Food waste generation in a university and the handling efficiency of a university catering facility-scale automatic collection system

Facilities ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok Wai Mui ◽  
Ling Tim Wong ◽  
Tsz-Wun Tsang ◽  
Yin Hei Chiu ◽  
Kai-Wing Lai
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Waste Collection ◽  
Collection System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ideal System ◽  
Operational Expenditure ◽  
Waste Handling

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the generation of food waste in a university and the handling efficiency of an automatic waste collection system. Design/methodology/approach The quantity of food waste generated and collected from a university canteen was surveyed. The food waste handling efficiencies using manual collection strategy and automated food waste collection system were determined by the density of food waste. Life-cycle costing analysis was done to evaluate the economic impacts of various food waste collection methods. Findings As compared with the manual collection approach, the automatic system can improve the food waste handling efficiency by 30% (from 0.01 to 0.007 bin kg−1) and reduce the water use by 20% (from 0.512 to 0.406 L kg−1); however, it also consumes 4.4 times more energy (from 0.005 to 0.027 kWh kg−1). Under ideal system operation, the 10-year cost of food waste collection was significantly reduced from $3.45 kg−1 in the manual collection to $1.79 kg−1, and the payback period of the system collection was 1.9 years without discount. Practical implications The outcomes of this study show that an automatic food waste collection system is feasible, and it is recommended for small- and medium-sized catering facilities (e.g. canteens and food courts) to improve food waste handling efficiency. This study also provides useful reference data of automatic food waste collection systems for planning food waste management programs for catering facilities. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the waste handling efficiency, operational expenditure and life-cycle cost of a small-scale automatic food waste collection system.

Identification of asset life cycle stage: case study in heavy-duty truck fleet

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Daniel Rivera Baena ◽  
Maria Valentina Clavijo Mesa ◽  
Carmen Elena Patino Rodriguez ◽  
Fernando Jesus Guevara Carazas
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Life Cycle Stage ◽  
Waste Collection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heavy Duty Truck ◽  
Maintenance Work ◽  
Operational Decision Making ◽  
The Moment

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the stage of the life cycle where the trucks of a waste collection fleet from a Colombian city are located through a reliability approach. The reliability analysis and the evaluation of curve of operational costs allow to know the moment in which it is necessary to make decisions regarding an asset, its maintenance or possible replacement.Design/methodology/approachFor a dataset presented as maintenance work orders, the time to failures (TTFs) for each vehicle in the fleet were calculated. Then, a probability density function for those TTFs was fitted to locate each vehicle in a region of the bathtub curve and to calculate the reliability of the whole fleet. A general functional analysis was also developed to understand the function of the vehicles.FindingsIt was possible to determine that the largest proportion of the fleet was in the final stage of the life cycle, in this sense, the entire fleet represent critical assets which in most of cases could be worth replacement or overhaul.Originality/valueIn this study, an address is exposed for the identification of critical equipment by reliability and statistical analysis. This analysis is also integrated with the maintenance management process. This is a broadly interested topic since it allows to support the maintenance and operational decision-making process, indicating the focus of resource allocation all over the entire asset life cycle.

Life-cycle cost as basis to optimize waste collection in space and time: A methodology for obtaining a detailed cost breakdown structure

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 788-799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Sousa ◽  
Celia Dias-Ferreira ◽  
João M Vaz ◽  
Inês Meireles
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Spatial Optimization ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Waste Collection ◽  
Waste Streams ◽  
Equipment Operation ◽  
Time Optimization ◽  
Cost Breakdown Structure ◽  
Cost Breakdown

Extensive research has been carried out on waste collection costs mainly to differentiate costs of distinct waste streams and spatial optimization of waste collection services (e.g. routes, number, and location of waste facilities). However, waste collection managers also face the challenge of optimizing assets in time, for instance deciding when to replace and how to maintain, or which technological solution to adopt. These issues require a more detailed knowledge about the waste collection services’ cost breakdown structure. The present research adjusts the methodology for buildings’ life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis, detailed in the ISO 15686-5:2008, to the waste collection assets. The proposed methodology is then applied to the waste collection assets owned and operated by a real municipality in Portugal (Cascais Ambiente – EMAC). The goal is to highlight the potential of the LCC tool in providing a baseline for time optimization of the waste collection service and assets, namely assisting on decisions regarding equipment operation and replacement.

Closed system for local reuse of blackwater and food waste, integrated with agriculture

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. J. Skjelhaugen
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Closed System ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Recycling Rate ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Farm Land ◽  
Step Over ◽  
Waste Handling

To increase the recycling rate of blackwater and food waste to farm land, a small scale system, independent of sewer pipelines and sewage works, has been developed. It reduces water and air pollution, allows for source control of the recycled material, integrates farmers into the waste handling business, and reduces domestic water consumption. Parts of the system have been implemented in four Norwegian communities. Greywater is treated in local nature-based systems or in a new compact filter unit. Food waste and blackwater from new water saving toilets is stored in sub-surface tanks close to the house for one to two years, and then treated in a closed system. By combining the separate blackwater and food waste streams into one, logistics are greatly simplified. After collection by a tanker, the material is sanitised and stabilised in a thermophilic aerobic reactor, especially suited for decentralised solutions. No ammonia is lost, and the product has the highest possible agronomic value, with respect to nutrient content and organic matter. The treated material is spread onto farm land during the growing season. The different parts of the system can be implemented step by step over a longer time period.

