|
Records |
Links |
|
Author |
Moretti, M.; Van Dael, M.; Malina, R.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Environmental assessment of waste feedstock mono-dimensional and bio-refinery systems : combining manure co-digestion and municipal waste anaerobic digestion |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Journal Of Cleaner Production |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Clean Prod |
|
|
Volume |
171 |
Issue |
171 |
Pages |
954-961 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Organic municipal solid waste (OMSW) as a feedstock for energy recovery and material recycling offers the potential to reduce environmental impacts from energy production while displacing emission intensive waste management strategies such as landfills. This paper quantifies the environmental impact of anaerobic digestion of local, residual biomass. A life-cycle assessment was jointly performed for two scenarios for the biological treatment of local organic municipal solid waste and pig manure in the Netherlands. Scenario 1 was a separate treatment using anaerobic digestion, and Scenario 2 was a bio-refinery system that integrates anaerobic digestion of organic, municipal solid waste, and co digestion of pig manure and other organic co-substrates \. For both scenarios, electricity and heat are generated using a combined heat and power engine. The bio-refinery system (Scenario 2) contribution to climate change resulted in 0.16 Mt CO2 eq./yr, which is lower than the 0.17 Mt CO2 eq./yr of Scenario 1. Both scenarios are found to be beneficial with regard to resource depletion and human toxicity. The integration of organic waste and manure anaerobic digestion has no effect on acidification and terrestrial eutrophication impact categories, resulting in 43.59 AE eq. and 86.33 AE eq. for Scenario 1 and 43.58 AE eq. and 86.30 AE eq. for Scenario 2. Moreover, Scenario 2 yields 18% lower emissions than those from natural gas derived electricity in the Netherlands. The biorefinery system represents an opportunity to improve organic waste-management strategies, at the same time as reducing the environmental impact from energy production and the costs for surplus manure disposal by producing high-quality commodities that can be traded on the market. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000418978100085 |
Publication Date |
2017-10-13 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0959-6526 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
5.715 |
Times cited |
12 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.715 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:148444 |
Serial |
6199 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Moretti, M.; Njakou Djomo, S.; Azadi, H.; May, K.; De Vos, K.; Van Passel, S.; Witters, N. |
|
|
Title |
A systematic review of environmental and economic impacts of smart grids |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Sust Energ Rev |
|
|
Volume |
68 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
888-898 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000391899400006 |
Publication Date |
2016-03-24 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
8.05 |
Times cited |
27 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:139036 |
Serial |
6260 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Moretti, M.; De Boni, A.; Roma, R.; Fracchiolla, M.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Integrated assessment of agro-ecological systems : the case study of the “Alta Murgia” National park in Italy |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Agricultural Systems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agr Syst |
|
|
Volume |
144 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
144-155 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Several indicators and methods are already applied for sustainability assessment in agriculture. The links between sustainability indicators, agricultural management and policies are not well explained. The aim of this study is to combine biophysical and monetary sustainability assessment tools to support agriculture policy decision-making. Three methodological steps are considered: i) the environmental impacts of farms are assessed using terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, soil and freshwater ecotoxicity as well as natural land transformation; ii) the most relevant indicators of agriculture damages on ecosystems quality are aggregated into an index; iii) the farms' index scores are integrated with farm assets, land and labor, into the Sustainable Value approach (SVA), as indicator of natural resources used by farms. As a case study, the methodology was applied to arable farms with and without animal husbandry of the “Alta Murgia” National Park. The crop farms, in our sample, have a higher sustainable value using their economic and environmental resources. Mixed farms need to improve their resources use efficiency. Although crop farms have lower land-use efficiency compared to mixed farms, our results suggest supporting, by means of policy options, the specialized crop farms that, on average, perform better in terms of ecosystems quality preservation. Finally, we find that Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to soundly measure the environmental impacts clearly enriches the SVA. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000373553100014 |
Publication Date |
2016-02-27 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0308-521x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
2.571 |
Times cited |
6 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
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. The authors want to thank the “Alta Murgia” Park Authority for the support in this study and all farmers that collaborated with the authors providing data. Moreover, the authors want to thank Dr. Sylvestre Njakou Djomo for the useful discussion and suggestion to build the LCA model. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.571 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:133254 |
Serial |
6218 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Steering the adoption of battery storage through electricity tariff design |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Sust Energ Rev |
|
|
Volume |
98 |
Issue |
98 |
Pages |
125-139 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
The economic viability of electricity storage using batteries, under different tariff structures and system configurations, is investigated. The economic outcomes of the different combinations of tariff design and system configuration are evaluated. Based on a discussion of the relevant literature, the following tariff designs are used in the study: (i) fixed energy prices, (ii) real-time energy pricing, (iii) fixed rate capacity tariffs, and (iv) capacity dependent capacity tariffs. Next, the different simulated system configurations are outlined: (i) no battery storage, (ii) battery storage only, and (iii) battery storage and decentralized renewable energy production with PV. Our study provides insights for policy makers, showing that capacity block pricing only incentivises storage as part of an (existing) PV installation, while the combination of real time energy pricing and capacity block pricing promotes a wider adoption of battery storage. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000450559100010 |
Publication Date |
2018-09-17 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
8.05 |
Times cited |
7 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.05 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:153327 |
Serial |
6252 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
The impact of policy on microgrid economics : a review |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Sust Energ Rev |
|
|
Volume |
81 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
3111-3119 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
