1. Environmental and economic impacts of hydroxyapatite mineralized wood : LCA and LCC analysisMatic Sitar, Manja Kitek Kuzman, Leon Oblak, Katarina Remic, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Wood is considered a promising raw material for the circular bioeconomy and has the ability to store biogenic carbon, and this is one reason why we want to extend the service life of the wood. In order to consider the influence of durability in our study, we used two wood species with different lifespans. Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) belongs to the group of very sensitive wood species, as the durability of the untreated wood is estimated to be around 5 years; meanwhile, pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) belongs to the group of moderately resistant wood species, where the durability of the untreated wood is estimated to be up to 15 years. While toxic chemicals are often used for wood preservation, hydroxyapatite offers an environmentally friendly solution for wood mineralization. This study presents life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analyses comparing a novel hydroxyapatite (HAp) mineralization method with a service life of 50 years to a non-mineralized reference alternative. LCA was based on EN ISO 14040 and EN ISO 14044, while LCC was adapted from the European Commission’s LCC tool for public procurement. The results of the LCA show that mineralized wood has a lower overall impact on the environment than surface-treated beech wood but a higher impact than surface-treated pine wood. Most impact categories were determined by electricity consumption with the exception of stratospheric ozone depletion, water consumption, and land use. Water consumption proved to be the category where the mineralization process was problematic due to water consumption during the leaching process. The LCC showed that mineralized wood is the most cost-effective solution for the exterior façade, as all costs, but especially investment costs, were lower. The differences in the LCA and LCC results are mainly due to the different lifetimes of the two alternatives. It can be concluded that if energy-intensive processes and chemicals are used in the production of the material, the extended lifetime must be sufficient to account for the additional impacts that occur during the production phase. Ključne besede: environmental impacts, hydroxyapatite, life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost analysis (LCC), wood mineralization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.09.2024; Ogledov: 304; Prenosov: 2602 Celotno besedilo (2,60 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Krožni in nizko-ogljični gradbeni proizvodiJanez Turk, Tajda Potrč Obrecht, Katja Malovrh Rebec, Patricija Ostruh, 2023, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: smernica, sekundarni proizvodi, ponovna uporaba, reciklaža, LCA Objavljeno v DiRROS: 19.08.2024; Ogledov: 383; Prenosov: 622 Celotno besedilo (2,75 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Life cycle assessment of metal alloys for structural applicationsKatja Malovrh Rebec, Boštjan Markoli, Blaž Leskovar, 2018, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci (vabljeno predavanje) Povzetek: The study compared environmental footprints of two types of Al-alloys: well-known 5083 aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium in its composition. This material is highly resistant to seawater corrosion and the influence of industrial chemicals. Furthermore, it retains exceptional strength after welding. The comparisons were made to an innovative alloy where the aluminium based matrix is reinforced by metastable quasicrystals (QC), thus avoiding magnesium in its composition. Furthermore, we checked other aluminium ingots' footprints and compared European average and Germany country specific production data. Environmental footprints were assessed via cradle to gate life cycle assessment. Our findings normalized to 1 m2 plate suggest, that newly proposed alloy could save around 50 % in value of parameters abiotic resources depletion of fossil fuels, acidification, eutrophication, global warming potential and photochemical ozone creation potential if we compare Qc5 to 6 mm 5083 alloy plate. Only abiotic resources depletion of elements and ozone depletion parameters increase for Qc5 compared to 6 mm 5083 alloy plate. Ključne besede: environmental footprints, LCA, Al-alloys Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.04.2024; Ogledov: 520; Prenosov: 237 Celotno besedilo (2,29 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. BIM and LCA integration : a systematic literature reviewTajda Potrč Obrecht, Martin Röck, Endrit Hoxha, Alexander Passer, 2020, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: To foster sustainable development, the environmental impacts of the construction sector need to be reduced substantially. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the established methodology for the quantification of environmental impacts, and therefore has been increasingly applied to assess the environmental performance of buildings. By coupling LCAs with digital design tools, e.g., building information modeling (BIM), the identification of environmental hotspots and their mitigation is possible during the design process. The objective of the study is to identify the current integration approaches, and determine the pros and cons of the integration process from different viewpoints, namely, technical, informational, organizational and functional issues. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) was performed. We identified 60 relevant BIM-LCA case studies and analyzed the applied BIM-LCA workflows in detail. A total of 16 of the reviewed studies applied LCA during the early design stage. These studies used a manual or semiautomatic data exchange between the BIM models and LCA tools. In most cases, contemporary BIM-LCA workflows utilized conventional spreadsheets (e.g., Excel sheets in 16 cases). However, the analysis shows that an automated link between LCA and BIM can be achieved when overcoming the technical, organizational and informational issues discussed in the paper. This could enable the streamlining of LCA applications in design practice, and thus support the necessary improvements in the environmental performance of buildings. Ključne besede: building information modeling (BIM), life cycle assessment (LCA), systematic literaturereview (SLR), environmental product declarations (EPD), workflow, bill of quantities (BoQ) Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.03.2024; Ogledov: 701; Prenosov: 232 Celotno besedilo (2,15 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Quantifying the environmental implication of cotton-fiber-based nanocrystalline cellulose : a life-cycle assessmentKatja