scholarly journals Environmental Sustainability of Niobium Recycling: The Case of the Automotive Industry

Recycling ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Rahimpour Golroudbary ◽  
Nikita Krekhovetckii ◽  
Mohammad El Wali ◽  
Andrzej Kraslawski
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Secondary Production ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Critical Metals ◽  
Gas Emissions

The recycling of scrap is one of the common approaches aiming at reduction of mining-based production of critical metals and mitigation of their supply risk as well as processing-related environmental impact. The number of currently available end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) indicates—significant potential for critical metals recycling, especially niobium (Nb). Therefore, the quantification of environmental impact of niobium recovery starts to be an important issue in assessment of sustainability of large-scale recycling processes. In this paper, we assess energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in individual stages of niobium supply chain in the automotive industry over the period 2010–2050. The different stages including mining, production and recycling are analyzed using dynamic simulation. The results show the majority of the consumed energy (45% of energy demand in niobium supply chain) is used in the primary production stage. This stage also contributes to 72% of total gas emissions of supply chain over the period 2010–2050. Mining of niobium consumes up to 36% of energy and generates ca. 21% of GHG emissions. While, in recycling stage, the secondary production of niobium requires 19% of supply chain energy and generates 7% of gas emissions. The detailed calculations show that recycling of niobium could save around 133–161 m GJ energy between 2010 and 2050. The recycling would also contribute to the reduction of 44–53 mt CO2-eq in the same period. It shows around 18% reduction of annual emissions between 2010 and 2050 thanks to reuse of niobium in secondary production rather than primary production.

scholarly journals Simulation-Based Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sustainable Supply Chains—Re-Design in an Approach to Supply Chain Strategy

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3504
Author(s):  
Blanka Tundys ◽  
Tomasz Wiśniewski
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Environmental Aspect ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Negative Environmental Impact

The aim of the study was to analyze emissions in the supply chain and to identify, based on a literature analysis, which supply chain strategies could contribute to reducing these emissions. A broad spectrum of new supply chain strategy solutions was identified and, based on simulations of selected products, conclusions were drawn and the advantages and disadvantages of theoretical solutions were presented for individual cases. A critical analysis of the literature and simulation methods were used to illustrate the problem presented in this paper, to identify the factors causing greenhouse gas emissions and to draw conclusions in the form of proposals to redesign existing strategies, considering the factors determining the increase in pollution caused by the performed logistics processes. The results of the simulations and the literature analysis indicate that solutions related to the redesign of strategies must consider the specificity of the product and the nature of the chain. Not all proposed strategies are applicable to all chains, and each new strategy must be carefully considered and consider many factors. An important element to reduce the negative environmental impact of chains is a well-thought-out relationship with suppliers, a well-chosen and adapted logistics infrastructure, including means of transport. The presented solutions clearly indicate that the environmental aspect plays an increasingly important role in chain management and influences the applied chain strategies. However, reducing the environmental impact of a chain is not a revolutionary approach and an easy-to-implement strategy change, but a well-thought-out, long-term process that considers the specifics of the products, the possibilities of alternative sourcing and distribution modes, and the need to invest in logistics infrastructure to make it as environmentally neutral as possible.

scholarly journals Influence Mechanism on Supplier Emission Reduction Based on a Two-Level Supply Chain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12439
Author(s):  
Lina Ma ◽  
Xinran Zhang ◽  
Yushen Du
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Optimal Choice ◽  
Emissions Reduction ◽  
Governmental Intervention ◽  
The Government ◽  
Reduction Effort ◽  
Better Than

The purpose of this paper is to investigate environmental performance of a supply chain which consists of an upstream supplier and a downstream firm. A mathematical model considering both downstream firm’s monitoring and governmental intervention is developed. Afterwards, a numerical example is presented to show the equilibriums of these models and the optimal choices of firms and government. The results show that when customers’ environmental awareness increases, both total environmental impact and social welfare decrease. The downstream firm’s monitoring will certainly reduce the total environmental impact. In most cases, it does not matter whether the downstream firm chooses to monitor the supplier or not, the total environmental impact and social welfare would not be affected when the government chooses subsidy. If a subsidy is present, firms and environment will be better than those without subsidy. Hence, the government is more likely to choose to provide subsidy and the downstream firm will not monitor the supplier’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction effort. In a few cases when environmental impact is too large, taxation may be the optimal choice for the government and the downstream firm will choose to monitor the supplier’s GHG emissions reduction investment.

