Environmental benefits of underground coal gasification

Environmental benefits of underground coal gasification are evaluated. The results showed that through underground coal gasification, gangue discharge is eliminated, sulfur emission is reduced, and the amount of ash, mercury, and tar discharge are decreased. Moreover, effect of underground gasification on underground water is analyzed and CO 2 disposal method is put forward.

Estimation on the Total Quantity of Biomass Energy and Its Environmental Benefit Analysis in Shandong Province

[Objective] The aim was to estimate the total quantity of biomass energy and analyze its environmental benefit in Shandong Province.[Method] Based on the data from the statistics yearbook of Shandong Province in 2010,the total quantity of biomass resources and biomass energy in Shandong Province in 2009 was estimated,and its environmental benefit was analyzed.[Result] Biomass resources in Shandong Province mainly refer to crop residues,forest residues,grassland changed from degraded land.If degraded land became grassland,the total quantity of biomass resources and biomass energy in Shandong Province in 2009 was 182.808 8 million tons and 2.68×1015 kJ respectively.Meanwhile,the reduction of total emission of CO2,SO2 and nitrogen oxides was up to 241.265 million tons,and the reduced emission of SO2 accounted for 48.9% of annual SO2 emission in Shandong in 2009.Planting energy crops plays important roles in the development of new energy sources,reduction of greenhouse gas emission and environmental protection.[Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundations for the establishment of energy policy and study on development strategy of biomass energy in Shandong Province.

Modular Disruption in Construction Industry-The Environmental Benefits

The impact of Covid-19 on every aspect of life is undeniable.As the pandemic began to spread throughout February 2020,no one could have foretold the ways in which this disease would change society.One of the key things that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated is off-site manufacturing and the different ways in which modular construction can be utilized to deal more effectively with the demands of a crisis.The rapid erection of modular hospitals across the globe has been critical in fighting the outbreak of Covid-19,not least the modular hospital in Wuhan that was built in just 10 days.Modular construction was already a hot topic for the industry,the pandemic has simply enhanced this-and the last few months were given the opportunity to explore the options in more detail.There is no doubt that modular construction will continue to play a part in construction projects in the longer term and construction industry should adapt to accommodate this change.Since construction industry is the largest consumer of natural resources,this article would emphasize on the sustainability dimensions of modular construction and its performance during the whole lifecycle.A thorough literature review of the sustainability benefits of modular construction compared to its tradition counterpart is presented.

Trade Benefits and Environmental Costs of GVCS: A Case Study of the BRICS

As the international trading system has developed with the division of Global value Chains (GVCS), the export trade of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) has grown rapidly. The resulting growth of carbon emissions has drawn wide attention from the international community, necessitating the comparison of the trade benefits and environmental costs of the BRICS participation in GVCS. Based on the Eora database, this paper constructs a decomposition framework for the calculation of export value-added and embodied carbon, based on a multi-region input-output (MRIO) model. The trade benefits and environmental costs paid by the BRICS’ total exports from 1990 to 2015 were measured and the imbalance was analyzed, along with the causes. The results show that the main value-added and carbon embodied in the BRICS’ exports originate from their own countries, and the domestic value-added content of the BRICS’ exports decreased while the foreign value-added content increased.

Study on Environmental and Economic Benefits of Rice and Wheat Rotation with Swine Manure-Straw Returning

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the application effect of swine manure-straw returning and to determine the best mode. [Method] A field experiment under rice and wheat rotation with different swine manure-straw treatments was con- ducted to study the growth characters and output of rice and wheat, calculate the economic benefit and carbon dioxide emission reduction, and analyze the best mode of swine manure applying-straw returning. [Result] The swine manure-straw returning was conducive to the growth of crop, the highest outputs of rice and wheat were on the treatment of ＂30% swine manure and 20% straw and 50% chemical fertiliz- er＂, they were 7 874.57 and 6 427.00 kg/hm^2, and saved cost about 5 146.35 Yuan/hm^2, increased input 5 312.56 and 3 931.93 Yuan/hm^2, the greenhouse gas e- mission reduction was 1.30 t/hm^2 （calculated according to carbon dioxide on a dry basis）. [Conclusion] The treatment of ＂30% swine manure and 20% straw and 50% chemical fertilizer＂ was the best mode of swine manure-straw returning.