This paper investigates the impact of government policy on the optimal design of microgrid systems from an economic cost minimisation perspective, and provides both an overview of the current state of the art of the field, as well as highlighting possible avenues of future research. Integer programming, to select microgrid components and to economically dispatch these components, is the optimisation method of choice in the literature. Using this methodology, a broad range of policy topics is investigated: impact of carbon taxation, economic incentives and mandatory emissions reduction or mandatory minimum percentage participation of renewables in local generation. However, the impact of alternative tariff systems, such as capacity tariffs are still unexplored. Additionally, the investigated possible benefits of microgrids are confined to emissions reduction and a possible decrease in total energy procurement costs. Possible benefits such as increased security of supply, increased power quality or energy independence are not investigated yet. Under the expected policy measures the optimal design of a microgrid will be based on a CHP-unit to provide both heat and electricity, owning to the lower capital costs associated with CHP-units when compared to those associated with renewable technologies. This means that current economic analyses indicate that the adoption of renewable energy sources within microgrids is not economically rational. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000417078200117 |
Publication Date |
2017-09-12 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
8.05 |
Times cited |
11 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.05 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:145397 |
Serial |
6213 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Milis, K.; Peremans, H.; Springael, J.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Win-win possibilities through capacity tariffs and battery storage in microgrids |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Sust Energ Rev |
|
|
Volume |
113 |
Issue |
113 |
Pages |
109238 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
This paper investigates the impact of capacity tariff design on microgrids. While the possible benefits for utilities of capacity tariffs are well researched, comparatively little work has been done investigating the effects of capacity pricing on prosumers. Through simulating a grid connected microgrid and solving the day-ahead dispatch problem for a calendar year, we show that a well-designed capacity tariff will not only smooth out demand profiles, but could also lead to less erratic charge/discharge cycles in a real-time pricing scenario, lessening battery degradation. These results show that a properly designed capacity tariff has the potential to be beneficial for both the utilities as well as the battery-owning prosumer. Furthermore, we propose a new, heuristic approach to solve the day-ahead economic dispatch problem, which we prove to be effective and efficient. Additionally, we demonstrate that our novel approach does not impose mathematical restrictions such as continuous differentiability of the objective function. We show that the proposed capacity tariff achieves the stated aim of promoting battery storage uptake and that our novel method allows for compression and shorter run times. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000483422600019 |
Publication Date |
2019-07-03 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1364-0321; 1879-0690 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
|
|
Impact Factor |
8.05 |
Times cited |
1 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 8.05 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:160566 |
Serial |
6279 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Nevens, F.; Dessein, J.; Rogge, E.; Mulier, A.; Van Hauwermeiren, A. |
|
|
Title |
MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Agronomy For Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agron Sustain Dev |
|
|
Volume |
28 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
321-332 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics |
|
|
Abstract |
Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000256235500018 |
Publication Date |
2008-03-21 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1774-0746 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.101 |
Times cited |
97 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.101; 2008 IF: 1.649 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:136763 |
Serial |
6229 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G. |
|
|
Title |
Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Agronomy For Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agron Sustain Dev |
|
|
Volume |
32 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
629-638 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000306061800003 |
Publication Date |
2012-01-11 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1774-0746 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.101 |
Times cited |
26 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.101; 2012 IF: 3.573 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127557 |
Serial |
6209 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Meul, M.; Van Middelaar, C.E.; de Boer, I.J.M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G. |
|
|
Title |
Potential of life cycle assessment to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2014 |
Publication |
Agricultural Systems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agr Syst |
|
|
Volume |
131 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
105-115 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
In this paper, we evaluate the potential of life cycle assessment (LCA) to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms. To achieve this, we follow a four-step method that allows converting environmental assessment results using LCA into case-specific advice for farmers. This is illustrated in a case-study involving 20 specialized Flemish dairy farms. Calculated LCA indicators are normalized into scores between 0 and 100, whereby a score of 100 is assumed optimal, to allow for a mutual comparison of indicators for different environmental impact categories. Next, major farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance are identified using multiple regression and correlation analyses. Finally, comparing specific farm and management characteristics with those of best performing farms identifies farm-specific optimization strategies. We conclude that this approach complies with most of the identified critical success factors for the successful implementation of LCA as a decision support system for farmers. Key aspects herein are (i) the flexibility and accessibility of the model, (ii) the use of readily available farm data, (iii) farm advisors being intended model users, (iv) the identification of key farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance and (v) the organization of discussion sessions involving farmers and farm advisors. However, attention should be paid (i) to provide sufficient training and guidance for farm advisors on the use of the applied LCA model and the interpretation of results, (ii) to evaluate the correctness of the used data and (iii) to keep the model up-to-date according to new scientific insights and knowledge concerning LCA methodology. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000343955300011 |
Publication Date |
2014-09-15 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0308-521x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
2.571 |
Times cited |
25 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.571; 2014 IF: 2.906 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127540 |
Serial |
6238 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Merante, P.; Van Passel, S.; Pacini, C. |
|
|
Title |
Using agro-environmental models to design a sustainable benchmark for the sustainable value method |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Agricultural Systems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agr Syst |
|
|
Volume |
136 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