Take actions or outsource? An empirical examination of strategic environmental options on greenhouse gas emissions

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 753-776
Author(s):  
Wayne Fu ◽  
Hung-Chung Su
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Consequences

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three strategic environmental options on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Namely, we examine the effects of pollution prevention and waste management (PPWM) practices, green supply chain (GSC) practices, and outsourcing on reducing local and supply chain GHG emissions.Design/methodology/approachUsing ASSET4 and deploying first-differencing fixed-effects panel data models, the study conducts a large-scale empirical examination on the effects of these focal strategic environmental options on GHG emissions.FindingsThis study finds that PPWM practices reduce local GHG emissions and that GSC practices reduce supply chain GHG emissions. The results also show that outsourcing does not reduce local GHG emissions and has an adverse effect on supply chain GHG emissions.Practical implicationsThe study findings indicate that environmental practices are effective in reducing GHG emissions. However, they are effective only in their corresponding domain. Further, outsourcing is not a viable strategic option, and managers should be mindful of its undesired environmental consequences.Originality/valueFirms undertake strategic environmental options, such as implementing environmental practices and reallocating production activities, to improve their environmental performance. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these options on reducing GHG emissions has not been thoroughly examined.

scholarly journals Variations in greenhouse gas emissions of individual diets: Associations between the greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient intake in the United Kingdom

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259418
Author(s):  
Holly L. Rippin ◽  
Janet E. Cade ◽  
Lea Berrang-Ford ◽  
Tim G. Benton ◽  
Neil Hancock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Sustainable Diets

Background Food production accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Less environmentally sustainable diets are also often more processed, energy-dense and nutrient-poor. To date, the environmental impact of diets have mostly been based on a limited number of broad food groups. Objectives We link GHG emissions to over 3000 foods, assessing associations between individuals’ GHG emissions, their nutrient requirements and their demographic characteristics. We also identify additional information required in dietary assessment to generate more accurate environmental impact data for individual-level diets. Methods GHG emissions of individual foods, including process stages prior to retail, were added to the UK Composition Of Foods Integrated Dataset (COFID) composition tables and linked to automated online dietary assessment for 212 adults over three 24-hour periods. Variations in GHG emissions were explored by dietary pattern, demographic characteristics and World Health Organization Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). Results GHG emissions estimates were linked to 98% (n = 3233) of food items. Meat explained 32% of diet-related GHG emissions; 15% from drinks; 14% from dairy; and 8% from cakes, biscuits and confectionery. Non-vegetarian diets had GHG emissions 59% (95% CI 18%, 115%) higher than vegetarian. Men had 41% (20%, 64%) higher GHG emissions than women. Individuals meeting RNIs for saturated fats, carbohydrates and sodium had lower GHG emissions compared to those exceeding the RNI. Discussion Policies encouraging sustainable diets should focus on plant-based diets. Substituting tea, coffee and alcohol with more sustainable alternatives, whilst reducing less nutritious sweet snacks, presents further opportunities. Healthier diets had lower GHG emissions, demonstrating consistency between planetary and personal health. Further detail could be gained from incorporating brand, production methods, post-retail emissions, country of origin, and additional environmental impact indicators.

Power Grid System Design Optimization Considering Renewable Energy Strategies and Environmental Impact

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Piacenza ◽  
Irem Y. Tumer ◽  
Christopher Hoyle ◽  
John Fields
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Power Grid ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Past Century ◽  
The Past

The North American power grid is a highly heterogeneous and dispersed complex system that has been constructed ad-hoc over the past century. Large-scale propagating system failures remain constant over the past 30 years as the rising population and affiliated energy centric culture continues to drive increases in energy demand. In addition, there are continued negative effects from various types of energy generation strategies, including renewables, on the environment. This paper presents a methodology for a high-level system optimization of a power grid capturing annual cost, energy use, and environmental impact for use during the early design trade studies. A model has been created to explore the system state of a power grid based on various types of energy generation, including both fossil fuel and renewable strategies. In addition, energy conservation practices for commercial and residential applications are explored as an alternative solution to meet predicted demand. A component for incorporating design trades within the model has been developed to analyze the feasibility of trading surplus energy between interconnections as a means to address issues with excess generation and mitigate the need for additional generation. The result is a set of Pareto Optimal solutions considering both cost and environmental impact that meet predicted energy demand constraints.

Thermodynamic efficiencies and GHG emissions of alternative desalination processes

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kempton ◽  
D. Maccioni ◽  
S. M. Mrayed ◽  
G. Leslie
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Membrane Distillation ◽  
Thermodynamic Efficiency ◽  
Stream Data ◽  
Produce Water ◽  
Flash Distillation

Three alternative approaches to desalinating seawater were evaluated with respect to their thermodynamic efficiencies and greenhouse-gas emissions. The technologies considered were multistage flash distillation (MSF), reverse osmosis (RO), and membrane distillation (MD). The analysis was based on published stream data from large-scale operational MSF and RO facilities and experimental-scale data for the MD process. RO was found to be the most exergy-efficient (30.1%) followed by MD (14.27%) and MSF (7.73%). RO and MD required less power consumption to produce water (3.29 kWh/m3 and 5.9 kWh/m3, respectively) compared to MSF which had a much higher energy demand (16.7 kWh/m3). Similar results were obtained when comparing equivalent carbon dioxide emissions from each process; MD and RO accounted for 5.22 and 2.91 kg CO2eq/m3, respectively, whereas MSF generated three to four times that amount. The results indicate that MD has potential as a commercially viable technique for seawater desalination provided a source of waste heat is available. This study provides an overview of the use of thermodynamic efficiency analysis to evaluate desalination processes and provides insight into where energy may be saved with developed desalination processes and areas of research for emerging desalination techniques.

