Encouraging circular economy and sustainable environmental practices by addressing waste management and biomass energy production

The current linear economy assumes abundant,easily accessible,and cost-effective natural resources.However,this assumption is unsustainable,especially considering the world’s current trajectory exceeding the Earth’s ecological limits.In contrast,circular economy(CE)reduces wastes and improves resource efficiency,making them a more sustainable alternative to the dominant linear model.Biomass energy generated from agricultural leftovers,forestry wastes,and municipal trash provides a renewable substitute for fossil fuels.This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy security.Proper waste management,including trash reduction,recycling,and innovative waste-to-energy technology,reduces the burden on landfills and incineration and creates renewable energy from materials that would otherwise go to waste.Although integrating these techniques is consistent with the CE’s resource efficiency and waste minimization principles,it requires addressing environmental,technical,and socioeconomic challenges.Given the pressing global issues,transitioning to a CE and implementing sustainable environmental practices are crucial to mitigate the current waste management crisis.The aim of this study is to emphasize the viability of biomass as a source of sustainable energy,the necessity of comprehensive strategies that prioritize ecological sustainability,community involvement,and innovation to achieve a circular principle based future,and the potential obstacles to the implementation of sustainable environmental practices.This study will aid in implementing CE practices to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill loads.Beyond environmental benefits,it can also bring economic,social,and health improvements.Furthermore,this study will assist societies in addressing global issues,such as resource scarcity,pollution,and climate change,as well as transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future.

An Integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Circular Economy (CE) Model for the Management of Construction and Deconstruction Waste Based on Construction Methods

As the climate change signs become more noticeable, the concern to prioritize sustainability within the AEC industry intensifies. This particularly pertained to issues related to the demand of resources, the excessive consumption of raw materials, and the associated generated waste. Presently, the construction industry is ranked among the industries that are accountable for the global generation of solid waste and energy consumption, leading to detrimental environmental effects. Nonetheless, over the years, construction methods, technological innovations, and building practices have made considerable progress, influenced by a growing emphasis on sustainability, especially in energy conservation and in adopting the Industrialized Production layer of Construction 4.0 (i.e., modular prefabrication, 3D concrete printing, and BIM). The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has been identified as a potential solution to achieve sustainability in building construction through the design, construction, and end-of-life deconstruction processes that enhance the management of waste based on the framework that is related to reducing, reusing, and recycling. Moreover, information and data related to geolocation complement advanced digital technologies by providing a collaborative platform that supports the application of CE as a practical approach to sustainability. Thus, this study will provide a straightforward methodology for developing a model that integrates BIM and sustainable design with Circular Economy’s concept to enhance the sustainability of construction projects to minimize their waste based on various construction methods (i.e., conventional, modular, and 3D concrete printing). The proposed model interrelates tools and data for the evaluation and planning strategies for the construction and deconstruction waste (CDW) management at the design stage, including estimating the quantities of the wasted materials, quantifying the production rates of selected equipment for the waste handling (loading and hauling) at the various stages of a project as well their associated cost. The proposed model will help users to calculate the quantity of construction and deconstruction waste (CDW) during the design of buildings based on their different construction methods at the early stage by using the concept of Design for Deconstruction (DfD);sustainable construction methods;and deconstruction process for waste management, which will lead to the suitable construction method.

Evaluation on the Development of Agricultural Circular Economy in Hunan Province

By using conceptual model of BPEIR(Behavior-Pressure-Effect-Impact-Response) and Delphi method,we establish the evaluation index system of agricultural circular economy including four indices,namely index of socio-economic development,index of reducing input of resources,index of recycling of resources and index of safety of environment and resources.We conduct comprehensive evaluation on developmental level of agricultural circular economy from 1998 to 2007 in Hunan Province.The analysis results show that the agricultural circular economy of Hunan Province from 1998 to 2007,on the whole,has the tendency of development with annual growth rate of 1.89%.The annual decrease rate of recycling of resources and reducing input of resources from 1999 to 2003 is 25% and 11% respectively,which has become the main factor impeding development of agricultural circular economy.After the year 2003,it is mainly reducing input of resources.

