All kinds of products have economic, social and environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. Today’s growing need for electronic devices contributes to the increasing problem within these fields.  The aim of this study is to investigate and determine the impact of a chosen Teracom Group product from a sustainability perspective and to develop recommendations regarding how to proceed, in order to reduce the impact of products. This study is mainly focusing on the environmental aspect of the concept of sustainability. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of a set-top box (STB) is conducted based on chosen indicators by using the software SimaPro. The goal of the assessment is to identify the phases within the life cycle with largest environmental impact and contribute to Teracom Group’s further sustainable work. 18 impact categories are included to express emissions and use of natural resources. The result clearly shows that the production phase has the largest environmental impact within categories such as terrestrial acidification, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, urban land occupation and metal resource depletion. The use phase affects the environment foremost within climate change, ozone depletion, terrestrial ecotoxicity, ionising radiation, agricultural land use, natural land transformation and water depletion. Transports and the waste scenario only have a small effect on certain categories. The experiences of this study are discussed, demonstrating the difficulty in making an LCA in the position of being at the company purchasing products, not at the company manufacturing them. The company has previously not focused enough on sustainability regarding products. An LCA performed by the supplier would be more reliable due to a better possibility of collecting accurate data. Communication and cooperation between the company and its suppliers are key solutions. Higher requirements during procurement should be put on the products, including demands on performed LCAs with clearly described references and methods, critically review by a third party.

Environmental management plays one of the key roles in the current corporate world due to its benefits on brand identity, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction The relationship between environmental management and financial performance has been the focus of many studies in the recent 20 years, however, a steady conclusion is missing on this topic. The impact of environmental management on financial performance in Swedish SMEs in the energy sector has been investigated in this quantitative study. By performing Generalized Least Squares modeling using panel data with 328 observations from Swedish SMEs in the energy sector, the study suggested that environmental management practices do affect a firm’s financial performance. The study emphasis that the green innovation is one of the most important criteria which keeps ahead of its peers in the sector. Another key component in green practices is obtaining ISO14001 certification to promote continual quality. The study also proves that the ratio between male and female executives has no impact on the environmental management of a firm.

As a method to manage the large amounts of waste produced in developing India, andsimultaneously give the lower income households a sustainable and simple technique to lightthe houses, this article aims to study, compare, and evaluate three different techniques. It isbased on a literature review and the physical study of a model. Three techniques were chosen:building blocks with glass bottles, building blocks with plastic bottles and a so called solarlight bulb. A literature review showed that the second option was the most suitablealternative, and a model was constructed. Our model showed that the light transmission of ourmodel is significantly lower compared to a conventional window. The masonry block dohowever allow an indoor illuminance higher than 200 lux as recommended by the SwedishWork Environment Authority. The research also showed that the masonry block has lowerisolation properties rather than a conventional window. More research is needed to evaluatethis method with potential. / Den här rapporten undersöker, jämför och utvärderar tre simpla tekniker som potentiellt gerljusinsläpp för låginkomsthushåll och samtidigt är metoder för avfallshantering i Indien. Detre metoderna är cementblock med ingjutna glasflaskor, cementblock med ingjutnaplastflaskor, eller flaskor som insätts i taket och sprider solljus, med såkallad refraktion.Rapporten inleds med en litteraturstudie som sedan kompletteras med en experimentell deldär ett cementblock med ingjutna plastflaskor konstrueras och undersöks. Resultaten visar attljustransmissionen är väsentligt lägre än för konventionella fönster, men dock tillräcklig föratt ge en illuminans över 200 lux inomhus som rekommenderat av svenska arbetsmiljöverket.Utöver detta visade resultaten modellen har lägre isolerande effekt i jämförelse medkonventionella fönster. Detta är en metod med potential, som skulle gynnas av med forskning. / के रूप में एक विधि विकसित कर भारत में उत्पादित कचरे की बड़ी मात्रा का प्रबंिन करने के सिए, औरएक ही िमय में कम आय िािे पररिारों के एक स्थाय़ी और िरि तकऩीक घरों में प्रकाश के सिए िेनेके सिए, इि िेख, अध्ययन की तुिना, और त़ीन अिग-अिग तकऩीकों का मूलयांकन करना है। यहएक िादहत्य की िम़ीक्षा और एक मॉडि के भौततक अध्ययन पर आिाररत है। त़ीन तकऩीकों चुनागया: कांच की बोतिों के िाथ ब्िॉक तनमााण, प्िास्स्िक की बोतिें और एक तथाकधथत िौर प्रकाशबलब के िाथ ब्िॉक का तनमााण। एक िादहत्य की िम़ीक्षा िे पता चिा कक िूिरा विकलप िबिेउपयुक्त विकलप था, और एक मॉडि का तनमााण ककया गया था। हमारे मॉडि है कक हमारे मॉडि केप्रकाश िंचरण काफी कम एक पारंपररक खखडकी की तुिना में है पता चिा है। धचनाई ब्िॉक हािांककएक इनडोर रोशऩी २०० िक्ि िे अधिक की अनुमतत है। और अधिक शोि की क्षमता के िाथ इिविधि का मूलयांकन करने की जरूरत है।

