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“Comparing frontier methods for economic-environmental trade-off analysis”. Van Meensel J, Lauwers L, Van Huylenbroeck G, Van Passel S, European Journal Of Operational Research 207, 1027 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.EJOR.2010.05.026
Abstract: This paper uses a mechanistic frontier approach as a reference to evaluate the ability of conventional parametric (SFA) and non-parametric (DEA) frontier approaches for analyzing economicenvironmental trade-offs. Conventional frontier approaches are environmentally adjusted through incorporating the materials balance principle. The analysis is worked out for the Flemish pig finishing case, which is both representative and didactic. Results show that, on average, SFA and DEA yield adequate economicenvironmental trade-offs. Both methods are good estimators for technical efficiency. Cost allocative and environmental allocative efficiency scores are less robust, due to the well-known methodological advantages and disadvantages of SFA and DEA. For particular firms, SFA, DEA and the mechanistic approach may yield different economicenvironmental trade-offs. One has therefore to be careful when using conventional frontier approaches for firm-specific decision support. The mechanistic approach allows for optimizing performances per average present finisher, which is the production unit in pig finishing. Conventional frontier methods do not allow for this optimization since the number of average present finishers varies along the production functions. Since the mechanistic production function is based on underlying growth, feed uptake and mortality functions, additional firm-specific indicators can also be calculated at each point of the production function.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 3.297
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJOR.2010.05.026
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“Towards a more direct policy feedback in circular economy monitoring via a societal needs perspective”. Alaerts L, Van Acker K, Rousseau S, De Jaeger S, Moraga G, Dewulf J, De Meester S, Van Passel S, Compernolle T, Bachus K, Vrancken K, Eyckmans J, Resources, conservation and recycling 149, 363 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2019.06.004
Abstract: The increasing focus on circular economy at the level of governments and policy requires the development of appropriate indicators to effectively monitor the progress towards the circular economy. Currently two very different types of indicator areas are under development: (i) monitoring frameworks based on macro indicators that summarize the progress at (supra)national level, and (ii) micro indicators tailored towards assessing circularity at the level of products. It is not possible to obtain sufficiently direct feedback about the impact of policy interventions by either macro or micro indicators alone. In this paper, a conceptual approach is developed that aims to bridge the gap between the micro and macro level with meso level indicators, and thus ultimately deliver more direct feedback for policymakers, via the insertion of an extra level of meso indicators in between the macro and the micro level. These indicators have been extracted from a dedicated workshop that involved policy, sector and societal stakeholders. The aim of these indicators is to report on progress towards circular economy objectives based on the fulfillment of societal needs. In this way the consumption perspective is given a central position, and the role of circular business models is acknowledged. Following the development of the concept, the next steps towards tailored, flexible and agile monitoring frameworks for circular economy at (supra)national and regional level are outlined. The paper concludes with an illustrative example of the framework applied to the mobility system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2019.06.004
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“Sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals : a Delphi study using multi-criteria decision analysis”. Van Schoubroeck S, Springael J, Van Dael M, Malina R, Van Passel S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 144, 198 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2018.12.024
Abstract: Biobased chemistry has gained interest and has the potential to tackle some of the sustainability challenges the chemical industry must endure. Sustainability impacts need to be evaluated and monitored to highlight the advantages and pitfalls of different biobased routes over the entire product life cycle. This study aims for expert consensus concerning indicators needed and preferred for sustainability analysis of biobased chemicals in Europe. Experts are consulted by means of a Delphi method with stakeholders selected from three core groups: the private, public and academic sector. Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) is performed to gather data on the prioritization of the sustainability indicators per respondent. Afterwards, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is used to develop a consensus ranking among the experts. The results show that GHG emissions, market potential and acceptance of biobased materials are deemed the most crucial indicators for respectively environmental, economic and social sustainability. Expert consensus is positive in all three sustainability domains, with the strongest consensus measured for environmental sustainability showing a median Kendalls τ of 0.63 (τ ranging from -1 to 1) and the weakest consensus found within social sustainability showing a median Kendalls τ of 0.50. Further research can apply the ranked indicators on specific case studies to evaluate the practicability of the defined indicator set.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2018.12.024
