Dynamic Sustainability Assessment Tool: Case Study of Green Biorefineries in Danish Agriculture
In this work, a novel, dynamic sustainability assessment tool is presented and validated in a case study. This tool combines two methods&mdash
A methodology for selecting a sustainable development strategy for connecting low heat density consumers to a district heating system by cascading of heat carriers
Abstract The paper presents a methodology for supporting the decision making on how to sustainably develop an existing district heating system when consumers located in a remote, low-heat consumption density area are connected to the system. Several scenarios are proposed where a multi-generative system is assessed by implementation of industrial heat pumps (HP), solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and low-temperature regime into an existing district heating system in various combinations. The methodology is based on multi-criteria analysis allowing for energy, economic, exergy, and environmental (4E) assessment. The research is based on a case study of an autonomous district heating system in …
Sustainable metabolic engineering for sustainability optimisation of industrial biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology represents one of the most innovating and labour-productive industries with an estimated stable economic growth, thus giving space for improvement of the existing and setting up new value chains. In addition, biotechnology has clear environmental advantages over the chemical industry. Still, biotechnology’s environmental contribution is sometimes valued with controversy and societal aspects are frequently ignored. Environmental, economic and societal sustainability of various bioprocesses becomes increasingly important due to the growing understanding about complex and interlinked consequences of different human activities. Neglecting the sustainability issues in th…
A holistic approach to manage environmental quality by using the Kano model and social cognitive theory
International audience; Since its first proposition in 1984, the Kano model has been used extensively in a variety of contexts within industries and academic research demonstrating its wide applicability. The Kano model allows for describing the relationship between an objective aspect and a subjective aspect. Yet is this relevant for environmental quality as well? In this study, we explore the cases where the Kano model is used for assessing environmental quality and its perception by consumers and identify the potential influencing factors for its application with this respect. We find that the Kano model can serve as an effective tool for converging towards environmental quality and sust…
Glycolipid Biosurfactant Production from Waste Cooking Oils by Yeast: Review of Substrates, Producers and Products
Biosurfactants are a microbially synthesized alternative to synthetic surfactants, one of the most important bulk chemicals. Some yeast species are proven to be exceptional biosurfactant producers, while others are emerging producers. A set of factors affects the type, amount, and properties of the biosurfactant produced, as well as the environmental impact and costs of biosurfactant’s production. Exploring waste cooking oil as a substrate for biosurfactants’ production serves as an effective cost-cutting strategy, yet it has some limitations. This review explores the existing knowledge on utilizing waste cooking oil as a feedstock to produce glycolipid biosurfactants by yeast. The review f…