published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

The inception of global warming has resulted in mitigation efforts across all relevant sectors. Waste management activities produce approximately 12% of methane emissions in South Africa. The current scope of waste management favours sustainable strategies targeting zero waste and waste diversion, however landfill disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is still the primary strategy employed by South African municipalities. This study evaluated the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of various waste management scenarios that included recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas recovery through case studies of the eThekwini Municipality (Mariannhill landfill) and uMgungundlovu District Municipality (New England Road landfill) MSW streams. Each waste management strategy was assessed on the basis of GHG emissions, landfill space savings and economic feasibility. A waste stream analysis (WSA) was conducted to obtain both the qualitative and quantitative data required. The results of the WSA determined that the biogenic fraction of the MSW stream for typical South African municipalities varies between 32-40% while the recyclable fraction ranges between 38-44%. The Waste Resource Optimisation Scenario Evaluation (WROSE) model was developed for the quantification of GHG emissions and is based on the US EPA emissions factors for landfill disposal, landfill gas recovery, recycling and composting. An emissions factor was derived to include the GHG impacts of anaerobic digestion using a streamlined life cycle analysis approach. The results confirmed that recycling, anaerobic digestion and composting all produce GHG reductions, in comparison with the baseline scenario of landfill disposal, and a combination thereof through Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) produced the greatest net GHG reductions (between -63,338 to -71,522 MTCO2e/annum for the New England Road MSW stream, and -71,280 to -86,123/annum MTCO2e for the Mariannhill MSW stream). The results indicated that the implementation of MBT scenarios would produce landfill space savings of 94,375 to 103,302 m3 for the Mariannhill landfill, extending the landfill lifespan by 12-14 years, while savings of 73,399 – 74,100 m3 could be realised for the New England Road landfill, extending the landfill lifespan by 2-3 years. The study concluded that while the focus of waste management has changed and zero waste/waste diversion goals require alternative waste management methods to be implemented, the capital and operational costs of some technologies are the main barrier for implementation in developing countries, and that the environmental and social benefits should be evaluated further to truly gauge the costs/benefits involved. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Ontarians are producing more waste per capita than previous generations and consuming more bottled water. Using the product policy quadrangle developed by Oosternhuis (1996), the research examines four components of Ontario bottled water packaging policy— policy objectives, policy instruments, product groups and actors. Interviews with Ontario experts reveal stakeholder communication and Extended Producer Responsibility can promote packaging minimization. There was no agreement about whether Ontario has a waste policy framework to support bottled water waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Stakeholders did agree that a policy framework can help to promote packaging minimization. The discussion will examine the following: various concepts to support zero waste, eco-labelling, policy objectives, enforcement, use of language, focus on financial obligations, deposit-return systems, refillable containers, bottle standardization, waste minimization, how waste is measured, an evaluation of the waste hierarchy, reporting waste reduction and reuse, learning from history and alternative methods of encouraging the consumption of municipal water. The research recommends these changes be implemented with the development of the new Waste Diversion Act. The research recommends that Ontario implement Integrated Product Policy and Extended Producer Responsibility to support packaging minimization.

Ontarians are producing more waste per capita than previous generations and consuming more bottled water. Using the product policy quadrangle developed by Oosternhuis (1996), the research examines four components of Ontario bottled water packaging policy— policy objectives, policy instruments, product groups and actors. Interviews with Ontario experts reveal stakeholder communication and Extended Producer Responsibility can promote packaging minimization. There was no agreement about whether Ontario has a waste policy framework to support bottled water waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Stakeholders did agree that a policy framework can help to promote packaging minimization. The discussion will examine the following: various concepts to support zero waste, eco-labelling, policy objectives, enforcement, use of language, focus on financial obligations, deposit-return systems, refillable containers, bottle standardization, waste minimization, how waste is measured, an evaluation of the waste hierarchy, reporting waste reduction and reuse, learning from history and alternative methods of encouraging the consumption of municipal water. The research recommends these changes be implemented with the development of the new Waste Diversion Act. The research recommends that Ontario implement Integrated Product Policy and Extended Producer Responsibility to support packaging minimization.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