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“Environmental and economic assessment of 'open waste dump' mining in Sri Lanka”. Maheshi D, Van Passel S, Van Karel A, Resources Conservation And Recycling 102, 67 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2015.07.004
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2015.07.004
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“Battery pack recycling : behaviour change interventions derived from an integrative theory of planned behaviour study”. Lizin S, Van Dael M, Van Passel S, Van Dael M, Resources Conservation And Recycling 122, 66 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.02.003
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.02.003
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“A Hotelling model for the circular economy including recycling, substitution and waste accumulation”. Hoogmartens R, Eyckmans J, Van Passel S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 128, 98 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.09.015
Abstract: Non-renewable resources include a large variety of deposits that have been formed by geological processes over millions of years. Although extraction of such resources provides benefits as employment and economic revenues, it also contributes to negative environmental externalities and it increases resource scarcity. An important policy question is how to optimally extract non-renewable resource stocks over time while taking possible substitutes and recycling into account. The present paper adds to the literature by developing a generic numerical optimisation model that can be used to simulate non-renewable resource management regimes and the effects of different policy instruments deployed at different stages of the resource's life cycle. By including recycling and substitution, the model extends the seminal cake-eating Hotelling model that dominates the non-renewable resource economics literature. In addition to being generically designed, the model can accommodate for non-competitive market settings, interacting policy instruments and environmental externalities at different stages of the material's life cycle. The model's possibilities are illustrated by means of a numerical simulation example for the extraction of sand.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.09.015
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“Techno-economic assessment of mechanical recycling of challenging post-consumer plastic packaging waste”. Larraín M, Van Passel S, Thomassen G, Van Gorp B, Nhu TT, Huysveld S, Van Geem KM, De Meester S, Billen P, Resources Conservation And Recycling 170, 105607 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105607
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 3.313
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105607
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“A techno-economic assessment of an algal-based biorefinery”. Thomassen G, Egiguren Vila U, Van Dael M, Lemmens B, Van Passel S, Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy 18, 1849 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10098-016-1159-2
Abstract: Economic and technological assessments have identified difficulties with the commercialization of bulk products from microalgae, like biofuels. To overcome these problems, a multi-product algal-based biorefinery has been proposed. This paper performs a techno-economic assessment of such a biorefinery. Four production pathways, ranging from a base case with commercial technologies to an improved case with innovative technologies, are analyzed. All region-specific parameters were adapted to Belgian conditions. Three scenarios result in techno-economically viable production plants. The most profitable scenario is the scenario which uses a specialized membrane for medium recycling and an open pond algae cultivation. Although the inclusion of a photobioreactor decreases the culture medium costs, the higher investment costs result in lower economic profits. The carotenoid content and price are identified as critical parameters. Furthermore, the economies of scale assumption for the photobioreactor is critical for the feasibility of this cultivation technology. The techno-economic assessment is an important methodology to guide and evaluate further improvements in research and shorten the time-to-market for innovative technologies in this field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.331
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1007/S10098-016-1159-2
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“Cost-efficient emission abatement of energy and transportation technologies : mitigation costs and policy impacts for Belgium”. De Schepper E, Van Passel S, Lizin S, Achten WMJ, Van Acker K, Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy 16, 1107 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10098-014-0713-Z
