Yes / There is general agreement on the importance of green roofs as ways of reducing GHG emissions, reducing overall costs and improving sustainability in urban areas. This systematic literature review highlights life cycle sustainability assessment as an essential criterion to evaluate green roofs. A bibliometric analysis was used to quantitatively review relevant literature. The Scopus database was chosen as a bibliographic database of academic publications. Thes period of search started from 2003 and final search was conducted on February 15, 2023. Based on further in-depth reading, 88 publication records which met the selection criteria, including 74 papers and 14 conference papers. Researchers from the United States contributed almost 31 % of the documents. We evaluated leading studies in this field and discussed assessment method, system boundaries and research gaps through a critical literature review and a systematic search review. Finally, we propose a framework and identify a gap and future research. The environmental aspect of green roofs have received more attention than economic issues. We found that most economic evaluations of green roofs are limited to their construction stage. As yet there is no comprehensive social study on green roofs. We considered a unified study of the economic, environmental impact and social evaluation of green roofs to be warranted. Additionally, various measurement methods should be used to assess the economic profitability of green roofs over the long term. In summary, this study provides a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic performance of green roofs and identifies research gaps as well as future research directions.

The transport sector, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. However, the use of lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries in EVs raises sustainability concerns due to their limited lifespan, high costs, potential raw material shortages, and the environmental impact of raw material mining. These concerns necessitate the incorporation of sustainable development strategies into EV innovation plans. With a booming EV market, both luxury and non-luxury brands are being urged to adopt circular economy strategies, such as battery reuse and recycling, to enhance the brand-customer relationship. While the automotive industry has begun implementing these strategies, there is limited research on how they affect customer acceptance and the impact on luxury versus non-luxury brands. This thesis examines the existence of differences and influence of these circular economy strategies on the EV industry, with a particular focus on li-ion batteries, and analyzes their impact on luxury and non-luxury automotive EV brands.

This thesis explores the challenges Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face in complying with EU sustainable packaging regulations as they pose ever tightening guidelines to follow. The study respondents are representatives from SMEs operating within the EU, who provided insights through semi-structured interviews. Employing the 7Rs framework—Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, and Rot—this research investigates how these enterprises adapt their packaging strategies to align with EU directives aimed at achieving 70% recyclable and reusable packaging by 2030. Despite varied challenges such as high costs and diverse regulatory demands across EU states, SMEs demonstrate resilience and innovation in their compliance strategies. environmental impact while maintaining economic viability. Such as an SME transitioning from using plastic packaging to cardboard, driven by both regulatory requirements and carrier fees for non-compliance, which resulted in reduced environmental impact and improved customer satisfaction. This research provides insights into the dynamic interplay between regulatory frameworks and business practices, offering a deeper understanding of sustainability in the packaging industry.

Purpose: This study investigates the hedonic shopping values of Generation Z in the context of online second-hand fashion shopping, focusing on how environmental concerns, ethical reverence, and cost considerations influence their behaviors. This study delves into the existing research gaps by examining the complex interplay between hedonic values and pro-environmental behaviors, especially among younger consumers. Theoretical background: Background and theory highlight the increasing consumer awareness regarding the environmental impacts of fast fashion, leading to a shift towards sustainable alternatives such as second-hand shopping with low costs as a priority. The sections note that this trend is particularly pronounced among Generation Z, a demographic known for their digital nativity and strong ethical consciousness. Theoretical foundations address the high consumption of textiles and the corresponding environmental impact, underscoring the importance of promoting a circular economy in Sweden. Method: The quantitative data was collected through online surveys, which yielded 388 responses and was analyzed using SPSS. The results of all four hypotheses were accepted through Cronbach’s Alpha and Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and further analyzed through a regressionanalysis. Result & Conclusion: The results showed that all four hypotheses were accepted, with Hypothesis 3 having the weakest connection regarding the hedonic shopping value in the context of online second-hand purchases. Generation Z demonstrates an ability to prioritize ethical reasons over personal reasons and pleasure in their purchases, creating a complex paradox that influenced the conclusion and led to an updated conceptual framework where ethical reverence is no longer linked to Hypothesis 1, despite the general presence of hedonic shopping value among Generation Z. Future research is recommended to compare Generation Z with other demographic groups and conduct in-depth studies to observe how behavior changes over time within the same context.

