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Author |
Daniels, S.; Bellmore, J.R.; Benjamin, J.R.; Witters, N.; Vangronsveld, J.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Quantification of the indirect use value of functional group diversity based on the ecological role of species in the ecosystem |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year  |
2018 |
Publication |
Ecological Economics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecol Econ |
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Volume |
153 |
Issue |
153 |
Pages |
181-194 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
An important issue in biodiversity valuation is gaining a better understanding of how biodiversity conservation affects economic activities and human welfare. Quantifying the economic benefits of biodiversity for human well-being is not straightforward. Here, we expand the ecosystem service cascade by (i) attributing a methodology to the different steps of the cascade to assess the effects of changes in functional group diversity on economic activities; (ii) including multiple attributes for defining functional diversity and (iii) integrating a dynamic ecological model simulating complex interactions and feedbacks between species with an economic model assessing the effects of changes in functional group diversity for gross revenues. The stepwise methodological framework integrates a production function approach with a market price-based approach in order to investigate the indirect use value of functional group diversity based on the ecological role of species in the ecosystem. The methodology is applied to estimate the relationship between the gross economic value of Chinook salmon (Pacific Northwest, United States) and the diversity of freshwater macroinvertebrates. The results of our analysis emphasize the importance of biological diversity for sustaining ecosystem goods and services. The analysis provides a tractable framework for quantitatively exploring the economic consequences of changes in functional group diversity. |
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Wos |
000443669200016 |
Publication Date |
2018-07-31 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0921-8009; 1873-6106 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
2.965 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
; The authors would like to thank Ken Bagstad for his valuable comments. The research was made possible with the financial aid from a BOF grant of the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK, Hasselt University, BE) (BSFFEEC-R4270). Nele Witters is funded by Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.965 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:153598 |
Serial |
6239 |
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Author |
Daniels, S.; Witters, N.; Beliën, T.; Vrancken, K.; Vangronsveld, J.; Van Passel, S. |
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Title |
Monetary valuation of natural predators for biological pest control in pear production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Ecological Economics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecol Econ |
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Volume |
134 |
Issue |
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Pages |
160-173 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
In spite of global actions, biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. Despite the need for objectively comparable monetary standards to include biodiversity arguments in policymaking, research on the relationship between species diversity and its valuation from a societal perspective is still scarce. In this paper, a methodological framework for the valuation of natural predators based on their ecological role in the agroecosystem is introduced. The framework integrates a dynamic ecological model simulating interactions between species with an economic model, thereby quantifying the effect of reduced numbers of natural predators on the net farm income. The model attributes an objective monetary value to increased species diversity through the changes in the provisioning of a marketable good. Results indicate that the loss of three predators could decrease net farm income with 88.86 ha− 1 to 2186.5 ha− 1. For the pear production sector in Flanders in 2011, this constitutes to an indirect use value of 0,68 million for one predator and 16.63 million for the presence of three predators. The aim is to provide a justification for the argument for biodiversity conservation, based on the ecological function of species, through the delivery of comparable monetary standards. |
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Wos |
000395219300018 |
Publication Date |
2017-01-26 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0921-8009; 1873-6106 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
2.965 |
Times cited |
4 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; The research was made possible with the financial aid from a BOF grant of the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK, Hasselt University). Nele Witters is funded by Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). The authors would like to thank Ellen Elias from Symbio for providing relevant data and insights into the complex interplay between pest insects, natural predators and human impacts from fertilizers and pesticide use. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.965 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:140685 |
Serial |
6228 |
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Author |
Moretti, M.; Njakou Djomo, S.; Azadi, H.; May, K.; De Vos, K.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N. |
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Title |
A systematic review of environmental and economic impacts of smart grids |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Sust Energ Rev |
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Volume |
68 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
888-898 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Smart grids (SGs) have a central role in the development of the global power sector. Cost-benefit analyses and environmental impact assessments are used to support policy on the deployment of SG systems and technologies. However, the conflicting and widely varying estimates of costs, benefits, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and energy savings in literature leave policy makers struggling with how to advise regarding SG deployment. Identifying the causes for the wide variation of individual estimates in the literature is crucial if evaluations are to be used in decision-making. This paper (i) summarizes and compares the methodologies used for economic and environmental evaluation of SGs (ii) identifies the sources of variation in estimates across studies, and (iii) point to gap in research on economic and environmental analyses of SG systems. Seventeen studies (nine articles and eight reports published between 2000 and 2015) addressing the economic costs versus benefits, energy efficiency, and GHG emissions of SGs were systematically searched, located, selected, and reviewed. Their methods and data were subsequently extracted and analysed. The results show that no standardized method currently exists for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of SG systems. The costs varied between 0.03 and 1143 M/yr, while the benefits ranged from 0.04 to 804 M/yr, suggesting that SG systems do not result in cost savings The primary energy savings ranged from 0.03 to 0.95 MJ/kWh, whereas the GHG emission reduction ranged from 10 to 180 gCO2/kWh, depending on the country grid mix and the system boundary of the SG system considered. The findings demonstrate that although SG systems are energy efficient and reduce GHG emissions, investments in SG systems may not yield any benefits. Standardizing some methodologies and assumptions such as discount rates, time horizon and scrutinizing some key input data will result in more consistent estimates of costs and benefits, GHG emission reduction, and energy savings. |
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Wos |
000391899400006 |
Publication Date |
2016-03-24 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
8.05 |
Times cited |
27 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. This research paper has been implemented within the GREAT (Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies) project funded by the European INTERREG IVB North-Western Europe Programme. Nele Witters was financed by FWO (Research Foundation Flanders). ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.05 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:139036 |
Serial |
6260 |
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Author |
Jeanloz, S.; Lizin, S.; Beenaerts, N.; Brouwer, R.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N. |
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Title |
Towards a more structured selection process for attributes and levels in choice experiments : a study in a Belgian protected area |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Ecosystem Services |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecosyst Serv |
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Volume |
18 |
Issue |
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Pages |
45-57 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
The process of selecting attributes for inclusion in choice experiments frequently involves qualitative methods such as focus groups and interviews. In order for a choice experiment to be successful and the results to be valid, this qualitative selection process is essential. It often lacks rigour and is poorly described, particularly in environmental choice experiments. We propose a meticulous attribute and attribute-level selection process consisting of a scoring exercise and an interactive discussion. This paper provides a case study describing how attributes and attribute-levels were identified and selected for the National Park Hoge Kempen in Belgium. We carried out four focus groups and thirteen semi-structured interviews with various park stakeholders to select attributes from six categories: the four categories of ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating, cultural), infrastructure, and land use types. The top-ranked characteristics were nature conservation, natural forests, biodiversity refuge, wetlands, landscape variety, heathlands, air purification, and education. Both the scoring exercise and the interactive discussion contributed to the attributes selected for the CE. Following these, an ultimate expert consultation stage is recommended to approve both the attribute and attribute-level selection. The semi-qualitative protocol proposed in this paper can help practitioners and demonstrates how the results guide choice experiment design. |
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Wos |
000375213800004 |
Publication Date |
2016-02-17 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2212-0416 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.072 |
Times cited |
10 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; We would like to thank study informants, focus group participants and interviewees, as well as Tom Kuppens, Silvie Daniels, Janka Vanschoenwinkel and Michele Moretti of the Environmental Economics Research group of Hasselt University. Johan Van den Bosch, project leader at Regional Landschap Kempen en Maasland (RLKM), and Rolinde Demeyer from the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) have provided this study with valuable assistance and comments. Sarah Jeanloz was funded by the INTERREG IVB NEW program (Grant no. D1941/ 56200), Nele Witters (Grant no. 12B2913N) and Sebastien Lizin (Grant no. 12G5415N) are funded by Research Foundation- Flanders (FWD). Finally, we thank all reviewers for their constructive and insightful comments, and for their time. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.072 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:134332 |
Serial |
6272 |
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Author |
Van Slycken, S.; Witters, N.; Meers, E.; Peene, A.; Michels, E.; Adriaensen, K.; Ruttens, A.; Vangronsveld, J.; Du Laing, G.; Wierinck, I.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Tack, F.M.G. |
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Title |
Safe use of metal-contaminated agricultural land by cultivation of energy maize (Zea mays) |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Environmental Pollution |
Abbreviated Journal |
Environ Pollut |
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Volume |
178 |
Issue |
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Pages |
375-380 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics |
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Abstract |
Production of food crops on trace element-contaminated agricultural lands in the Campine region (Belgium) can be problematic as legal threshold values for safe use of these crops can be exceeded. Conventional sanitation of vast areas is too expensive and alternatives need to be investigated. Zea mays on a trace element-contaminated soil in the region showed an average yield of 53 ± 10 Mg fresh or 20 ± 3 Mg dry biomass ha−1. Whole plant Cd concentrations complied with legal threshold values for animal feed. Moreover, threshold values for use in anaerobic digestion were met. Biogas production potential did not differ between maize grown on contaminated and non-contaminated soils. Results suggested favorable perspectives for farmers to generate non-food crops profitably, although effective soil cleaning would be very slow. This demonstrates that a valuable and sustainable alternative use can be generated for moderately contaminated soils on which conventional agriculture is impaired. |
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Wos |
000320487700050 |
Publication Date |
2013-04-22 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0269-7491 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
5.099 |
Times cited |
30 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; This research was funded by the Institute for the promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT-Flanders, Grant IWT/CLO/50702). We want to thank OVAM, as the planting and management of this site is part of a demonstration project in the context of the INTERREG-project BENEKEMPEN. Also many thanks to laboratory staff of the departments and to Pioneer and KWS for providing the seeds. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.099; 2013 IF: 3.902 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:129870 |
Serial |
6247 |
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Author |
Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Pelkmans, L.; Guisson, R.; Reumermann, P.; Luzardo, N.M.; Witters, N.; Broeze, J. |
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Title |
A techno-economic evaluation of a biomass energy conversion park |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Applied Energy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl Energ |
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Volume |
104 |
Issue |
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Pages |
611-622 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Biomass as a renewable energy source has many advantages and is therefore recognized as one of the main renewable energy sources to be deployed in order to attain the target of 20% renewable energy use of final energy consumption by 2020 in Europe. In this paper the concept of a biomass Energy Conversion Park (ECP) is introduced. A biomass ECP can be defined as a synergetic, multi-dimensional biomass conversion site with a highly integrated set of conversion technologies in which a multitude of regionally available biomass (residue) sources are converted into energy and materials. A techno-economic assessment is performed on a case study in the Netherlands to illustrate the concept and to comparatively assess the highly integrated system with two mono-dimensional models. The three evaluated models consist of (1) digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, (2) co-digestion of manure and co-substrates, and (3) integration. From a socio-economic point of view it can be concluded that it is economically and energetically more interesting to invest in the integrated model than in two separate models. The integration is economically feasible and environmental benefits can be realized. For example, the integrated model allows the implementation of a co-digester. Unmanaged manure would otherwise represent a constant pollution risk. However, from an investor's standpoint one should firstly invest in the municipal solid waste digester since the net present value (NPV) of this mono-dimensional model is higher than that of the multi-dimensional model. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influencing parameters. Our results are of interest for companies involved in the conversion of biomass. The conclusions are useful for policy makers when deciding on policy instruments concerning manure processing or biogas production. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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Wos |
000316152700062 |
Publication Date |
2012-12-25 |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0306-2619 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
7.182 |
Times cited |
45 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. Furthermore, the authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from INTERREG and the province of Limburg (Belgium). Also, we would like to thank all remaining partners of the ECP project (Eloi Schreurs, Dries Maes, Kristian Coppoolse, Han ten Berge, Bert Annevelink, Nathalie Devriendt, Erwin Cornelissen, Hannes Pieper, Pieter Vollaard, Jan Venselaar, and Hessel Abbink Spaink) for their support and contributions. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude towards the organization of the eighth International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries in Toulouse (France) for giving us the opportunity to present and thereby fine-tune our work. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 7.182; 2013 IF: 5.261 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127552 |
Serial |
6145 |
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Author |
Witters, N.; Mendelsohn, R.; Van Passel, S.; Van Slycken, S.; Weyens, N.; Schreurs, E.; Meers, E.; Tack, F.; Vanheusden, B.; Vangronsveld, J. |
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Title |
Phytoremediation, a sustainable remediation technology? 2 : economic assessment of CO2 abatement through the use of phytoremediation crops for renewable energy production |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Biomass & Bioenergy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Biomass Bioenerg |
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Volume |
39 |
Issue |
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Pages |
470-477 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Phytoremediation could be a sustainable remediation alternative for conventional remediation technologies. However, its implementation on a commercial scale remains disappointing. To emphasize its sustainability, this paper examines whether and how the potential economic benefit of CO2 abatement for different crops used for phytoremediation or sustainable land management purposes could promote phytotechnologies. Our analysis is based on a case study in the Campine region, where agricultural soils are contaminated with mainly cadmium. We use Life Cycle Analysis to show for the most relevant crops (willow (Salix spp), energy maize (Zea mays), and rapeseed (Brassica napus)), that phytoremediation, used for renewable energy production, could abate CO2. Converting this in economic numbers through the Marginal Abatement Cost of CO2 ( 20 ton−1) we can integrate this in the economic analysis to compare phytoremediation crops among each other, and phytoremediation with conventional technologies. The external benefit of CO2 abatement when using phytoremediation crops for land management ranges between 55 and 501 per hectare. The purpose of these calculations is not to calculate a subsidy for phytoremediation. There is no reason why one would prefer phytoremediation crops for renewable energy production over normal biomass. Moreover, subsidies for renewable energy already exist. Therefore, we should not integrate these numbers in the economic analysis again. However, these numbers could contribute to making explicit the competitive advantage of phytoremediation compared to conventional remediation technologies, but also add to a more sustainably funded decision on which crop should be grown on contaminated land. |
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Wos |
000302829900054 |
Publication Date |
2011-12-20 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0961-9534 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.219 |
Times cited |
38 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.219; 2012 IF: 2.975 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:129863 |
Serial |
6236 |
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Author |
Compernolle, T.; Witters, N.; Van Passel, S.; Thewys, T. |
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Title |
Analyzing a self-managed CHP system for greenhouse cultivation as a profitable way to reduce CO2-emissions |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2011 |
Publication |
Energy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Energy |
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Volume |
36 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
1940-1947 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology |
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Abstract |
To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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Wos |
000289605900014 |
Publication Date |
2010-04-03 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0360-5442 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.52 |
Times cited |
19 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.52; 2011 IF: 3.487 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127561 |
Serial |
6152 |
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