Regional economic assessment of a novel place-based model for sustainable food systems

Several actions from both the environmental and human viewpoints have already been made to meet the sustainability goals targeted at food systems.Still,new place-based ideas to improve sustainability are needed.Agroecological symbiosis(AES),a novel food system model,is an example of a suggested system-level change to attain sustainability targets;it is a symbiosis of food production and processing using renewable energy that uses its own feedstock.AES has already been found advantageous from the ecological and biophysical viewpoints,but a regional economic evaluation of the model is still lacking.Thus,the aim of our paper is to assess the regional economic impact of a possible systemic change in the food system using the network of agroecological symbiosis(NAES)as an example.We applied scenarios representing different ways of moving towards envisioned NAES models in Mäntsälä,Finland,and a computable general equilibrium model to evaluate the regional economic impact.According to our results,both regional economy and employment would increase,and the regional production base would diversify with NAES implementation applied to the region,but the extent of the benefits varies between scenarios.The scenario that includes change in both public and private food demand,production of bioenergy and utilization of by-products would cause the largest impacts.However,realizing NAES requires investments that may influence the actual implementation of such models.Nonetheless,a change towards NAES can promote an economically and spatially just transition to sustainability,as NAES seems to be economically most beneficial for rural areas.

Development Model of Ecotourism Circular Economy in Lakefront Scenic Areas——A Case Study of Luchong Scenic Area by Fuxian Lake,Yunnan Province

Strategies of "guidance to different types of areas,promotion step by step" were given to study the development model of ecotourism circular economy in different types of tourist sites.By taking Luchong Scenic Area by the Fuxian Lake,Yunnan Province for an example,the general model of ecotourism circular economy in lakefront scenic areas was summarized,it was stressed that ecological principles and "5R"(rethinking,reducing,reusing,recycling,repairing)should be followed in its construction.Characteristics of a lakefront scenic area and actual conditions of its location region should be taken into consideration,with sewage treatment and lakefront environment protection as the focus,green scenic area and green tourism community as the carrier,a development model of ecotourism circular economy was established by considering relevant elements such as clean production,green consumption,waste processing,ecological compensation and industrial coupling,effective measures were given to introduce theories into practices,which would be the only chance for the lakefront scenic area realizing its sustainable development.

Promoting sustainable consumption and circular economy:the intention of Vietnamese youth consumers to purchase products made from recycled plastics

Recycling is viewed as a key component in a circular economy and serves as an ideal solution for promoting sustainability.During the global plastic crisis,plastic recycling practices have been adopted worldwide,leading to the production of various products made from recycled plastics(PRP).Nevertheless,a gap persists between consumption and demand for such products,which is primarily attributed to a lack of comprehension from the consumer perspective.Given the pivotal role consumers play in the adoption of these products,this study explores consumers’intentions to purchase PRP.This is particularly significant in Vietnam,which is an emerging economy aspiring to achieve the objectives of a circular economy and sustainable development.Utilizing an integrated cognitive-emotional framework comprising the Valence Theory and the Norm Activation Model,data from 564 Vietnamese students were gathered and analyzed using structural equation modeling.The results show that awareness of consequences is a major driver of consumer purchase intentions,followed by perceived ease of application and monetary incentives.The results also indicate that health concerns have the strongest effect on purchase intention and in the negative side,meaning that the health-related risk is the primary concern for consumers during the decision-making process.This research holds substantial value for academics and managers,as it aids in the theoretical exploration and the formulation of strategies to improve consumer acceptance of PRP.

Evaluation on the Developmental Level of Circular Economy in Jiangsu Province

Based on the brief description of the developmental status of social economy in Jiangsu Province,the index system including 16 indexes contained in 5 subsystems is established according to the statistics from Jiangsu Statistical Yearbook-2009,the practical situation of Jiangsu Province and the connotation of circular economy.The developmental trends of circular economy of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province are comprehensively evaluated by using the improved extreme value treatment,analytic hierarchy process(AHP),comprehensive evaluation of herdsman and comprehensive evaluation model of grey multi-level.The results show that the developmental level of circular economy in Jiangsu Province varies hugely in different areas,the difference of the comprehensive score between the crest value and minimum value is 0.29.In the end,in view of the problems in the development of circular economy,the countermeasures and suggestions on establishing and improving the management of circular economy,the operation and supervision mechanism;accelerating the industrial transformation and intensifying resource saving and comprehensive use of resource.