Review on water leakage control in distribution networks and the associated environmental benefits

Water supply is the primary element of an urban system. Due to rapid urbanization and water scarcity, maintaining a stable and safe water supply has become a challenge to many cities, whereas a large amount of water is lost from the pipes of distribution systems. Water leakage is not only a waste of water resources, but also incurs great socio-economic costs. This article presents a comprehensive review on the potential water leakage control approaches and specifically discusses the benefits of each to environmental conservation. It is concluded that water leakage could be further reduced by improving leakage detection capability through a combination of predictive modeling and monitoring instruments, optimizing pipe maintenance strategy, and developing an instant pressure regulation system. The environment could benefit from these actions because of water savings and the reduction of energy consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

Investigating and predicting the role of photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energies in sustainable global energy evolution

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels.This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar,wind,and hydrogen.This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries,promoting job growth,and sustainable economic development.The transition to renewable energy demands social equity,ensuring universal access to affordable energy,and considering community impact.The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint.This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market,which is projected to increase from$112.23 billion in 2022 to$278.43 billion by 2030,with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%.In addition,the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase,significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions.By 2028,renewables are predicted to account for 42%of global electricity generation,with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic(PV)technology,particularly in China,the European Union,the United States,and India.These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources,reducing emissions,and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy,setting the stage for a resilient future.

Benefits of Environmental Site Assessment Standards in China

1.Preface As the fast paced Chinese economy brings more and more direct and indirect affects into ourlives,environmental protection has become one ofthe most popular subjects of recent times.

Bio-based rejuvenators in asphalt pavements:A comprehensive review and analytical study

The pressing demand for sustainable advancements in road infrastructure has catalyzed extensive research into environmentally conscious alternatives for the maintenance and restoration of asphalt concrete pavements.This paper offers a comprehensive review and analysis of bio-based rejuvenators as a promising avenue for enhancing the longevity and sustainability of asphalt.Through a multifaceted exploration,it delves into various aspects of this innovative approach.Providing a thorough overview of bio-based rejuvenators,the study highlights their renewable and environmentally friendly characteristics.It conducts an in-depth examination of a wide spectrum of bio-derived materials,including vegetable oils,waste-derived bio-products,and biopolymers,through a comprehensive survey.The paper evaluates how bio-based rejuvenators enhance aged asphalt binders and mixes,effectively mitigating the adverse impacts of aging.Furthermore,it investigates how these rejuvenators address environmental concerns by identifying compatibility issues,assessing long-term performance,and evaluating economic feasibility.Finally,the paper outlines potential advancements and research pathways aimed at optimizing the utilization of bio-based rejuvenators in asphalt concrete,thereby contributing to the sustainable evolution of road infrastructure.

Evaluation on the contribution of steel products to environmental improvement from LCA perspectives

High functionality given to steel products results in an increase of environmental loads in the steelmaking stage. However, at the stage of their utilization, the high-functional steel products prove to be more environmentally friendly than their conventional counterparts in many cases. In view of this contradiction, the evaluation on the contribution of steel products to environmental improvement requires a more integrated approach--Life Cycle Assessment （ LCA ）, which incorporates the effects over the products＇ entire life cycles. This paper discusses the relationship between the improvement of steel products＇ performance and the according environmental impact from the entire life cycle perspectives. How to evaluate and assess the contribution of high-functional steel products to environmental improvement using LCA method is explained in detail. Two case studies of Baosteel are given to substantiate the effectiveness of LCA as a scientific and systematic method for eco-material evaluation or eco-design： @ For a power transformer, by replacing silicon steel B30G130 with B30Pll0,the carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 15.1% over the life cycle of the transformer. @ Tinplate steel of Baosteel used for two-piece steel cans experienced six reductions in thickness from 0.28 mm to 0.225 mm,which results in a 14.5% emission reduction over the life cycle of two-piece steel cans.

Technical, Economic and Environmental Evaluation on Mechanical Rice Straw Gathering Method

Rice straw is a rice by-product, which is currently mostly wasted in Vietnam, in particular in the Mekong delta. At present, the cost of straw gathering is increasing because of the increased use of combine harvesters. High labor cost and lack of labor makes manual collection unfeasible. Farmers therefore often just burn it, which causes pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions and loss of opportunities to value add. An economic and environmental evaluation and technical field testing of a straw baler with 4 ha/day capacity was therefore conducted in Long An province. During the field testing data on the gathering capacity, fuel consumption, labor requirement and other cost items were collected. The test results showed that the baling cost is US$19.0 per ton of rice straw, the pay-back period of 2. 1 years and the internal rate of return of 38%. In addition to the baling cost, the transportation cost varies from US$24 for a distance of 100 km to US$32 for 150 km. The benefits of the machine are not only economical but also include the reduction of field burning.

