Although there are many studies focusing on the environmental impacts of alternative vehicle options, social and economic dimensions and trade-off relationships among all of these impacts were not investigated sufficiently. Moreover, most economic analyses are limited to life cycle cost analyses and do not consider macro-level economic impacts. Therefore, this thesis aims to advance the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment literature and electric vehicle sustainability research by presenting a novel combined application of Multi Criteria Decision Making techniques with Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment for decision analysis. With this motivation in mind, this research will construct a compromise-programming model (multi-objective optimization method) in order to calculate the optimum vehicle distribution in the U.S. passenger car fleet while considering the trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the sustainability. The findings of this research provide important insights for policy makers when developing strategies to estimate optimum vehicle distribution strategies based on various environmental and socio-economic priorities. For instance, compromise programming results can present practical policy conclusions for different states which might have different priorities for environmental impact mitigation and socio-economic development. Therefore, the conceptual framework presented in this work can be applicable for different regions in U.S. and decision makers can generate balanced policy conclusions and recommendations based on their environmental, economic and social constraints. The compromise programming results provide vital guidance for policy makers when optimizing the use of alternative vehicle technologies based on different environmental and socio-economic priorities. This research also effort aims to increase awareness of the inherent benefits of Input-Output based a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and multi-criteria optimization.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed a rating system that examines the sustainability of neighborhoods. They have specifically stated that that LEED-ND certified neighborhoods will protect and enhance residents’ overall health, the natural environment, and quality of life. This study uses relevant quality of life indicators that are commonly identified by social scientists as accurate interpreters of the various quality of life domains to determine if there is, in fact, a relationship between LEED-ND and quality of life. Four of the ten domains examined were found to be related to LEED-ND certified/certifiable neighborhoods, thus, to a certain extent, LEED-ND certification does increase quality of life as compared to traditional suburban neighborhoods.

The number of regions undergoing water scarcity, where the quantity of available water is not enough to meet human demand, is expected to increase in the future. Water reuse measures have been widely implemented to face these situations as a means of increasing the supply of water resources. Thus, ‘water scarcity – water reuse’ (WS-WR) situations will likely become more common. In these cases, water resources management to secure enough water supply is key. Risk and sustainability concepts have been consolidated as guiding discourses that also support the management of water resources. In particular, in the case of WS-WR situations, they can guide decision-makers towards reducing the risk of water scarcity and striving for the implementation of sustainable water reuse measures. In particular, the use of risk and sustainability assessments helps to deal with various social, economic, and environmental requirements and constraints. However, there is still the call for a more comprehensive and integrated assessments. This dissertation aims at providing new ideas for the integration of risk and sustainability in the case of WS-WR situations. Three objectives guide this research: (A) to develop a conceptual assessment framework to support decision-making concerning sustainable water reuse in regions facing risk of water scarcity; (B) to advance the conceptual framework interrelating existing risk and sustainability assessment methodologies and indicators in the context of decision support; and (C) to test the conceptual and methodological framework using a case study in Latin America. Each objective is associated with a research question: (RQ1) How is decision-making regarding water reuse understood and supported towards reducing the risk of water scarcity sustainably – and how can it be represented in a conceptual assessment framework?; (RQ2) How can a conceptual framework for assessing water reuse as sustainable water scarcity risk reduction measures be operationalised through a methodological framework?; and (RQ3) What are the findings from testing the framework in a case study – and what can be incorporated into the framework? Each objective and its respective research question was addressed as a separate step of the research approach, comprising the development of an integrated Risk and Sustainability Assessment (RSA) Framework for WS-WR situations, its operationalisation and testing. The research approach followed a deductive to inductive rationale relying on qualitative and quantitative methods. The outputs of this research are three scientific publications that build this cumulative dissertation (two published and one submitted for revision). The development of the conceptual framework followed