Overview of Theory and Model of Tropical Agricultural Circular Economy in Hainan Province

This paper gives a general overview of rationale of tropical agricultural circular economy.On the basis of ecological economic theory,circular economy is a new model of economic development which aims at realizing reducing of resources use,reuse of products and recycling of wastes,conforming to the principle of 4R.It is to make economic system melt into the process of cycle of material of natural ecological system harmoniously.This paper introduces the advantages of developing tropical agriculture in Hainan Province,the main problems existing in the development and two main models of sustainable tropical agricultural development in Hainan Province at present.9 typical models of tropical agricultural circular economy in Hainan Province are listed in particular,including compound ecological project of forestry and animal husbandry,three-dimensional planting model of plantation,multilayered structure of eucalyptuses,sustainable agricultural model of sightseeing,the model of using animal manure,precision tropical agricultural model,clean production model of tropical agriculture,deep processing model of tropical agricultural products,and the model of ecological agricultural industrialization.Corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to promote development of tropical agricultural circular economy in Hainan Province as follows:take actions that suit local circumstances,exert advantage and exploit potential;give full play to advantage of integration of production,teaching and research,and promote agriculture by applying scientific and technological advances;the whole staff participate and strengthen construction of soft environment and hard environment.

Relationship between ecological economics and circular economy,eco-industry,cleaner production,and other relevant categories

Eco-industry, circular economy, cleaner production, industrial ecology or industrial ecosystem and other subjects are all categories related to sustainable developinent. This paper studies the relations and differences between the four categories and sustainable development as well as ecological economics. Circular economy, eco-industry, industrial ecosystem and cleaner production were put forward during the revolution in “end treatment pattern” of traditional industrial society. Industrial ecology, eco-industry and circular economy theory are three content expansions of cleaner production. Ecological economics is of instructive function theoretically and methodologically for circular economy, eco-industrial, cleaner production and industrial ecology. Circular economy theory is easier to be accepted, compared with ecological economics theory. And circular economy in nature is the complete application of ecological economics theory.

Using Circular Economics Strategies to Manage Tourism on Remote Islands:A SMART Approach

Circular economics theory offers destination managers of remote islands a solution-oriented approach to environmental sustainability. This paper examines the practical benefits of this theory that will support the development of a circular economy regarding sustainable island tourism (SIT). The aim of this paper is to inform discussions regarding the feasibility of applying a practice theory that emphasises changes in the behaviours across three segments, visitors, residents, and enterprises using SMART technologies. To achieve this objective, a SMART indicator system (SIS) was used to identify current practices that would support a circular economy (CE). The key innovation of this study is the creation of a proposed framework that may inform best practices for SIT in the future. The findings highlight the potential opportunity of evidenced-based planning to deliver a circular economy strategy (CES) for remote islands in the future. These insights can potentially impact the way that local authorities and destination managers approach the planning of tourism for six islands along the west coast of Ireland.

A Study of the Industrial Circular Economy Using an Essence Analysis Model

The concept of a circular economy can be applied to different business fields.The development of the existing industrial cycles with an overemphasis on economic development and the twisting concept of a circular economy,has limited any substantial contribution of the circular economy to environmental resources.In some cases,resources are even being consumed to create resource recycling.This puts a greater burden on the environment.To gain an understanding of the actual value of a circular economy to the environment and resources,an“Essence Analysis Model”has been used in this study.This combines sustainable development issues in a multi-faceted and multi-leveled analysis of the industrial circular economy model to guide its development more directly towards fundamentals.An analysis of the results of the“Essence Analysis Model”was used to find and change the original strategy,and develop a means of improving the circular economy model.The results of the study make an essential contribution to the sustainable development of environmental resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emission.