Abstract: In the light of global warming, this paper develops a framework to compare energy and transportation technologies in terms of cost-efficient GHG emission reduction. We conduct a simultaneous assessment of economic and environmental performances through life cycle costing and life cycle assessment. To calculate the GHG mitigation cost, we create reference systems within the base scenario. Further, we extend the concept of the mitigation cost, allowing (i) comparision of technologies given a limited investment resource, and (ii) evaluation of the direct impact of policy measures by means of the subsidized mitigation cost. The framework is illustrated with a case of solar photovoltaics (PV), grid powered battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and solar powered BEVs for a Belgian small and medium sized enterprise. The study's conclusions are that the mitigation cost of solar PV is high, even though this is a mature technology. The emerging mass produced BEVs on the other hand are found to have a large potential for cost-efficient GHG mitigation as indicated by their low cost of mitigation. Finally, based on the subsidized mitigation cost, we conclude that the current financial stimuli for all three investigated technologies are excessive when compared to the CO2 market value under the EU Emission Trading Scheme.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.331
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1007/S10098-014-0713-Z
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“Combining Monte Carlo simulations and experimental design for incorporating risk and uncertainty in investment decisions for cleantech : a fast pyrolysis case study”. Kuppens T, Rafiaani P, Vanreppelen K, Yperman J, Carleer R, Schreurs S, Thewys T, Van Passel S, Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy 20, 1195 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10098-018-1543-1
Abstract: The value of phytoextracting crops (plants cultivated for soil remediation) depends on the profitability of the sequential investment in a conversion technology aimed at the economic valorization of the plants. However, the net present value (NPV) of an investment in such an innovative technology is risky due to technical and economic uncertainties. Therefore, decision makers want to dispose of information about the probability of a positive NPV, the largest possible loss, and the crucial economic and technical parameters influencing the NPV. This paper maps the total uncertainty in the NPV of an investment in fast pyrolysis for the production of combined heat and power from willow cultivated for phytoextraction in the Belgian Campine. The probability of a positive NPV has been calculated by performing Monte Carlo simulations. Information about possible losses has been provided by means of experimental design. Both methods are then combined in order to identify the key economic and technical parameters influencing the project's profitability. It appears that the case study has a chance of 87% of generating a positive NPV with an expected value of 3 million euro (MEUR), while worst-case scenarios predict possible losses of 7 MEUR. The amount of arable land, the biomass yield, the purchase price of the crop, the policy support, and the product yield of fast pyrolysis are identified as the most influential parameters. It is concluded that both methods, i.e., Monte Carlo simulations and experimental design, provide decision makers with complementary information with regard to economic risk.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.331
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1007/S10098-018-1543-1
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“The effect of policy leveraging climate change adaptive capacity in agriculture”. Vanschoenwinkel J, Moretti M, Van Passel S, European Review Of Agricultural Economics (2020). http://doi.org/10.1093/erae/jbz007
Abstract: Agricultural adaptation to climate change is indispensable. However, the degree of adaptation depends on adaptive capacity levels and it only takes place if the appropriate resources are present. Cross-sectional climate response models ignore this requirement. This paper adapts the Ricardian method to control for a generic territorial adaptive capacity index. The results for a sample of over 60.000 European farms show a significant non-linear positive relationship between adaptive capacity and climate responsiveness and that some regions in Europe can increase their climate responsiveness significantly. This confirms that improvement of adaptive capacity is an important policy tool to enhance adaptation.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.4
DOI: 10.1093/erae/jbz007
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“Impacts of the hydropower-controlled Tana-Beles interbasin water transfer on downstream rural livelihoods (northwest Ethiopia)”. Annys S, Adgo E, Ghebreyohannes T, Van Passel S, Dessein J, Nyssen J, Journal Of Hydrology 569, 436 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHYDROL.2018.12.012
Abstract: Despite public awareness of unintended impacts (1980s) and well-developed international standards (2000s), downstream impacts of large hydropower projects still very often are not properly assessed. Impacts of (hydropower-regulated) interbasin water transfers (IBWTs) are considered self-evidently positive, although they can have far-reaching consequences for hydrogeomorphological systems and consequently river-dependent communities. In this study, the downstream direct and indirect impacts of the Ethiopian hydropower-regulated Tana-Beles IBWT are evaluated in an interdisciplinary way. The components of the framework of rural livelihoods are considered and changing contexts, resources availabilities and livelihood strategies are analysed. Mixed methods are applied, combining hydrogeomorphological field observations, GIS analyses, scientific literature, policy documents, and semi-structured interviews with local people and local to federal authorities. Results show that the IBWT drastically increased the Beles rivers discharge (with an average release of +92 m3 s−1 at the outlet; *2 in rainy season and *12 in dry season 100 km downstream of the water release) and introduced dangerous situations for local communities (over 250 people drowned in the river). River bank erosion resulted in the uncompensated loss of farmland (163 ha) and