Byggbranschen utvecklas konstant, strävan efter att utveckla nya och effektivare material ärstor. Några av de viktigaste egenskaperna som byggsektorn eftersöker är hög hållfasthet, lågvärmekonduktivitet och låg miljöpåverkan.Isobetong är ett nyligen framtaget material. Det är en typ av skumbetong med egenskaper ochfunktioner som skiljer sig från traditionell skumbetong ur hänseende på hållfasthet,värmekonduktivitet och miljöpåverkan.Syftet med denna undersökning är att identifiera Isobetongens karakteristiska egenskaper ochjämföra de med egenskaper av konkurrerande material. Resultatet föreslås tydliggöramaterialets styrkor och vidare utgöra en grund för fortsatt undersökning samt främja enutökad användning. De frågor vilket undersökningen formas kring är ’Vad har materialet förmiljöpåverkan?’ och ’Hur jämför sig materialet mot mineralull och cellplast gällande funktionoch miljöpåverkan?’.Resultatet visar att miljöpåverkan av materialet Isobetong varierar från 65,5 kg CO2-ekvivalenter per kubikmeter för dess produkt med lägst densitet, upp till 230,7 kg CO2-ekvivalenter per kubikmeter för produkten med högst densitet. Beräkningarna som utförts ijämförande syfte tyder på att Isobetong i genomsnitt inte är likställd med cellplast ellermineralull inom områdena för densitet, värmekonduktivitet och miljöpåverkan. Resultatet förtryckhållfastheten av Isobetong ger ett betydligt högre värde än de övriga materialen.Slutsatsen är att relativt mot de jämförda materialen kan inte Isobetong konkurrera med varesig cellplast- eller mineralullsisoleringar då högre krav ställs på densitet, värmekonduktivitetoch miljöpåverkan. I projekt där en god tryckhållfasthet krävs har Isobetong en klar fördel. / The construction industry is continuously developing, the strive to develop new and moreefficient materials is great. In the industry, some of the most sought for properties of theimproved materials are high strength, low thermal conductivity, and low environmentalimpact.Isobetong is a recently developed material. It is a variety of foam concrete with properties thatdiffer from traditional foam concrete regarding strength, thermal conductivity, andenvironmental impact.The purpose of this analysis is to identify characteristic properties of Isobetong and tocompare them to the properties of competitive materials. The results are proposed to clarifythe material’s strengths and to furthermore act as a foundation for continued research as wellas encouraging an increased usage. The questions the analysis is based on are ‘What is theenvironmental impact of the material?’ and ‘How does the material compare to mineral wooland polystyrene?’.The result displays an environmental impact of the material Isobetong to vary between 65,5kg CO2-equivalents per cubic meter for the product with the lowest density, up to 230,7 kgCO2-equivalents per cubic meter for the product with the highest density. The computationsthat have been completed for comparative purposes indicates that Isobetong on average is notequal to polystyrene or mineral wool in areas of density, thermal conductivity, orenvironmental impact. The result for the compressive strength of Isobetong yield aconsiderably higher value than the other materials.The conclusion is that relative to the compared materials is Isobetong unable to compete withneither polystyrene or mineral wool insulations when higher requirements are set for density,thermal conductivity, and environmental impact. For projects that require a notablecompressive strength does Isobetong show a clear advantage.