Sustainable construction

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Waseem Khan ◽  
Yousaf Ali
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Rice Husk ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Concrete Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The change in climate and depletion of natural resources because of the harmful emissions from different materials becomes a main issue for the globe. Some of the developed and developing countries have focused on this issue and performed research to provide a solution. The purpose of this study is to identify the best types of concrete based on its impact on the environment and economy. Design/methodology/approach The life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of six concrete mixtures that include construction and demolition wastes (CDW), marble sludge, rice husk and bagasse ash as a partial replacement of cement, are performed. These types of concrete are compared with each other and with ordinary concrete to select the best possible concrete type for a developing country, like Pakistan. Findings The results show that, although for an agricultural country like Pakistan, the agriculture wastes such as rice husk and bagasse ash are preferable to be used, if the emissions of CO2 and CO from rice husk and NOx and SO2 from bagasse ash are properly controlled. However, based on the results, it is recommended to use the CDW in concrete because of the small amount of air emissions and affordable prices. Originality/value Through this study, a path has been provided to construction companies and relative government organizations of Pakistan, which leads to sustainable practices in the construction industry. Moreover, the base is provided for future researchers who want to work in this area, as for Pakistan, there is no database available that helps to identify the impact of different concrete on the environment.

Enablers of relational integrated value networks (RIVANS) for total facilities management (TFM)

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayanthara De Silva ◽  
Nilmini Weerasinghe ◽  
H.W.N. Madhusanka ◽  
Mohan Kumaraswamy
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Life Cycle Approach ◽  
Integrated Networks ◽  
Value Networks ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify enablers for setting up relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) for total facilities management (TFM) as a holistic approach to bridge the Project Management (PM) phase to the facilities management (FM) phase, aiming for better service delivery while optimizing the life-cycle cost. These enablers are proposed as required driving forces for the industry to bridge current gaps through RIVANS for TFM so as to improve the value of the facility and deliver better value to its stakeholders over its life span. Design/methodology/approach A literature review elicited 11 typical better values that could be achieved by suitably linking the PM and FM supply chains in general. While these were tested in parallel research exercises in Hong Kong, the UK and Singapore, this paper reports on the specific findings from Sri Lanka, where a Web-based questionnaire survey was conducted to identify potential better values for proposed relational networks (including the clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers in the supply chain). Better values were then clustered under principal domains/components using factor analysis to establish synergetic enablers. Findings In total, 11 significant better values for TFM were identified and four enablers were extracted as building long-term integrated networks, establishing a common resource pool linking PM and FM, enhancing sustainability of TFM and developing a similar protocol between PM and FM. Originality/value The study carried out in this paper contributes to knowledge by identifying drivers to bridge the gap between PM and FM to best achieve clients’ long-term aspirations through a holistic life-cycle approach. Furthermore, all stakeholders in TFM can revisit their practices to establish and strengthen the identified enablers.

Reliability analysis and life cycle cost optimization: a case study from Indian industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laxman Yadu Waghmode ◽  
Rajkumar Bhimgonda Patil
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Control Panel ◽  
Life Cycle Cost Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cutting Machine ◽  
Band Saw

Purpose – Reliability analysis is required to identify the components or subsystems with low reliability for a given designed performance. Life cycle cost analysis helps understand the cost implications over the entire life span of a product. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study describing reliability analysis and life cycle cost optimization of a band saw cutting machine manufactured and used in India. Design/methodology/approach – The data required for reliability analysis is collected from the manufacturer and users of band saw cutting machine. The parameters of failure distribution have been estimated by using ReliaSoft’s Weibull++6 software. The life cycle cost is divided into various cost elements such as acquisition cost, operation cost, failure cost, support cost and net salvage value. Findings – The results of the analysis show that the components such as band wheel bearing, guide roller bearing, limit switch, carbide pad, hydraulic cylinder oil seal, control panel dial, control panel and solenoid valve are critical from reliability and life cycle cost analysis perspective. Originality/value – With certain design changes it is found that the reliability of the system is increased by 15.85 percent while the life cycle cost is reduced by 22.09 percent. The study also shows that the reliability analysis is useful for deciding maintenance intervals.

scholarly journals Evaluation of non-cost factors affecting the life cycle cost: an exploratory study

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 818-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayedh Alqahtani ◽  
Andrew Whyte
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Capital Operation ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Cost Factors