the establishment of large-scale commercial farms increased the pressure on land and led to the impoverishment of displaced communities (4310 households). The project was implemented top-down, without any transparency, benefit sharing or compensation for external costs. This stresses the importance of downstream interdisciplinary impact assessments and highlights the need for decent in-depth ex post-analyses of hydropower projects. Environmental impact assessments should be taken seriously and cannot be considered a formality. In Ethiopia and in many developing countries, the hydropower industry is booming. Although dams and IBWTs can be the best solution for water-related problems in specific contexts, national development goals (such as the expansion of the electricity network) should not be at the expense of rural livelihoods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.483
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHYDROL.2018.12.012
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“Climate response of rainfed versus irrigated farms: the bias of farm heterogeneity in irrigation”. Vanschoenwinkel J, Van Passel S, Climatic Change 147, 225 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10584-018-2141-2
Abstract: Researchers who do not take into account farm heterogeneity in implementing specific climate change adaptation options might significantly bias their findings. To prove this point, this paper focusses on irrigation as an adaptation option to climate change and highlights the fact that there is no such thing as “irrigation.” Instead, different farms consider water management options across a spectrum that ranges from purely rainfed farms to purely irrigated farms with in between the extreme practices such as supplemental irrigation, water conservation practices, and different irrigation techniques. Accounting for such differences is necessary, yet difficult due to a lack of farm-specific data on water management and irrigation. This paper uses unique Farm Accountancy Data Network data of Western European farmers on the proportion of farmland that each farm irrigates. Unlike previous work, this allows taking into account some within-irrigation heterogeneity instead of simply categorizing farms as being “irrigated.” We estimate and compare climate response models based on the Ricardian cross-sectional method for a large range of irrigation categories. The results give insights into how the farm irrigation climate response can be significantly different depending on how irrigation is defined. This proves that ignoring within-adaptation differences when comparing non-adaptation with adaptation (in this case, rainfed versus irrigated agriculture) might lead to biased conclusions with regard to effectiveness of adaptation strategies. We therefore argue that it might be more relevant to understand at which point and under which circumstances irrigated agriculture is more or less beneficial than rainfed agriculture.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.496
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S10584-018-2141-2
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“Development and techno-economic evaluation of a biorefinery based on biomass (waste) streams : case study in the Netherlands”. Van Dael M, Marquez N, Reumerman P, Pelkmans L, Kuppens T, Van Passel S, Biofuels Bioproducts &, Biorefining-Biofpr 8, 635 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/BBB.1460
Abstract: In this paper, the technical and economic advantages of combining conversion technologies into a multi-dimensional plant primarily using regional biomass residues are investigated. The main objective is to show how locally available biomass can be used more efficiently as a source for renewable energy and bio-based products. Therefore, not only is the theoretical perspective considered, but also a reality check for the local situation is taken into account. Although industrial attitude toward biorefineries is positive, the efficient production of a portfolio of bio-based products has not yet been implemented. A biorefinery concept for Moerdijk (the Netherlands) was developed, focusing on grass refining, production of pyrolysis oil, biodiesel production, and bio-LNG production. Grass refining is the most experimental technique of all proposed conversion techniques. In terms of development, pyrolysis oil and bio-LNG production are in the demonstration phase. Anaerobic digestion and biodiesel production are proven techniques. It is shown that this concept allows for synergies with regard to the utilization of residue flows from internal processes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that by integrating different conversion technologies, an economically feasible concept can be developed in which technologies, currently residing in a demonstration phase, can also be brought to the market. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.694
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1002/BBB.1460
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“To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture”. Bjørnåvold A, David M, Mermet-Bijon V, Beaumais O, Crastes dit Sourd R, Van Passel S, Martinet V, PLoS ONE 18, 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0283131
Abstract: In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0283131
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“Sustainability impacts of tidal river management : towards a conceptual framework”. Al Masud MM, Moni NN, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Ecological Indicators 85, 451 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOLIND.2017.10.022