1-13 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Farms contribute heavily to overall sustainability. To date, various frameworks, approaches, methods and indicators have been developed to appraise how much corporations (firms, farms) contribute to sustainability. Among these, the Sustainable Value (SV) method helps to determine by which economic entity resources should be used in order to achieve the highest contributions to sustainability, by comparing company's efficiency of capital use against the efficiency of a benchmark. In this work we argue that the SV benchmark does not include certain crucial environmental concepts, such as the carrying capacity of an ecosystem or the multiple vital functions provided by ecosystem services. Thus, it is not a suitable reference for companies to evaluate their contribution to sustainability. As an alternative benchmark to standard SV applications, we propose a farm whose resource use productivity is correlated to the fulfilment of pre-determined environmental constraints: the Environmentally Sustainable Farm (ESF). To design this farm, we created an agro-environmental farm modelling framework that includes: (i) methods and approaches to assess indicators concerning specific environmental issues; (ii) an integrated ecological-economic model based on linear programming. This farm modelling framework is employed to determine both the environmental performance and the economic returns of two farming systems, conventional (CFS) and organic (OFS), which are compared using the Sustainable Value approach. Despite the fact that the OFS environmentally outperforms the CFS, none of them reaches the sustainable performances achieved by the ESF, both performing a negative Sustainable Value. The environmental constraints forced the ESF towards management choices that, although decreasing the economic performance, increase its environmental sustainability behaviour. Hence, the ESF is a viable benchmark that can be used to evaluate llllfarms' environmental sustainability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000354503000001 |
Publication Date |
2015-02-25 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0308-521x |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
2.571 |
Times cited |
6 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; We wish to thank all participants to the SVAPPAS project for their inspiring contributions and challenging debates. Furthermore, we are grateful to the financial support from the 6th Framework Programme of the EU (project code: SSPECT – 2006 – DG AGRI). The authors thank the technicians Giovanna Casella and Roberto Vivoli (University of Florence) for their technical contribution. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.571; 2015 IF: 2.906 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127536 |
Serial |
6275 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Memarbashi, E.; Azadi, H.; Barati, A.A.; Mohajeri, F.; Van Passel, S.; Witlox, F. |
|
|
Title |
Land-use suitability in Northeast Iran : application of AHP-GIS hybrid model |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Isprs International Journal Of Geo-Information |
Abbreviated Journal |
Isprs Int J Geo-Inf |
|
|
Volume |
6 |
Issue |
12 |
Pages |
396-15 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Government and Law |
|
|
Abstract |
Land-use suitability is the ability of a given type of land to support a defined use. Analysis of land-use suitability requires the consideration of a variety of criteria, not only the natural/physical capacity of a land unit, but also its socioeconomic and environmental impact implications. As land suitability is assessed within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, it is formulated as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. The study was conducted in the Sangab Plain in northeast Iran. We investigated the study areas suitability for grassland and agricultural uses. A hybrid method of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and GIS methodology was applied to evaluate land suitability based on a set of criteria and sub-criteria. Results showed that 20% of the study area had high (rich), 65% had medium (fair), and 15% had low (poor) suitability for agriculture. In terms of grassland use, the comparable amounts were, respectively, about 7%, 23%, and 70%. The lands of the Sangab Plain have medium potential for agricultural use and low potential for grassland use. This paper used both qualitative and quantitative techniques. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000419217200018 |
Publication Date |
2017-12-01 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
2220-9964 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
0.371 |
Times cited |
7 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 0.371 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:148395 |
Serial |
6221 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Mazhar, R.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.; Varnik, R.; Pietrzykowski, M.; Skominas, R.; Wei, Z.; Xuehao, B. |
|
|
Title |
Does contract length matter? The impact of various contract-farming regimes on land-improvement investment and the efficiency of contract farmers in Pakistan |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Agriculture (Basel) |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
|
Volume |
13 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1651-16 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Land-tenure security is integral to local communities' socioeconomic development. It has been a center of debate in academia and for legislators and advocates to implement reforms to enhance efficient and sustainable development in land management. Yet, knowledge gaps remain in how various contract-farming regimes contribute to land-improvement investment and technical efficiency. This study used a data set of 650 farm households collected through a two-stage stratified sampling to investigate the influence of three contract-farming regimes: long-term, medium-term, and short-term contracts, on the land-improvement investment, productivity, and technical efficiency of contract farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The study used multivariate probit and ordinary least square regression models to examine the posit relationships. The findings highlight that farmers with long-term land contracts have higher per hectare yield, income and profit than those with medium-term and short-term contracts. The results confirm that farmers with medium- and long-term contracts tend to invest more in land-improvement measures, i.e., organic and green manure. Further, the study findings demonstrate that long-term land tenures are more effective when farmers make decisions regarding the on-farm infrastructure, like tube-well installation, tractor ownership, and holding farm logistics. Last, the study results confirm that long-term contracts are more robust regarding technical efficiency. Moreover, the findings support the Marshallian inefficiency hypothesis and extend the literature on contract farming, land-improvement investment, and land use policy, and offer coherent policy actions for stakeholders to improve farmers' productivity, technical efficiency, and income. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
001071045300001 |
Publication Date |
2023-08-22 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
2077-0472 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:200373 |
Serial |
9201 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Martinez-Villarreal, S.; Breitenstein, A.; Nimmegeers, P.; Perez Saura, P.; Hai, B.; Asomaning, J.; Eslami, A.A.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.; Bressler, D.C.; Debecker, D.P.; Remacle, C.; Richel, A. |
|
|
Title |
Drop-in biofuels production from microalgae to hydrocarbons : microalgal cultivation and harvesting, conversion pathways, economics and prospects for aviation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Biomass & Bioenergy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Biomass Bioenerg |
|
|
Volume |
165 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
106555-22 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
|
|
Abstract |
