Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental AIA é um instrumento de gestão ambiental que tem como objetivo identificar, prever e interpretar as conseqüências sobre o meio ambiente de uma dada ação humana. Se bem conduzida pode auxiliar o processo de tomada de decisão, incrementar a viabilidade ambiental de projetos e propostas de desenvolvimento, e constituir em instrumento de gestão ambiental. Apesar de existirem exemplos de aplicação bem sucedida, verifica-se que em muitos casos os resultados esperados não têm sido satisfatórios para o que se pretende com ela. Falhas, tanto na elaboração dos Estudos de Impacto Ambiental, como na condução das demais fases e, conseqüentemente, prejudicando a eficácia da AIA e naquilo que se pretende com esse instrumento de política pública, que é a proteção e a melhoria da qualidade ambiental, têm sido verificadas. Trabalhos recentes, têm enfatizado as variáveis de ordem gerencial do processo de AIA como determinantes do seu sucesso, muito mais do que a qualidade técnica ou o conteúdo científico de um EIA. Um bom sistema de gerenciamento da implantação e operação de um empreendimento pode corrigir imperfeições resultantes das etapas prévias do processo de AIA. A fase de acompanhamento do processo de AIA pode ser considerada como etapa crítica para seu sucesso. Impactos que não são corretamente identificados ou previstos pelo EIA, podem ser corrigidos por meio de medidas mitigadoras desenvolvidas depois da aprovação do projeto. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho buscou analisar a estrutura de gestão ambiental adotada para o cumprimento da fase pós-aprovação do processo de AIA desenvolvido para o Trecho Sul do Rodoanel, com base em documentos disponíveis no órgão ambiental estadual responsável pelo licenciamento, informações obtidas com o empreendedor, visitas técnicas e entrevistas. Os resultados permitem observar que, apesar da existência de deficiências, o desempenho ambiental alcançado pode ser considerado satisfatório, ainda mais considerando o porte do empreendimento e a complexidade ambiental da região de inserção. As principais falhas que podem ser apontadas referem-se ao subdimensionamento de determinadas medidas preventivas, prevalecendo assim uma atuação mais corretiva. Se por um lado, não-conformidades ambientais observadas podem ser atribuídas, em alguns casos, à falta de equipes e de equipamentos suficientes, e em outros, à falta de capacitação ou de interesse quanto ao trato das questões ambientais, mesmo considerando a padronização de procedimentos, a incorporação de medidas ambientais nos editais de contratação e a execução de programas de treinamentos ambientais; por outro, avanços tecnológicos e investimentos garantiram bom desempenho ambiental de algumas medidas mitigadoras implementadas. Conclui-se que apesar das etapas iniciais (avaliação preliminar e análise detalhada) da AIA contituirem em excelentes ferramentas de planejamento e otimização de esforços e recursos, a etapa pós-aprovação, que compreende a gestão ambiental da implantação dos empreendimentos, a partir da efetivação das medidas preventivas e mitigadoras propostas anteriormente, constitui etapa crucial no sentido de alcançar os seus objetivos, que é a busca pela sustentabilidade ambiental do desenvolvimento. Se não for bem executada, pode colocar todo o esforço e recursos conferidos às etapas anteriores a perder. Em caso contrário, pode suprir eventuais deficiências. / The Environmental Impact Assessment - EIA is an environmental management tool that aims to identify, predict and interpret the consequences on the environment of a particular human action. If well managed can help the process of decision making, enhance the environmental sustainability of projects and development proposals, and constitute an instrument of environmental management. Although there are examples of successful implementation, it appears that in many cases the expected results have not been satisfactory for what we expect from it. Failures both in the preparation of environmental studies, as in the conduct of other phases and, consequently, undermining the effectiveness of EIA and what is meant by this instrument of public policy, which is the protection and improvement of environmental quality, have been verified. Recent studies have emphasized the variables of management of the EIA process as critical to their success, much more than the technical quality and scientific content of an environmental study. A good management system implementation and operation of an enterprise can correct imperfections resulting from previous stages of the EIA process. The follow-up phase of the EIA process can be regarded as critical step for its success. Impacts that are not properly identified or anticipated by the environmental study, can be addressed by mitigation measures developed after the approval of the project. In this context, the present work was developed to sought, based on documents available at the state environmental agency, responsible for the licensing process, information obtained from the entrepreneurial, technical visits and interview, to review the environmental management structure adopted for the implementation of follow-up phase of the EIA process developed for the Southern Section of Rodoanel. The results allow us to observe that despite the deficiencies, the environmental performance achieved can be considered satisfactory, especially considering the size of the enterprise and the environmental complexity of the region of insertion. The main flaws that can be highlighted refer to the undersizing of certain preventive measures and, therefore, there was a further corrective action. On the one hand, environmental non-compliances observed can be attributed in some cases, to the lack of sufficient staff and equipment, and in other, the lack of training or interest in the treatment of environmental issues, even considering the standardization of procedures, the incorporation of environmental measures in the contracts and implementation of environmental training programs. On the other hand, technological advances and investments assure good environmental performance of some mitigation measures implemented. We conclude that despite the initial stages of EIA (preliminary assessment and detailed analysis) form it into an excellent tool for planning and optimization of efforts and resources, the post-approval stage, which includes the environmental management of the implementation of projects, from the accomplishment of preventive and mitigating measures proposed earlier, it is a crucial step towards achieving its goals, which is the quest for environmental sustainability of development. If not well implemented, it can put all the effort and resources given to the previous steps to lose. Otherwise, it can overcome any shortcomings from previous steps.