Abstract: The Southwest Coastal people of Bangladesh have introduced Tidal River Management (TRM) as an environmentally acceptable water resource management practice based on their indigenous knowledge of water logging of low lying coastal land. TRM helps to address problems resulting from different anthropogenic and structural development activities, and it has been successful in helping coastal communities to adapt to climate change and rising sea level vulnerability by forming new land in Tidal Basins. Hence, it is essential to measure sustainability impacts of TRM from the environmental, socio-economic and institutional perspectives. Therefore, firstly, the study identifies sustainability indicators of TRM considering ecosystem services and secondly, develops an inclusive conceptual framework to understand the important impacts of each indicator at various spatial and temporal scales. The conceptual framework is followed by the construction of a Sustainability Index of Tidal River Management (SITRM). It has advantages over the Ramsar Convention framework (2007) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) framework (2012) to measure water sustainability as it includes a sustainable model to project future vulnerability of the community, river and Tidal Basin, emphasizing on climate change issues. It also involves trade-offs analysis, livelihood analysis and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for a complete impact assessment to enable decision-makers to focus on those services most likely to be of risks and weaknesses or opportunities and strengths for the sustainability of TRM. Moreover, the framework is a useful guide for policymakers in identifying the sustainability impacts of TRM so that they can choose best coping strategies for coastal people to effectively deal with adverse effects of water-logging and undesired climatic events as well as environmental and socio-economic changes in coastal areas.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.898
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLIND.2017.10.022
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“Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Northeast of Brazil: An Integrated Assessment of the Aquaponics Technology”. Finizola e Silva M, Van Passel S, Sustainability 12, 3734 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/su12093734
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if aquaponic systems can reduce food insecurity in the semi-arid regions of Brazil and generate income for the beneficiaries. Aquaponics is a potentially sustainable way to produce food based on gardening, hydroponics and aquaculture. A case study, based on a project called Aquaponova, was developed. The aquaponic systems currently used in the project are non-commercial and designed for households with limited resources. The data based on six existing systems within this project were used to compare the costs and the benefits. The cost–benefit analysis covers four scenarios and three financing options. The results show that aquaponic systems have a large potential and can reduce food insecurity in semi-arid regions while generating income for the beneficiaries. Even if the system only produces 40% of the total estimated production, the system will still be feasible. However, the low opportunity cost of labour is an essential factor for obtaining these positive results. Moreover, the social benefits, such as a community spirit and the health benefits of the system, should not be underestimated.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; aquaponics; Aquaponova; Brazil; semi-arid region; food insecurity; cost–benefit analysis; socio-economic approach; climate-smart agriculture; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/su12093734
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“Benefit segmentation of tourists to geosites and its implications for sustainable development of geotourism in the Southern Lake Tana Region, Ethiopia”. Tessema GA, van der Borg J, Van Rompaey A, Van Passel S, Adgo E, Minale AS, Asrese K, Frankl A, Poesen J, Sustainability 14, 3411 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU14063411
Abstract: Geotourism is a sustainable type of tourism that focuses on the geological and geomorphological heritages of an area, and the associated cultural and biodiversity features. Though the popularity of geotourism is rapidly growing, research on the demand side, particularly on segmenting tourists to geosites and understanding their profiles, is limited. This obviously makes the designing of effective tourism policies that aim at developing geotourism sustainably very difficult. Hence, the main objectives of this study were to segment and profile tourists to geosites based on the benefits sought, and to show its implications for sustainable development of geotourism. With a survey of 415 tourists, this study clustered tourists to geosites in the southern Lake Tana region in Ethiopia based on the benefits sought. A factor-cluster method was applied to segment the tourists. The study identified four distinct segments: Activity-Nature Lovers, Culture Lovers, Nature-Culture Lovers, and Want-It-Alls. These segments differed in their demographic, trip, and behavioral characteristics. The findings implied that for sustainable development, destination managers and marketers need to customize their geotourism product development and marketing strategies based on the needs and characteristics of each market segment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/SU14063411
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“Five-year development plans of renewable energy policies in Iran : a content analysis”. Dehhaghi S, Choobchian S, Ghobadian B, Farhadian H, Viira A-H, Stefanie HI, Van Passel S, Azadi H, Sustainability 14, 1501 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU14031501