three steps: (i) defining the concepts of ‘water scarcity’, ‘water reuse’, ‘risk’ and ‘risk assessment’, ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainability assessment’, and ‘decision-making’; (ii) integrating these concepts by interpreting water scarcity from a risk perspective and water reuse from a sustainability perspective, and relating assessments with decision-making; and (iii) structuring the RSA Framework, following a risk assessment and framing it by the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Results allowed defining decision-making in WS-WR situations as a four-step cyclic process that can be supported by an integrated RSA that comprises an analysis (descriptive and objective) and evaluation (subjective). The methodological aspects for the operationalisation of the RSA conceptual framework focused mainly on developing an analytical concept to support an adequate derivation of the information required in an integrated RSA for WS-WR situations. The resulting concept is based on (i) understanding the WS-WR situation as a Coupled Human and Natural System (CHANS) and identifying the main biophysical elements (endpoints); (ii) translating the CHANS endpoints into an information system via a Multi-Layer (ML) approach using generic descriptors and specific indicators; and (iii) identifying and characterising interlinkages between the indicators via a Lane-Based (LB) approach. Additional methodological aspects related to the evaluation include the use of indicator-based multi-criteria decision-making methods that include the weighting and aggregation of these indicators, as well as the selection of threshold values as evaluation criteria. The testing of the integrated RSA Framework was carried out in Cerrillos de Tamaya, Chile. It involved an ex-post RSA of a water reuse measure implemented in 2018 to face the local water scarcity situation. The testing included (i) describing the case study location and adapting the RSA Framework to fit the local context; (ii) translating the case study’s CHANS via the ML approach and identifying and characterising interlinkages via the LB approach; and (iii) evaluating the degree of risk of water scarcity and sustainability of water reuse via the distance-based method TOPSIS. The results of the testing provided feedback for the RSA Framework. These mainly referred to the influence of the conceptualisation behind the indicators and their use, and the methodological challenges for integrating risk and sustainability evaluation. Further recommendations to the RSA framework are: the inclusion of interlinkage directionality; the use of existing system dynamics modelling approaches (e.g., CLD, SFD); the development of an established database of indicators; the automation of the interlinkages analysis (LB approach); and advance the use of scenarios for sustainability evaluation for better coupling with risk evaluation methods. Overall this research provides evidence of (a) the conceptual integration of risk and sustainability discourses under one decision support framework for the case of WS-WR situations; (b) the use of a system thinking approach for interpreting the WS-WR situation; (c) the relevance of indicators as a means of representing the situation; (d) the interlinkage of social, economic, environmental information; (e) the benefits of the use of conceptual maps; (f) gaps in the process of measuring the effect of water reuse on water scarcity levels via indicators; (g) the gap between a simulation-based risk assessment and a snapshot-focused sustainability assessment that hinders an operational integration; (h) the possibility of the RSA framework to bridge a system thinking view with a traditional assessment-based decision-making view.:Acknowledgements Abstract Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acronyms and Abbreviations Symbols Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1 Background and problem statement 1.1.1 Water resources for water security 1.1.2 Risk and sustainability discourses for water-related decision-making 1.1.3 Problem statement and research focus 1.2 Objectives and research questions 1.3 Research approach and structure of the document 1.3.1 Research approach 1.3.2 Structure of the document 1.4 Chapter references Chapter 2 - Conceptual Framework 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Developing the conceptual framework 2.2.1 Definition and interpretation of the subject at stake 2.2.2 Identification and definition of key concepts 2.2.3 Construction of the conceptual framework 2.3 Results and discussion 2.3.1 Defining and interpreting the ‘water scarcity – water reuse’ situation 2.3.2 Identifying and defining key concepts 2.3.3 Construction of the integrated RSA Framework 2.4 Conclusions and outlook 2.5 Acknowledgements 2.6 Chapter references Chapter 3 - Methodological Aspects 3.1 Introduction 3.2 RSA Framework for a WS-WR situation 3.3 Systems thinking in a WS-WR situation 3.3.1 Identifying elements of a WS-WR situation and its interpretation as a system 3.3.2 Translation of the CHANS into an information system 3.4 Characterisation and interlinkage of indicators 3.4.1 Type and number of indicators 3.4.2 Type and number of interlinkages 3.4.3 Indicator connectivity 3.4.4 Structuring via a lane-based approach 3.5 RSA analytical concept and exemplification 3.5.1 RSA analytical concept 3.5.2 Exemplification of the analyitical concept 3.6 Discussion 3.6.1 Translating the CHANS into an information system 3.6.2 Supporting decision-making via the analytical concept 3.7 