Over the last few years, waste management strategies are shifting from waste disposal to recyclin... more Over the last few years, waste management strategies are shifting from waste disposal to recycling and recovery and are considering waste as a potential new resource. To monitor the progress in these waste management strategies, governmental policies have developed a wide range of indicators. In this study, we analyzed the concept of the recyclability benefit rate indicator, which expresses the potential environmental savings that can be achieved from recycling the product over the environmental burdens of virgin production followed by disposal. This indicator is therefore, based on estimated environmental impact values obtained through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) practices. We quantify the environmental impact in terms of resource consumption using the Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment method. This research applied this indicator to two cases of plastic waste recycling in Flanders: closed-loop recycling (case A) and open-loop recycling (case B). Each case is compared to an incineration scenario and a landfilling scenario. The considered plastic waste originates from small domestic appliances and household waste other than plastic bottles. However, the existing recyclability benefit rate indicator does not consider the potential substitution of different materials occurring in open-loop recycling. To address this issue, we further developed the indicator for open-loop recycling and cascaded use. Overall, the results show that both closed-loop and open-loop recycling are more resource efficient than landfilling and incineration with energy recovery.
This paper aims at analysing how secondary materials production and end of life recovery processe... more This paper aims at analysing how secondary materials production and end of life recovery processes are modelled in life cycle-based environmental assessment methods in order to discuss their suitability in product policy-support contexts, with a focus on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policies. The equations prescribed in three published, widely recognised standards are evaluated. In addition, more recent modelling approaches that have been adopted in the context of two EU product policy initiatives (the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the Resource Efficiency Assessment of Products (REAPro)) are similarly analysed. All of the methods are scrutinised against eight criteria which we deem to be important in product policy-support contexts, including comprehensiveness, accommodation of openloop and closed-loop product systems, and consideration of recyclability/recoverability rates, to name a few. Based on this analysis, it is suggested that the PEF and REAPro modelling approaches appear to be better suited for use in product policy-support contexts than do the currently widely endorsed methods that we considered.
The transition toward resource efficient production and consumption patterns is currently one of ... more The transition toward resource efficient production and consumption patterns is currently one of the main challenges in engineering, environmental science and especially in governmental policies. This transition has led to a proliferation of meanings related to the resource efficiency concept, resulting in a wide variety of indicators. In this paper, we propose a systematized framework in which resource efficiency indicators can be structured and comprehensively positioned. The aim is to provide a proper understanding of the scope and limitations of particular existing resource efficiency indicators in order to assist policy makers and the scientific community in the application and further development of indicators. This framework covers all different resource use-related aspects evaluated in existing approaches, including simple accounting of resource extraction and use; environmental impact assessment due to resource extraction and use; accounting and environmental impact assessment of specific processes and of full supply chains; analyses at micro-scale and macro-scale; and analysis of both natural resources versus waste-as-resources. To illustrate the potential application of the framework, a set of currently used indicators was selected, whereupon these indicators were structured and evaluated within the framework.
... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoi... more ... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoid uncertainties related to weighting processes and impacts assessment. ... Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is employed to weld together various collector's parts with welding rods. ...
Renewable energy sources are often presented as ''clean''. A more correct definition is that they... more Renewable energy sources are often presented as ''clean''. A more correct definition is that they are ''cleaner'' than ones based on fossil fuel conversion. When the energy consumption and the environmental impacts related to the plant's life-cycle are considered, a more comprehensive assessment of these technologies can be carried out. This paper aims to evaluate the energy and the environmental performances of the electricity production of a wind farm. The impacts related to all the phases of the wind farm construction and operation have been compared to the environmental benefits due to the ''green'' electricity generation during its useful life. In other terms, the goal is to trace the ecoprofile of the production of 1 kWh of electricity.