Abstract: Renewable energy (RE) policies can play an effective role in the development of renewable resources. The main goal of this paper was to conduct a content analysis on RE development policies in Iran's five-year National Development Plan (NDP) by investigating upstream national documents. To achieve the goal, 29 upstream documents related to RE were identified and analyzed through a systematic literature review. Then, a qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the documents. The results showed that Iran's current RE policies need to be reviewed, reformed, and strengthened. For example, lack of sufficient attention to renewable heat and fuel was one of the deficiencies of RE policies in Iran's five-year NDP. The decentralization of policymaking in the unified organization was also one of the weaknesses in the policymaking process of the RE. Iran can develop sustainable and clean RE policies by using sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, wave, and tidal power. The paper concludes that, although RE policies have the potential for development in Iran due to environmental, social, and economic advantages, they could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. Accordingly, effective and innovative policymaking is required to meet such challenges.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/SU14031501
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“The lock-in effect and the greening of automotive cooling systems in the European Union”. Bjornavold A, Van Passel S, Journal Of Environmental Management 203, 1199 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2017.06.010
Abstract: As of 2017, the sale and use of the refrigerants most commonly used in automotive cooling systems – hydrofluorocarbons – are entirely banned in all new vehicles placed on the market in the European Union. These refrigerants have been recognised as potent greenhouse gases and, therefore, direct contributors to climate change. It is within this regulation-driven market that the technologies for a sustainable solution have been developed. However, this paper argues that the market for automotive cooling systems has been 'locked-in', which means that competing technologies, operating under dynamic increasing returns, will allow for one – potentially inferior technology – to dominate the market. Whilst such a situation is not uncommon, this paper discusses the way that regulation has reinforced a patented monopoly in 'picking winners': to the advantage of a synthetic chemical, R-1234yf, as opposed to the natural solution, which is CO2. By developing a generic conceptual framework of path dependence and lock-in, the presented evidence seeks to show how a snowballing effect has led to the intensification of differences in market share. We also argue that the automotive industry is potentially promoting short-term fixes, rather than long-term, sustainable and economically viable solutions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.01
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2017.06.010
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“Sustainable value assessment of farms using frontier efficiency benchmarks”. Van Passel S, Van Huylenbroeck G, Lauwers L, Mathijs E, Journal Of Environmental Management 90, 3057 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2009.04.009
Abstract: Appropriate assessment of firm sustainability facilitates actor-driven processes towards sustainable development. The methodology in this paper builds further on two proven methodologies for the assessment of sustainability performance: it combines the sustainable value approach with frontier efficiency benchmarks. The sustainable value methodology tries to relate firm performance to the use of different resources. This approach assesses contributions to corporate sustainability by comparing firm resource productivity with the resource productivity of a benchmark, and this for all resources considered. The efficiency is calculated by estimating the production frontier indicating the maximum feasible production possibilities. In this research, the sustainable value approach is combined with efficiency analysis methods to benchmark sustainability assessment. In this way, the production theoretical underpinnings of efficiency analysis enrich the sustainable value approach. The methodology is presented using two different functional forms: the CobbDouglas and the translog functional forms. The simplicity of the CobbDouglas functional form as benchmark is very attractive but it lacks flexibility. The translog functional form is more flexible but has the disadvantage that it requires a lot of data to avoid estimation problems. Using frontier methods for deriving firm specific benchmarks has the advantage that the particular situation of each company is taken into account when assessing sustainability. Finally, we showed that the methodology can be used as an integrative sustainability assessment tool for policy measures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.01
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2009.04.009
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“Bioremediation : how to deal with removal efficiency uncertainty? An economic application”. Compernolle T, Van Passel S, Lebbe L, Journal Of Environmental Management 127, 77 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2013.04.016