Purpose This paper aims to identify the main non-cost factors affecting accurate estimation of life cycle cost (LCC) in building projects. Design/methodology/approach Ten factors affecting LCC in building project cost estimates are identified through literature and interviews. A questionnaire survey is conducted to rank these factors in order of priority and provide the views of cost practitioners about the significance of these factors in the accurate estimation of LCC. The data from 138 construction building projects completed in UK were collected and analysed via multiple regression to discover the relationship between capital and LCCs and between non-cost factors and cost estimation at each stage of the life cycle (capital, operation, maintenance and LCC). Findings The results of analysis of existing LCC data of completing project and survey data from cost professionals are mostly consistent with many literature views and provide a reasonable description of the non-cost factors affecting the accuracy of estimates. Originality/value The value of this study is in the method used, which involves analysis of existing life data and survey data from cost professionals. The results provide a plausible description of the non-cost factors affecting the accuracy of estimates.

scholarly journals Effect of Turf Roof Slabs on Indoor Thermal Performance in Tropical Climates: A Life Cycle Cost Approach

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. U. Halwatura
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Indoor Temperature ◽  
Scale Models ◽  
Different Types

Urbanization related to population growth is one of the burning issues that the world is facing today. Parallel to this, there is visible evidence of a possible energy crisis in the near future. Thus, scientists have paid attention to sustainable development methods, and in the field of building construction also, several innovations have been proposed. For example, green roof concept is one of such which is considered a viable method mainly to reduce urban heat island effect, to regain lost land spaces in cities, and to increase aesthetics in cities. The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of green roofs on indoor temperature of buildings, the effect of different types of roofs on the air conditioning loads, and the life cycle cost of buildings with different types of roofing. The study was conducted in several phases: initial small-scale models to determine the heat flow characteristics of roof top soil layers with different thicknesses, a large-scale model applying the findings of the small-scale models to determine temperature fluctuations within a building with other common roofing systems, a computer simulation to investigate air conditioning loads in a typical building with cement fiber sheets and green roof slabs, a comparative analysis of the effect of traditional type roofs and green roofs on the air conditioning loads, and finally an analysis to predict the influence of traditional type roofs and green roofs on life cycle cost of the buildings. The main findings of the study were that green roofs are able to reduce the indoor temperature of buildings and are able to achieve better heat transfer through the roof, and, thus a lower cooling load is necessary for air conditioning and has the possibility of reducing life cycle cost of a building.

Design for maintenance: new algorithmic approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oussama Adjoul ◽  
Khaled Benfriha ◽  
Améziane Aoussat
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Multicomponent System ◽  
Systems Design ◽  
Simultaneous Optimization ◽  
Product Architecture ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Optimal Maintenance

PurposeThis paper proposes a new simultaneous optimization model of the industrial systems design and maintenance. This model aims to help the designer in searching for technical solutions and the product architecture by integrating the maintenance issues from the design stage. The goal is to reduce the life-cycle cost (LCC) of the studied system.Design/methodology/approachLiterature indicates that the different approaches used in the design for maintenance (DFM) methods are limited to the simultaneous characterization of the reliability and the maintainability of a multicomponent system as well as the modeling of the dynamic maintenance. This article proposes to go further in the optimization of the product, by simultaneously characterizing the design, in terms of reliability and maintainability, as well as the dynamic planning of the maintenance operations. This combinatorial characterization is performed by a two-level hybrid algorithm based on the genetic algorithms.FindingsThe proposed tool offers, depending on the life-cycle expectation, the desired availability, the desired business model (sales or rental), simulations in terms of the LCCs, and so an optimal product architecture.Research limitations/implicationsIn this article, the term “design” is limited to reliability properties, possible redundancies, component accessibility (maintainability), and levels of monitoring information.Originality/valueThis work is distinguished by the use of a hybrid optimization algorithm (two-level computation) using genetic algorithms. The first level is to identify an optimal design configuration that takes into account the LCC criterion. The second level consists in proposing a dynamic and optimal maintenance plan based on the maintenance-free operating period (MFOP) concept that takes into account certain criteria, such as replacement costs or the reliability of the system.

Life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation system for the DFW Airport

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 440-456
Author(s):  
Seyed Ehsan Zahed ◽  
Sirwan Shahooei ◽  
Ferika Farooghi ◽  
Mohsen Shahandashti ◽  
Siamak Ardekani
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Freight Transportation ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Life Cycle Cost Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Components

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation (UFT) system for the Dallas Fort Worth international airport. Design/methodology/approach The research approach includes: identifying the cost components of the proposed airport UFT system; estimating life-cycle cost (LCC) of system components using various methods; determining life-cycle cash flows; evaluating the reliability of the results using sensitivity analysis; and assessing the validity of the results using analogues cases. Findings Although the capital cost of constructing an airport UFT system seems to be the largest cost of such innovative projects, annual costs for running the system are more significant, taking a life-cycle perspective. System administrative cost, tunnel operation and maintenance, and tunnel construction cost are the principle cost components of the UFT system representing approximately 46, 24 and 19 percent of the total LCC, respectively. The shipping cost is estimated to be $4.14 per ton-mile. Although this cost is more than the cost of transporting cargos by trucks, the implementation of UFT systems could be financially justified considering their numerous benefits. Originality/value This paper, for the first time, helps capital planners understand the LCC of an airport UFT system with no or limited past experience, and to consider such innovative solutions to address airport congestion issues.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document