Malovrh Rebec, Janez Turk, Matjaž Kunaver, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Considering the increasing demand for nanocrystalline-cellulose in the industry, due to its exceptional physical and biological properties, cheaper and more efficient production processes are sought. Addressing environmental concerns, especially within the framework of EU policies, this study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of a novel nanocrystalline-cellulose production procedure, encompassing biomass depolymerization, rinsing, and bleaching. The LCA aims to identify environmental hotspots, explore mitigation measures, and enables comparisons with other LCA studies on nanocrystalline-cellulose. The results are calculated and reported for 19 environmental impact categories, using the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method. The production of 1 kg of dry nanocrystalline-cellulose using the novel process emits 63.7 kg CO2 equivalent, which is lower than the literature average (68 kg CO2 equivalent). The solvent (e.g. diethylene glycol) is the major contributor to the global warming potential and fossil-fuel depletion potential in the product stage of the nanocellulose, while the electricity requirements and glycerin represent environmental hotspots regarding 15 of the 19 impact categories assessed. In terms of the water-consumption potential, the environmental hotspot is production of raw materials (e.g. cotton fibers). Electricity contributes more than 50 % of the burden to the impact categories associated with ionizing radiation, the pollution of aquatic ecosystems and human toxicity related to cancer. It also holds a significant share of the burdens for terrestrial acidification (48 % of the impact), the formation of fine particulate matter (46 % of the impact), and human toxicity related to non-cancer diseases (37 % of the impact). This underscores the importance of optimizing the production process, possibly through upscaling. Additionally, incorporating on-site renewable energy sources and utilizing biomass-derived diethylene glycol can enhance the environmental performance of nanocrystalline-cellulose. Ključne besede: LCA, cascade use, cellulose nanocrystals, pilot production, environmental performance Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Ogledov: 635; Prenosov: 323 Celotno besedilo (5,07 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Development of an advanced methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of refurbishmentsTajda Potrč Obrecht, Sabina Jordan, Andraž Legat, Marcella Ruschi Mendes Saade, Alexander Passer, 2022, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: The refurbishment of the building stock is one of the key tasks for reducing the future environmental emissions in building sector. The assessment of the environmental impacts (EI) of refurbishments with LCA methodology remains a challenge. In the current practice, the refurbishment is threated as the beginning of the new lifecycle and all the impacts associated with the previous life cycle are generally neglected. The exclusion of materials and components used prior to the refurbishment produces a data gap at the end-of-life since information about materials that remained in the building after the refurbishment are missing. Furthermore, no information about what impacts have already been considered in the past bears the risk that some of the impacts are double-counted. In order to overcome these problems, an advanced methodology for the assessment of the embodied impacts in the case of refurbishment was developed that combines two sub-methodologies that can also be used separately. The first submethodology is used for remodelling the input data in order to make them time corresponding. The second sub-methodology is used for the assessment of the EI in the residual value of building materials and components and is including the allocation of EI between the life cycle before and after the refurbishment. The combination of the two sub-methodologies enables a more realistic and accurate assessment of the environmental impacts. The methodology is illustrated on the case on the case of a façade refurbishment. Five different allocation approaches are investigated and the residual value is calculated after a selected time period before and after the refurbishment. For all the inputs time-corresponding data is modelled and used. The study showed that for the life cycle before the refurbishment the EI and the residual value are generally higher if time-corresponding data is used since the EI of the electricity mix are higher. It turned out that the use of different allocation approaches is favouring either the use of recycled or reused materials or the recycling of the materials at the end. The PEF and the cut-off approach with module D are both enhancing the circular economy. It can be assumed that they are likely to prevail in the future. Ključne besede: LCA, refurbishment, allocation, module D, dynamic LCA Objavljeno v DiRROS: 31.01.2024; Ogledov: 553; Prenosov: 331 Celotno besedilo (1,62 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. LCA and LCC assessment of UHPFRC application for railway steel bridge strengtheningIrina Stipanović, Sandra Škarić Palić, Aljoša Šajna, Martín-Sanz Henar, Eleni Chatzi, 2021, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: Most of the existing railway steel bridges are nowadays older than 70 years, experiencing serious aging and overload problems. Therefore they either need to be replaced or strengthened to fulfil the increased requirements. The main idea of strengthening existing steel bridges is considering the possibility of adding load bearing deck above the main girders without replacing them. In this particular case study, the original steel structure of the 9m long railway bridge was dismantled and transported to the laboratory for the experimental assessment and development of the new rehabilitation method. Based on the assessment results, a strengthening slab was designed using Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) formula. In the life cycle analysis, using LCC and LCA models, the comparison of the application of UHPFRC cast in-situ deck is compared to the bridge replacement solution, which was actually selected method by the owner. The executed solution used also a temporary bridge in order to enable continuous traffic, which has caused very high construction costs. In order to compare different options, we have additionally analysed a solution without a temporary bridge, which created three life cycle scenarios. Most important steps during the construction, exploitation and end-of-life stage have been taken into account and integrated into the LCA and LCC models. Finally the environmental, economy and societal impacts of three solutions were compared over the period of 60 