scholarly journals Assessing Urban Metabolism through MSW Carbon Footprint and Conceptualizing Municipal-Industrial Symbiosis—The Case of Zaragoza City, Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12724
Author(s):  
Antonio Valero ◽  
Jorge Torrubia ◽  
Miguel Ángel Anía ◽  
Alicia Torres
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Urban Metabolism ◽  
Industrial Symbiosis ◽  
Organic Fraction ◽  
Industrial Ecosystem ◽  
Holistic Vision ◽  
Monetary Savings ◽  
The City

This paper proposes a holistic vision of the urban metabolism (UM), viewing the city as a subsystem within an industrial ecosystem (IE) in which municipal-industrial symbiosis is essential to achieve sustainability goals. For this purpose, the metabolism of a large Spanish city, Zaragoza, was studied by analyzing the main fractions of its MSW. A methodology based on carbon footprint (CF) was developed to analyze the environmental impact—in terms of CO2—of the influence of households’ behavior, the City Council’s strategies, and the main MSW fractions. Zaragoza’s IE represents a footprint of 931,250 CO2 tons for the fractions studied, of which 438,000 CO2 tons are due to organic fraction, 180,371 to plastics and 154,607 to paper and cardboard, which are the three most significant contributors. If households selectively separated 100% of their waste, the footprint would drop to 648,660 tons of CO2. Furthermore, monetary savings were quantified through the CO2 emissions price. The proposed methodology accounts for the CF of the whole IE, not just the city. Moreover, it enables the creation of Sankey diagrams to visualize the distribution of emissions of each subsystem, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the city and its recycling industries to reduce its CF.

scholarly journals What Is the Environmental Impact of Wine Entering Global Value Chains? Studying the Evolution of CO2 Emissions from the Export of Spanish Denomination of Origin Wines

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1664
Author(s):  
Juan Sebastián Castillo-Valero ◽  
Inmaculada Carrasco ◽  
Marcos Carchano ◽  
Carmen Córcoles
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Wine Trade

The continuous growth of the international wine trade and the expansion of international markets is having significant commercial, but also environmental, impacts. The benefits of vineyards in terms of ecosystem service provision are offset by the increase in CO2 emissions generated by transportation. Denominations of Origin, as quality labels, emphasise a wine’s links to the terroir, where specific elements of culture and environment merge together. However, Denominations of Origin can also have differentiating elements as regards environmental performance. Drawing on an extended multiregional input–output model applied to the Spanish Denominations of Origin with the largest presence in the international wine trade, this study shows that wines with the greatest exporting tradition are those that most reduced their carbon footprint per litre of exported wine in the period 2005–2018, thus being the most environmentally efficient.

scholarly journals Seeking Circularity: Circular Urban Metabolism in the Context of Industrial Symbiosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9094
Author(s):  
Akvilė Feiferytė-Skirienė ◽  
Žaneta Stasiškienė
Keyword(s):  
Energy Flow ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Urban System ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Urban Metabolism ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Industrial Symbiosis ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
The City ◽  
New Framework

Cities are leading in the implementation of circular economy (CE) principles and sustainable development due to the concentration of knowledge, resources and technology while remaining the highest consumers and producers of resources. CE, urban metabolism (UM) and industrial symbiosis (IS) offer a new more holistic approach based on material and energy flow analysis and materials recovery from waste by creating IS networks to support a new circular urban system (CUM) which contrast to the traditional linear extract-produce-use-dispose model of economic systems. In this paper, we present the concepts of CE, IS and CUM and how the new framework could improve cities transition to sustainability and CE, with detailed CE and IS indicators analysis. We introduce the relations between IS, CE and UM concepts, how they can be used and monitored in the CUM framework. CUM can help unite urban planners, the city’s governance and the business sector to promote collaboration across the city to improve future sustainability and circularity by closing loops.

1506 Theatre and The Environmental Impact: If You Don’t Measure It Can’t Be Managed

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
E E McCormack ◽  
D Hopkins ◽  
D M Nally
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
National Average ◽  
Healthcare Programme ◽  
Global Impact ◽  
Monetary Savings ◽  
Recycled Waste