Conclusions 3.8 Acknowledgements 3.9 Chapter references Chapter 4 - Framework Testing 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Approach 4.2.1 RSA Framework 4.2.2 Case study site 4.3 Results 4.3.1 Analysis 4.3.2 Evaluation 4.3.3 General results for the case 4.4 Discussion 4.4.1 Analysis 4.4.2 Evaluation 4.4.3 Overall discussion on the testing of the RSA Framework 4.5 Conclusions 4.6 Acknowledgements 4.7 Chapter References Chapter 5 - Synthesis 5.1 Conceptual aspects 5.2 Methodological aspects 5.3 Testing aspects 5.4 Placing the RSA Framework in a broader context 5.5 Chapter References Chapter 6 - Conclusions and Outlook Annexes Annex A - Literature review: Found records Annex B - Example list of endpoints, descriptors, indicators, and attributes Annex C - Technique for Order Preference by Similarly to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Annex D - Translation into the Information System (from endpoints to attributes) Annex E - Interlinkages Identification Matrix Annex F - List of Most Interlinked Indicators (MII) Annex G - List of indicators, scores, and thresholds

Clean water and renewable energy are essential requirements to build resilience towards the adverse effects of climate change and global warming. Advanced wastewater treatment options may provide a unique opportunity to recover various useful resources such as energy (biogas), fertilizers, minerals, and metals embedded in the wastewater stream. However, considerable challenges remain when it comes to designing and planning sustainable wastewater treatment systems. This thesis focuses on the avenues of energy recovery from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), by evaluating the potential for biogas recovery from wastewater and sewage sludge treatment in WWTPs. Various available technologies for biogas recovery are examined and evaluated to understand their viability in different applications and relative performance. Further, the methodologies and tools employed to assess such energy recovery systems are evaluated, covering the technical, economic, and environmental performance aspects. A sustainability assessment framework is then developed, using appropriate sustainability indicators to assess performance. The framework is applied to a case study of a WWTP in the emerging city of Tbilisi, Georgia. A spreadsheet tool is also developed to aid the sustainability (technoeconomic and environmental) assessments for the case study. The case study results reveal a significant biogas recovery potential, with annual energy generation potential of 130 GWh from combined heat and power (CHP) recovery, and a potential to avoid 28,200 tCO2eq emissions every year, when biogas is recovered only from the wastewater. The recovery potential increases when biogas is recovered from both wastewater and sewage sludge. Further, the contribution of overall resource (energy and nutrient) recovery in WWTPs to the Sustainable Development Goals is examined. By studying the linkage of various benefits to the different SDGs, the multilateral and cross-cutting nature of benefits from resource recovery is clearly illustrated. The thesis concludes with the discussion of possible future technologies and perspectives that can enhance the sustainability of WWTPs and help transform them into Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs). / Rent vatten och förnybar energi är väsentliga krav för att bygga motståndskraft mot de negativa effekterna av klimatförändringar och global uppvärmning. Avancerade avloppsreningsalternativ kan ge en unik möjlighet att återvinna olika användbara resurser som energi (biogas), gödselmedel, mineraler och metaller inbäddade i avloppsvatten strömmen. Det finns emellertid stora utmaningar när det gäller att utforma och planera hållbara reningssystem. Denna avhandling fokuserar på möjligheterna till energiåtervinning från avloppsreningsverk (WWTP), genom att utvärdera potentialen för biogasåtervinning från avloppsvatten- och avloppssrening i WWTP. Olika tillgängliga tekniker för återvinning av biogas undersöks och utvärderas för att förstå deras livskraft i olika applikationer och relativa prestanda. Vidare utvärderas de metoder och verktyg som används för att utvärdera sådana system för energiåtervinning som täcker de tekniska, ekonomiska och miljömässiga aspekterna. En ram för hållbarhetsbedömning utvecklas sedan med hjälp av lämpliga hållbarhetsindikatorer för att bedöma prestanda. Ramverket tillämpas på en fallstudie av en WWTP i den framväxande staden Tbilisi, Georgien. Ett kalkylarkverktyg utvecklas också för att underlätta bedömningarna av hållbarhet (teknisk ekonomi och miljö) för fallstudien. Resultaten från fallstudien avslöjar en betydande återvinningspotential för biogas, med en årlig energiproduktions potential på 130 GWh från kombinerad värme och kraft (CHP), och en potential att undvika 28.200 ton CO2-utsläpp varje år, när biogas endast återvinns från avloppsvattnet. Återvinningspotentialen ökar när biogas utvinns från både avloppsvatten och avloppsslam. Vidare undersöks bidraget från den totala återhämtningen av energi (energi och näringsämnen) i WWTP till målen för hållbar utveckling. Genom att studera kopplingen mellan olika fördelar till de olika SDG: erna illustreras den multilaterala och tvärgående karaktären av fördelarna med resursåtervinning. Avhandlingen avslutas med diskussionen om möjliga framtida tekniker och perspektiv som kan förbättra WWTP: s hållbarhet och hjälpa till att omvandla dem till anläggning för återvinning av resurser från avloppsvatten.