years. The rehabilitation option with UHPFRC deck has shown by far the lowest direct and environmental cost while the user delay costs only after the period of 50 years are not the most convenient for users. Superior characteristics of UHPFRC enabled the optimization of the load bearing deck and by that a very low total used quantity of material resulting in minimum direct and indirect costs. Ključne besede: railway steel bridge, UHPFRC, strengthening, LCA, LCC model Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.01.2024; Ogledov: 531; Prenosov: 359 Celotno besedilo (9,29 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Pathway toward sustainable winter road maintenance (case study)Katja Malovrh Rebec, Janez Turk, 2023, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Povzetek: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was applied to evaluate the environmental impacts of winter road maintenance managed by an innovative road-weather information system and the impacts of vehicles passing the road during the snowstorm event. A case study refers to 10-hour lasting snowstorm event, considering a specific road section and application of a road-weather information management system to help winter road maintenance agency optimizing activities (salt gritting and/or plowing). Reliable information on the timing of the beginning of the snowstorm event affects (1) the activities of winter road maintenance, (2) the mobility of all vehicles passing the road, and (3) the fuel consumption of the vehicles. Since activities are optimized in case of preventive operation of winter road maintenance, less salt is needed overall. The road remains free of snow cover in case of preventive winter road maintenance operation, meaning that passenger cars and trucks pass the road at normal speed, without undesirable acceleration and braking caused by wheels slipping if snow accumulates on the road. Fuel consumption of vehicles passing salted and snow-free road remains unchanged, while fuel consumption increases in case of snow cover. Reduction of environmental burdens in case of such optimized winter road maintenance operation, is shown in this case study. The overall results of the comparative LCA analysis showed that the use of the road-weather information system in road traffic allows for as much as 25% reduction of environmental footprints. In the scenario where the winter service does not use information system the winter service also uses 40% more salt, which is also related with additional environmental impacts. Ključne besede: LCA, okoljski odtisi, cesta, snežne razmere, preventivno delovanje, promet, poraba goriva, varnost, LCA, environmental impacts, road, snow cover, preventive operation, traffic, fuel consumption, safety Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.12.2023; Ogledov: 539; Prenosov: 337 Celotno besedilo (19,01 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Textile industry as a major source of microplastics in the environmentBranka Mušič, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This review brings together data on the impact of (micro)plastics, on the environment. Critically evaluates studies on the use of various techniques for recycling textile plastic, which is a major polluter of the environment. In this review, let’s focus a bit more on industrial waste in the textile industry since it would be easiest possible to capture and recycle it again. We also discuss LCA studies, bottlenecks, and future perspectives, for a lower impact on the environment. The main challenges which make further recycling progress difficult are discussed, such as the lamination of textile fibers with metal, new textile fibers that appear as a result of rapid development, the difference in the density of textile fibers, low recycling efficiency, etc. Finally, the possible uses of more environmentally friendly polymers are shown, which can be an alternative to the current synthetic polymers. The results of the literature review showed that for the development of a sustainable textile industry, which would mitigate the impact of microplastics on the environment, from a long-term perspective, the integration of more intensive, complex decisions into the business models of manufacturing companies is necessary. The environmental consequences will be even more intense due to the massive releases of textile microfibers into the environment and excessive accumulation, therefore, in order to achieve the specific goals of sustainable development, a reduction in the production of microplastics is first required, which is only possible with a global partnership of all countries to achieve a specific goal on a global level. Ključne besede: textile plastics, microplastics, environment, industrial textile waste, LCA, synthetic polymers alternative, recycling techniques Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.09.2023; Ogledov: 639; Prenosov: 339 Celotno besedilo (1,46 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Life cycle assessment of prefabricated geopolymeric façade cladding panels made from large fractions of recycled construction and demolition wasteDavor Kvočka, Anja Lešek, Friderik Knez, Vilma Ducman, Matteo Panizza, Constantinos Tsoutis, Adriana Bernardi, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The construction and demolition sector is one of the biggest consumers of natural resources in the world and consequently, one of the biggest waste producers worldwide. The proper management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) can provide major benefits for the construction and recycling industry. However, the recycling rate of CDW is relatively low, as there is still a lack of confidence in the quality of recycled CDW materials. Therefore, new research projects are looking for innovative solutions within recycling of CDW in order to overcome uncertainties currently associated with the use of construction products made from recycled or re-used CDW. In this paper, a “cradle-to-cradle” life cycle assessment (LCA) study has been conducted to investigate the environmental performance of the prefabricated geopolymeric façade cladding panels made from large fractions of CDW. The LCA results indicate that the majority of the environmental burden arises within the manufacturing stage; however, the environmental burden can be reduced with simple optimisation of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the prefabricated geopolymeric façade cladding panels is generally lower than the environmental burden associated with the façade cladding panels made from virgin materials. Ključne besede: construction and demolition waste, alkali activated materials, geopolymers, LCA Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.08.2023; Ogledov: 666; Prenosov: 334 Celotno besedilo (2,03 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |