The Experts below are selected from a list of 339 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Shishir Kumar Behera - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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methodological aspects of applying eco Efficiency Indicators to industrial symbiosis networks
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2014Co-Authors: Hungsuck Park, Shishir Kumar BeheraAbstract:Abstract In this study, we proposed eco-Efficiency Indicator as an integral parameter for simultaneously quantifying the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis (IS) networks. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development definition of eco-Efficiency, the eco-Efficiency Indicators proposed include one economic Indicator, and three generally applicable simplified environmental Indicators (raw material consumption, energy consumption, and CO2 emission). Three eco-efficiencies corresponding to three environmental Indicators are assessed using seven IS networks that were developed between 2007 and 2012, which are currently operational in Ulsan Eco-Industrial Park (EIP), South Korea. Our results indicate that the eco-Efficiency of individual IS networks improved up to 28.7%. Besides, the evolution of seven IS networks comprising 21 companies resulted in an overall eco-Efficiency enhancement of about 10%. The proposed eco-Efficiency Indicators for IS networks can be easily utilized to communicate with decision makers at any level to assist in transforming conventional industrial complexes to EIP. The implications of the study and limitations of the methodology are delineated.
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methodological aspects of applying eco Efficiency Indicators to industrial symbiosis networks
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2014Co-Authors: Hungsuck Park, Shishir Kumar BeheraAbstract:Abstract In this study, we proposed eco-Efficiency Indicator as an integral parameter for simultaneously quantifying the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis (IS) networks. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development definition of eco-Efficiency, the eco-Efficiency Indicators proposed include one economic Indicator, and three generally applicable simplified environmental Indicators (raw material consumption, energy consumption, and CO2 emission). Three eco-efficiencies corresponding to three environmental Indicators are assessed using seven IS networks that were developed between 2007 and 2012, which are currently operational in Ulsan Eco-Industrial Park (EIP), South Korea. Our results indicate that the eco-Efficiency of individual IS networks improved up to 28.7%. Besides, the evolution of seven IS networks comprising 21 companies resulted in an overall eco-Efficiency enhancement of about 10%. The proposed eco-Efficiency Indicators for IS networks can be easily utilized to communicate with decision makers at any level to assist in transforming conventional industrial complexes to EIP. The implications of the study and limitations of the methodology are delineated.
Wolfgang Lucht - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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water savings potentials of irrigation systems global simulation of processes and linkages
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 2015Co-Authors: Jonas Jagermeyr, Dieter Gerten, Jens Heinke, Sibyll Schaphoff, Matti Kummu, Wolfgang LuchtAbstract:Abstract. Global agricultural production is heavily sustained by irrigation, but irrigation system efficiencies are often surprisingly low. However, our knowledge of irrigation efficiencies is mostly confined to rough indicative estimates for countries or regions that do not account for spatiotemporal heterogeneity due to climate and other biophysical dependencies. To allow for refined estimates of global agricultural water use, and of water saving and water productivity potentials constrained by biophysical processes and also non-trivial downstream effects, we incorporated a process-based representation of the three major irrigation systems (surface, sprinkler, and drip) into a bio- and agrosphere model, LPJmL. Based on this enhanced model we provide a gridded world map of irrigation efficiencies that are calculated in direct linkage to differences in system types, crop types, climatic and hydrologic conditions, and overall crop management. We find pronounced regional patterns in beneficial irrigation Efficiency (a refined irrigation Efficiency Indicator accounting for crop-productive water consumption only), due to differences in these features, with the lowest values ( 60 %) in Europe and North America. We arrive at an estimate of global irrigation water withdrawal of 2469 km3 (2004–2009 average); irrigation water consumption is calculated to be 1257 km3, of which 608 km3 are non-beneficially consumed, i.e., lost through evaporation, interception, and conveyance. Replacing surface systems by sprinkler or drip systems could, on average across the world's river basins, reduce the non-beneficial consumption at river basin level by 54 and 76 %, respectively, while maintaining the current level of crop yields. Accordingly, crop water productivity would increase by 9 and 15 %, respectively, and by much more in specific regions such as in the Indus basin. This study significantly advances the global quantification of irrigation systems while providing a framework for assessing potential future transitions in these systems. In this paper, presented opportunities associated with irrigation improvements are significant and suggest that they should be considered an important means on the way to sustainable food security.