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In this master’s thesis project, future scenarios for year 2050 were constructed for Denmark, Finland and Sweden using an environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA). Scenarios were constructed based on national sustainability targets. A case-specific five stage modeling approach was developed. Approach consists of changes in input-output tables for Electricity grid, Fossil primary energy, Industry sectors, Transport and Allocation of fossil fuel replacements. To represent business-as-usual development, EEIO tables for 2009 were used as reference and baseline scenarios. Constructed scenario models resulted in substantial CO2 emission reductions compared to baseline scenario. In scenario results for Denmark, emissions reduced 98.17 %, in Finland 81.41 % and in Sweden 77.90 %. Furthermore, based on Planetary Boundary framework, greenhouse gas emission carrying capacities were estimated in sectoral level for 2050. Carrying capacities for year 2050 for Denmark, Finland and Sweden were 9909.99 kton CO2-eq, 9049.42 kton CO2-eq and 18691.96 kton CO2-eq, respectively. Compared to radically reduced emissions in scenario results, Denmark and Sweden reached emission levels below estimated national carrying capacities. For Finland, carrying capacity level was exceeded by 2437.77 ktons. EEIOA was found to be an efficient tool for constructing and analyzing explorative long-term scenarios. In addition, it is possible to integrate absolute sustainability thresholds to EEIOA. Scenario results indicate that implementation of the existing national sustainability targets would lead to radical emission reductions in Denmark, Finland and Sweden by 2050 compared to business-as-usual development. Based on the scenario results, transport and industry sectors were identified as the emission hotspot sectors in 2050. EEIOA is a noteworthy method for decision-support for assessing sustainability strategies. With EEIOA, it is possible to allocate and study national sustainability targets on a sectoral level, and that way potentially substantially increase the effectiveness and implementation of defined sustainability targets. However, further research on modeling dynamics, data quality and underlined uncertainties are needed before studied approaches can develop into decision-support tools.

Yes / The surface transport infrastructure (i.e. road and rail) has seen increasing pressure in recent years to achieve better sustainability performance. Transport Noise Reducing Devices (NRDs) form a major part of the surface transport infrastructure system in mitigating undesirable surface noise pollution to impacted communities. Their sustainability is a growing interest for practitioners and policy makers in this area as NRDs projects now have to balance integrating and assessing social, environmental, and economic objectives besides meeting key technical requirements. This paper presents an account of the first study carried out to assess the absolute sustainability of NRDs via the application of multi criteria analysis (MCA) techniques. The general procedure, selection of criteria, data gathering, and the use of three MCA techniques, SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organisation MeTHod for Enrichment Evaluations), and ELECTRE III (Elimination et Choice Translating Reality), to assess the absolute sustainability of two built and operating European NRDs projects (one in Spain, and one in Italy) is presented. The novel concept of defining an Optimal Hypothetic Ideal Solution (OHIS) to assess the sustainability of NRDs in absolute terms to achieve this end is also introduced and discussed. The presented case studies will thus provide a useful model for practitioners to adopt or amend to conduct their own assessments of NRDs' sustainability. The paper further concludes that the generation of index values by the three MCA techniques to denote the overall absolute sustainability of solutions is a useful feature for communicating the sustainability of NRDs across a broad range of stakeholders, and for conducting “what-if” analyses. The presented research could also support broader aims of developing harmonized sustainability standards for the NRDs industry to adopt and so forward the sustainability transport agenda.

Yes / Process simulation of a single-step synthesis of DME based on CO2-enhanced gasification of rice straw was conducted using Aspen PlusTM. The process consists of gasification unit, heat recovery unit, gas purification unit, single-step DME synthesis, and DME separation unit. In the simulation, highly pure DME was produced by the control of CO2 concentration in syngas to a very low level prior to synthesis. A gasification system efficiency of 36.7% and CO2 emission of 1.31 kg/kg of DME were achieved. Bio-DME production based on CO2-enhanced gasification of biomass was found to be more cost-effective as it required 19.6% less biomass than that of DME production based on conventional biomass gasification. The performance and environmental benefits of the proposed process could be further improved by the utilization of unreacted gases and the handling of CO2 generated via incorporating poly-generation concept or carbon storage, which could also potentially improve process economics. / Ningbo Bureau of Science and Technology; Innovation Team Scheme; Major R&D Programme; Provincial Innovation Team on the Commercialisation of SOx and NOx Removal Technologies; University of Nottingham Ningbo China

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 full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 25 Nov 2024.