In the last few years, governments all around the world have agreed upon migrating towards carbon-neutral economies as a strategy for restraining the effects of climate change. A major obstacle limiting this achievement is greenhouse gases emissions, for which the aviation sector is a key contributor because of its dependence on fossil fuels. As an alternative, biofuels with similar characteristics to current fossil-fuels and fully compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure (i.e., drop-in biofuels) are being developed. In this regard, microalgae are a promising feedstock thanks to, among other aspects, their potential for lipid accumulation. This review outlines the development status, opportunities, and challenges of different technologies that are capable of or applicable to transform microalgae into aviation fuels. To this effect, a baseline of the existing jet fuels and the requirements for potential aviation biofuels is initially presented. Then, microalgae production and valorization techniques are discussed with an emphasis on the thermochemical pathways. Finally, an assessment of the present techno-economic feasibility of microalgae-derived aviation fuels is discussed, along with the authors’ point of view on the suitability of these techniques. Further developments are needed to reduce the costs of cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, and a biorefinery approach might improve the economics of the overall process. In addition, while each of the conversion routes described has its advantages and drawbacks, they converge upon the need of optimizing the deoxygenation techniques and the proportion of the suitable type of hydrocarbons that match fuel requirements. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000861095400001 |
Publication Date |
2022-08-30 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0961-9534 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
6 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 6 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:189953 |
Serial |
7354 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Mahmoudi, H.; Renn, O.; Hoffmann, V.; Van Passel, S.; Azadi, H. |
|
|
Title |
Social risk screening using a socio-political ambiguity approach : the case of organic agriculture in Iran |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Journal Of Risk Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Risk Res |
|
|
Volume |
18 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
747-770 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Sociology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
|
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000356236300009 |
Publication Date |
2014-05-08 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1366-9877 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
1.34 |
Times cited |
1 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; H.M. thanks the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran (MSRT) for a PhD fellowship. The authors wish to thank Dr. Stefan Burkart for his kind help to improve the English of the paper. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.34; 2015 IF: 0.935 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127534 |
Serial |
6249 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maheshi, D.; Van Passel, S.; Van Karel, A. |
|
|
Title |
Environmental and economic assessment of 'open waste dump' mining in Sri Lanka |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Resources Conservation And Recycling |
Abbreviated Journal |
Resour Conserv Recy |
|
|
Volume |
102 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
67-79 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Open waste dumps in Sri Lanka generate adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts due to inadequate maintenance. In this study, a concept of 'open waste dump mining' is suggested in order to minimise the environmental and socio-economic impacts, together with resource recovery. A model based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing has been used to assess the environmental and economic feasibility of the suggested open waste dump mining concept. Two scenarios have been defined for a hypothetical case, dependent on the destination of the refuse derived fuel fraction. Scenario 1 comprises direct selling of refuse derived fuel as an alternative fuel to replace coal usage in the cement industry, while Scenario 2 consists of thermal treatment of refuse derived fuel with the objective of producing electricity. The study shows that both scenarios are beneficial from an environmental point of view, but not from an economic view point. However, economic profits can be obtained by adjusting waste transport distances and the price of electricity. The environmental analysis further reveals that the higher global warming potential of open waste dumps can be eliminated to a large extent by applying suggested mining and waste valorisation scenarios. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000362147800008 |
Publication Date |
2015-07-24 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0921-3449 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.313 |
Times cited |
26 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.313; 2015 IF: 2.564 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:128753 |
Serial |
6196 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Mahdei, K.N.; Pouya, M.; Taheri, F.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Sustainability indicators of irans developmental plans : application of the sustainability compass theory |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sustainability-Basel |
|
|
Volume |
7 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
14647-14660 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
The main purpose of this study was to analyze Irans developmental plans in order to examine and compare their direction and conformity with the sustainable development theory via the compass of sustainability. The approach involves a content analysis used in line with qualitative research methodologies. The results indicated that, in the first developmental plans, there was no direct reference to sustainable development. In the second to fifth plans, the main focus was on the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of development; which were common elements seen in the policies of all the plans. An analysis of the fourth plan revealed that expressions related to sustainable development appeared more frequently, indicating a stronger emphasis on sustainable development by decision-makers. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000369088600013 |
Publication Date |
2015-11-03 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
2071-1050 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
1.789 |
Times cited |
3 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors wish to thank Bethany Gardner from the Department of Linguistics, Binghamton University for her kind help in improving the English of this text. The corresponding author is a beneficiary of Fulbright scholarship at Binghamton University-State University of New York. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.789; 2015 IF: 0.942 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:129874 |
Serial |
6256 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Vancauteren, M.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Investigating market power in the Belgian pork production chain |
Type |
A1 Journal Article |
|
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies |
Abbreviated Journal |
Rev Agric Food Environ Stud |
|
|
Volume |
100 |
Issue |
1-4 |
Pages |
93-117 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ; |
|
|
Abstract |
Belgian pork production has faced stagnating prices for decades. It remains unclear whether excessive market power from slaughterhouses or meat retailers has played a role in this trend. While market power studies can reveal some of the market dynamics in this setting, this type of research has not yet been applied to the Belgian pork market. The present paper investigates oligopolies and oligopsonies in the pork production sector. We build a new model that focuses on market power dynamics in the market for live pigs and distinguishes horizontal and vertical market power parameters, both for pig farmers and for slaughterhouses. The results follow from an empirical application using unique slaughterhouse data for 2001–2015. The results indicate that the farmers benefit from a significant power advantage in the live pig market, when very modest price demands are taken as a reference. The final market price of live pigs approaches the price requested by the farmers. On the other hand, the measured vertical market power also suggests that a pig farmer does not receive the (modest) full-wage-based salary. The market power of the slaughterhouses is also limited. Market power as a result of collusion—that is, horizontal market power—is present, but is not strong. However, there are significant differences between the slaughterhouses in terms of mark-up on the input prices. These differences reflect differences in company strategy, and this diversity further reduces the possibility to create sector-wide collusive behaviour. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