Abstract: Bioremediation is a remediation strategy, which has considerable strength but also certain limitations. Complex and uncertain relationships among biomass, contaminants, and nutrients lead to an uncertain level of removal efficiency. The uncertainty inherent to a bioremediation strategy should be addressed in the remediation selection process. In order to evaluate the bioremediation strategy economically, this study takes into account the reversibility of a decision. A decision tree structures the different remediation strategies, thus giving the possible courses of action open to the decision maker. The option value indicates the importance of having the possibility to reverse a previously made decision. Compared with conventional economic evaluation tools, more information to ground the selection made is revealed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.01
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2013.04.016
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“Optimal timing of multiple investment decisions in a wood value chain : a real options approach”. Tschulkow M, Compernolle T, Van Passel S, Journal Of Environmental Management 290, 112590 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2021.112590
Abstract: A new reductive catalytic fractionation biorefinery process (RCF) is currently being developed transforming wood into high-value end-products. RCF is considered to be in the pilot stage with a technology readiness level of 5–6. Apart from the RCF-process characteristics, the economic feasibility also depends on the investment decisions that are made upstream and downstream within the wood value chain, increasing the level of uncertainty. Two investment options within the value chain are considered: an option to invest in harvesting equipment and an option to invest in the RCF. To understand the impact of multiple sources of uncertainty on the decision to invest in an innovative RCF-driven wood value chain, an analytical two-factor real options model is presented, accounting for correlated cost and price uncertainties. Two different scenarios, separated and united investments in harvesting equipment and RCF, are analyzed. In both scenarios, market uncertainty postpones investment in comparison to the traditional NPV approach. When both investments are considered separately, the investment in RCF is expected to be earlier than the investment in harvesting equipment. When both investment decisions are united, the probability of investment increases. The study reveals that RCF has the potential to stimulate investments from different investors, –upstream and midstream–, within the wood value chain. Besides, the introduced real options model proofs its ability to assess the economic feasibility of innovative technologies (e.g RCF) individually or within the value chain, taking into account multiple sources of uncertainty.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.01
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2021.112590
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“Landfill taxes and enhanced waste management : combining valuable practices with respect to future waste streams”. Hoogmartens R, Eyckmans J, Van Passel S, Waste Management 55, 345 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2016.03.052
Abstract: Both landfill taxes and Enhanced Waste Management (EWM) practices can mitigate the scarcity issue of landfill capacity by respectively reducing landfilled waste volumes and valorising future waste streams. However, high landfill taxes might erode incentives for EWM, even though EWM creates value by valorising waste. Concentrating on Flanders (Belgium), the paper applies dynamic optimisation modelling techniques to analyse how landfill taxation and EWM can reinforce each other and how taxation schemes can be adjusted in order to foster sustainable and welfare maximising ways of processing future waste streams. Based on the Flemish simulation results, insights are offered that are generally applicable in international waste and resource management policy. As shown, the optimal Flemish landfill tax that optimises welfare in the no EWM scenario is higher than the one in the EWM scenario (93 against (sic)50/ton). This difference should create incentives for applying EWM and is driven by the positive external effects that are generated by EWM practices. In Flanders, as the current landfill tax is slightly lower than these optimal levels, the choice that can be made is to further increase taxation levels or show complete commitment to EWM. A first generally applicable insight that was found points to the fact that it is not necessarily the case that the higher the landfill tax, the more effective waste management improvements can be realised. Other insights are about providing sufficient incentives for applying EMW practices and formulating appropriate pleas in support of technological development. By these insights, this paper should provide relevant information that can assist in triggering the transition towards a resource efficient, circular economy in Europe. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.03
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2016.03.052
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“Environmental and economic performance of plasma gasification in Enhanced Landfill Mining”. Danthurebandara M, Van Passel S, Vanderreydt I, Van Acker K, Waste Management 45, 458 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2015.06.022