Carbon Capture Technologies in OAPEC Member Countries and the Circular Carbon Economy: A Roadmap to Zero Emissions by 2050

Several Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) member states (OMSs) have updated their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) with the aim of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. Carbon neutrality requires shifting from a linear carbon economy (LCE) to a circular carbon economy (CCE). Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, including reduction, recycle, reuse, removal, and storage technologies, represent an important strategy for achieving such a shift. Herein, we investigate the effects of CCS technology adoption in six OMSs—namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Algeria, and Iraq—by examining their Circular Carbon Economy Index (CCEI) scores, which reflect compliance with CCE-transition policies. Total CCEI, current performance CCEI dimension, and future enabler CCEI dimensions scores were compared among the aforementioned six OMSs and relative to Norway, which was used as a global-high CCEI reference standard. Specifically, CCEI general scope and CCEI oil scope dimension scores were compared. The KSA, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait had higher CCEI scores than Algeria and Iraq, reflecting their greater adoption of CCE-transition policies and greater emission-reducing modernization investments. The current performance CCEI scores of Algeria and Iraq appear to be buttressed to some extent by their greater natural carbon sink resources. Based on the findings, we recommend specific actions for OMSs to enhance their CCE transitions and mitigate the negative impacts associated with the associated investments, including: taking rapid practical steps to eliminate carbon oil industry emissions;detailed CCS planning by national oil companies;international cooperation and coordination;and increased investment in domestic CCS utilization infrastructure.

The Essence of a Recycling Economy:Circular Utilization of Resources

By analyzing the relationship between a recycling economy and sustainable development theory, this article puts forward the basic concept of a recycling economy as a dynamic economic operational model, and explains the four basic characteristics. It is stressed that the essential element of a recycling economy is the use of resources circularly. In the end, this article analyzes the phenomena of utilizing the recycling economy concept incorrectly, and sets forth a number of problems that should be noted during the process of developing a recycling economy in China.

An Empirical Study on the Development of Regional Circular Economy Based on Ecological Efficiency： A Case Study of Jiangsu Province

Based on the theory of ecological efficiency,an empirical study on ecological efficiency and its changing path in Jiangsu Province during2005-2014 was conducted,and then the relationship between economic development and environmental pressure in the province was discussed by decoupling analysis. Finally,the main influencing factors of changes in ecological efficiency were analyzed by grey relational analysis method. The results showed that from 2005 to 2014,the resource efficiency of each indicator in Jiangsu Province fluctuated,while the environmental efficiency of most indicators increased slightly. The comprehensive resource efficiency and environmental efficiency also fluctuated,and the fluctuation range of the comprehensive environmental efficiency was larger than that of the comprehensive resource efficiency. Seen from the temporal evolution of ecological efficiency and circulation economy development pattern in Jiangsu Province,the leaping development mode was adopted in the province.The decoupling state of economic development and environmental pressure in Jiangsu Province was unstable,and they were in a state of strong decoupling,weak decoupling and expensive recoupling in most years. According to the results of grey relational analysis,comprehensive utilization of solid waste,industrial electricity consumption,electricity consumption of the whole society,domestic energy consumption,discharge of urban domestic sewage,and production of common industrial solid waste were the main influencing factors of changes in ecological efficiency in Jiangsu Province.

Challenges and Path of Developing Circular Economy at Regional Level——A Case Study of Anhui Province

Existing foundation and development opportunities of regional circular economy are elaborated.The first is gradual establishment and perfection of relevant laws and regulations and policy systems.The second is establishment of technical standard for circular economy and implementation of development model.The third is scientific and technical innovation providing technical support for circular economy.The fourth is opportunity of green development in international environmental and economic situations.And the fifth is leap-style development supported by solid foundation.Then,Anhui Province is taken as an example to analyze challenges faced by circular economy.The challenges include increase of resource restriction and environment pressure;supporting policy and legal system to be further perfected and implemented;circular economic indicators not included into political achievement assessment;and technical supporting foundation of circular economy still to be strengthened.Finally,path selection is put forward for development of circular economy in Anhui Province:make definite development direction of circular economy with tasks and targets;take major fields as carriers of development of circular economy;take major fields as carriers of development of circular economy;and take institutional construction as guarantee of circular economic development.

Economic Development Mode and Countermeasure Research on the Nansi Lake Drainage Area Based on Circular Economy

Firstly,it is pointed out that circular economy should be vigorously developed in the Nansi Lake Drainage Area,and the connotation of circular economy is expounded.Then,problems in developing circular economy in Nansi Lake Drainage Area are analyzed from the aspects of agriculture,industrial enterprises,and waste utilization.Finally,combining with the four modes of peasant household,enterprise,region and society in the development of circular economy,corresponding countermeasures are put forward for the circular economy in Nansi Lake Drainage Area,such as establishing the government guidance mechanism for big agriculture circular economy in Nansi Lake Drainage Area,constructing incentive systems for industrial enterprises adopting circular economy in Nansi Lake Drainage Area,adjusting the industrial structure of Nansi Lake Drainage Area,and optimizing the energy consumption structure.

