Papers by Keyword: Environmental Sustainability

Abstract: The findings from this study proved the possible usefulness of shredded recycled rubbers from scrap tires as a cheap and effective method for eliminating nitrate ions from water, especially within a certain pH range. Maximum adsorption efficiency was found to occur around pH = 6 which suggested that the surface charge on the adsorbent and the concentration of ions in the medium observed were critical for adsorption. Under controlled conditions and a pH of 6 with an original concentration of 100 mg/L, the adsorption efficiencies of NaNO₃ and KNO₃ were 67% and 60% respectively. These increased to 77% and 70% at 200 mg/L, pH 6. These results elucidate that the type of cation and the chemistry of the solution influences the adsorption process. The kind of nitrate salt employed also had an impact on removal efficiency, with potassium nitrate performing better than sodium nitrate, highlighting the relevance of the associated cation type in the process. As a result, the utilization of recycled rubber might be regarded as an environmentally viable solution for treating nitrate-contaminated water, especially in decentralized treatment systems and mild pH conditions. In addition, shredded tire rubber provides an effective, low-cost, and sustainable solution for nitrate-contaminated groundwater treatment.

Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into gas exploration and production (E&P) is reshaping the operational landscape by driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This review critically examines the applications, impacts, and future prospects of AI in the gas industry. Key AI technologies—such as deep learning, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing—have demonstrated significant improvements in seismic data interpretation, reservoir modeling, drilling optimization, predictive maintenance, production enhancement, and environmental compliance. Notably, AI-driven seismic interpretation has reduced analysis time by up to 50%, while predictive maintenance strategies have lowered equipment downtime by 30% and maintenance costs by 25–30%. Reservoir modeling informed by machine learning has led to 15–20% increases in recovery efficiency. Environmental monitoring systems utilizing AI have achieved up to 60% reductions in methane emissions. The paper also discusses industry-wide case studies including BP’s deployment of digital twins in the Khazzan gas fields, Shell’s AI-enhanced subsurface modeling, and Chevron’s predictive maintenance initiatives, all yielding tangible operational gains. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including data integration complexities, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and ethical concerns surrounding algorithmic decision-making. The review concludes with strategic recommendations focused on workforce upskilling, data governance, regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration.

Abstract: Buildings are one of the largest contributors to negative environmental impacts because of the high consumption of energy and materials during their life cycle. The present work proposes a framework, able to make available information, both of general materials and specific commercial solutions; moreover, it overcomes the current state of the art, since, although focused on environmental sustainability, provides the opportunity to compare simultaneously several choices, also considering their properties and characteristics. Based on the proposed methodology, a tool structure and workflow are presented. The main potentiality is represented by the possibility of executing sustainability assessment already in the early stages of building design using the proposed tool when design choices significantly contribute to the global environmental impact of solutions. A validation procedure to quantitatively evaluate the main tool's limits and potentialities is proposed.

Abstract: Sustainability and environmental impact assessment are essential to orient new generation of materials for building and construction. In this study, life cycle assessment was applied to a set of 21 mural paints produced by a paint factory in Italy. Data collection covered upstream processes (i.e., raw materials extraction and supply), the core process (i.e., paint manufacture and packaging) and downstream processes (i.e., transport to retailers). Material and energy inputs and outputs for the main components employed in paint manufacturing (e.g., antifoaming agents, dispersants, coalescing agents, additives, biocides and similar) were gathered from primary and secondary data sources. Life cycle impact assessment results were estimated for global warming potential (on average, 1.03 ± 0.60 kg CO₂/kg paint), photochemical oxidation (0.60 ± 0.46 g C₂H₄/kg paint), abiotic depletion (1.94 ± 1.58 g Sb/kg paint), acidification (6.80 ± 6.64 g SO₂/kg paint), and eutrophication (1.96 ± 1.47 g PO₄/kg paint). Overall, upstream processes are responsible for the greatest environmental impact (on average, more than 70% for global warming potential), with titanium rutile from sulfates being the most impacting raw material. The results informed decision makers and provided a basis for achieving improvement and greener production strategies in paint manufacturing.

Abstract: This study focuses on the level of awareness and extent of practices in green technology of college students. The differences in their level of awareness and extent of practices when grouped according to sex, community, academic standing, secondary school and family income were also taken into account. Finally, the relationship between awareness and practices in green technology was ascertained. A descriptive-correlational method of research using a researcher-developed questionnaire was employed. The participants of this study were the Bachelor of Education students of Philippine Normal University Visayas. Data were analyzed using mean, t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson Product-Moment of Correlation. Findings revealed moderate level of awareness but low extent of practices in green technology. When participants were grouped according to variables, significant differences in their level of awareness and extent of practices were observed. Furthermore, the level of awareness and extent of practices were positively correlated to a moderate degree. In conclusion, the findings do not confirm popular hypotheses that establish direct link between affluence and environmental behaviour; education and environmental concern; and, degree of urbanization and environmental awareness (biophilia hypothesis). Based on the foregoing, this study suggests the development of a holistic program that integrates concepts and applications of green technology in tertiary education to engage students’ active participation in the promotion of environmental sustainability.

