Article
Forestry
Andre Manuel Dias, Jose Saporiti Machado, Alfredo M. P. G. Dias, Jose Dinis Silvestre, Jorge de Brito
Summary: This study quantifies and compares the environmental impacts of production systems of biomass and roundwood from different wood species. The results show that eucalyptus roundwood and biomass had the highest environmental impacts, while cryptomeria products had the lowest impacts. The study also compares different allocation methods and finds that economic allocation results in the lowest environmental impact for biomass.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joe Coady, Jean Duquette
Summary: The study examines the technical, economic, socio-economic, and environmental impacts of implementing biomass-driven CHP grids as the primary energy source in northern rural and remote communities. It found that biomass-driven CHP grids are economically attractive, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can increase energy autonomy and create local employment opportunities.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Seyed Mohsen Hosseini, Alireza Aslani, Alibakhsh Kasaeian
Summary: This study adopts a hybrid life cycle assessment method to evaluate the energy, water, and environmental impacts of high-voltage electricity generation in Iran. The findings indicate that natural gas-fired power plants contribute the most to the life-cycle impacts of electricity generation, while wind and hydropower plants have minimal contributions. The study suggests that ensuring an adequate supply of natural gas during cold seasons can partially reduce water and environmental impacts, but increasing the share of renewable energy can significantly reduce the overall impacts.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Helena Monteiro, Pedro L. Cruz, Bruna Moura
Summary: Efforts are needed in the industrial sector to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study proposes a methodological approach to assess the environmental and economic benefits of alternative improvement scenarios in the ceramic industry, including waste heat recovery and on-site photovoltaic power generation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Herman Heng, Fanran Meng, Jon McKechnie
Summary: This study predicts the future wind turbine blade waste arising in Canada and assesses five alternative strategies for managing this waste stream, finding that waste generation is concentrated in provinces with greater wind power deployment. The environmental impacts of waste management strategies depend on background energy systems, with cement kiln coprocessing achieving net zero emission and mechanical recycling reducing primary energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, but requiring regulatory support for financial viability.
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)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stewart A. Isaacs, Mark D. Staples, Florian Allroggen, Dharik S. Mallapragada, Christoph P. Falter, Steven R. H. Barrett
Summary: Power-to-liquids are a promising class of liquid fuels that have the potential to reduce transportation's climate impacts, with the hybrid PBtL pathway being identified as the most environmentally and economically promising option for electrofuel production.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Junchen Yan, Osvaldo A. Broesicke, Xin Tong, Dong Wang, Duo Li, John C. Crittenden
Summary: This study aims to determine the best combination of technologies and sizes for distributed energy systems (DES) in various building types and climate zones to reduce environmental impact and lower life cycle costs. Using parametric models and multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), the research identifies two optimal technology combinations: microturbine-solar PVs-lithium ion battery and solid oxide fuel cells-solar PVs-lithium ion battery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mateus Ferreira Chagas, Gabriela Filipini Ferreira, Luisa Clemente Magalhaes Gomes, Leticia Maria Zanphorlin, Liliana Zanelli Oliveira Martins, Isabelle Lobo Mesquita Sampaio, Thayse Aparecida Dourado Hernandes, Tassia Lopes Junqueira, Edvaldo Rodrigo Morais
Summary: The transportation sector's reliance on fossil fuels significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels, especially for long-haul transportation, offer a low-carbon alternative. Recent literature shows progress in laboratory-scale biosynthetic pathways for these biofuels, but further improvements are needed for competitiveness with catalytic-based alternatives.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karoline Wowra, Esther Hegel, Andreas Scharf, Alexander Gruenberger, Katrin Rosenthal
Summary: The use of bioprocesses in industrial production offers resource- and energy-efficient processes with renewable, nonfossil feedstocks. However, the environmental benefits of early-stage bioprocess development need to be demonstrated using standardized methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA). This article discusses selected LCA studies of early-stage bioprocesses, highlighting their potential and contribution to estimating environmental impacts and decision support. Recommendations are provided for addressing challenges in conducting LCAs of early-stage bioprocesses and opportunities are identified for future applicability, such as establishing dedicated bioprocess databases for the use of LCAs as standard tools among bioprocess engineers.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Matheus Augusto de Oliveira Fernandes, Elisabeth Keijzer, Sanne van Leeuwen, Peter Kuindersma, Leonardo Melo, Menno Hinkema, Katia Goncalves Gutierrez
Summary: The construction sector has significant environmental impacts but also creates economic and societal value. Retrofitting existing residential buildings can help achieve energy efficiency goals. Insulation measures can effectively reduce environmental impacts in retrofit scenarios.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hariteja Nandimandalam, Veera Gnaneswar Gude, Mohammad Marufuzzaman
Summary: Although there has been a shift in the United States electricity supply from coal to natural gas and renewable sources, there is still potential to increase biomass electricity contribution in rural communities. Utilizing wood waste for electricity generation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security in these areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Garcia-Garcia, Marta Cruz Fernandez, Katy Armstrong, Steven Woolass, Peter Styring
Summary: Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is proposed as a sustainable alternative to produce valuable chemicals by reducing global warming impact and depletion of fossil resources. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a robust methodology used to analyze environmental impacts, showing that CCU generally reduces environmental impacts compared to conventional manufacturing processes, notably global warming/climate change. To achieve environmental improvements, renewable energy must be used, particularly for hydrogen production through water electrolysis.