Abstract Introduction The environmental impact of healthcare is estimated to be 5% of the total global impact and up to 10% in certain countries. The Green Healthcare programme in Ireland has published aims on its website to recycle 70% of the packaging waste and reduce waste sent to landfill by 10% by 2035. Currently the national average of recycled waste from hospitals is 11% Method We commenced a waste analysis project to assess the carbon footprint of our theatres. We measured the amount of waste which could potentially be recycled and preformed an economic analysis on this data to calculate projected cost benefit. Pilot analysis split waste into three categories – recyclable, landfill, and healthcare risk. Cases included ranged from minor to major complex including robotic procedures. Results Waste destined for the incinerator was excluded Pilot data showed that recyclable waste per case ranged from 400g to 2kg. which represents up to 50% of waste that would have otherwise been destined for landfill Conclusions Significant environmental and monetary savings are possible and recycling in theatre has been shown to be feasible in other hospitals. This does however require engagement from all staff and hospital administration. Further analysis is required to quantify the monetary cost to introduce a recycling programme and to determine optimum pathways for waste disposal in the theatre setting.

scholarly journals Carbon footprint as a marker of environmental impact in patients included in a remote monitoring pacemaker programme

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Perez Diaz ◽  
J Jimenez Diaz ◽  
F Higuera Sobrino ◽  
M C Bastante Diaz ◽  
E Campos Perez De Madrid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Monitoring Programme ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background When patients fitted with pacemakers have to attend arrhythmia appointments, this often involves their caregivers having to take time off work, along with an increase in spending on transport and the amount of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere (carbon footprint). The remote monitoring of pacemakers implemented at our Arrhythmia Unit reduces the social, occupational, financial and environmental impact. Purpose We describe the impact of remote monitoring of pacemaker implemented by our Arrhythmia Unit in our patient's live and the reduction in social, occupational and financial impact on these patients, and we quantify the decrease in CO2 emissions. Methods Prospective observational study including 160 patients on the remote monitoring programme between 2016 and 2017. We handed a satisfaction survey to these patients after the face-to-face monitoring appointment, which analysed variables such as waiting time, attention and treatment received, need for accompaniment of a relative, method of travel and kilometres travelled, etc. Finally, we quantified the carbon footprint of each patient's journey and compared the level to the results if all the monitoring appointments had been in person. Results Patients spent a median of 60±30 minutes in remote monitoring, with a distance travelled of 1.4±4.9 km. In face-to-face appointments, most patients were accompanied (85.6%) and arrived by private car (66.3%), with 54% of family members needing to take time off work. The median time spent was 150±120 minutes, and the distance travelled was 63±105 km. The carbon footprint emitted by individuals included in the remote monitoring programme was 138±114, with an estimated saving of 15±33 kg of CO2 (9.6%) per remote monitoring cycle (Figure 1). Conclusions The remote monitoring pacemaker programme in the health district of our city has a very positive healthcare, social-occupational and environmental impact, which is manifested both from an objective point of view (greater independence, less time spent per appointment, less distance travelled, fewer healthcare transport needs, less workplace absenteeism by family members and approximately a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions per monitoring cycle) and a subjective point of view (lower impact of appointments on patients' lives and greater perception of satisfaction from the patients and their companions). FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals There is a silver lining: carbon footprint reduction by holding Preventive Cardiology conference 2020 virtually

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Batool ◽  
A Neven ◽  
Y Vanrompay ◽  
M Adnan ◽  
P Dendale
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
Co2 Production ◽  
Scientific Conference ◽  
Preventive Cardiology ◽  
Transport Modes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Special Research Fund (BOF), Hasselt University Introduction The transportation sector is one of the major sectors influencing climate change, contributing around 16% of total Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Aviation contributes to 12% of the transport related emissions. Among other climate change impacts, elevated heat exposure is associated with increased cardiac events and exposure to air pollution caused by GHG emissions has also well-known association with increased cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality. The global temperature rise should be restricted to less than 2 °C which requires keeping carbon emission (CO2) less than 2900 billion tonnes by the end of the 21st century. Assuming air travel a major contributing source to GHG, this study aims to raise the awareness about potential carbon emissions reduction due to air travel of international events like a scientific conference. Purpose Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the Preventive cardiology conference 2020 which was planned to be held at Malaga Spain, instead was held in virtual online way. This study aims to calculate the contribution of reduced CO2  emissions in tons due to ESC preventive cardiology conference 2020, which was then held online and air travel of the registered participants was avoided. Methods Anonymized participant registration information was used to determine the country and city of the 949 registered participants of the Preventive Cardiology conference 2020. It is assumed that participants would have travelled from the closest airports from their reported city locations to Malaga airport, Spain. At first, the closest city airports were determined using Google maps and flights information, then the flight emissions (direct and indirect CO2-equivalent emissions) per passenger for the given flight distances were calculated. The CO2 emissions (tons) were calculated for round trips in economy class from the participants of 68 nationalities (excluding 60 participants from Spain as they are assumed to take other modes of transport than airplane). Results In total, 1156.51 tons of CO2  emissions were saved by turning the physical conference into a virtual event. This emission amount is equivalent to the annual CO2 production of 108 people living in high-income countries. Conclusion The pandemic situation has forced us to rethink the necessity of trips by air and has shown us the feasibility of digitally organized events. The information from this study can add to the awareness about reduced amount of carbon emission due to air travel by organizing events in a virtual way when possible. Apart from only digitally organized events there are others options to reduce the carbon footprint of conferences such as limiting the number of physical attendees, encouraging the use of relatively sustainable transport modes for participants from nearby countries (e.g. international trains and use of active transport modes at conference venue etc.) and including CO2 emission offsetting costs.