Abstract: In the challenge of development in dense urban areas and environmental preservation, sustainability is a significant requirement where green facade (vertical greening) is one of those approaches that flourished during the last decade although it is not a new concept. Hanging or vertical garden, vertical vegetable farms, balcony garden, container or planter box greening, green or eco building, green roof or rooftop garden, wall planter, and green envelop are all different aspects of this idea that demonstrate how wide this landscape can be. Greening the building envelope with vegetation can be used as a mean to restore the environmental conditions in dense urban areas. Designers can look for enhanced solutions where the façades are more than tinted glass barrier. Several researches have proven the environmental benefits of green facade on both new and existing buildings. They can be applied for mitigating the effect of urban heat island, increasing biodiversity and ecological value, insulating against environmental impact, outdoor and indoor comfort, social and psychological wellbeing and enhancement of air quality for city dwellers. This article discusses different systems of the green facade as a method of sustainable development.

Abstract: Sustainable development demands a significant approach between architecture and the environment. During the challenge of climate change, energy crisis and urban expansion, a new approach is required to address environmental problems and one of these approaches is vertical greening that can be categorized into green facade and living wall.Living wall systems (LWS) consist of plants and partly growing materials that have a number of beneficial functions, for example: increasing the outdoor and indoor comfort, ecological value, biodiversity, insulation properties, improvement of air quality mitigation of the urban heat island phenomenon, and psychological and social well-being of citizens. This paper focuses on different types of living wall systems as a method of sustainable development and their opportunities and threats were discussed.

Abstract: While Social cognitive theory has received wide applications in the health communication and education, it has gained little attention in green building market despites its relevance and applicability. The study builds upon social cognitive theory major attributes such as intention, forethought, motivation and expectation to conceptualize a motivation and expectation model for commitment of developers and investors to green building construction and supply. Based on the conceptualized model we infer that motivational expectations of developers and investors in green building construction and supply are rooted in the quest for profit maximization, financial viability of green construction, expected rate of return, monetary incentives, green certification and awards, public image, social and ethical responsibility. However, it is predicted that the nature and strength of relationships among some of these factors will be moderated by available green building skills.

Abstract: This paper presents a multiple case study concerning to the Integrated Product Development Process (IPDP) that involves the concepts of environmental sustainability and social inclusion to build solar water heating system made of discarded and recyclable materials in a way that People with Visual deficiency (PwVD) can participate in its manufacturing. This research proposes that Engineering courses in a near future adopt the aspect of Citizenship Education systematically, contextualizing environmental impact reduction and social inclusion of people with disabilities. The technical procedure of the study was delineated according to IPDP phases defined in two multidisciplinary strands leading to raw materials data collection through recycling and manufacturability with accessibility process to develop the product prototype. The analysis of the results presents the tooling developed for manufacturing with accessibility of people with visual impairments and the efficiency of the prototype installed. At the end, it is placed the relevant notes observed during the research and sustainable assignments in social and environmental dimensions for the education of engineering professionals.

Abstract: The energy planning based on Mean - Variance theory, guides the investors in investment decisions, trying to maximize the return and minimize the risk of investment. However, this theory is based on strong hypotheses and, in addition, input data are often affected by estimation errors. Moreover, this theory determines poor diversification increasing return and risk of the portfolio, and strong variability of the outputs when inputs are varied.In the first part of the paper, the Mean - Variance theory was applied to the energy generation in Italy; in particular, the analysis was on the actual energy mix, but also assuming the use of nuclear technology and taking into account verisimilar improvement, of technologies in the future.On the other hand, in the second part of the paper, a methodology has been applied in order to limit the problems of Mean-Variance theory applied to the energy mix settlement. In particular, the input variables have been calculated using Monte Carlo simulation, in order to reduce the estimation error, and the Resampled Efficiency ^TM technique has been applied in order to calculate the resulting new “average” efficient frontier. This methodology has been applied either not limiting or limiting the minimum and maximum percentage for every energy generation technology, in order to simulate constraints due, for example, to the technological characteristics of the plant, the availability of the sources and eventually to norms, to the territorial characteristics and to the socio-political choices. The application of Mean - Variance theory allowed to obtain energy portfolio, alternative to the actual, characterized by higher values of expected returns an lower values of risk.It was also shown that the application of the Resampled Efficiency ^TM technique with data originated with the Monte Carlo simulation effectively tackles the problems of Mean - Variance theory; in this way, the decision maker is helped in making decisions in the energy system policy and development.Thanks to this approach, applied in particular to the Italian energy contest, it was also possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduced modifications to the Italian actual energy mix to achieve the 2020 European Energy Directive targets in particular concerning the reduction of CO₂ levels.