Yes / This paper presents experimental and numerical investigation on an innovative composite floor system with deconstructability. In this system, a composite slab formed with metal profiled decking is connected to a steel beam using demountable shear connectors. A series of push tests was conducted to investigate the behaviour of this form of shear connectors. In addition to the push tests, a full-scale composite beam was tested to failure in the laboratory under a number of cycles of monotonic loading. For direct comparison, a similar composite beam test was conducted using same section size, concrete strength, but using the conventional welded headed stud connectors. Test results showed that the behaviour of the composite beam with demountable shear connectors is comparable with the specimen with welded shear connectors. After the test was terminated, the demountable shear connectors were unfastened and the composite floor can be easily lifted off from the steel beam. Test result showed that these demountable shear connectors possess high ductility in comparison with the equivalent welded shear connectors. Simple design rules currently use in Eurocode 4 for the welded shear connections and Eurocode 3 for bolts are proposed to predict the shear resistance of this form of demountable shear connectors.

För att kunna uppnå de högt uppsatta klimatmålen så står byggsektorn och fastighetsbranschen inför en omvälvande omställning där hänsyn till framförallt den cirkulära ekonomin kommer att stå i centrum. I dagsläget står bygg- och anläggningssektorn för cirka 20% av samtliga växthusgasutsläpp i Sverige och för att vända de linjära arbetsmetoderna till cirkulära så kommer återbruk av byggnadsmaterial att spela en tongivande roll. Att återbruka och att återanvända istället för att bara demontera och bygga nytt stärks av såväl ekonomiska som miljömässiga aspekter.I denna kandidatuppsats så har det undersökts vilka de juridiska aspekterna kopplade till återbruk är och vad relevant lagrum kan göra för att framtvinga såväl som underlätta för återbruk. Det har undersökts ifall återbruk med hjälp av lagen överhuvudtaget går att reglera och till hänsyn med vilka incitament det i så fall bör ske.Uppsatsens resultat visar att det i dagsläget går att styra mot återbruk men att det ej går att tvinga fram. Lagrum reglerar ett förberedande av återbruk men reglering gällande implementeringen är dessvärre bristfällig. För att nå de resultat som vi siktar mot och för att uppnå våra klimatmål så behöver lagrum justeras. / To achieve the ambitious climate goals, the construction sector and real estate industry are facing a transformative transition where consideration for the circular economy will be at the forefront. Currently, the construction and civil engineering sector account for approximately 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden, and to shift from linear to circular work methods, the reuse of building materials will play a pivotal role. Reusing and repurposing instead of solely dismantling and constructing anew is reinforced by both economic and environmental aspects.This study examines the legal aspects associated with reuse and what relevant legal frameworks can do to both enforce and facilitate reuse. It investigates whether reuse can be regulated through the law at all, and considers what incentives, if any, should be in place to encourage it.The study's findings indicate that it is currently possible to steer towards reuse but not to enforce it. Legal provisions regulate preparation for reuse, but unfortunately, regulation regarding implementation is lacking. In order to achieve the results we aim for and to reach our climate goals, legal provisions need to be adjusted.

Yes / Applying the circular economy (CE) concept is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. A transition towards a CE requires new tools to clarify the interdependency among systems and assist policy-makers in their decisions, particularly in the risk assessment field. This paper analyzes the systemic effects and interdependencies of several risks in the context of a CE. The developed tool helps adopt proactive strategies that consider the four aspects of sustainability (economic, environmental, social, and technological). The adopted tool improves strategic thinking for a circular economy concept and supports organizations with respect to assessing risks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and novel model to quantify the priority weights of the sustainability risk indicators to provide guidelines for supporting the policy formulation process for decision-makers. In this paper, the taxonomy of various risk indicators has been proposed, and we have identified and adopted 40 risk indicators for the CE. This paper focuses on understanding how risks can be constructed and how they affect the performance of power plants over time in terms of availability, efficiency, and operational and maintenance cost. The causal loop diagram (CLD) model is built by deploying various risk quantifications, and the adopted tool was tested and validated to assess the CE risks relevant to the environmental perspective in power plants in the Middle East. The risk indicators under the concept of the CE model and the system thinking approach can help policy-makers in their strategic and operational decision-making process for achieving a better understanding of the risk assessment process. The taxonomy of risk categories and its linking with the system thinking approach will help in the successful and effective implementation of a CE in the energy sector in the long-term. The proposed model offers a tool for policy-makers to design policies when planning a CE.

This thesis investigates innovative and sustainable methods for the extraction and recovery of critical metals from various waste streams, with the goal of reducing reliance on primary ores and minimizing the associated environmental impact. As global demand for these essential materials grows, finding effective alternatives becomes increasingly urgent. This research is structured around four main chapters, each addressing different aspects of metal recovery in the hydrometallurgical process and focusing on integrating environmentally friendly processes. By exploring advanced extraction techniques and the use of novel materials, this work aims to contribute to the development of greener technologies in the field of materials recovery. Chapter 1 introduces a new framework that combines critical element recovery from waste-to-energy fly ash (WTE FA) with carbon sequestration, addressing environmental concerns related to the growing demand for materials in green technologies. This study integrates electrochemical Zn recovery with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), demonstrating the potential for carbon-neutral Zn recovery. Using renewable acids (HNO₃), Ca and Zn were leached undermild conditions (pH 3), followed by electrochemical separation for high-purity Zn recovery. The unique morphology of the feedstock facilitated rapid metal extraction, while water wash pretreatment removed Ca-rich salts for subsequent carbonation, converting the remaining Ca into high-purity calcite. Chapter 2 develops new ligand systems that selectively extract and release critical elements, such as lanthanides, from solutions containing competing metal ions. A tunable molecular scaffold based on tris(2-aminoethyl)amine was functionalized with salicylaldehydes to create imine ligands that effectively extracted Ce, even in the presence of Mg and Ca. The study employed CO₂ as a stimulus for re-extraction, producing cerium carbonate and high-purity ceria. This pHswing mechanism, driven by controlled CO₂ partial pressure, enables efficient recovery of energy-relevant elements from unconventional resources, demonstrating the potential of green chemistry in metal recovery. Chapter 3 develops silica gel functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI), known as μOHMs, for the efficient and selective capture of heavy metal ions on both batch and continuous scales. Maximum adsorption capacities for Cu, Zn and Ni ions are 63.5, 43.1, and 36.2 mg/g, respectively, at pH 5.5. The adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic experiments indicate spontaneous, exothermic removal governed by monolayer chemisorption. Performance tests demonstrate a consistent removal rate of 33.5 mg/g for Cu after fifty cycles, highlighting the effectiveness of amine group complexation in heavy metal capture. Chapter 4 examines 2-hydroxyaryloximes as effective candidates for metal separation, forming stable, size-selective pseudo-macrocyclic dimers through hydrogen-bonding networks. These ligands exhibit pH-dependent coordination properties influenced by the phenolic oxygen's protonation state. The chapter explores the structure-property relationships of seven 2-hydroxyaryloximes in liquid-liquid extraction schemes for Ni and Co. It presents a generalizedmultigram synthesis and concentration- and solvent-dependent characterization. Steric and electronic effects from peripheral substituent modifications on the dimerization constant and pKa values were systematically investigated using NMR and potentiometric titrations. These findings demonstrate the potential of these ligands for "pH-swing" separations of energy-relevant metals. Overall, this thesis addresses critical challenges in sustainable metal recovery by employing interdisciplinary approaches that encompass chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. By integrating innovative techniques and materials, the research identifies effective strategies for extracting valuable metals from unconventional waste sources while minimizing environmental impact. The findings contribute significantly to the development of greener processes and materials, presenting viable alternatives to traditional extraction methods. Furthermore, this work supports sustainability in metal recovery by promoting the efficient use of resources, reducing waste, and enhancing the overall viability of circular economy principles in the field of materials recovery.

Yes / There is general agreement on the importance of green roofs as ways of reducing GHG emissions, reducing overall costs and improving sustainability in urban areas. This systematic literature review highlights life cycle sustainability assessment as an essential criterion to evaluate green roofs. A bibliometric analysis was used to quantitatively review relevant literature. The Scopus database was chosen as a bibliographic database of academic publications. Thes period of search started from 2003 and final search was conducted on February 15, 2023. Based on further in-depth reading, 88 publication records which met the selection criteria, including 74 papers and 14 conference papers. Researchers from the United States contributed almost 31 % of the documents. We evaluated leading studies in this field and discussed assessment method, system boundaries and research gaps through a critical literature review and a systematic search review. Finally, we propose a framework and identify a gap and future research. The environmental aspect of green roofs have received more attention than economic issues. We found that most economic evaluations of green roofs are limited to their construction stage. As yet there is no comprehensive social study on green roofs. We considered a unified study of the economic, environmental impact and social evaluation of green roofs to be warranted. Additionally, various measurement methods should be used to assess the economic profitability of green roofs over the long term. In summary, this study provides a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic performance of green roofs and identifies research gaps as well as future research directions.

Yes / The role of closed loop supply chains (CLSC) for creating and recovering value is widely acknowledged in supply chain management and there are many examples, mainly in the business-to-business sector, of successful OEM remanufacturing. The integration of value creation and recovery activities into retail customer value propositions is, however, under researched and raises many challenges, especially in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) retail where few real world examples have been published. The recent emergence of the term ‘circular economy’ has initiated further debate about closed loop value propositions and closed loop supply chain implications. This paper selects four circular economy-led closed loop product case examples from a major European FMCG company, and assesses, at a high level, how these cases created value, for whom value was created, and key challenges in their implementation. The findings highlight that each case is different. Closing loops and creating successful value propositions is complex and requires simultaneous reconfiguration of key building blocks to ensure customer acceptance and business viability. The paper proposes the term ‘circular supply chain’ for cases where circular economy principles are explicitly incorporated in CLSC for value creation.