Environmental impact assessment of organic fraction of municipal solid waste treatment by anaerobic digestion in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
pp. 0734242X2110134
Author(s):  
Rasangika Thathsaranee Weligama Thuppahige ◽  
Sandhya Babel
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Policy Formation ◽  
Ozone Formation ◽  
Organic Fraction ◽  
Management Options

The management of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) has continued to be a significant challenge in Sri Lanka. Anaerobic digestion is one of the management options of OFMSW. However, it generates unavoidable environmental impacts that should be addressed. The present study focuses to assess the environmental impact of a full-scale anaerobic digestion plant in Sri Lanka from a life cycle perspective. The inventory data were obtained from direct interviews and field measurements. Environmental burdens were found to be in terms of global warming potential (230 kg CO2 eq) ozone formation on human health (6.15 × 10−6 kg NO x eq), freshwater eutrophication (2.92 × 10−3 kg P eq), freshwater ecotoxicity (9.27 × 10−5 kg 1,4 DCB eq), human carcinogenic toxicity (3.98 × 10−4 kg 1,4 DCB eq), land use (1.32 × 10−4 m2 a crop eq) and water consumption (2.23 × 10−2 m3). The stratospheric ozone depletion, fine particulate matter formation, ozone formation on terrestrial ecosystems, terrestrial acidification, marine eutrophication, ecotoxicity (terrestrial and marine), human non-carcinogenic toxicity, mineral resource scarcity and fossil resource scarcity, were avoided due to electricity production. Results show that the direct gaseous emissions and digestate generation should be addressed in order to reduce the burdens from the anaerobic digestion plant. Finally, the results of the study could help in policy formation and decision-making in selecting future waste management systems in Sri Lanka.

scholarly journals The Intra-EU Value Chain: An Approach to Its Economic Dimension and Environmental Impact

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Óscar Rodil-Marzábal ◽  
Hugo Campos-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Kuznets Curve ◽  
Output Analysis ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Development Levels ◽  
European Economies

This paper aims to analyze the economic dimension and environmental impact of intra-EU value-added generation linked to global value chains (GVCs) through input-output analysis. For this purpose, information has been collected from TiVA (Trade in Value Added, OECD) and Eora databases for the years 2005 and 2015. From an economic perspective, the results point to a strengthening of the value-added generated within Factory Europe. From an environmental perspective, all EU28 members have reduced their exports-related impacts in intensity-emissions terms, but not all of them in the same degree. An approach to the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) has also been carried out through a panel data model. The results show a positive impact of the participation in intra-EU value chain (Factory Europe) on CO2 emissions per capita. Further, an inverted U-shaped curve for CO2 emissions is found for the period 2005–15. In this sense, European economies with lower development levels (many Eastern and Southern countries) seem to be still on the rising segment of the curve, while the more developed ones seem to be on the decreasing segment. These results highlight the need to design global monitoring and prevention mechanisms to tackle growing environmental challenges and the need to incorporate specific actions associated with the GVCs activity.

scholarly journals Dying to Go Green: The Introduction of Resomation in the United Kingdom

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Georgina M. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Alkaline Hydrolysis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Religious Perspectives ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

In an age where concern for the environment is paramount, individuals are continuously looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint—does this now extend to in one’s own death? How can one reduce the environmental impact of their own death? This paper considers various methods of disposing the human body after death, with a particular focus on the environmental impact that the different disposal techniques have. The practices of ‘traditional’ burial, cremation, ‘natural’ burial, and ‘resomation’ will be discussed, with focus on the prospective introduction of the funerary innovation of the alkaline hydrolysis of human corpses, trademarked as ‘Resomation’, in the United Kingdom. The paper situates this process within the history of innovative corpse disposal in the UK in order to consider how this innovation may function within the UK funeral industry in the future, with reference made to possible religious perspectives on the process.

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