Energy use: the most important environmental impact of electronic equipment?

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.R. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electronic Equipment

scholarly journals Strategies for Improving the Sustainability of Data Centers via Energy Mix, Energy Conservation, and Circular Energy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6114
Author(s):  
Matteo Manganelli ◽  
Alessandro Soldati ◽  
Luigi Martirano ◽  
Seeram Ramakrishna
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Power Distribution ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Data Centers ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Energy Efficiency And Conservation

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly permeating our daily life and we ever more commit our data to the cloud. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic put an exceptional burden upon ICT. This involves increasing implementation and use of data centers, which increased energy use and environmental impact. The scope of this work is to summarize the present situation on data centers as to environmental impact and opportunities for improvement. First, we introduce the topic, presenting estimated energy use and emissions. Then, we review proposed strategies for energy efficiency and conservation in data centers. Energy uses pertain to power distribution, ICT, and non-ICT equipment (e.g., cooling). Existing and prospected strategies and initiatives in these sectors are identified. Among key elements are innovative cooling techniques, natural resources, automation, low-power electronics, and equipment with extended thermal limits. Research perspectives are identified and estimates of improvement opportunities are mentioned. Finally, we present an overview on existing metrics, regulatory framework, and bodies concerned.

scholarly journals Environmental Impact of Dietary Choices: Role of the Mediterranean and Other Dietary Patterns in an Italian Cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grosso ◽  
Ujué Fresán ◽  
Maira Bes-Rastrollo ◽  
Stefano Marventano ◽  
Fabio Galvano
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

Background: Current scientific literature suggests healthy dietary patterns may have less environmental impact than current consumption patterns, but most of the studies rely on theoretical modeling. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on resources (land, water, and energy) use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of healthy dietary patterns in a sample of Italian adults. Methods: Participants (n = 1806) were recruited through random sampling in the city of Catania, southern Italy. Dietary consumption was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); dietary patterns were calculated through dietary scores. The specific environmental footprints of food item production/processing were obtained from various available life-cycle assessments; a sustainability score was created based on the impact of the four environmental components calculated. Results: The contribution of major food groups to the environmental footprint showed that animal products (dairy, egg, meat, and fish) represented more than half of the impact on GHG emissions and energy requirements; meat products were the stronger contributors to GHG emissions and water use, while dairy products to energy use, and cereals to land use. All patterns investigated, with the exception of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), were linearly associated with the sustainability score. Among the components, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and Alternate Diet Quality Index (AHEI) was associated with lower GHG emissions, dietary quality index-international (DQI-I) with land use, while Nordic diet with land and water use. Conclusions: In conclusion, the adoption of healthy dietary patterns involves less use of natural resources and GHG emissions, representing eco-friendlier options in Italian adults.

scholarly journals Environmental Comparison of Energy Solutions for Heating and Cooling

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Franzén ◽  
Linnéa Nedar ◽  
Maria Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Three Solutions ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Energy Flows ◽  
One Year

Humanity faces several environmental challenges today. The planet has limited resources, and it is necessary to use these resources effectively. This paper examines the environmental impact of three energy solutions for the heating and cooling of buildings. The solutions are conventional district heating and cooling, a smart energy solution for heating and cooling (ectogrid™), and geothermal energy. The ectogrid™ balances energy flows with higher and lower temperatures to reduce the need for supplied energy. The three solutions have been studied for Medicon Village, which is a district in the city of Lund in Sweden. The study shows that the energy use for the conventional system is 12,250 MWh for one year, and emissions are 590 tons of CO2 equivalents. With ectogrid™, the energy use is reduced by 61%, and the emissions are reduced by 12%, compared to the conventional system. With geothermal energy, the energy use is reduced by 70%, and the emissions by 20%. An analysis is also made in a European context, with heating based on natural gas and cooling based on air conditioners. The study shows that the environmental impact would decrease considerably by replacing the carbon dioxide intensive solution with ectogrid™ or geothermal energy.

scholarly journals Population growth, energy use, and environmental impact: Comparing the Canadian and Swedish records on CO2 emissions

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Don Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
International Commitments ◽  
Growth Energy ◽  
Demographic Growth ◽  
Ipat Equation