|
Publication Date |
2019-11-27 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
2425-6870 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
|
|
|
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
H2020 Food, 635577 ; TUL Impuls (transnational university Limburg) Interuniversity fund; |
Approved |
no |
|
|
Call Number |
ENM @ enm @ |
Serial |
6377 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Interference of regional support policies on the economic and environmental performance of a hybrid cogeneration-solar panel energy system |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Energy Policy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Energ Policy |
|
|
Volume |
42 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
670-680 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
This paper assesses unintentional interference between different public policies promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The paper develops a methodology to study the interference by analysing the economic and technical behaviour of a hybrid energy system. The hybrid energy system in this case consists of an existing cogeneration unit extended with a new installation of thermal solar panels. This puts two complementary heating technologies in juxtaposition. The two technologies are supported with distinct regional support instruments in each region. The design and operation of the energy system is optimised from the point of view of the investor according to the different support instruments. The optimal configuration is analysed as well as its effect on reduced CO2-emissions during the lifetime of the project. The methodology is applied to a case-study for two neighbouring regions, the Netherlands and Flanders. The policies in the Netherlands show a beneficial synergy. In Flanders, the hybrid energy system is not interesting, indicating unbalanced high support for cogeneration in this case. From the point of view of the authorities, a more balanced regional policy as in the Netherlands provides a larger CO2-emission reduction for a smaller cost. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000301616000066 |
Publication Date |
2012-01-14 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0301-4215; 1873-6777 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.14 |
Times cited |
4 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors would especially like to thank Davy Duelen for the excellent case-study and data collection that enabled the present paper. The help and information provided by Pierre Gijsen also made the detailed assessment possible. We are also indebted to two anonymous reviewers, whose remarks strongly improved the paper. This project has been financed by the Impulse-project of the tUL (transnational University Limburg). ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.14; 2012 IF: 2.743 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127558 |
Serial |
6220 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Effective bioeconomy policies for the uptake of innovative technologies under resource constraints |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Biomass & Bioenergy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Biomass Bioenerg |
|
|
Volume |
120 |
Issue |
120 |
Pages |
91-106 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
The bioeconomy is a shared vision for a future European industry entirely based on organic matter. Authorities support this technological development with subsidies and policies stimulating R&D. One major limitation for the bioeconomy is that R&D and industrial growth require the continuous availability of biomass as a primary resource. This resource dependence is already present during the formative years of new biobased innovations and influences the pilot and demonstration phase of the development. Traditionally, it is assumed that public support for pilot and demonstration initiatives may overcome this hurdle. In this paper, we investigate how this resource constraint limits the effectiveness of bioeconomy policies. The future development of the biobased sector is simulated including the inherent dependence of industrial activity on biomass. We simulate the future growth and technological diversity of an emerging biotechnological sector: the sector of manure transformation in Belgium. The paper reports the evolutions for three policy scenarios. The model explicitly accounts for endogenous innovation and knowledge transfer mechanisms. The results show that policies may have an important impact on the sector structure in the long run, but the sector growth remains ultimately constrained by the availability of inputs. So bioeconomy policies to promote innovation will be less effective, unless mechanisms are included to alleviate the resource constraint. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000454887700011 |
Publication Date |
2018-11-22 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0961-9534 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.219 |
Times cited |
3 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.219 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:156757 |
Serial |
6191 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
An agent-based model of farmer behaviour to explain the limited adaptability of Flemish agriculture |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
|
|
Volume |
22 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
63-77 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Transition projects have been implemented for Flemish agriculture since 2003, but these did not enable a transformation of the agricultural sector. This paper looks at pre-transition scenarios that have been collectively designed by stakeholders of the agricultural sector in 2002. These foresaw decreases in the regional animal stocks in Flanders. However, the real evolution of the sector did not reveal such a decrease. It is assumed that the individual adaptive behaviour of farmers can explain the unexpected stability of the Flemish agricultural sector. A detailed agent-based model has been built to replicate the past evolution, accounting for structural diversity of farmers, heterogeneity in behaviour, and natural resource constraints. The results indicate that different forms of rigidity in the individual behaviour of farmers slow down the adaptation of the agricultural sector. Future transition scenarios should account for these elements in order not to overestimate the speed of change in the sector. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000400269900006 |
Publication Date |
2016-07-17 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
2210-4224 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
|
Times cited |
1 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; This project was financed by the Impuls-project of the Transnational University Limburg (TUL, Belgium and theNetherlands). A prior version of the results was presented in September 2014 at the 10th annual meeting of the European Social Simulation Association (ESSA) in Barcelona; the remarks from participants improved this manuscript. Thecomputational resources and services in support of this study were provided by the Hercules Foundation and the Flemish Government-department EWI. Prof. Steven Van Passel thanks DG Agriculture (European Commission) for access to theFarm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). All remaining errors are the sole responsibility of the authors. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: NA |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:143721 |
Serial |
6150 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Advantages and limitations of exergy indicators to assess sustainability of bioenergy and biobased materials |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2014 |
Publication |
Environmental Impact Assessment Review |
Abbreviated Journal |
Environ Impact Asses |
|
|
Volume |
45 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