Recycling is an increasingly important part of waste management, as a measure to reduce the issues connected to the growing amount of waste in the world. An official recycling scheme has recently been implemented in the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina as a way to reduce the amount of waste that is being landfilled. The aim of this study is to assess the recycling system, using the holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM), and establish the main influencing factors and their correlated issues. The purpose of the study is to contribute to sustainability within the area of waste management and provide a basis that can be used for future research and suggestions. The methodology included a literature review and background research, field studies and data collection. The study includes the elements of waste generation, primary disposal, collection, treatment and final disposal. It was found that the main factors that are influencing the recycling system concern technological focus, misinterpreted drivers underlying the system, conflicts between stakeholders and a lack of systematicity and flexibility. The conclusion finds that the recycling system is still in its early stage, but in need of improvements and would benefit from the more holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management.

In 2016, the work towards a more sustainable world increased momentum when the new 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) came into force. Now the SDGs will serve as a global agreement in the work towards ending all forms of poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change for the next fifteen years. By using standardized Environmental Management Systems (EMS) together with global goals, the author aims on finding ways in how consultancy companies can develop their environmental and sustainability work even further. The purpose of the outcome is to contribute with knowledge in on how to become a leader within sustainable performance and environmental management as well as providing Pöyry Sweden with the basic knowledge in how to develop its performance in order to meet the new ISO-requirements. In the thesis the author developed a matrix-model in which the SDGs where connected to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as well as the Sweden’s Environmental Objectives (SEO). The aim of the matrix was to connect the SDGs to local ways of measuring environmental performance, but also on finding the SDGs that the consulting companies were most interested in. In order to collect the information, eight Swedish based consultancy companies (Acando, Accenture, Allies, U&We, Pöyry Sweden, Sweco, WSP and ÅF) where included. All companies where interviewed and took part in the matrix analyse. Based on the research question “How can the SDGs together with ISO be integrated within the management system at a private consultancy company in order to create sustainable benefits, focusing on environmental sustainability, for the company, customers and the society where they conduct business?” it was possible to see that the implementation of the SDGs together with ISO provides sustainable benefits as well as new business opportunities. The results showed that the ISO 14001:2015 could be an advantageous and strategic tool for many consultancy companies. A fully integrated strategic management system would help placing the company in an advantageous position, ready for tougher legislation, customer demand and technical innovation. In combination with commitments to the SDGs the company could find new ways of inspiring its employees and finding long-term purpose for the company and its business. The study made, proved that several of the SDGs are relevant for the interviewed consultancy companies. In the study the author experienced that three companies distinguished themselves when it came to leadership, internal driving force for finding sustainable business opportunities and finding ways of integrating the SDGs in the business. These companies were Allies, U&We and Accenture. For all interviewed parts, several goals are considered both as highly relevant, holding high business opportunities. A commitment to global goals could therefore have a positive effect on the company, providing a communicative strength and new ways of setting goals and bring visions forward. To summarize, the consultancy companies who dare to take a lead in performing sustainable business can send a clear statement and inspiration to customers and the business in general that sustainability is important and should be a desirable goal for the company to achieve. These companies would be considered as role models within sustainability, creating a positive impact reaching beyond the business itself.

Biogas är ett förnybart bränsle, och intresset för detta bränsle ökar runt om i världen. För att kunna använda biogas som fordonsbränsle måste biogasen uppgraderas innan användning. Koldioxid och andra föroreningar skiljs av, så att metanhalten i den råa biogasen höjs och gasen kan användas i motorer. Flera olika reningstekniker finns, men detta arbete fokuserar på vattenskrubbning. Arbetet syftar till att undersöka den optimala metanhalten i biogasen med hänsyn till nettoenergin och livslängden för de motorer som används. Undersökningen fokuserar på reningsprocessen i biogasproduktionen på små och mellanstora gårdar. Arbetet utfördes genom att ställa upp en energibalans över komponenterna i biogasproduktionen. Energibalansen användes för att skapa en matematisk modell av anläggningen, och beräkningarna gjordes med datorprogrammet Matlab. Den optimala metanhalten för biogasen beräknades till kring 80 % (78 – 83 %) vilket är lägre än den gräns på 85 % som rekommenderas av andra källor. Reningsanläggningens eget energibehov befanns motsvara 2,5 – 8,6 % av biogasens energiinnehåll, beroende på om högtryckskompression används eller inte. Dessa värden har god överensstämmelse med tidigare forskning. Den beräknade metanhalten är inte så låg så att motorernas livslängd förkortas nämnvärt, men det finns en risk för misständningar som kan ge skador på katalysatorn. Eftersom den beräknade metanhalten är lägre än 85 % är det lämpligt att genomföra ytterligare tester för att avgöra om gasen är lämplig som fordonsbränsle. Resultaten påverkas kraftigt av motorns verkningsgrad, vilket också är ett relevant ämne för framtida studier. / Biogas is a renewable fuel, and the demand for this particular fuel type is increasing around the world. In order to use biogas as a fuel for vehicles it must first be upgraded from its raw state. By separation of carbon dioxide and other impurities, the methane content in the raw biogas is increased so that the biogas can be used in engines. Several methods of purification exist, but this report mainly focuses on water scrubbing. This thesis aims to investigate the optimal methane content in biogas with respect to net energy and the lifespan of the engines that are being fueled with biogas. The focus of the report is on the purification process in biogas production for small to medium sized farms. The thesis is conducted by putting up an energy balance formula for the components in the biogas production system. This formula was used for creating a mathematical model of the system, and the calculations were made with the computer programme Matlab. The optimal methane content in the biogas was found to be around 80 % (78 – 83 %), which is less than the lower limit (85 %) that is recommended by other sources. The purification facility’s own energy demand corresponds to 2,5 – 8,6 % of the energy content in the biogas, depending on whether high pressure compression is used or not. These results are highly consistent with previous research. The methane content of the biogas does not reduce the lifespan of the engines notably, but there is a risk of ignition failures which could lead to damages in the catalyzer. Since the optimal methane content is lower than 85 %, it would be appropriate to test the biogas in order to analyze if it is suitable to be used as a fuel. The results are heavily influenced by the engine efficiency, which is also a relevant subject for future work.

