Tag Archives: life cycle assessment

293-321 J.G.R.O. Carvalho, D. Cecchin, A.R.G. de Azevedo, D.F. do Carmo, J.L. Paes, P.F.P. Ferraz, L.S. Hamacher, K.A. Costa, G. Rossi6 and G. Bambi
Life cycle assessment (LCA) in construction materials – Review
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Life cycle assessment (LCA) in construction materials – Review

J.G.R.O. Carvalho¹, D. Cecchin¹*, A.R.G. de Azevedo², D.F. do Carmo¹, J.L. Paes³, P.F.P. Ferraz⁴, L.S. Hamacher¹, K.A. Costa⁵, G. Rossi6 and G. Bambi⁶

¹Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Street Passo da Pátria, n. 156, Boa Viagem, Niterói-RJ, Brazil
²North Fluminense State University (UENF), Civil Engineering Department,
Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
³Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
⁴Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Campus Universitário, postal scode 3037 Lavras, MG, Brazil
⁵Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Production Engineering Department, Avenida dos Trabalhadores, n. 420, Vila Santa Cecília, Volta Redonda-RJ, Brazil
⁶University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@id.uff.br

Abstract:

The construction industry is one of the most impactful sectors in terms of natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, demanding more sustainable and efficient solutions. This study systematically reviews the applicatication of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate sustainable materials and practices within the construction sector, emphasizing the replacement of tradicional materials with recycled, bioeconomic, and low-carbon alternatives. A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus database, covering studies published between 2020 and September 2024. The methodology included the use of VOS viewer software to generate keyword co-occurrence maps, aiding in the identification of emerging trends and patterns.

Key findings indicate substantial environmental benefits from incorporating industrial wastes, agricultural by-products, and bioeconomic materials, demonstrating substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and natural resource usage. The analysis also highlights emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, as innovative tools that further enhance sustainability in construction. However, challenges persist, including limited availability of reliable regional data, methodological complexities, and gaps in integrating socio-economic variables into LCA analyses. This paper contributes to advancing sustainable construction by identifying critical gaps and challenges, proposing strategies for improved data collection, recommending enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and suggesting increased governmental support and regulatory frameworks to promote broader adoption of LCA in industry practices.

Key words:

circular economy, construction materials, life cycle assessment, sustainability, waste

636-658 N.S. Khangar and M. Thangavel
Assessment of environmental impacts: a life cycle analysis of wheat and rice production in Madhya Pradesh
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Assessment of environmental impacts: a life cycle analysis of wheat and rice production in Madhya Pradesh

N.S. Khangar¹ and M. Thangavel²*

¹Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Research scholar, Department of Humanities & Social Science, Indore M.P., India
²Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities & Social Science, Indore M.P., India
*Correspondence: mohana@iiti.ac.in

Abstract:

The production of cereals is one of the primary activities that is responsible for most of the environmental degradation that is caused by agricultural activities. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the ecosystem & resource emissions along with emissions affecting human health, causing due to agricultural activities. LCA is used to conduct an analysis of 17 types of emissions caused by rice and wheat production per hectare in Madhya Pradesh. Based on LCIA and Monte Carlo simulation, the study provides valuable insights into the regional environmental emissions associated with direct seeded rice (DSR), irrigated wheat (IW) and rainfed wheat (RW). Study shows that except for Marine eutrophication (MEUT) and Agricultural land use (ALU), rice production has relatively higher impact than wheat production. Irrigated wheat production found with higher potential of causing non-cancerous diseases caused by air pollution, whereas rice production has the potential to contribute to cancer disease. The production of rice and wheat in Madhya Pradesh state cumulatively contributes 0.008 Gt CO₂ eq. (0.10% of global total) to the global agrifood system GHG emission within farmgate. Since majority of the emissions are caused by soil & crop nutrients and fuel consumption, here it became important to adopt sustainable agricultural practices & biofuel to lessen the environmental impact of wheat & rice production and make sustainable agro-food system of Madhya Pradesh. Based on study results emission mitigation policies have been suggested taking the existing policies into consideration.