19-29 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Innovative bioenergy projects show a growing diversity in biomass pathways, transformation technologies and end-products, leading to complex new processes. Existing energy-based indicators are not designed to include multiple impacts and are too constrained to assess the sustainability of these processes. Alternatively, indicators based on exergy, a measure of “qualitative energy”, could allow a more holistic view. Exergy is increasingly applied in analyses of both technical and biological processes. But sustainability assessments including exergy calculations, are not very common and are not generally applicable to all types of impact. Hence it is important to frame the use of exergy for inclusion in a sustainability assessment. This paper reviews the potentials and the limitations of exergy calculations, and presents solutions for coherent aggregation with other metrics. The resulting approach is illustrated in a case study. Within the context of sustainability assessment of bioenergy, exergy is a suitable metric for the impacts that require an ecocentric interpretation, and it allows aggregation on a physical basis. The use of exergy is limited to a measurement of material and energy exchanges with the sun, biosphere and lithosphere. Exchanges involving services or human choices are to be measured in different metrics. This combination provides a more inclusive and objective sustainability assessment, especially compared to standard energy- or carbon-based indicators. Future applications of this approach in different situations are required to clarify the potential of exergy-based indicators in a sustainability context. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000331924600003 |
Publication Date |
2013-12-05 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0195-9255 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.094 |
Times cited |
18 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.094; 2014 IF: 2.400 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127545 |
Serial |
6147 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Maes, D.; Van Dael, M.; Vanheusden, B.; Goovaerts, L.; Reumerman, P.; Luzardo, N.M.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
Assessment of the sustainability guidelines of EU Renewable Energy Directive : the case of biorefineries |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Journal Of Cleaner Production |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Clean Prod |
|
|
Volume |
88 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
61-70 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Sustainability guidelines can help to safeguard the sustainable use of biological materials. When these guidelines are legally prescribed, their influence on the economic viability of bioenergy, biofuel and bioliquid projects is increased substantially, through their impact on national subsidy regimes and international trade. One of the key examples is the European directive 2009/28/EC, or the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), and the related COM/2010/11 that integrate guidelines for calculating greenhouse gas impact for various bioenergy pathways. This paper looks further into the sustainability results when influenced by principal decisions that are legally open for debate. Therefore, a concise review is conducted of the legal state-of-the-art on whether a product is waste or not. The review pinpoints uncertainty, leading to four potential legal scenarios. The sustainability of a complex biorefinery is analysed for each scenario. The results show (i) a high sensitivity to the principal decisions on the nature of waste materials in the scenarios, and (ii) to the definition of boundaries between the processes. More detailed rules for the application of the RED guidelines are needed, and should be complemented with methods specifically targeting all relevant sustainability aspects, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of the sustainability of the process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000347771100007 |
Publication Date |
2014-04-30 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0959-6526 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
5.715 |
Times cited |
25 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
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. The 'Energy Conversion Parks' (ECP) project is funded as Project nr IVA-VLANED-2.39 by the Interreg IVa-Flanders-Netherlands program from the European Fund for Regional Development that stimulates cross border projects. Also the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Flemish Government, the Provinces of Noord-Brabant (NL), Zeeland (NL), Limburg (BE) and the partners (VITO, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Hasselt University, and Zeeland University of Applied Sciences) themselves are co-financing the project. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude towards the organization of the eighth Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment systems in Dubrovnik (Croatia) for giving us the opportunity to present and thereby fine-tune our work. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.715; 2015 IF: 3.844 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127538 |
Serial |
6157 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; Vranken, L. |
|
|
Title |
Heterogeneity in the solar-powered consumer electronics market : a discrete choice experiments study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sol Energ Mat Sol C |
|
|
Volume |
156 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
140-146 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Solar-powered consumer electronics are a likely starting point for organic photovoltaic (OPV) market development. Therefore, a generic discrete choice experiments study can determine how Flemish consumers value solar-cell characteristics for solar-poweied consumer electronics. Such characteristics include efficiency, lifetime, aesthetics, integratability, and price. We contribute to the literature by investigating preference heterogeneity in a solar-power niche market with an experimental design with a fixed reference alternative. The error components random parameter logit (ECRPL) with interactions provides a better fit than the latent class (LC) model for our choice data. The main effects had the expected signs. Consequently, aesthetics and integratability are OPV's assets. Nevertheless, heterogeneity puts the results that are valid for the average consumer into perspective. Based on our findings, OPV commercialization efforts should target the experienced, impatient user who highly values design and functionality. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000383304100015 |
Publication Date |
2016-06-27 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0927-0248 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.784 |
Times cited |
2 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; Sebastien Lizin thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding his postdoctoral mandate with Grant number 12G5415N, without which it would have been impossible to revise this work. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.784 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:137107 |
Serial |
6207 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; Schreurs, E. |
|
|
Title |
Farmers' perceived cost of land use restrictions : a simulated purchasing decision using discrete choice experiments |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Land Use Policy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Land Use Policy |
|
|
Volume |
46 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
115-124 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
This paper reports on the findings from discrete choice experiments designed to estimate farmers perceived costs of land use restrictions, i.e. crop restrictions, additional fertilizing restrictions, and usage restrictions, as opposed to having no such restrictions. To this end, hypothetical land purchasing decisions were simulated based on the information about productivity, lot size, distance to other land, driving time to home, land use restrictions, and price. Farmers from the Campine area (Belgium) were invited to participate in the survey as the agricultural land in this region still faces the effects of historical heavy metal contamination resulting in crop restrictions. For identical pieces of land, we estimate the perceived cost, calculated as a change in the consumer surplus due to having a land use restriction, to be about 46,000 /ha for the crop restriction, 50,000 /ha for the usage restriction, and 70,000 /ha for the fertilizing restrictions. Assuming this cost to represent a perpetuity, then with a discount rate of 5% the yearly fixed costs respectively equal about 2300 /ha, 2500 /ha, and 3500 /ha. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000356110500010 |