Packaging plays a crucial role in logistics as it has a significant effect on the efficiency of transportation. The shape and dimensions of packaging material has considerable impact on transport performance, whereas an optimal packaging system for products enables for improved utilization of the total volume on a load carrier. As a result of improved freight performance, transportation costs can be reduced. Improved vehicle utilization for shipments also has a positive impact on environmental aspects, as increased vehicle fill rate can lead to less required transports which ultimately lowers the overall carbon emissions caused by transports. Therefore, an optimization of the packaging model can lead to substantial benefits, both economically and environmentally. The purpose of this study was to create a cost estimation model for the company Machine Corporation that would illustrate what effects a new packaging strategy would have on transportation costs, fill rate and environmental aspects. To achieve this purpose, relevant data have been collected from the company together with suitable metrics found in the literature. The collected data was thereafter used to create a cost estimation model that served as a tool to determine the total costs and the potential savings. The outcome results of the model showed that Machine Corp. would have made a yearly saving of 2 341 353 SEK. The implementation of a new packaging strategy was estimated to increase the volume-based fill rate for truck loads by approximately 54% which enabled for a reduction of transportation costs by 32%. Furthermore, the results showed a positive impact on environmental aspects as the total amount of road freight shipments needed per year was estimated to reduce by 32% as well and the total tonnes-km per year would decrease by 31%.

With product returns, reverse logistics management is causing a big environmental impact, especially product returns from online shopping provided by the third-party logistics (3PL) companies. There is a need for understanding in what ways 3PL companies could reduce the environmental impact and at the same time stay competitive. This thesis qualitative method is based on semi-structured interviews with the objective to highlight the management of return transportation. Specifically, the challenges for third-party logistics (3PL) companies to reduce their environmental impact by managing the transportation of product returns and keeping their economic performances. Supporting the study, 3PL companies and end-customers, in Sweden, proposed long-term organized advice (as additional service) to the 3PLs customers for helping them reducing cost and their impact on the environment. The study suggested that 3PL companies are required to emphasize the management of transportation agreements, not only to include adequate economic clauses but also the terms for achieving environmental performances. In the long-term, these agreements will allow 3PL companies to achievetheir environmental performances and remaining competitive. The study recognized that implication for managers might be, for them to keep updated on environmental changes applying that customer’s new demands could require a different way (than today) for managing their logistics organizations. For example, these changes could have great implications for early and consistent managerial actions, impacting the reverse logistics processes, like the transportation of the returned products.

A broad scope analysis of waterjet cutting systems has been developed using thermodynamics, life cycle analysis, and biological system comparison. The typical assessments associated with mechanical design include measures for performance and thermodynamic efficiency. Further analysis has been conducted using exergy, which is not typically incorporated into design practices. Exergy measures the effectiveness of a process with respect to a base state, usually that of the systems surroundings. Comparing Gibbs free energy of biological processes to exergy efficiency has served to illustrate the need for various levels of comparison. Each biological process used in this comparison correlates to a different type of mechanical process and level of complexity. Overall, biological processes display similar properties to mechanical systems in that simpler systems are more energy efficient. In order to determine accurate efficiency and effectiveness values for a mechanical process, in this case waterjet cutting, a set of thermodynamic models was established to account for energy uses. Various output force and velocity models have been developed and are used here for comparison to assess output efficiencies with "no loss" models used as a lossless base. Experimental testing was then conducted using a simple nozzle and a pressure washer with 2 other diameter nozzles. The most energy efficient system used a turbojet nozzle. It was also the most efficient sustained system with energy inputs. However, it had a much lower exergy efficiency compared to the other systems. This implies that it could be significantly improved by more adequately utilizing the energy provided. An effort to assess the green nature of pressurized water systems was done through use of an Economic Input/Output Life Cycle Analysis (EIO-LCA). The EIO-LCA is designed to assess processes for greenhouse gas emissions and total power consumption across the life of a system. Calculations showed that increases in power consumption result in much higher greenhouse gas emissions per unit time than increases in water consumption. Financial cost however showed an opposite trend due to the much greater cost of water with regard to consumption rates in each system. The most "green" system used only a nozzle with no power consumption.