The building sector contributes to a large part of the total emissions of greenhouse gases, which demands for increased sustainability in all phases of a buildings’ lifecycle. Choices of building materials and the respective required maintenance and replacements are becoming more important if further reductions of climate impacts should be obtained. Folkhem is a Swedish construction company who constructs multi-storey buildings made of wood. The company has shown interest in developing knowledge about how the selection of building materials effects the impacts on climate, the extent of necessary maintenance and replacement work as well as economic consequences. The aim of this master thesis was to evaluate the potential climate impacts and costs for different scenarios of maintenance and replacements of selected exterior building components for Folkhem’s planned building in Stadshagen, in Stockholm. The façade, roof, windows and balconies have been in focus. To fulfill the aim of this study, life cycle assessment and a simplified cost analysis have been carried out. With the basis of the results from this study, recommendations of building materials for the chosen building components in Folkhem’s planned building have been stated. A façade made of pine impregnated with boiled linseed oil is recommended as façade cladding, and OrganoWood is recommended for the balcony decking. Folkhem planned to use wooden windows, but it is recommended that these are substituted to aluminum coated wooden windows. No recommendation could be provided for the roof from this study. The following conclusions have been made; More attention should be payed to the phases of maintenance and replacement when carrying out LCAs for timber buildings, since general assumptions could be misleading. The origin of the building materials could have a significant climate impact if several replacements need to be performed, since this includes a large number of transports of materials. Different building materials or building components have different lifespans and needs for maintenance. To reduce costs and potential climate impacts, long lifespans with little need for maintenance are desired. Planning for a specific lifespan of the building and the required maintenance and replacements may contribute to reduce the potential climate impacts. Maintenance is recommended for timber buildings, since this could reduce the need for replacements, which could reduce the potential climate impacts. LCA can be a useful tool for Folkhem to plan for maintenance and replacements of their timber buildings if improvements are performed regarding LCA data quality. LCA can provide guidance for Folkhem to choose sustainable building materials, with regards to maintenance and replacements at an early stage in the design process. A future study could be to perform a more detailed LCA of the materials and products that required assumptions in this study, for instance the surface treatments for maintenance. A more detailed LCA of all maintenance that should be conducted in a building could be of interest as well, and to investigate the impacts from excluded processes in this study. Alternative building materials for the exterior building components could be evaluated as well as different percentages of painting area. More impact categories than climate change could also be evaluated. Impacts from the building lifecycle phases of repair and refurbishment could also be interesting to evaluate in order to receive an overview of the total potential climate impacts and costs from all parts of the lifecycle of a building. Another approach could be to investigate if maintenance and replacement are carried out as described from technical literature and manufacturers in reality. Finally, a more thorough cost analysis could be carried out, evaluating how a housing society would be affected from costs from maintenance and replacement.

This study examines the climate impact of the thermal insulation materials, glass wool and polyurethane. Two wall constructions with a size of one square meter are used in the study to compare their carbon footprints and determine which material has the lowest environmental impact. For the walls to be comparable, they need to have the same U-value. The study will be limited to only examining the materials from a cradle-to-gate perspective. Literature searches will be conducted for data collection. For the calculation of environmental impact, the study will examine Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and the Boverket’s Climate Declaration.Environmental data for building materials is calculated using LCA, and from this, EPDs can be generated, which contain summarized environmental data. This study collects environmental data from EPDs Boverket’s Climate Database. U-values are calculated using the U- and λ-value method, and then the mean value is derived. Subsequently, the quantities of the materials are determined, and the walls' total Global Warming Potential (GWP) is calculated.According to the results of the study, walls with polyurethane and glass wool insulation show a significant difference in their carbon footprints. GWP calculations show that the wall with polyurethane insulation emits approximately 33 kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents), while the wall with glass wool insulation emits around 17 kg CO2e. The results also indicate that the insulation layers alone exhibit a significant difference in carbon footprint, approximately 20 kg CO2e for polyurethane and 4.0 kg CO2e for glass wool. The significant difference may be attributed to the oil-based production of polyurethane. The study also found that the manufacturing stage contributes the most to the climate impact for both insulation materials.When selecting insulation materials, other material properties also need to be investigated, such as fire resistance, acoustic performance, and more. The economic aspect also plays a significant role in the selection process.From an environmental perspective, the conclusion indicates that glass wool insulation is the better choice. / I denna undersökning kommer klimatpåverkan av värmeisoleringsmaterialen glasull och polyuretan undersökas. Två väggkonstruktioner med en storlek på en kvadratmeter används i studien för att jämföra dess koldioxidavtryck för att avgöra vilket material som har lägst miljöpåverkan. För att väggarna ska vara jämförbara behöver de ha samma U-värde. Studien kommer begränsa sig till att bara undersöka materialen från vagga-till-port.Litteratursökningar kommer genomföras för informationsinsamling. För beräkning av miljöpåverkan kommer studien undersöka LCA (livscykelanalys), EPD:er(miljövarudeklarationer) och Boverkets Klimatdeklaration.Miljödata för byggnadsmaterial beräknas genom LCA, och från detta kan man ta fram EPD:er som innehåller dess sammanfattade miljödata. Den här studien hämtar miljödata från EPD:er och Boverkets Klimatdatabas. Beräkning av U-värden utfördes med U- och λ-värdesmetodendär sedan medelvärdet tas fram. Därefter mängdas materialen och sedan beräknas väggarnas totala GWP (global uppvärmningspotential).Enligt studiens resultat visar väggarna med polyuretan- och glasullsisolering en stor skillnad på deras koldioxidavtryck. Beräkningar av GWP visar väggen med polyuretanisolering har utsläpp på ca 33 kg CO2e (koldioxidekvivalenter) medan väggen med glasullisolering har utsläpp på ca 17 kg CO2e. Resultatet visar också att enbart värmeisoleringsskikten har stor skillnad i koldioxidavtrycket, ca 20 kg CO2e för polyuretan och ca 4,0 kg CO2e för glasull.Den stora skillnaden kan bero på att framställningen av polyuretan är oljebaserad. Studien visade också att den största klimatpåverkan kommer från tillverkningsskedet för båda isoleringsmaterialen.Vid val av isoleringsmaterial behöver även andra materialegenskaper undersökas till exempelbrandmotstånd, akustik med mera. Även den ekonomiska aspekten har betydelse för valet.Slutsatsen ur ett miljöperspektiv visar att glasullsisoleringen är det bättre valet.

Hästar producerar gödsel som är en   blandning av avföring, urin och det strömaterial som hästarna står på.   Hippologum är en ridanläggning i Umeå (Västerbotten, Sverige) som producerar   20-25 ton gödsel per vecka och när denna rapport skrevs hade anläggningen   ingenstans att lagra gödseln. Detta var våren 2016. Målet med denna studie var att   undersöka ett möjligt förvaltning- och komposteringssystem för hästgödsel   mellan Hippologum och deponi- och avfallscentret Dåva DAC (som också är   beläget i Västerbotten, Sverige) och var systemets största klimatpåverkan   finns. En liten marknads-undersökning baserad på personintervjuer och ett   kort kapitel om lagaspekter finns också med i rapporten. Enligt den screening livscykelanalys som genomfördes   inom ramen för denna C-uppsats är den största klimatförändrande effekten för   23 ton hästgödsel från Hippologum till Dåva DAC odlingen av fodret.   Marknadsundersökningen som utfördes kan inte direkt säga att det finns en   marknad i Umeå kommun för komposterad hästgödsel. Gällande den lagliga biten   så kan sägas att EU har mycket att säga till om gällande animaliska   biprodukter och att den lagliga aspekten tyckts vara väl utvecklad. / Horses   produce feces and urine and this mixed with a bedding material such as   sawdust or cutterdust gives you horse manure. Hippologum is an equestrian   facility in Umeå (county of Västerbotten, Sweden) which produces 20-25 tons   of manure per week and when this report was written the facility had some   trouble to get rid off the manure. This was in Spring 2016. The aim of this study is to look into the possible soil   improver production as a management strategy for the horse manure produced at   Hippologum and the report also looks   into which part of this proposed system which has the greatest climate   impact. The landfill- and waste   center Dåva DAC (also located in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden) is the   assumed receiver of the manure, and this is were the manure would be refined   (composted). Research based on personal interviews about the manure market in   Umeå municipality as well as a short chapter about legal aspects of manure   are also included in the report. According to the screening LCA conducted during this   thesis work the greatest impact for 23 tons of horse manure from Hippologum   to Dåva DAC is the cultivation of the   fodder. The report cannot conclude if there is a manure market in Umeå   municipality. Concerning the legal aspects it can be said that the European   Union has well developed legislation concerning animal by-products and   regulates many aspects of handling and treating of horse manure. / <p>2019-01-08</p>