Grading of products utilizing bamboo as a substitute for plastic based on environmental effects

To achieve sustainable development goals,mitigate plastic pollution,and promote eco-friendly products,it is crucial to identify key products in the bamboo as a substitute for plastic(BSP)industry and assess their environmental effects.This study proposed a novel evaluation method for the environmental effect of bamboo as a substitute for plastic(EBSP).It focused on the contributions of BSP products in reducing plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.We established a set of EBSP evaluation indicators and developed a grading model,evaluating 30 typical BSP products across six categories.The results showed that the EBSP evaluation model,based on the emission reduction rate of substitution(ERRS),substitution rate of material(SRM),and product renewal ratio(PRR),can accurately quantify the environmental benefits of BSP products.This model has successfully facilitated precise quantification of the EBSP and established a rational and effective grading system for BSP products.The results also demonstrated that the average EBSP ranking across the six categories of BSP products,in descending order,is:disposable bamboo products,bamboo household goods,bamboo packaging products,bamboo engineering materials,bamboo furniture products,and bamboo craft products.Specifically,disposable bamboo products scored an EBSP 1.96 times the overall average,indicating significant environmental benefits.The PRR emerged as a critical factor influencing EBSP.Among BSP products with the same lifespan,those with higher substitution emission reduction efficiency offered more pronounced environmental benefits.Ultimately,the BSP industry should strategically prioritize disposable bamboo products,such as bamboo toothbrushes,cutlery,and lunch boxes.These products should be the primary focus of policy support and central to efforts in product development,design innovation,and market promotion.

Integrated agronomic practice management decreases soil carbon emission and increases environmental ecological benefits of summer maize

Integrated agronomic practice management(IAPM)is an effective strategy for increasing nitrogen(N)use efficiency(NUE)and yield during crop production.Although various studies have evaluated the mechanism of a single agronomic management practice to increase yield and production efficiency and decrease environmental costs,few have investigated the effects of IAPM systems.A field experiment was conducted using four IAPM systems,a local smallholder farmers’practice system(T1),an improved management system(T2),a high-yield production system(T3),and an optimized management system(OMS),to study the annual yield,greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,carbon(C)footprint(CF),and net environmental ecological benefit(NEEB)of summer maize.The results revealed that OMS was the most advantageous choice of IAPM,which increased yield and NUE and reduced GHG emissions and CF.Under OMS,yield and NUE were 42.6%and 88.1%higher,and N_(2)O,CO_(2),and CH4 emissions were on average 35.4%,5.8%,and 156.5%lower,respectively,than those under T1.Of the four IAPM systems,OMS resulted in the best soil quality,the lowest soil bulk density,the highest soil C/N ratio,and the highest soil total organic C content,which contributed to reduced GHG emissions.Carbon footprint and cost were the lowest under OMS,which decreased fertilizer input and GHG emissions.Optimized management system reduced CF and C cost by 5.9%and 33.9%,respectively,and increased NEEB by 111.4%compared to T1.Although T3 had the highest yield,it also had the highest GHG emissions and CF.In conclusion,OMS delivered a high yield and NUE while mitigating negative environmental impacts and increasing NEEB.Therefore,OMS is a suitable management system to increase the productivity and sustainability of summer maize.

Greening the building envelope,facade greening and living wall systems

For greening the building envelope several concepts can be used, for example green roofs, fa?ades greened with climbing plants or living wall systems (modular pre-vegetated panels), etc. Greening the building envelope allows to obtain a relevant improvement of the its effi- ciency, ecological and environmental benefits as well as an increase of the biodiversity. Since the interest restoring the environmental integ- rity of urban areas continues to increase, new developments in construction practices with beneficial environmental characteristics take place, as vertical greening systems. Applying green fa?ades is not a new concept and can offer multiple benefits as a component of cur- rent urban design;considering the relation be- tween the environmental benefits, energy sav- ing for the building and the vertical greening systems (material used, maintenance, nutrients and water needed) the integration of vegetation could be a sustainable approach for the enve- lope of new and existing buildings.

Korea＇s Future Policy Recommendation for the Promotion of Eco-Friendly Vehicles in Metropolitan Area

This paper introduces and analyzes Korea＇s NGV （natural gas vehicles） policy for soot-free bus fleet which intends to promote CNG （compressed natural gas） bus in metropolitan area for the reduction of air pollution from road sector. At the early stage, Korean goverrmaent established various supporting policy systems to encourage public transportation companies to purchase CNG buses as a means to replace diesel buses. It was evaluated as very successful with making net economic benefit of CNG bus promotion policy. During the 2nd stage, Korean government implemented CNG hybrid bus promotion policy to further reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas. Now, a new social demand for the vehicles is zero-emission vehicles. The author asserts that current FCEV （fuel cell electric vehicle） should be considered as an alternative to zero-emission vehicles in Korea and suggests policy recommendation for the promotion of FCEV by referring the current CNG bus promotion policy in public transportation sector.