There are many similarities between Canada and Sweden, as both are relatively affluent northern nations with diverse modern economies. Both have witnessed demographic growth and climbing affluence, with predominantly export-oriented economies. Yet in terms of their respective records on greenhouse gas emissions, there is a stark contrast between the two. Sweden is often considered a world leader in reducing emissions, whereas Canada has been widely criticized for its failure to meet international commitments. The current paper attempts to delineate some of the factors responsible for the observed differences between the two countries. It examines trends in environmental impact (CO2 levels) by applying a modified and updated version of Ehrlich’s IPAT equation. The crux of the matter in comparing the two countries is Canada’s substantial population growth and heavy demand for energy (29th among 30 countries in the OECD on our measure of energy intensity) whereas Sweden has managed to move away from fossil fuels in driving its economic activity.

scholarly journals The significance of energy consumption in environmental impact of rare earth elements recovery from tailings and mining waste

2019 ◽  
Vol 108 ◽  
pp. 02011
Author(s):  
Karolina Kossakowska ◽  
Katarzyna Grzesik
Keyword(s):  
Rare Earth ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Rare Earth Elements ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Lca Results ◽  
Critical Raw Materials

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are identified as critical raw materials for the European Union economy. REEs are not currently produced in the EU, while there are several sources not properly addressed. Within the ENVIREE project tailings from New Kankberg (Sweden) and Covas (Portugal) were identified as rich in REEs and chosen for recovery processing. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used to evaluate the environmental impact of REEs recovery. The aim of this study is the detailed analysis of several scenarios with different electricity production schemes of REE recovery. The study discusses the share of energy use in the overall impact on the environment, taking into account diversification in the electricity production structure among EU countries. The energy use is a significant contributor to the overall environmental impact of studied cases. Its share in the total environmental burden is reaching up to 47%. The results show that applying the average electricity scheme production for Europe may lead to biased LCA results. For the accurate LCA results the local production schemes of energy for certain countries should be chosen.

scholarly journals From Energy Blues to Green Energy: Options Before Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 53 (4II) ◽  
pp. 309-325
Author(s):  
Rafi Amir-Ud-Din
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Mix ◽  
Current Energy

Energy crisis in Pakistan had been brewing long before it became an important national issue with the potential to significantly affect the outcome of general elections of 2013. The looming crisis of depleting non-renewable energy sources combined with a feeble economy has lent a new urgency to the search for an energy mix which is sustainable, economically viable and environmentally least hazardous. Fossil fuels with their known adverse environmental impacts dominate the current energy mix of Pakistan. The renewable energy sources remain underutilised despite being cost effective and less hazardous for the environment. A substantial amount of literature has highlighted various dimensions of existing energy sources in Pakistan with a particular emphasis on the environmental impact, the sustainability and the efficiency of various energy sources [see Asif (2009); Basir, et al. (2013); Bhutto, et al. (2012); Mirza, et al. (2009, 2008, 2003); Muneer and Asif (2007); Sheikh (2010) for example]. This study analyses the environmental impact, economic feasibility and efficiency of various energy sources subject to various economic and noneconomic constraints. Section 2 discusses energy security by reviewing various tapped and untapped energy sources besides analysing current energy mix and its future prospects. Section 3 highlights the interaction of energy use and environment. Section 4 discusses two approaches to assess the feasibility of an energy mix: disaggregated and aggregated. The latter approach makes a multidimensional comparison of all the energy sources discussed in this study. Section 5 consists of discussion and concluding remarks.

scholarly journals Propuesta de materiales termoaislantes para desarrollo de casa-habitación adecuada a cambios climáticos con eficiencia energética

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Francisco Gibranny Curiel-Sanchez ◽  
Ixchel Astrid Camacho-Ixta
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Insulating Materials ◽  
Thermal Insulating ◽  
Sustainable Materials

The condition of climate change is attributed directly or indirectly to activities related to the human being, as a more transcendental effect the increase of temperature is highlighted. Such a condition is not taken into account in the development of current constructions, so it is sought to propose the use of thermal insulating materials that will give a thermal comfort to the user and a reduction of energy use, which in turn will be an environmental advantage. There are various types of thermal insulating materials, however, it is proposed to be sustainable, as it is intended not to contribute to climate change and to meet the appropriate specifications of the building envelope, in order to ensure the users comfort of current and future dwellings, different factors, such as orientation, as well as specific parameters, will be taken into account as part of the development of the aforementioned ones. The construction development of the current house-room does not take into account the continuous thermal alterations that occur by the continuous climate change, ignoring the basic needs of the thermal comfort of the user; so sustainable materials are recommended, which meet thermoinsulating properties without causing an environmental impact.

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