Vi blir fler och fler människor som delar på vår planet, och vi tär alltmer på de sinande naturresurser som finns tillgängliga. En fortsatt utveckling i denna riktning måste förhindras och ett steg åt rätt håll är att minska påfrestningarna av de naturresurser vi har. Genom att minska slit- och slängkonsumtionen, återvinna mer och återanvända förbrukade varor kan vi nå framsteg. Just återanvändning behandlas i detta kandidatexamensarbete, där syftet är att undersöka huruvida vinflaskor kan återanvändas som glasfönster. Inledningen av rapporten består av litteraturstudier som tar upp och beskriver värmeöverföringsfenomen som egenkonvektion, samt sätter in arbetet i ett perspektiv av hållbar utveckling. Ett av huvudmålen med arbetet är den praktiska tillämpning och därför har vi gjutit egna fönster med inmurade vinflaskor. Med hjälp av dessa vinflaskfönster har vi mätt både lux- och temperaturvärden, vilka används i beräkningar av ljusinsläpp och värmeöverföring genom fönstren. För värmeöverföringsberäkningarna har diverse formler rörande ledning och konvektion använts. I arbetet undersöktes två olika varianter av glasflaskor, hela glasflaskor samt avkapade glasflaskor. Efter litteraturstudier, experiment och beräkningar drogs slutsatsen att de hela glasflaskorna gav både högre ljusinsläpp och mindre värmeförluster.

The climate crisis has caused many countries around the world to invest in large amounts of renewable energy. To be able to handle the intrinsic unreliability and geographic de- pendency of many renewable energy sources, HVDC technology is considered due to its low cost when transferring electricity across great distances. Traditional AC grids are controlled with 15-minute intervals at control centers, but HVDC grids require a faster control due to more power fluctuations within the grid. The aim of this project was to propose an architecture for a gateway in a control center for an HVDC grid. The gateway was programmed in C and C++ and the data was sent using UDP packets. Testing of the gateway was done using a real-time simulation of an HVDC grid. The data was sent with intervals smaller than a second which satisfied the speed requirements for this project. A gateway like the one developed in this project can be implemented at control centers to display and process data and to improve the overall reliability of an HVDC grid.

In order to maximize the e ciency of power generation in concentrated solar power systems (CSP) it is de- sired to achieve as high a tempera- ture in the receiver as possible due to the use of the Sterling cycle to gen- erate power. This report investigates three di↵erent geometries for cavity receivers in CSP systems; cylindrical, conical and truncated conical. The goal has been to minimize the heat loss due to radiation. This was achieved through mathematical mod- eling with the help of MATLAB. Five di↵erent cases with regards to oper- ating temperature and proportions of the receiver where investigated for each of the three chosen geometries. It was found that the conical geometry minimized this heat loss in all except one case.

Due to rapid urbanization agricultural lands in metropolitan areas are shrinking.  As a result our cities are getting more dependent on distant places for food, which is making the food system vulnerable. In the context of rapid urbanization and climate change a resilient agricultural system of Dhaka could be one of the key to ensure a sustainable future. To investigatethe impact of urbanization and climate change on the resilience of the agricultural system of Dhaka a resilience assessment of agricultural system of Dhaka has been done. The study followed the resilience assessment wordbook for practitioner as method of assessment. As methods to collect and analyze data field studies, interview, GIS analysis, policy analysis were conducted. This study shows that, urbanization is directly responsible for changes in both quality and quantity of the agricultural land of Dhaka whereas climate change does not affect directly. Even with this rapid urbanization there is still scope to take measures to make agricultural system resilient by preserving land within Dhaka metropolitan area. Therefore two Strategies have been proposed. First one is; increasing local food production without administrative reformation and the second; reducing the future demand by administrative and economic decentralization of Dhaka. Both of the strategies will require strong political will along with recognition of importance of agricultural land within the city boundary.