In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy ... more In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy consumption and environmental burdens associated with the production of protected crops in an agricultural district in the Mediterranean region. In this study, LCA was used as a 'support tool', to address local policies for sustainable production and consumption patterns, and to create a 'knowledge base' for environmental assessment of an extended agricultural production area. The proposed approach combines organisation-specific tools, such as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Product Declarations, with the environmental management of the district. Questionnaires were distributed to producers to determine the life cycle of different protected crops (tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, melons and zucchinis), and obtain information on greenhouse usage (e.g. tunnel vs. pavilion). Ecoprofiles of products in the district were also estimated, to identify supply chain elements with the highest impact in terms of global energy requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, water consumption and waste production. These results of this study enable selection of the 'best practices' and ecodesign solutions, to reduce the environmental impact of these products. Finally, sensitivity analysis of key LCA issues was performed, to assess the variability associated with different parameters: vegetable production; water usage; fertiliser and pesticide usage; shared greenhouse use; substitution of plastics coverings; and waste recycling.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 2007
The paper presents an application of the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the planning and environm... more The paper presents an application of the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the planning and environmental management of an ''eco-industrial cluster.'' A feasibility study of industrial symbiosis in southern Italy is carried out, where interlinked companies share subproducts and scraps, services, structures, and plants to reduce the related environmental impact. In particular, the research focuses on new recycling solutions to create open recycling loops in which plastic subproducts and scraps are transferred to external production systems. The main environmental benefits are the reduction of resource depletion, air emissions, and landfilled wastes. The proposed strategies are also economically viable and they suggest cost abatement for the involved companies. This research shows the need for a multidisciplinary approach to data processing and to complexity managing of the investigated systems. In this context, life-cycle thinking is required to be promoted throughout the economy, as well to be as a part of all decisions on products and other criteria such as functionality, health, and safety. The Life-Cycle Assessment approach can be assumed as a methodology for influencing decision makers to make sustainable choices. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:52-60. ß 2009 SETAC
Over the last decade, researchers paid much attention to concepts such as Design for Environment,... more Over the last decade, researchers paid much attention to concepts such as Design for Environment, Extended Producer Responsibility, Responsible Chain Management, and Eco-design. Many management tools and standards (such as EMAS, ISO 14001, LCA, EPD, Ecolabel) have been developed to support companies in the evaluation and management of their environmental performance and to pursue continual environmental improvement. The more recent development of the aforesaid fields looks at interorganizational environmental management. Such an approach can complement the more traditional intraorganizational corporate environmental management approaches
... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal... more ... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal of the study is to define the energy and environmental profile of an insulation product based on a natural fibre composite material. The ...
... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill t... more ... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill them, respecting, at least, the mass/energy balance principle ([Ross et al., 2001] and [Huijbregts, 1998]). There are many LCA tools that ...
Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of
mater... more Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
Over the last few years, waste management strategies are shifting from waste disposal to recyclin... more Over the last few years, waste management strategies are shifting from waste disposal to recycling and recovery and are considering waste as a potential new resource. To monitor the progress in these waste management strategies, governmental policies have developed a wide range of indicators. In this study, we analyzed the concept of the recyclability benefit rate indicator, which expresses the potential environmental savings that can be achieved from recycling the product over the environmental burdens of virgin production followed by disposal. This indicator is therefore, based on estimated environmental impact values obtained through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) practices. We quantify the environmental impact in terms of resource consumption using the Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment method. This research applied this indicator to two cases of plastic waste recycling in Flanders: closed-loop recycling (case A) and open-loop recycling (case B). Each case is compared to an incineration scenario and a landfilling scenario. The considered plastic waste originates from small domestic appliances and household waste other than plastic bottles. However, the existing recyclability benefit rate indicator does not consider the potential substitution of different materials occurring in open-loop recycling. To address this issue, we further developed the indicator for open-loop recycling and cascaded use. Overall, the results show that both closed-loop and open-loop recycling are more resource efficient than landfilling and incineration with energy recovery.
This paper aims at analysing how secondary materials production and end of life recovery processe... more This paper aims at analysing how secondary materials production and end of life recovery processes are modelled in life cycle-based environmental assessment methods in order to discuss their suitability in product policy-support contexts, with a focus on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policies. The equations prescribed in three published, widely recognised standards are evaluated. In addition, more recent modelling approaches that have been adopted in the context of two EU product policy initiatives (the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the Resource Efficiency Assessment of Products (REAPro)) are similarly analysed. All of the methods are scrutinised against eight criteria which we deem to be important in product policy-support contexts, including comprehensiveness, accommodation of openloop and closed-loop product systems, and consideration of recyclability/recoverability rates, to name a few. Based on this analysis, it is suggested that the PEF and REAPro modelling approaches appear to be better suited for use in product policy-support contexts than do the currently widely endorsed methods that we considered.
The transition toward resource efficient production and consumption patterns is currently one of ... more The transition toward resource efficient production and consumption patterns is currently one of the main challenges in engineering, environmental science and especially in governmental policies. This transition has led to a proliferation of meanings related to the resource efficiency concept, resulting in a wide variety of indicators. In this paper, we propose a systematized framework in which resource efficiency indicators can be structured and comprehensively positioned. The aim is to provide a proper understanding of the scope and limitations of particular existing resource efficiency indicators in order to assist policy makers and the scientific community in the application and further development of indicators. This framework covers all different resource use-related aspects evaluated in existing approaches, including simple accounting of resource extraction and use; environmental impact assessment due to resource extraction and use; accounting and environmental impact assessment of specific processes and of full supply chains; analyses at micro-scale and macro-scale; and analysis of both natural resources versus waste-as-resources. To illustrate the potential application of the framework, a set of currently used indicators was selected, whereupon these indicators were structured and evaluated within the framework.
... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoi... more ... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoid uncertainties related to weighting processes and impacts assessment. ... Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is employed to weld together various collector's parts with welding rods. ...
Renewable energy sources are often presented as ''clean''. A more correct definition is that they... more Renewable energy sources are often presented as ''clean''. A more correct definition is that they are ''cleaner'' than ones based on fossil fuel conversion. When the energy consumption and the environmental impacts related to the plant's life-cycle are considered, a more comprehensive assessment of these technologies can be carried out. This paper aims to evaluate the energy and the environmental performances of the electricity production of a wind farm. The impacts related to all the phases of the wind farm construction and operation have been compared to the environmental benefits due to the ''green'' electricity generation during its useful life. In other terms, the goal is to trace the ecoprofile of the production of 1 kWh of electricity.
In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy ... more In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy consumption and environmental burdens associated with the production of protected crops in an agricultural district in the Mediterranean region. In this study, LCA was used as a 'support tool', to address local policies for sustainable production and consumption patterns, and to create a 'knowledge base' for environmental assessment of an extended agricultural production area. The proposed approach combines organisation-specific tools, such as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Product Declarations, with the environmental management of the district. Questionnaires were distributed to producers to determine the life cycle of different protected crops (tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, melons and zucchinis), and obtain information on greenhouse usage (e.g. tunnel vs. pavilion). Ecoprofiles of products in the district were also estimated, to identify supply chain elements with the highest impact in terms of global energy requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, water consumption and waste production. These results of this study enable selection of the 'best practices' and ecodesign solutions, to reduce the environmental impact of these products. Finally, sensitivity analysis of key LCA issues was performed, to assess the variability associated with different parameters: vegetable production; water usage; fertiliser and pesticide usage; shared greenhouse use; substitution of plastics coverings; and waste recycling.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 2007
The paper presents an application of the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the planning and environm... more The paper presents an application of the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the planning and environmental management of an ''eco-industrial cluster.'' A feasibility study of industrial symbiosis in southern Italy is carried out, where interlinked companies share subproducts and scraps, services, structures, and plants to reduce the related environmental impact. In particular, the research focuses on new recycling solutions to create open recycling loops in which plastic subproducts and scraps are transferred to external production systems. The main environmental benefits are the reduction of resource depletion, air emissions, and landfilled wastes. The proposed strategies are also economically viable and they suggest cost abatement for the involved companies. This research shows the need for a multidisciplinary approach to data processing and to complexity managing of the investigated systems. In this context, life-cycle thinking is required to be promoted throughout the economy, as well to be as a part of all decisions on products and other criteria such as functionality, health, and safety. The Life-Cycle Assessment approach can be assumed as a methodology for influencing decision makers to make sustainable choices. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:52-60. ß 2009 SETAC
Over the last decade, researchers paid much attention to concepts such as Design for Environment,... more Over the last decade, researchers paid much attention to concepts such as Design for Environment, Extended Producer Responsibility, Responsible Chain Management, and Eco-design. Many management tools and standards (such as EMAS, ISO 14001, LCA, EPD, Ecolabel) have been developed to support companies in the evaluation and management of their environmental performance and to pursue continual environmental improvement. The more recent development of the aforesaid fields looks at interorganizational environmental management. Such an approach can complement the more traditional intraorganizational corporate environmental management approaches
... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal... more ... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal of the study is to define the energy and environmental profile of an insulation product based on a natural fibre composite material. The ...
... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill t... more ... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill them, respecting, at least, the mass/energy balance principle ([Ross et al., 2001] and [Huijbregts, 1998]). There are many LCA tools that ...
Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of
mater... more Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
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Papers by Fulvio Ardente
materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of
a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and
milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the
technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting
solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing
innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment
has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge
knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA
in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested
within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D
stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and
direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also
described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been
analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental
aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future
calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of
a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and
milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the
technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting
solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing
innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment
has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge
knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA
in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested
within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D
stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and
direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also
described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been
analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental
aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future
calls and the execution of future projects is reported.