Key words:

carbon footprint, environmental impact, life cycle assessment, rice

1169–1179 V. Malijonytė,, E. Dace, F. Romagnoli and M. Gedrovics
Methodology for determining the mixing ratio of selected solid recovered fuels
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Methodology for determining the mixing ratio of selected solid recovered fuels

V. Malijonytė¹,², E. Dace¹*, F. Romagnoli¹ and M. Gedrovics¹

¹Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
²Kaunas University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Donelaičio g.20, LT-44239 Kaunas, Lithuania
*Correspondence: elina.dace@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Energy recovery is a preferable waste management method for waste that cannot be reused or recycled. For energy recovery, various types of waste with differing properties are being used, e.g. mixed municipal solid waste or end-of-life tires. To achieve a more stable and homogeneous characteristics of the waste derived fuels (RDF, SRF), they can be mixed in a number of ratios. The paper presents a methodology for determining the optimal mixing ratio of three selected waste derived fuels (mixed municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, end-of-life tires) considering environmental and economic aspects. The developed method is based on combining life cycle assessment method, mass balance calculations and multi-criteria analysis (the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution – TOPSIS). The results show that mixing the various waste derived fuels allows obtaining a more sustainable solution than in the case of each separate waste derived fuel.

Key words:

end-of-life tires, life cycle assessment, method integration, multi-criteria analysis, municipal solid waste, sewage sludge

372-381 S. Pehme and E. Veromann
Environmental consequences of anaerobic digestion of manure with different co-substrates to produce bioenergy: A review of life cycle assessments
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Environmental consequences of anaerobic digestion of manure with different co-substrates to produce bioenergy: A review of life cycle assessments

S. Pehme* and E. Veromann

Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia; *Correspondence: sirli.pehme@emu.ee

Abstract:

Consequential life cycle assessment approach is needed to assess the environmental impacts of increase in biogas production. To see the full impacts of anaerobic co-digestion all possible environmental consequences caused by this change, i.e. the impacts of changed management and possible substitution impacts of substrates, should be taken into account. Generally anaerobic digestion of manure shows great environmental benefit instead of managing it conventionally, especially for the global warming potential. Environmental performance of co-digestion depends strongly on the initial use of the substrate. Co-digestion with wastes/residues has a great potential to produce bioenergy and reduce global warming potential. Co-digestion with land dependant special energy crops increases the bioenergy output but also increases the environmental impacts due to the need to substitute the substrate and thus should be avoided or limited.

Key words:

anaerobic digestion, biogas, environmental impacts., life cycle assessment

999-1006 M. Repele, A.Paturska, K. Valters and G. Bazbauers
Life cycle assessment of bio-methane supply system based on natural gas infrastructure
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Life cycle assessment of bio-methane supply system based on natural gas infrastructure

M. Repele*, A.Paturska, K. Valters and G. Bazbauers

Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Kronvalda Boulevard 1, Riga, LV1010, Latvia; *Correspondence: mara.repele@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Many sites for biogas production in Latvia currently do not have sufficient heat load to provide power production in co-generation mode. The alternative to relatively inefficient power production could be production of bio-methane which is known as one of the most important renewable option for gas supplies. After removal of contaminants bio-methane is of quality of natural gas and can be delivered to power plants and industry using the natural gas supply infrastructure. For analysis of environmental benefit of using bio-methane the environmental impact of the proposed solution has to be assessed. The aim of the study is to make life cycle assessment of the system for bio-methane supply to industrial plant via the natural gas grid. The analysed system includes bio-methane production and transport to the natural gas pipeline including the infrastructure. Functional unit was 1 MWh of bio-methane energy injected into the natural gas transmission pipeline. Life-cycle model was created and analysed with software ‘SimaPro’. ReCiPe and Eco-Indicator’99 were used as characterization methods to analyse the life-cycle environmental impacts. Results show the influence and contribution level expressed in mid-point categories as well as in a single-score indicator. The largest impact is created by use of fossil energy sources in production of bio-methane. The results can be used to design renewable energy supply systems and for the comparison of alternatives.

Key words:

bio-methane, life cycle assessment, natural gas, renewable energy