Submitted by DIEGO GABRIEL TORRES DINI null (diego.torres.dini@gmail.com) on 2017-02-25T21:08:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Diego Torres Dini Tese Doutoral.pdf: 1232376 bytes, checksum: dc45dfe7c23a8fd647db24acb963c71c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-03-07T13:42:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 torresdini_dg_dr_ilha.pdf: 1232376 bytes, checksum: dc45dfe7c23a8fd647db24acb963c71c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-07T13:42:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 torresdini_dg_dr_ilha.pdf: 1232376 bytes, checksum: dc45dfe7c23a8fd647db24acb963c71c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-03 / Outra / In Uruguay, reforestation with Eucalyptus sp. is of fundamental importance to produce paper, pulp and wood. The productivity of these continually grows due to application of breeding techniques, such as hybridization. This study aimed to investigate genetic parameters, productivity, stability, adaptability and to identify SNP markers associated with the diameter breast height (DBH) for to select Eucalypts grandis x Eucalyptus globulus full-sibs hybrid clones. The study was conducted in a clonal test, repeated at two different soils, in the state of Rio Negro, Uruguay. The population was phenotypically characterized to the DBH at 48 months of age and cambium tissues of each individual were sampled for genotyping with EuCHIP60K chip. The mean growth in DBH was similar between both places. The genotype-environment interaction was the simple type, with high genotype correlation in clones’ performance between environments (0.708), indicating the possibility of the same clones being selected for both places. Mean heritability between clones (0.724), coefficient of individual genetic variation (10.9%) and relative variation (0.916), showed the possibility of obtaining gains by selecting clones with higher growth, which was estimated in 3.1% for both sites together. A total of 15,196 markers SNPs were used in the genomic selection for the DBH, but after cleaning of SNPs data, the number was reduced for 15,196 (23.5%). The predictive capacity was expected to be low or negative (-0.15) for this population given the population size (78 individuals). We used the model rrBLUP with a validation of Jackknife. The model do not showed precision to predict the DBH. These results were consistent with theoretical expectations, which indicate that it is necessary to have an improvement population of at least 1,000 phenotyped and genotyped individuals. The DBH is the most important trait in the breeding of the genus Eucalyptus. However its quantitative nature added to the time necessary for this phenotype to develop makes the early detection of this trait are difficult. The identification of molecular markers associated with quantitative phenotypes is a good choice for the identification of QTLs that will help the early detection of individuals with high DBH. Significant markers associated to DBH , were indentificated into the chromosome 6, suggesting the presence of a QTL in this chromosome. Since they are clones originated from vegetative propagation and a full-sibs single-progeny, they should preferably be used for reforestation based on their cloning, since mating between clones can generate endogamy by biparental inbreeding. The utilization of SNPs helped to confirm the degree of parentage between the clones as well as clonal identity control.

Irrigated agriculture in the Canadian Prairies is in a position to play a prominent role in addressing global food demands imposed by a growing world population. Particularly within Saskatchewan there is potential to see large increases in the number of irrigated hectares, due to the large irrigable land base and supply of freshwater resources. Yet, how this increase will influence the agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) balance is not well understood. Through the quantification and comparison of GHG emissions from a typical irrigated and dryland cropping system in Saskatchewan, this research aimed to better understand the role of irrigated agriculture on GHG dynamics in this region. A field-scale analysis of irrigated soil conditions and resulting soil greenhouse gas emissions identified that soil N availability was likely the dominant factor influencing soil N2O emissions from irrigated systems. Soil moisture was also a key factor in soil GHG fluxes, governing seasonal CH4 uptake and episodic N2O and CO2 emissions. The development of system-specific GHG budgets—incorporating on-site GHG sources and sinks—identified electricity as irrigated cropping’s largest contributor of global warming potential (GWP). Emissions from soil and diesel-combustion sources were less intensive under irrigated production; yet overall greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) was greater from irrigated cropping. This research provides a first look into GHG dynamics from irrigated agriculture in Saskatchewan and identifies areas for potential mitigation as irrigated crop production expands in the Province.

Orientador: Alexandre Magno Sebbenn / Resumo: In Uruguay, reforestation with Eucalyptus sp. is of fundamental importance to produce paper, pulp and wood. The productivity of these continually grows due to application of breeding techniques, such as hybridization. This study aimed to investigate genetic parameters, productivity, stability, adaptability and to identify SNP markers associated with the diameter breast height (DBH) for to select Eucalypts grandis x Eucalyptus globulus full-sibs hybrid clones. The study was conducted in a clonal test, repeated at two different soils, in the state of Rio Negro, Uruguay. The population was phenotypically characterized to the DBH at 48 months of age and cambium tissues of each individual were sampled for genotyping with EuCHIP60K chip. The mean growth in DBH was similar between both places. The genotype-environment interaction was the simple type, with high genotype correlation in clones’ performance between environments (0.708), indicating the possibility of the same clones being selected for both places. Mean heritability between clones (0.724), coefficient of individual genetic variation (10.9%) and relative variation (0.916), showed the possibility of obtaining gains by selecting clones with higher growth, which was estimated in 3.1% for both sites together. A total of 15,196 markers SNPs were used in the genomic selection for the DBH, but after cleaning of SNPs data, the number was reduced for 15,196 (23.5%). The predictive capacity was expected to be low or negative (-0.15)... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

This study aimed to facilitate evaluation of alternative refrigerants for the air conditioner market. In order to achieve this target, two objectives were set. The first being the identification of alternative refrigerant with regard to regulations and trends. The second being enabling of thermodynamic evaluation of refrigerants for single components in air conditioners via design and installation of a test rig. A literature review was conducted to investigate the regulations, standards and trends for nine regions with high market shares. Furthermore, refrigerant substitutes for R410A and R22 where identified. The literature showed strong indications that a global HFC phase down is on the horizon, but that the approach and urge for such a phase down varies between regions where three main priorities could be seen; efficiency, GWP values and safety. Comparing these priorities with simulated refrigerant characteristics such as Carnot efficiency, GWP values, volumetric capacity and the liquid density using RefProp, identified alternatives. Further the literature showed that the lower flammability limit (LFL) and the amount of charge allowed were limiting factors for flammable refrigerant. There are many new refrigerants that could have less charge for the same capacity the LFL however restricts the refrigerants like R290, R441A and R443A only to be used in small systems. A test rig was designed and constructed in order to enable testing of single components in air conditioners. To verify the test rig, tests conducted with an evaporator using two refrigerants: R410A and R32. The reliability and validity of the tests was studied by comparing the results from the air side and refrigerant side, via uncertainty calculations using the GUM method and by a thermodynamic evaluation. The results of the repetition tests showed an expanded uncertainty, with a confidence interval of 95%, of 26 W for a cooling capacity of 2190W for R410A (Q̇evap,R410A=2190±26W). For R32 the expanded uncertainty was 27W for a cooling capacity of 2795W (Q̇evap,R32=2795±27W). Also the test rig was verified to be used for analyzing detailed evaluation of evaporators such as looking at heat transfer and the differential pressure drop. Further the study presented six conclusions: When evaluating refrigerants regional priorities between efficiency, safety and GWP values, refrigerant characteristics and type of unit need to be considered. Safety standards need to be more acceptable towards flammable refrigerants in order to meet low GWP targets. The change in market trends leads to new roles for the refrigerant and compressor suppliers and put higher demand on air conditioner manufacturers to consider refrigerant characteristics in product development. The importance of experimental thermodynamic evaluation on refrigerants effect on single components is increasing. Performance of different refrigerant for single components can be evaluated for optimizing cycle performance. Leapfrogging in the developing world can lead to a faster introduction of low GWP refrigerants.