Abstract: This paper describes an environmental and economic assessment of plasma gasification, one of the viable candidates for the valorisation of refuse derived fuel from Enhanced Landfill Mining. The study is based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Plasma gasification is benchmarked against conventional incineration, and the study indicates that the process could have significant impact on climate change, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, metal depletion and fossil depletion. Flue gas emission, oxygen usage and disposal of residues (plasmastone) are the major environmental burdens, while electricity production and metal recovery represent the major benefits. Reductions in burdens and improvements in benefits are found when the plasmastone is valorised in building materials instead of landfilling. The study indicates that the overall environmental performance of plasma gasification is better than incineration. The study confirms a trade-off between the environmental and economic performance of the discussed scenarios. Net electrical efficiency and investment cost of the plasma gasification process and the selling price of the products are the major economic drivers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.03
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2015.06.022
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“Eliciting stakeholder needs : an anticipatory approach assessing enhanced landfill mining”. Einhäupl PV, Krook J, Svensson N, Van Acker K, Van Passel S, Waste Management 98, 113 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2019.08.009
Abstract: Landfill owners, governmental institutions, technology providers, academia and local communities are important stakeholders involved in Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM). This concept of excavating and processing historical waste streams to higher added values can be seen as a continuation of traditional landfill mining (LFM) and seems to be an innovative and promising idea for potential environmental and societal benefits. However, ELFM's profitability is still under debate, and environmental as well as societal impacts have to be further investigated. This study provides a first step towards an anticipatory approach, assessing ELFM through stakeholder integration. In the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, involved in a case study in Flanders, Belgium. Participants were selected across a quadruple helix (QH) framework, i.e. industrial, governmental, scientific, and local community actors. The research comprises 13 interviews conducted with an aim to elicit stakeholder needs for ELFM implementation using a general inductive approach. In total 18 different stakeholder needs were identified. The paper explains how the stakeholder needs refer to the different dimensions of sustainability, which groups of stakeholders they primarily affect, and what types of uncertainty could be influenced by their implementation. The stakeholder needs are structured into societal, environmental, regulatory and techno-economic needs. Results show additional economic, environmental, and societal aspects of ELFM to be integrated into ELFM research, as well as a need for the dynamic modeling of impacts. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.03
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2019.08.009
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“Assessment of environmental and economic feasibility of Enhanced Landfill Mining”. Danthurebandara M, Van Passel S, Vanderreydt I, Van Acker K, Waste Management 45, 434 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2015.01.041
Abstract: This paper addresses the environmental and economic performance of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM). Based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing, a detailed model is developed and is applied to a case study, i.e. the first ELFM project in Belgium. The environmental and economic analysis is performed in order to study the valorisation of different waste types in the landfill, such as municipal solid waste, industrial waste and total waste. We found that ELFM is promising for the case study landfill as greater environmental benefits are foreseen in several impact categories compared to the landfills current situation (the Do-nothing scenario). Among the considered processes, the thermal treatment process dominates both the environmental and economic performances of ELFM. Improvements in the electrical efficiency of thermal treatment process, the calorific value of refuse derived fuel and recovery efficiencies of different waste fractions lead the performance of ELFM towards an environmentally sustainable and economically feasible direction. Although the environmental and economic profiles of ELFM will differ from case to case, the results of this analysis can be used as a benchmark for future ELFM projects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.03
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2015.01.041
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“Towards a more structured selection process for attributes and levels in choice experiments : a study in a Belgian protected area”. Jeanloz S, Lizin S, Beenaerts N, Brouwer R, Van Passel S, Witters N, Ecosystem Services 18, 45 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOSER.2016.01.006
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.072
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOSER.2016.01.006
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“MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Nevens F, Dessein J, Rogge E, Mulier A, Van Hauwermeiren A, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 28, 321 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1051/AGRO:2008001
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 97
DOI: 10.1051/AGRO:2008001
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“Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Fremaut D, Haesaert G, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 32, 629 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
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