Publication Date |
2015-03-03 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0264-8377 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.089 |
Times cited |
12 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors would like to thank Boerenbond for their help as well as the farmers for their time in responding to the questionnaire. Additionally, Sebastien Lizin thanks the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding his postdoctoral fellowship, allowing him to revise the manuscript. The authors would also like to thank the anonymous reviewers for helping us to improve the quality of our work. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.089; 2015 IF: 2.631 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:129877 |
Serial |
6203 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Vranken, L. |
|
|
Title |
The future of organic photovoltaic solar cells as a direct power source for consumer electronics |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sol Energ Mat Sol C |
|
|
Volume |
103 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
1-10 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
As the search for marketable photovoltaic solar cells continues, organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells have been identified as a technology with many attractive features for commercialization. Most photovoltaic technologies on the market today were improved in the consumer electronics market segment. A similar evolution has been envisioned for OPV. Hence this paper investigates consumer preferences for solar cells directly powering consumer electronics. Choice experiments were designed and responses were collected using a random sample of 300 individuals from the Flemish region (northern part of Belgium). Results allow for computation of attribute importance, willingness to pay (WTP), and simulation of theoretical market share. These measures point towards OPV being able to reach considerable market share in the long run, bearing in mind that efforts are first needed in elevating OPV's efficiency and lifetime as they most determine consumers' preferences. Price is found to be the least important product characteristic for OPV solar cells to be incorporated in consumer electronics devices. We therefore warn against generalizing attributes' importance across the boundaries of market segments. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000306044300001 |
Publication Date |
2012-05-03 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0927-0248 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.784 |
Times cited |
25 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors would kindly want to express their gratitude towards every survey respondent and participant for their preliminary work. Also the authors are much obliged to INTERREG and the ORGANEXT project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. Last but not least, we would like to thank the reviewers for their insightful comments which allowed for fine tuning our work. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127556 |
Serial |
6267 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Maes, W.; Lutsen, L.; Manca, J.; Vanderzande, D. |
|
|
Title |
Life cycle analyses of organic photovoltaics : a review |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Energy & Environmental Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Energ Environ Sci |
|
|
Volume |
6 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
3136-3149 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
This paper reviews the available life cycle analysis (LCA) literature on organic photovoltaics (OPVs). This branch of OPV research has focused on the environmental impact of single-junction bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells using a P3HT/PC60BM active layer blend processed on semi-industrial pilot lines in ambient surroundings. The environmental impact was found to be strongly decreasing through continuous innovation of the manufacturing procedures. The current top performing cell regarding environmental performance has a cumulative energy demand of 37.58 MJp m(-2) and an energy payback time in the order of months for cells having 2% efficiency, thereby rendering OPV cells one of the best performing PV technologies from an environmental point of view. Nevertheless, we find that LCA literature is lagging behind on the main body of OPV literature due to the lack of readily available input data. Still, LCA research has led us to believe that in the quest for higher efficiencies, environmental sustainability is being disregarded on the materials' side. Hence, we advise the scientific community to take the progress made on environmental sustainability aspects of OPV preparations into account not only because standard procedures put a bigger strain on the environment, but also because these methods may not be transferrable to an industrial process. Consequently, we recommend policy makers to subsidize research that bridges the gaps between fundamental materials research, stability, and scalability given that these constraints have to be fulfilled simultaneously if OPVs are ever to be successful on the market. Additionally, environmental sustainability will have to keep on being monitored to steer future developments in the right direction. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000325946400002 |
Publication Date |
2013-10-11 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
1754-5692; 1754-5706 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
29.518 |
Times cited |
124 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors are much obliged to both the INTERREG ORGAN-EXT project and FP7 MOLESOL project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 29.518; 2013 IF: 15.490 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127548 |
Serial |
6223 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Van Dael, M. |
|
|
Title |
Battery pack recycling : behaviour change interventions derived from an integrative theory of planned behaviour study |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Resources Conservation And Recycling |
Abbreviated Journal |
Resour Conserv Recy |
|
|
Volume |
122 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
66-82 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Belgium has passed the 45% cap, mandated by the European Union, by achieving a collection rate of over 50% in 2012. Having such a collection rate, Belgium is amongst the frontrunners in battery recycling in Europe. However, despite the efforts, about 40% of used batteries are still not properly collected. Particularly troublesome according to the national producer responsibility organization are the battery packs. In this paper we therefore investigate the drivers and barriers to battery pack drop-off intention perceived by Belgian households using an integrative model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. An R2 of 0.64 was found, which according to the literature on partial least squares structural equation modelling signals a moderate yet very close to substantial coefficient of determination. We find that on average perceived behavioural control and moral norms have the largest influence on the intention to drop-off used battery packs as quickly as possible. Based on the insights gained, recommendations are made for both behaviour change interventions and future research. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000401881300007 |
Publication Date |
2017-02-15 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0921-3449 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.313 |
Times cited |
21 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The corresponding author wishes to thank the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for granting him a postdoctoral grant [grant number: 12G5415N]. Furthermore, the second author wishes to express her gratitude for funding her to the SUMMA policy platform. Furthermore, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to Peter Coonen and Nele Peeters of Bebat for their time and willingness to share information with us. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.313 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:140681 |
