technologies and smart city development, highlighting critical failure factors hindering technology transfer. Through qualitative research with South African universities, the study creates a causal loop diagram (CLD) validated by experts, offering archetypes for successful knowledge and technology transfer. This research has implications for universities and cities engaging in innovative arrangements for smart campus/city development, emphasizing the role of smart campuses as living labs for future smart cities worldwide.
FRONTIERS IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
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.