Estimation of the Impact of Traveler Information Apps on Urban Air Quality Improvement

With the rapid growth of vehicle population and vehicle miles traveled, automobile emission has become a severe issue in the metropolitan cities of China. There are policies that concentrate on the management of emission sources. However, improving the operation of the transportation system through apps on mobile devices, especially navigation apps, may have a unique role in promoting urban air quality. Real-time traveler information can not only help travelers avoid traffic congestion, hut also advise them to adjust their departure time, mode, or route, or even to cancel trips. Will such changes in personal travel patterns have a significant impact in decreasing emissions？ If so, to what extent will they impact urban air quality？ The aim of this study is to determine how urban traffic emission is affected by the use of navigation apps. With this work, we attempt to answer the question of whether the real-time traffic information provided by navigation apps can help to improve urban air quality. Some of these findings may provide references for the formulation of urban traffic and environmental policies.

Evaluation of Eco-efficiency and Effect on Environment of Remanufacturing A Case Study of CNC-remanufacturing for Used Machining Tools

A case of remanufacturing used lathes via CNC technology is introduced, whose environmental and economic benefits are evaluated respectively. The results indicate that these environmental and economic benefits are remarkable, which are directly affected by remanufacturing design, more than 90% materials in used lathes are reused. Finally, the causes of economic and environmental benefits of remanufacturing machine tools are put forward. The remanufacturing design method, implementation procedure, and evaluation method of economic and environmental benefits presented are helpful for other equipment remanufacturing.

An Assessment of Potential Economic Gain from Weather Forecast Based Irrigation Scheduling for Marginal Farmers in Karnataka, Southern State in India

This study is aimed to assess the usefulness of weather forecasts for irrigation scheduling in crops to economize water use. The short-term gains for the farmers come from reducing costs of irrigation with the help of advisory for when not to irrigate because rain is predicted (risk-free because the wrong forecast only delays irrigation within tolerance). Here, a quantitative assessment of saving (indirect income) if irrigation is avoided as rain is imminent (as per forecast), using a five-year archived forecast data over Karnataka state at hobli (a cluster of small villages) level is presented. Estimates showed that the economic benefits to the farmers from such advisories were significant. The potential gain in annual income from such forecast-based irrigation scheduling was of the order of 10% - 15%. Our analysis also indicated that the use of advisory by a small percentage of more than 10 million marginal farmers (landholding < 3 acres) in Karnataka could lead to huge cumulative savings of the order of many crores.

Influence of Recycled Construction Materials Aggregate on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Concrete

The main purpose of this research is to study the properties of re-use different types of construction materials such as PVC （polyvinylchloride） scraps, clay brick and recycled concrete as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate. Different proportions （1%, 3%, 5% and 7%） by weight were used for PVC. scrap, （10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%） by weight were used for recycled concrete and （5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%） by weight were used for clay brick. Mechanical tests such as compressive and tensile strength tests and physical tests such as ultrasonic pulse velocity, bulk density, porosity, specific gravity and water absorption tests were done to the samples after curing in normal water for 28 days. Test results showed slightly degradation in mechanical and physical engineering properties of concrete specimens that used partial replacement of recycled concrete coarse aggregate, degradation increased with increasing of replacement but test results still closely to reference samples. Use of polyvinyl chloride in proportions not more than 5% as a partial replacement of coarse aggregates given acceptable results in comparison with reference samples but all test results degraded at 7% replacements. Test results of partial replacement of crushed brick coarse aggregates unacceptable and the range of degradation are wide because of increased （water： cement） ratio to improve the concrete workability.

Evaluation on Contribution of Steel Products to Environmental Improvement from Life Cycle Assessment Perspectives

High functionality given to steel products results in incremental environment loads at the steelmaking stage.However,at the stage of utilization,high-functional steel products prove more environment friendly than their conventional counterparts in many cases.Therefore,evaluation on contribution of steel products to environmental improvement requires an integrated approach that considers the product over its entire life cycle - life cycle assessment(LCA).This paper discusses the relationship between the improvement of steel products performance and environmental impact from the entire life cycle perspectives.The LCA method to calculate and assess contribution of high-functional steel products during the life cycle to environmental improvement is explained.Two case studies of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co.,Ltd.(Baosteel for short) are given to show that LCA is a scientific and systematic method for eco-materials evaluation or eco-design:in a power transformer,using silicon steel B30P110 to replace B30G130 can reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the region of 15.1% over the life cycle of the power transformer;tinplate steel of Baosteel for two-piece steel cans experienced six times thickness reduction from 0.280 to 0.225 mm,which results in 14.5% emission reduction over the life cycle of two-piece steel cans.It is a systematic and scientific method for evaluating on products environmental performance from life cycle perspective.