Serial |
6159 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Lizin, S.; Leroy, J.; Delvenne, C.; Dijk, M.; De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S. |
|
|
Title |
A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells : identifying the technology's development phase |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Renewable Energy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Renew Energ |
|
|
Volume |
57 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
5-11 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
|
|
Abstract |
Organic photovoltaics (OPV) have developed into a vast research area. Progress in various directions has made it difficult to monitor the technology's precise development state. We offer a patent landscape analysis over all OPV devices, their substrates and encapsulation materials to provide an overview of patenting activity from a historical, organizational, geographical and technological point of view. Such an exercise is instrumental for private companies and research institutes aiming at both internal or external technology creation. We discuss our findings in the context of the Industrial Life Cycle model and find OPV still residing in the fluid technology development phase. Technology development is still following an exponential growth path, with the majority of patents coming from the Asian continent and in general private companies. For devices, the main technological focus can be traced back to the “H01L-031” international patent classification (IPC) main group. For the queried substrates, the most attention has gone to glass, but paper and textile have drawn significant interest too. Finally, encapsulation is found to be a less mature research field given the smaller number of patent families. The latter shows that the technology has not matured to the level where processing is carried out on a commercial scale. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000319025000002 |
Publication Date |
2013-02-13 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0960-1481 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
4.357 |
Times cited |
18 |
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
; The authors are much obliged to INTERREG for their financial support of the ORGANEXT project (www.organext.org), without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.357; 2013 IF: 3.361 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127551 |
Serial |
6143 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Larraín, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Van Gorp, B.; Nhu, T.T.; Huysveld, S.; Van Geem, K.M.; De Meester, S.; Billen, P. |
|
|
Title |
Techno-economic assessment of mechanical recycling of challenging post-consumer plastic packaging waste |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
|
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Resources Conservation And Recycling |
Abbreviated Journal |
Resour Conserv Recy |
|
|
Volume |
170 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
105607 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS) |
|
|
Abstract |
Increasing plastic recycling rates is crucial to tackle plastic pollution and reduce consumption of fossil resources. Recycling routes for post-consumer plastic fractions that are technologically and economically feasible remain a challenge. Profitable value chains for recycling mixed film and tray-like plastics have hardly been implemented today, in sharp contrast to recycling of relatively pure fractions such as polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene bottles. This study examines the economic feasibility of implementing mechanical recycling for plastic waste such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene films and mixed polyolefins. In most European countries these plastic fractions are usually incinerated or landfilled whilst in fact technologies exist to mechanically recycle them into regranulates or regrinds. Results show that the economic incentives for the recycling of plastic packaging depend predominantly on the product price and product yield. At current price levels, the most profitable plastic fraction to be recycled is PS rigids, with an internal rate of return of 14%, whereas the least profitable feed is a mixed polyolefin fraction with a negative internal rate of return in a scenario with steadily rising oil prices. Moreover, these values would be substantially reduced if oil prices, and therefore plastic product prices decrease. Considering a discount rate of 15% for a 15-year period, mechanical recycling is not profitable if no policy changes would be imposed by governments. Clearly low oil prices may jeopardize the mechanical recycling industry, inducing the need for policies that would increase the demand of recycled products such as imposing minimal recycled content targets. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000667309200042 |
Publication Date |
2021-04-20 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0921-3449 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
3.313 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
OpenAccess |
|
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.313 |
|
|
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:177325 |
Serial |
6946 |
|
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
|
Author |
Larrain, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Kresovic, U.; Alderweireldt, N.; Moerman, E.; Billen, P. |
|
|
Title |
Economic performance of pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste: Open-loop versus closed-loop recycling |
Type |
A1 Journal Article |
|
Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Journal Of Cleaner Production |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Clean Prod |
|
|
Volume |
|
Issue |
|
Pages |
122442 |
|
|
Keywords |
A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ; |
|
|
Abstract |
In recent decades new recycling technologies for mixed plastic waste have emerged. In pyrolysis, the polymer chains are thermally broken (pyrolyzed) to obtain hydrocarbon materials of different molecular weights such as naphtha, oil or waxes, whose yields can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Naphtha represents a closed-loop recycling process as it is a feedstock for (poly)olefins; while the co-production of waxes, having several applications in e.g. the construction industry, exemplifies an open-loop recycling process. This paper compares the economic performance of the pyrolysis of mixed polyolefin waste in a closed-loop and open-loop scheme, including a probabilistic approach to the most important variables. From an economic perspective, open-loop pyrolysis as presented outperforms closed-loop recycling, due to the high prices of wax. However, the results present a high dispersion caused by the volatility of the prices of crude oil and its derivates. Considering the current oil price projections, our case study analysis showed that for open-loop recycling there is a future probability of almost a 98 % of observing positive results and around 57 % of probability in the case of closed-loop recycling, under the assumptions made. Yet, in a future scenario where decarbonized electricity would decrease oil prices, the probability of a positive outcome reduces to 57 % for the open-loop case and to less than 8 % in the case of closed-loop recycling. To make these pathways attractive to investors, the nameplate capacity should be at least 70 kt/year for open-loop recycling and 115 kt/year for closed-loop recycling. A 120 kt/year plant should operate minimally at 80 % of its capacity for open-loop recycling, while closed-loop recycling would demand running close to maximum capacity. Security of feedstock supply therefore is required. |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
|
Language |
|
Wos |
000579071300078 |
Publication Date |
2020-05-28 |
|
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
|
ISSN |
0959-6526 |
ISBN |
|
Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
|
|
Impact Factor |
11.1 |
Times cited |
|
Open Access |
|
|
|
Notes |
This work was supported by the VLAIO Catalisti-ICON project MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste; project HBC.2018.0262). |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715 |
|
|
Call Number |
ENM @ enm @c:irua:170005 |
Serial |
6385 |
|
Permanent link to this record |