Greenhouse gas emissions disclosure: comparing headquarters and local subsidiaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 899-915
Author(s):  
Sibel Hoştut ◽  
Seçil Deren van het Hof
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Brands ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the greenhouse gas emissions disclosures in sustainability reports of the automotive industry both from headquarters and Turkish subsidiaries. Further, it aims to understand to what extent these corporations disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Design/methodology/approach The sample of the research consists of the global brands Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Daimler and Fiat. Global and national sustainability reports from headquarters and local subsidiaries are examined. To determine the disclosure for emissions content analysis is conducted. The GRI 305: Emissions standard, which sets out the reporting requirements on the issue emissions is used to identify the disclosures both from headquarters and subsidiaries. Findings The sector-specific findings show that all sustainability reports from headquarters disclose much more specific information on greenhouse gas emissions than the reports from subsidiaries. Corporations that offer the most comprehensive sustainability reports disclose the least pages in environmental information. However, presenting the least information does not mean that these reports are rare in quality. Especially, two corporations who offer the least pages on environmental issues fully disclosed the classification of GRI 305: Emissions standard. It can be stated that these corporations emphasize the quality and not the quantity of disclosure. Although, local subsidiaries are not reporting to the extent as headquarters do good applications together with specific information are applied. Originality/value The investigation contributes to the research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) by exploring the GHG emissions disclosures across borders by analyzing sustainability reports of both the headquarters of the automotive industry and their local subsidiaries as the actual production units in Turkey.

scholarly journals Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Consumption of Coastal Ecosystem Enhancement Programme through Sustainable Artificial Reefs in Galicia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1909
Author(s):  
Luis Carral ◽  
Juan José Cartelle Barros ◽  
Humberto Carro Fidalgo ◽  
Carolina Camba Fabal ◽  
Alicia Munín Doce
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Coastal Ecosystem ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Cumulative Energy ◽  
Cumulative Energy Demand ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Starting Point

The principle of sustainability should condition a project in which artificial reefs are being installed to protect biodiversity as well as enhance costal ecosystems. In particular, this principle should be taken into account in the logistical processes related to manufacture and transport. This study assesses the global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand (CED) of developing a coastal ecosystem enhancement programme in the estuary region of Galicia, north-western Spain. The focus is on the processes involved in creating green artificial reefs (GARs): manufacture, transport and installation. The starting point is the supply chain for the green artificial reef (GAR) units; greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy needs for each phase are analysed. Various scenarios are considered to determine which options are indeed available when it comes to establishing the supply chain. Different types of energy supplies, different options for the location of production centres, as well as different means of transport were studied. Results reveal the critical phases for selecting how the GAR units must be produced, transported by road and sea and then installed in their permanent location.

scholarly journals Climate Change Mitigation Pathways for the Aviation Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3656
Author(s):  
Md Arif Hasan ◽  
Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Syed Masiur Rahman ◽  
Karim Malik ◽  
Md. Iqram Uddin Al Amran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Carbon Tax ◽  
Aviation Fuel ◽  
Civil Aviation ◽  
Gas Emissions

Even though the contribution of the aviation sector to the global economy is very notable, it also has an adverse impact on climate change. Improvements have been made in different areas (i.e., technology, sustainable aviation fuel, and design) to mitigate these adverse effects. However, the rate of improvement is small compared to the increase in the demand for air transportation. Hence, greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector are steadily increasing and this trend is expected to continue unless adequately addressed. In this context, this study examined the following: (i) the factors that affect the growth of aviation, (ii) trends in greenhouse gas emissions in the sector, (iii) trends in energy demand, (iv) mitigation pathways of emissions, (v) mitigation challenges for the International Civil Aviation Organization, (vi) achievements in mitigating emissions, (vii) barriers against mitigating emissions, and (viii) approaches of overcoming barriers against emissions mitigation. This study finds that continued research and development efforts targeting aircraft fuel burn efficiency are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although biofuels are promising for the reduction of aviation emissions, techniques to reduce NOx emissions could enhance large-scale deployment. Pragmatic market-based mechanisms, such as the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and/or carbon tax must be enforced on a global scale to capitalize on a collective stakeholder effort to curb CO2 emissions. The findings of this study will help in understanding the emissions and energy consumption scenarios, which will provide a comprehensive package of mitigation pathways to overcome future emissions reduction challenges in the aviation sector.

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