Article
Thermodynamics
Navid Khallaghi, Harish Jeswani, Dawid P. Hanak, Vasilije Manovic
Summary: This study introduces a conceptual system for combined heat and power, based on biomass oxy-gasification integrated with staged oxy-combustion combined cycle (BOXS-CC), offering a direction for atmospheric CO2 removal. The techno-economic analysis shows a total efficiency of 69%, with an economic assessment indicating a levelised cost of electricity of euro21.4/MWh. Additionally, the system results in net negative emissions of 766 kg CO2 eq./MWhe, demonstrating its environmental benefits.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Masoud Jafarian, Ehsanolah Assareh, Neha Agarwal, Ehsan Saedpanah, Moonyong Lee
Summary: Scientific investigations demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating energy system components for better economic feasibility, efficiency, and reliability of renewable sources. This study uses response surface methodology and TRNSYS simulation to design a combined cooling, heating, power, and water (CCHPW) system for coastal areas. The results show significant reductions in electricity consumption and environmental damage compared to the base system, highlighting the importance of considering energy, economic, and environmental aspects in decision-making.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mariam Abdulkareem, Jouni Havukainen, Jutta Nuortila-Jokinen, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Alkali-activated mortars produced from chemically modified waste-derived activators have reduced emissions in climate change, fossil depletion, terrestrial acidification, and photochemical ozone creation formation compared to conventional counterparts, with potential cost savings up to 19%. This alternative shows promise in improving environmental performance by potentially reducing the need for conventional alkali-activators.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michal Preisner, Marzena Smol, Mika Horttanainen, Ivan Deviatkin, Jouni Havukainen, Maris Klavins, Ruta Ozola-Davidane, Jolita Kruopiene, Beata Szatkowska, Lise Appels, Sofie Houtmeyers, Kati Roosalu
Summary: The study aims to review existing indicators on resource recovery in the implementation of circular solutions in the wastewater sector.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jouni Havukainen, Ali Saud, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup, Petteri Peltola, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: With the trend of urbanization, the importance of sewage and sludge treatment is increasing. The method of treatment and utilization of digestate has a significant impact on environmental performance, with combustion and composting showing more advantages over pyrolysis. However, further development and assessment are needed for the pyrolysis technology.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ivan Deviatkin, Sanna Rousu, Malahat Ghoreishi, Mohammad Naji Nassajfar, Mika Horttanainen, Ville Leminen
Summary: This study conducted circular economy workshops for six industrial companies in Finland to understand the current state of circular economy implementation. The results showed that only 25% of companies implemented circular economy principles, with a potential improvement of 36%. Most companies planned to use recycled inputs, develop products made of a single material, and design products suitable for primary recycling, while strategies related to information technologies and artificial intelligence were deemed less relevant.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. Bacher, L. Rintala, M. Horttanainen
Summary: The recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment presents various challenges, including the loss of valuable metals and the generation of fines. This study compared the effects of two different types of crushers on the size reduction of waste mobile phones and found that a fast-rotating hammer mill produced better liberation but also more fines compared to a slow-rotating cutting mill. The fines fraction contained silicon, base metals, noble metals, and harmful elements, which need to be considered in further treatment.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Arvo Niini, Panu Tanninen, Ville Leminen, Ilari Jonkkari, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Laboratory sheets were prepared from repulped LPB for press-forming experiments and tensile tests to study their convertibility and mechanical properties. The results showed that the laboratory sheets had a limited convertibility, which was attributed to the presence of plastic particles in the material. Increased heat input and decreased pressing force improved the convertibility, while the flattening of the material in certain regions aggravated the defect formation during press-forming.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mariia Zhaurova, Jenna Ruokonen, Mika Horttanainen, Michael Child, Risto Soukka