Hungsuck Park - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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methodological aspects of applying eco Efficiency Indicators to industrial symbiosis networks
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2014Co-Authors: Hungsuck Park, Shishir Kumar BeheraAbstract:Abstract In this study, we proposed eco-Efficiency Indicator as an integral parameter for simultaneously quantifying the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis (IS) networks. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development definition of eco-Efficiency, the eco-Efficiency Indicators proposed include one economic Indicator, and three generally applicable simplified environmental Indicators (raw material consumption, energy consumption, and CO2 emission). Three eco-efficiencies corresponding to three environmental Indicators are assessed using seven IS networks that were developed between 2007 and 2012, which are currently operational in Ulsan Eco-Industrial Park (EIP), South Korea. Our results indicate that the eco-Efficiency of individual IS networks improved up to 28.7%. Besides, the evolution of seven IS networks comprising 21 companies resulted in an overall eco-Efficiency enhancement of about 10%. The proposed eco-Efficiency Indicators for IS networks can be easily utilized to communicate with decision makers at any level to assist in transforming conventional industrial complexes to EIP. The implications of the study and limitations of the methodology are delineated.
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methodological aspects of applying eco Efficiency Indicators to industrial symbiosis networks
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2014Co-Authors: Hungsuck Park, Shishir Kumar BeheraAbstract:Abstract In this study, we proposed eco-Efficiency Indicator as an integral parameter for simultaneously quantifying the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis (IS) networks. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development definition of eco-Efficiency, the eco-Efficiency Indicators proposed include one economic Indicator, and three generally applicable simplified environmental Indicators (raw material consumption, energy consumption, and CO2 emission). Three eco-efficiencies corresponding to three environmental Indicators are assessed using seven IS networks that were developed between 2007 and 2012, which are currently operational in Ulsan Eco-Industrial Park (EIP), South Korea. Our results indicate that the eco-Efficiency of individual IS networks improved up to 28.7%. Besides, the evolution of seven IS networks comprising 21 companies resulted in an overall eco-Efficiency enhancement of about 10%. The proposed eco-Efficiency Indicators for IS networks can be easily utilized to communicate with decision makers at any level to assist in transforming conventional industrial complexes to EIP. The implications of the study and limitations of the methodology are delineated.
Michela Soverchia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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an economic Efficiency Indicator for assessing income opportunities in sustainable waste management
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2019Co-Authors: Francesca Bartolacci, Roy Cerqueti, Antonella Paolini, Michela SoverchiaAbstract:Abstract This article proposes a new economic Efficiency Indicator for measuring and analyzing the income opportunities for companies operating in the collection, transport and treatment of municipal solid waste, while also taking into account the environmental perspective. Specifically, the followed approach is based on a mixed economic and environmental perspective, with a focus on the income advantage stemming from the exploitation of secondary raw materials obtained from differentiated waste. To pursue this scope, an Indicator at the company level is preliminarily identified; then, a systemic Indicator is introduced by implementing an aggregation of the individual ones. The adopted methodological tool is of the rank-size type, which is particularly appropriate for inferring insights at the system level from empirical data at single company level. To validate the Indicator and apply it to real data in the sector of interest, an empirical analysis is conducted on a group of Italian waste management companies. It is shown that the Indicator can be a useful tool for generating valuable information for waste management companies and policy-makers, who are responsible for defining policies and programs that make the overall waste management system more sustainable, thus materializing environmental and social benefits.
Tiina Pursula - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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eco Efficiency Indicator framework implemented in the metallurgical industry part 2 a case study from the copper industry
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2016Co-Authors: Ida Ronnlund, M A Reuter, Susanna Horn, Jatta Aho, Maija Aho, Minna Paallysaho, Laura Ylimaki, Tiina PursulaAbstract:Sustainability differentiation has become an important issue for companies throughout the value chain. There is thus a need for detailed and credible analyses, which show the current status and point out where improvements can be done and how. The study describes how a comprehensive product-centric eco-Efficiency Indicator framework can be used to evaluate, benchmark, and communicate the sustainability of a copper production value chain. The Indicator framework, together with the suggested data collection and simulation methods, aims at evaluating the whole system, while still enabling a focus on scopes of different width. The status of the environment, current production technologies, location-specific and process-specific issues all play a role in achieving sustainable development. Copper cathode production from copper ore was chosen to exemplify the developed framework. Data sets from a simulation tool were used when available and LCI databases and LCA software were utilized for the remaining steps. The value chain is analyzed and the benchmark for each Indicator built according to the new Gaia Refiner Indicator framework. This method enables analysis of specific production steps with a higher degree of accuracy. The case study shows how some important environmental sustainability issues in copper production can be analyzed and benchmarked within a product group. Benchmark data is collected and used in the analysis for the selected system scope. Data availability is still an issue and the example shows which areas require more information in this context so that products and value chains can be benchmarked in the future on a more consistent basis. The energy mix, chemical use, and land use contribute to potential environmental sustainability risks within the product benchmarking group, while emissions control shows competitive environmental sustainability advantages for the case study. The methodology is shown to work well in highlighting the sustainability advantages and risks of value chains in copper production with the selected system scope in a visual manner through the Sustainability Indicator “Flower.” The importance of a baseline is clear. The effect of the metal ore grade on the results shows that the scalability of the analysis system is very important. Scaling the system scope up will show the differences in varying value chains and scaling the system scope down will show Efficiency differences between more similar value chains, thus visualizing where innovation has the biggest impact.
