Decomposition Analysis on Direct Material Input and Dematerialization of Mining Cities in Northeast China

Material dematerialization is a basic approach to reduce the pressure on the resources and environment and to realize the sustainable development. The material flow analysis and decomposition method are used to calculate the direct material input (DMI) of 14 typical mining cities in Northeast China in 1995–2004 and to analyze the demateri- alization and its driving factors in the different types of mining cities oriented by coal, petroleum, metallurgy and multi-resources. The results are as follows: 1) from 1995 to 2006, the increase rates of the DMI and the material input intensity of mining cities declined following the order of multi-resources, metallurgy, coal, and petroleum cities, and the material utilizing efficiency did following the order of petroleum, coal, metallurgy, and multi-resources cities; 2) during the research period, all the kinds of mining cities were in the situation of weak sustainable development in most years; 3) the pressure on resources and environment in the multi-resources cities was the most serious; 4) the petro- leum cities showed the strong trend of sustainable development; and 5) in recent years, the driving function of eco- nomic development for material consuming has continuously strengthened and the controlling function of material utilizing efficiency for it has weakened. The key approaches to promote the development of circular economy of min- ing cities in Northeast China are put forward in the following aspects: 1) to strengthen the research and development of the technique of resources’ cycling utilization, 2) to improve the utilizing efficiency of resources, and 3) to carry out the auditing system of resources utilization.

The rebound effect of dematerialization and decoupling:a case of energy efficiency

The two essential terms in environmental sciences-dematerialization and decoupling-have always been controversial. This study aims to trace the evolution path on the methodologies, the evidences and the policies, and to reflect on the implications of the development. We specifically present several classical definitions so as to summarize the similarities and differences thereinafter. Several commonly used methodologies, which are employed for evaluating the levels of dematerialization and decoupling, are discussed. As expected, the empirical evidences rarely support the absolute dematerialization and decoupling, which challenge the relevant policies implemented worldwide. In this context, the rebound effect, which is regarded as the main obstacle, is necessary to be examined in the various sectors and areas. However, the results of the rebound levels are far from unanimous. This article has a further discussion on the possible direction for the inconclusive debate in a broader perspective.

Research ＆ Exploration Dematerialization Factors in Furniture-design Based on Scandinavian Style

Nordic design has also been called the ＂Scandinavian＂ design, with the best reputation in the international design field, especially in furniture, industrial products and other fields. Scandinavian design, with simple but not easy product appearance and shape, perfect man-machine interface, and very humane exotic customs, has led the global design industry trend, touching consumers＇ hearts all over the world since several decades of years ago. Dematerialization factors bound in Nordic-design are the root cause of the classic achievements. Dematerialization fully contains human touch, human factors. This is focusing on people-oriented design concepts, reflecting the best harmonious development of the modern world＇s ideas and themes. This article mainly takes Scandinavian-product design as an example-furniture and industrial design, and makes further exploration and research of dematerialization factors contained by products.

Life cycle assessment of mobile phone housing

The life cycle assessment of the mobile phone housing in Motorola(China) Electronics Ltd. was carried out, in which materials flows and environmental emissions based on a basic production scheme were analyzed and assessed. In the manufacturing stage, such primary processes as polycarbonate molding and surface painting are included, whereas different surface finishing technologies like normal painting, electroplate, IMD and VDM etc. were assessed. The results showed that housing decoration plays a significant role within the housing life cycle. The most significant environmental impact from housing production is the photochemical ozone formation potential. Environmental impacts of different decoration techniques varied widely, for example, the electroplating technique is more environmentally friendly than VDM. VDM consumes much more energy and raw material. In addition, the results of two alternative scenarios of dematerialization showed that material flow analysis and assessment is very important and valuable in selecting an environmentally friendly process.

Interactive Pedagogy and Massification ＂Empirical Study＂

The training is now expanding in quantity and variety. Massification--which sank--forces universities to meet the challenge of public diversity and to justify pedagogical research. This article takes into consideration particular way of these new requirements heuristic and praxeological referred to teaching that must take into account the expectation of the learner. This work is in a descriptive and explanatory approach and aims to promote higher teaching practices through the new interactive technology tools to stimulate educational innovation within the university system. The aim of this work is the inclusion of massification to contribute to the development of a model for interactivity and effectiveness of learning. This model was developed from a theoretical approach since the state of the art and an empirical approach for several experiments. The study focused on a database C2i exams ＂IT and lnternet certification of all learners of the Academy of Montpeilier （n = 4,254） on the online formapro platform＂. The results have shown that the success rate is highly correlated with the duration of prior self. The integration of these technologies in universities offers interactivity and learning environment for adjusting teaching practices and acquiring new skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF USE OF ALUMINIUM FOR PREFABRICATED LIGHTWEIGHT HOUSES:DYMAXION HOUSE CASE STUDY

The paper evaluates the environmental advantages and disadvantages of use of aluminium as building construction material for prefabrication of lightweight houses,by examining a case study of the Dymaxion House,designed by R.B.Fuller.The Dymaxion House was conceived as autonomous,transportable,lightweight,and disassembling unit.The predominant material in its envelope is aluminium.The production of this material has significant energy costs and environmental impact.However,aluminium is highly recyclable,long-lasting and has good performance characteris-tics,which,on the long run,diminishes the pressure on the natural resources and allows a significant reduction of quantity of used material.The paper re-evaluates its environmental impact on a larger time scale and takes into con-sideration all the aspects of its application.In addition,design strategies,(such as“design for disassembly”)of the house are studied.Finally,paper provides some considerations about the“service industry”system,as conceived by R.B.Fuller(and also used nowadays in enterprises such as Interface Inc.),necessary for securing the house manufacturer’s respon-sibility over the entire life cycle of the dwelling,thus guaranteeing high recycling rates.