Spatial Variation and Space Optimization of the Development of China’s Circular Economy

China＇s circular economy is still at the initial stage, whose development has many difficulties and problems requir- ing immediate resolution theoretically and practically. Due to the differences of regions on the scale of land, endowment of resources, economic basis and cultural background, the devel- opmental levels and capabilities of circular economy are inevi- tably different. Based on establishing the indicator system for assessing the developmental level of regional circular economy, spatial variation of China＇s circular economy is measured by the quantitative measurement using principal component analysis, and the existing problems are also analyzed and discussed. On one hand, the differences of the development capability of the circular economy of different provinces （cities） are profound in China; （!）Difference between the first category （strong） and the second category （relatively strong） is 1.1264 points. Difference between the second category and the third category （relatively weak） is 0.3867 points. Difference between the third category and the fourth category （weak） is 1.0238 points. Differencebetween the tlrst category and the tourtla category reaches up to 2.0869 points. Average difference between the area where the developmental level of circular economy is relatively strong and the area where the developmental level of circular economy is relatively weak is 1.3617 points. （~）The differences of the dis- tribution of the areas, with different development capability of circular economy, which are located in the three economic regions of China, are also profound. The regions with a relatively strong development capability of circular economy are mainly located in the eastern economic area, which account for 22.58% of the whole regions, while only account for 12.90% in the middle and western economic areas. On the contrary, the regions with a relatively weak development capability of circular economy account for 48.39% in the middle and western area, while ac- count for 16.13% in the eastern area. On the other hand, among regions with different development capability of circular econ- omy, the regions with a relatively weak development capability of circular economy are in a dominant position, which accountfor 64.52% of all the provinces （cities）, which indicates that the development of the China＇s circular economy still has a long way to go. Though certain achievements have been made in the development of China＇s circular economy, in general, there are still some obstacles to be tacked in the development of China＇s circular economy which require the economic, legal and administrative methods.

Development Model of Tourism Companies Based on the Concept of Circular Economy

This paper summarizes the circular economy development model of tourism companies,and explores the support system which guaranteed the development of circular economy in tourism companies.It takes Xiedao Resort as an example to summarize its development model of circular economy.

Evaluation and advancement of the integrated circular economy model of farming and stock raising

The integrated circular economy model of farming and stock raising(ICEMFSR)has attracted increased attention as an effective model for solving the current irrational allocation of agricultural resources and realizing the agricultural value-added industrial chain.This study uses emergy analysis to comprehensively examine and evaluate the economic benefits,environmental pressures,and sustainable development levels of ICEMFSR in Shucheng County,China.The results show that the ICEMFSR possesses the value of popularization with optimally allocated resources in the studied region,in which the emergy yield ratio(EYR),emergy loading ratio(ELR),and emergy sustainable index(ESI)in this model accounted for 3.59,1.25,and 2.89,respectively.This result indicates a leading position in the national agricultural system.Hence,this study constructs a new model based on the coupling of emergy evaluation and multi-objective linear programming to study ICEMFSR.Consequently,the EYR,ELR,and ESI respectively varied by +24.23%,10.40%,and +38.06%after replanning of ICEMFSR.This variation implies a significant improvement in the sustainable development level of the model.In addition,the optimized scenario design for key substances is proposed based on traceability and the reduce-reuse-recycle principle,including biogasification of crop straw and enhancement of crop scientific planting capacity.

The Insertion of the Ceara Textile Sector in a Circular Economy: A View of Sustainability Relations

This article aims to analyze how the textile industry in Ceará relates to other economic sectors, in the context of a Circular Economy. A multi-case study was carried out with semi-structured interviews with the managers of the textile industries in Ceará registered with the Union of the textile industry in Ceará, in addition to a survey of articles in the Scopus database, considering the keywords “Circular Economy” and “Textile”. The managers interviewed reported that they practice sustainability actions that relate to the concepts of Circular Economy, even though they do not have knowledge on the topic.