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eco Efficiency Indicator framework implemented in the metallurgical industry part 1 a comprehensive view and benchmark
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2016Co-Authors: Ida Ronnlund, M A Reuter, Susanna Horn, Jatta Aho, Maija Aho, Minna Paallysaho, Laura Ylimaki, Tiina PursulaAbstract:Purpose The purpose of this work was to develop an Indicator framework for the environmental sustainability benchmarking of products produced by the metallurgical industry. Sustainability differentiation has become an important issue for companies throughout the value chain. Differentiation is sometimes not attainable, due to the use of average data, lack of comparative data, certain issues being overshadowed by others, and a very narrow palette of Indicators dominating the current sustainability assessments. There is a need for detailed and credible analyses, which show the current status and point out where improvements can be made. The Indicator framework is developed to give a comprehensive picture of eco-Efficiency, to provide methods that enable relevant comparisons as well as the tools for communicating the results. In this way, the methodology presented in this study aims to make differentiation easier and thus aid companies in driving the development toward more sustainable solutions.
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eco Efficiency Indicator framework implemented in the metallurgical industry part 1 a comprehensive view and benchmark
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2016Co-Authors: Ida Ronnlund, M A Reuter, Susanna Horn, Jatta Aho, Maija Aho, Minna Paallysaho, Laura Ylimaki, Tiina PursulaAbstract:The purpose of this work was to develop an Indicator framework for the environmental sustainability benchmarking of products produced by the metallurgical industry. Sustainability differentiation has become an important issue for companies throughout the value chain. Differentiation is sometimes not attainable, due to the use of average data, lack of comparative data, certain issues being overshadowed by others, and a very narrow palette of Indicators dominating the current sustainability assessments. There is a need for detailed and credible analyses, which show the current status and point out where improvements can be made. The Indicator framework is developed to give a comprehensive picture of eco-Efficiency, to provide methods that enable relevant comparisons as well as the tools for communicating the results. In this way, the methodology presented in this study aims to make differentiation easier and thus aid companies in driving the development toward more sustainable solutions. The framework is based on the existing Indicator framework Gaia Biorefiner, which is primarily intended for bio-based products. In this work, the framework was further developed for application in the metallurgical industry. The Indicator framework is built by first looking at the issues, which are critical to the environment and global challenges seen today and which the activities of the metallurgical industry may have an impact on. Based on these issues, suitable Indicators are chosen if they exist and built if they do not. The idea is that all Indicators in a group form a whole, showing areas of innovation while refraining from aggregating and weighting, which often compromise a comprehensive and objective view. Both qualitative and quantitative Indicators are included. The Indicators are constructed following the criteria set by the EU and OECD for building Indicators. Each Indicator further has a benchmark. The rules for building the benchmark are connected to the Indicators. Suitable data sources and criteria for the benchmark and the Indicators are gathered from literature, publicly available databases, and commercial LCA software. The use of simulation tools for attaining more reliable data is also studied. The result is a visual framework consisting of ten Indicator groups with one to five Indicators each, totaling up to 31 Indicators. These are visualized in a sustainability Indicator “flower.” The flower can be further opened up to study each Indicator and the reasons behind the results. The sustainability benchmark follows a methodology that is based on utilization of baseline data and sustainability criteria or limits. A simulation approach was included in the methodology to address the problem with data scarcity and data reliability. The status of the environment, current production technologies, location-specific issues, and process-specific issues all affect the result, and the aim of finding relevant comparisons that will support sustainability differentiation is answered by a scalable scoping system. A new framework and its concise visualization has been built for assessing the eco-Efficiency of products from the metallurgical industry, in a way that aims to answer the needs of the industry. Since there is a baseline, against which each Indicator can be benchmarked, a sustainability Indicator “flower” can be derived, one of the key innovations of this methodology. This approach goes beyond the usual quantification, as it is also scalable and linked to technology and its fundamental parameters. In part 2, a case study “A case study from the copper industry” tests and illustrates the methodology.