It is estimated that transport sources in developing countries contribute about 4% of the global fossil carbon dioxide versus 18% by industrialized countries. The cost of urban air pollution is estimated to be 2% of GDP in developed countries and more than 5% in developing countries. With an annual vehicle registration growth of over 30% in 2008 and a population growth rate of 6%, the number of automobiles in Kampala city of Uganda is expected to continue growing exponentially. Most of the vehicles used are imported into the country when quite old with worn out engines and low energy efficiencies. As a result, such vehicles profusely emit exhaust gases which may be harmful to both human health and the environment. Controlling pollution from the transport sector is vital to improving the quality of air and protecting public health. The objective of this dissertation was to determine the level of pollution from automobile exhaust gases in Kampala City and its impacts on human health and the environment. The study involved the analysis of tail pipe emissions using a gas analyser. It covered mini buses, motorcycles and personal vehicles which constitute 92% of the Kampala vehicle parc. It was established that the main types of exhaust gases from the automobiles were CO2,  NOx, CO, NO and HC. The findings estimated the highest level of NOx tail pipe emissions at 0.15 mg/m3, HC emissions at 2.59 mg/m3, CO at 110 mg/m3 and 286.6 mg/m3 for CO2. The reported ambient air emissions were estimated at 0.18 ppm, 14000 ppm and 1.3 ppm corresponding to NO2, CO2 and CO, respectively. The study further investigated the impact of four mitigation methods on emission levels using the LEAP model. The impact of increasing penetration of city buses, introduction of tail pipe emission standards and hybrid cars and improvement of vehicle fuel economy were investigated. It was found that if left unabated, the emissions will continue to grow with the increasing number of motor vehicles. Implementation of the proposed mitigation methods resulted in a reduction in the GWP reduced by 52%, 51%, 17% and 8.5%, respectively. It is recommended that a comprehensive motor vehicle pollution control program be designed to implement the proposed NEMA vehicle emission standards. Establishment of an integrated transport system promoting the growth in number of city buses should be made a priority to reduce on emission levels and enable the decongestion of Kampala city.

The building sector has attributed a significant focus on improving its sustainability performance, as it contributed to almost 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2019, and is estimated to be the least environmentally friendly industry worldwide. Life cycle analysis (LCA) is considered a rewarding method for evaluating the environmental impact caused by buildings or individual building components, based on various environmental indicators such as carbon dioxide emissions. A life cycle analysis can be performed in different ways depending on the purpose of the analysis. Screening LCA is a method which can be used to get an overview of the environmental impact associated with different life cycle stages. The method accounts for the environmental impact caused by value chain and the physical flow in production of materials and systems. This method can also be useful to analyze the carbon footprint of a building during its production phase, A1-A3, and transports of materials to the construction site, A4. This can enable to peruse and reduce building’s carbon footprint by replacing materials with more environmentally friendly ones before the building is built.Besides the aesthetical benefits, green solutions such as green facades (or living facades) can create the possibility to obtain more environmentally friendly buildings. Although green facades are not a new concept, such system has increasingly been adopted on the facades of buildings in recent years. While, it has been proven that green facades have the ability to absorb pollutants and carbon dioxide from the air, their production serves additional CO2 emissions.This study has been conducted in collaboration with Ramboll Sweden AB, the division of sustainable buildings. The study aims to increase knowledge regarding green facades and their impact on the exterior walls, both thermally and environmentally. In the study, 8 models were created and analyzed to explore the CO2 impact of green facades on different alternative exterior walls. In this study, an LCA was performed, and the impact of living facades on the heat transfer coefficient, the U-value, was analyzed for each of which models. Furthermore, an estimation of possible carbon dioxide capture by green facades was carried out to explore the potential benefits of such facade systems from a life cycle perspective.The results show that a living façade can result in approximately 27.9 kgCO2e/m2 compared with an exterior wall without a living façade. However, the ability of such facades to capture carbon dioxide can make it possible to compensate this additional carbon dioxide emission during almost 93 years, if a linear CO2 capture is assumed.