Summary: The production of synthetic fuels is crucial for reducing transport emissions, however, it is not guaranteed to lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions. This study analyzes the effects of integrating a power-to-gasoline plant into an existing operational environment in Lappeenranta, Finland, and finds that the use of excess hydrogen and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mari Hupponen, Jouni Havukainen, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Waste management processes have undergone significant development in recent decades and will continue to evolve alongside their environmental impacts. This study examines the climate change impacts of waste management, specifically focusing on the historical development and possible future trends. Using the city of Lappeenranta in Finland as a case study, the study calculates the climate impacts of household waste management in 2009, 2019, and projected 2029 scenarios. The results demonstrate a considerable decrease in net climate change impact due to improved waste management practices, such as directing mixed residual waste to energy recovery instead of landfill. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy sources and increasing recycling rates to further reduce the climate change impacts of waste management.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md. Musharof Hussain Khan, Jouni Havukainen, Arvo Niini, Ville Leminen, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Liquid packaging board is a popular packaging medium for liquid food and beverages, but it generates a significant amount of waste. Current disposal methods, such as energy recovery and alternative raw materials usage, do not align with a circular economy. This study compared different recycling options for the plastic and aluminium components of liquid packaging board waste, using a consequential life-cycle assessment method. Results showed that plastic pallet production through mechanical recycling had the lowest environmental impact when renewable energy was used, while waste incineration for energy recovery had the highest impact. These findings are valuable for liquid packaging board manufacturers and other stakeholders.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qaisar Munir, Mariam Abdulkareem, Mika Horttanainen, Timo Kaerki
Summary: Traditional concrete production contributes significantly to global warming, but industrially produced geopolymer concrete can be a viable alternative to mitigate these negative impacts. This study developed new geopolymer concrete mix designs using industrial side streams and conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate their environmental impacts compared to traditional concrete. The results showed that geopolymer concrete with lower amounts of sodium silicate and metakaolin exhibited better environmental performance. Increasing the concentration of recycled waste in concrete mixes can further improve the environmental performance of geopolymer concrete produced from industrial side streams.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Naji Nassajfar, Marja Valimaki, Liisa Hakola, Kim Eiroma, Kirsi Immonen, Mariam Abdulkareem, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: The demand for printed electronics is expected to increase for IoT applications. Researchers are exploring the use of bio-based substrates and additive printing methods to improve the environmental performance of PE. Copper and graphite inks can be alternatives to silver inks for reducing environmental impact, but they have lower electrical conductivity. This study compares the environmental and electrical conductivity of silver, copper, and graphite inks and proposes suitable applications for each combination based on technical feasibility.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mariam Abdulkareem, Anastasija Komkova, Jouni Havukainen, Guillaume Habert, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Global objectives to mitigate climate change have driven the development of geopolymer as a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive cement in the construction industry. This study assessed the feasibility of using conventional and alternative precursors in geopolymer mixes for Belgium and Finland, considering environmental, economic, and resource availability indicators. Optimal precursor combinations were identified using a multi-objective optimization technique, and the compressive strength of the mixes was predicted through linear regression analysis.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Saud, Jouni Havukainen, Petteri Peltola, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: Recovering and recycling nitrogen from waste streams can reduce the need for fossil-based fertilizers and improve food security. This study used life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental performance of nitrogen recovery from sewage sludge in a wastewater treatment plant. Results varied depending on the recovery method used, with biochar-based nitrogen recovery showing the lowest global warming potential. This study highlights the importance of integrated resource recovery in wastewater systems for environmental and health benefits.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anna Zaikova, Ivan Deviatkin, Jouni Havukainen, Mika Horttanainen, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup, Minna Saunila, Ari Happonen
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing waste source-separation behavior in Russia and Finland using online questionnaires. The findings indicate significant differences in the factors affecting waste behavior between the two countries, providing recommendations for the development of recycling practices in different regions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anna Zaikova, Natalia Vinitskaia, Ivan Deviatkin, Jouni Havukainen, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: This paper presents a life cycle assessment of the municipal solid waste management system in Saint Petersburg and its neighboring Leningrad region, showing that separate collection of waste can greatly reduce the environmental impact.
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)