There is a need of increasing fish production due to the rapidly growing population. The Amazon basin has around 1 million km2 of freshwater area, and a substantial part could be an ideal base for the development of the fish rearing industry. Currently, small-scale fish farming and fishery is commonly observed in the Amazon Basin, but these systems can negatively impact the environment, for example, via eutrophication and overfishing. Here I compare several fish production systems reported for the Amazon Basin to evaluate what is the most sustainable system that should be preferably implemented in that region. I also analyzed the potential of expanding fish farming at the Amazon basin, including a suggestion of the kind of the Amazonian water type and the fish species that should preferentially be recommended as the most appropriate for sustainable production. Blackwater and clearwater main tributaries have been pointed out as the most appropriate areas for fish farming and are recommended as the potential base of fish farming. As there is an existing market for the fishes Colossoma macropomum (Tambaqui); Arapaima gigas (Pirarucu) and Piaractus mesopotamicus (Pacu), these have been pointed out as the main species to start a sustainable fish production. The analysis of the fish production systems was performed in a way to allow a proper combination of the water self-purification mechanism and the fish culture industry. My main suggestion for sustainable fish production is that: a) fish rearing location should be changed on a yearly basis in order to decrease the local environmental impact. Water self-purification mechanisms are suggested as the main process to help to ameliorate the environmental impacts of fish farming. b) Tree seeds and fruits from 26 types of trees that naturally grow in the Amazon basin should be used for fish feeding, especially for tambaqui and pacu.

Includes bibliography. / The Olushandja dam is located in the northern part of Namibia, in the Omusati region - one of the four regions into which the former Ovamboland was divided after independence. The Olushandja dam is part of a two-dam supply system comprising the Calueque dam, on the Cunene river in Angola and the Olushandja dam in Namibia. Construction on Olushandja dam was completed in 1975. It acts as a storage and balancing dam for water supplied from Calueque. Olushandja dam is 17, 7kms long and about 300m wide. For the last 20 years it has been managed at 30% as this is the capacity at which evaporation balances injection of water into the dam and seepage. As part of a plan to upgrade the pumping facilities at Calueque and Olushandja dams, upgrading at Olushandja was initiated early in 1995, and involved repairing the north wall pump station and pumps, and the repair of the sluice gates at the south wall. Upgrading of the Calueque facilities is envisaged for 1996. With upgrading virtually complete at Olushandja, the UCT team were commissioned to conduct a SIA on the effect of changing the water level in the dam on the rural communities living in the vicinity of the dam. The SIA forms part of a full EIA looking at the overall environmental effect of changing the water level at which the dam is currently managed. The impact of the SIA will therefore be in terms of management rather than construction.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(薬科学) / 甲第21716号 / 薬科博第107号 / 新制||薬科||11(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院薬学研究科医薬創成情報科学専攻 / (主査)教授 大野 浩章, 教授 高須 清誠, 教授 竹本 佳司 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Kyoto University / DFAM

The need to include sustainable design principles during product realization poses several challenges in need of research. The demand for greener products has increased while competition has shortened product realization processes. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) provides solutions in accelerating the development process and time to market by managing the information through a full life cycle of a product line. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a way to predict the environmental impacts that should be expected over the complete life cycle of a given product, but LCA methods are not well suited to efficient comparison of product alternatives during early design stages. Customers and other stakeholders demand products that not only comply with regulations and minimize environmental impacts, but also minimize costs and maximize certain performance objectives of a product. Thus, an approach is needed to unify validation of new products compliance with holistic consideration of environmental impacts along with other objectives over a complete life cycle for the selection of the optimal design concept in an efficient manner. This research addresses these matters by proposing the approach of integrating LCA software with a PLM system. A conceptual LCA framework- LCAatPLM (Life Cycle Assessment of assembly tree in PLM) is proposed that allows environmental assessment of assembly tree directly extracted from PLM. Firstly, relevant existing solutions are reviewed and several challenges are identified that prevent integration. By decomposing the structure of both PLM and LCA, a common foundation is identified for the integration. Then, a design methodology is developed to show the use of LCAatPLM within PLM environment. A charcoal grill design case study is detailed to show how evaluations can be made based on achievement of strategic goals, along with verification of compliance and the visibility of LCA and other results. Our findings show that design executions through LCA integrated with PLM reveal environmental criterion at early stages. It can be considered with other design criteria to identify and select optimal alternatives. This research transforms LCA as an evaluation tool used after a design is already completed to one that can guide designs earlier within the PLM environment.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(エネルギー科学) / 甲第23291号 / エネ博第416号 / 新制||エネ||79(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院エネルギー科学研究科エネルギー社会・環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 手塚 哲央, 教授 黒崎 健, 准教授 MCLELLAN Benjamin / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Energy Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Plant Science / unrestricted