M. Tech. Construction Management / This dissertation is primarily concerned with the investigation of waste generation rates, the causes of waste and waste management strategies adopted in the construction industry in Tshwane, South Africa.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the world enters a new millennium, global awareness of environmental issues have reached new heights. No longer is the environment seen as an all-absorbing and allproviding resource. Rather, there exists a greater awareness that without active management, the inherent risks and hazards - posed by both the natural environment and humankind's interaction with this environment - will be realised. In order to ensure a sustainable co-existence, humanity's interaction with the surrounding. environment must be managed in a responsible manner. In this regard, all aspects of this interaction require attention. Various frameworks, manifested in a variety of forms, have been proposed. One of the most basic aspects of species existence is the generation of waste. Human existence is no different. However, as a result of the variety of activities that characterise humans' existence on Earth, the generation of waste represents the most tangible and probably the most threatening aspect of this interaction. This study focuses on waste management from an environmental perspective at a specific institution, namely the University of Stellenbosch. In terms of its findings, the study has established the applicability of various regulatory and institutional frameworks within which the University operate. These frameworks address the role of the University both in terms of waste management and sustainable development. It has established the types of waste generated, the generating processes, the storage, and removal and disposal characteristics of waste management at the University. Waste management at the University is determined to be complex and fragmented, the result of a variety of activities occurring. It has established that limited waste minimisation and reduction activities occur, even though the University had identified effective and efficient resource use as a strategic priority. Although attempts at improving waste management are admittedly underway, the study has found that adopting an environmental management system approach to waste management will enable the University to meet pending legislative and institutional environmental commitments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die binnetree van 'n nuwe millennium het wêreldwye bewustheid van omgewingskwessies nuwe hoogtes bereik. Die omgewing word nie meer bloot beskou as 'n alles-absorberende en alles-voorsienende hulpbron nie. Veel eerder groei bewustheid van die noodsaak vir aktiewe bestuursingryping om die gevare en bedreigings inherent aan die natuurlike omgewing, en die mens se interaksie daarmee, die hoof te bied. Ter wille van volhoubare saambestaan moet die mens-omgewing interaksie op verantwoordelike wyse bestuur word. Alle aspekte van hierdie interaksie vereis aandag en 'n verskeidenheid raamwerke in 'n verskeidenheid formate is hiervoor voorgestel. Die produksie van afval is een van die mees basiese kenmerke van lewensbestaan. Menslike bestaan is nie daarbo verhewe nie. Weens die verskeidenheid aktiwiteite wat menslike bestaan kenmerk, is die produksie van afval die mees tasbare en waarskynlik mees bedreigende manifestasie van mens-omgewing interaksie. Hierdie tesis fokus op afvalbestuur uit die invalshoek van die omgewing, soos dit beslag kry aan 'n spesifieke instansie, naamlik die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Die studie het ten aanvang die implikasies van die verskeidenheid regulatoriese en institusionele raamwerke waarin die universiteit opereer, bevestig. Hierdie raamwerke omvat die rol van die Universiteit beide in terme van afvalbestuur en volhoubare ontwikkeling. Die tipes afval wat aan die instansie gegenereer word is geklassifiseer en die genererings-, opbergings-, verwyderings- en verwerkingsprosesse en verantwoordelikhede is vasgestel en gedokumenteer. Afvalbestuur aan die Universiteit blyk kompleks en gefragmenteerd te wees, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die wye verskeidenheid afval-skeppingsbronne wat hier aangetref word. Ook is bevind dat, ten spyte van die instansie se identifisering van effektiewe hulpbrongebruik as 'n strategiese prioriteit, slegs beperkte afval-inkorting en -reduksie aan die instansie plaasvind. Hoewel daar tans 'n aktiewe proses geloods word om afvalbestuur te verbeter, beveel die studie die aanvaarding, ontwerp en implementering van 'n veel meer wydlopende en holistiese benadering in die vorm van 'n geïntegreerde omgewingsbestuurstelsel aan. Slegs hierdeur sal die Universiteit in staat wees om aan die volgende vlaag wetgewing rakende afvalbestuur te voldoen en ook verantwoordelike omgewingsverbintenis te demonstreer.

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os sistemas de gestão ambiental em cinco indústrias petroquímicas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, com foco no gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos e líquidos, gerados no processo produtivo, considerando-se a legislação brasileira aplicada ao meio ambiente. Acompanhando a evolução do sistema de gestão ambiental adotado pelos diferentes segmentos produtivos, observa-se cada vez mais a importância da adequação do processo a condições que permitam a sustentabilidade ambiental. As indústrias em questão são consideradas como referência no setror petroquímico de transformação, com atividades altamente impactantes ao meio ambiente. O objetivo geral deste estudo é conhecer a metodologia empregada por cada uma destas indústrias, na busca da melhoria contínua de gestão, face aos desafios de utilização de recursos renováveis e não renováveis, tratamentos de seus resíduos sólidos e líquidos, em compatibilidade com melhores e mais eficientes resultados de produção, bem como, a sustentabilidade do negócio. Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho procedeu-se à Pesquisa Aplicada e em seguida ao Estudo de Caso. Primeiramente foram realizadas visitas às indústrias, utilizando-se um questionário para avaliar questões relativas ao gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos e líquidos do processo produtivo. Como Estudo de Caso selecionou-se uma das indústrias, que não possui todas as certificações relativas às normas ambientais e também não apresenta estação de tratamento de água e de efluentes na sua unidade industrial. Esta empresa foi comparada ás demais como referência para a identificação das iniciativas que as indústrias petroquímicas vem adotando, relacionadas com a preservação dos recursos naturais e minimização da geração de resíduos. Esta análise comparativa permitiu incluir neste estudo recomendações para implementação ou melhoria em aspectos do processo considerados impactantes ao meio ambiente e que, porventura, ainda não se encontravam em conformidade com atendimento às leis ambientais, e/ou, que não tenham atingido um nível de minimização de resíduos de forma a promover sua sustentabilidade ambiental. / This research has the aim of evaluating environmental management systems of five petrochemical industries in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This studys main focus is on the management of solid and liquid wastes which are generated during producing processes and the commitment with Brazilian laws applied to environmental protection. Following the development on environmental management systems used by different producing market segments, it is noticed that more and more importance is given to adapt a production process to limits and conditions that allows its environmental sustainability. The five above-mentioned studied industries are reference in the transformation sector, with productive activities which may cause critical impacts on the environment. The general target of this study is to give a closer look on the methodology used by each of those industries on their efforts for continuous management improvement, facing the challenges of the use of renewable and not renewable resources, solid and liquid waste treatment, in agreement with more efficient production results, as well as the business sustainability. For the development of this study it was divided in two parts: Applied Research and Case Study. First, the industries were visited and the questionnaire was applied to evaluate issues concerning management of solid and liquid waste generated during the process. One of the five industries was selected as Case Sudy, once it does not have all the certifications complying environmental norms and also it does not have wastewater treatment at its facility. This industry was compared to the others as a reference to identify the efforts that are being followed by petrochemical industries, concerning natural resources preservation and residues minimization. This comparative analysis allowed recommendations to improve process steps considered highly harmful to the environment, and, by the way are not still accomplishing to Brazilian environmental laws, and/or that have not yet achieved an accepted waste minimization level in order to assure its environmental sustainability.