This book shows for the first time how mental models and values influence conclusions in the life cycle inventory step of LCA. One key finding is that different management rules for a sustainable use of materials must be taken into account for the attribution of material and energy flows to a product. Includes case studies on the modelling of recycling and other end-of-life options of aluminium windows and beech wood railway sleepers in LCA.

In an era where humans affect virtually all of the earth's processes, questions arise about whether we have sufficient knowledge of human-environment interactions. How can we sustain the Earth's ecosystems to prevent collapses and what roles should practitioners and scientists play in this process? These are the issues central to the concept of environmental literacy. This unique book provides a comprehensive review and analysis of environmental literacy within the context of environmental science and sustainable development. Approaching the topic from multiple perspectives, it explores the development of human understanding of the environment and human-environment interactions in the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, economics and industrial ecology. The discussion emphasises the importance of knowledge integration and transdisciplinary processes as key strategies for understanding complex human-environment systems (HES). In addition, the author defines the HES framework as a template for investigating sustainably coupled human-environment systems in the 21st century.

The way in which our society exists, operates and develops is strongly influenced by the way in which energy is produced and consumed. No process in industry can be performed without a sufficient supply of energy, and without industry there can be no production of commodities, on which the existence of modern society depends. Energy systems have evolved over a long period and more rapidly over the last two centuries, as a response to the requirements of industry and society, starting with the combustion of fuels and building up to the exploitation of nuclear energy and renewable resources. It is clear that the evolution of energy systems is a continuous process, which involves constant technological developments and innovation.This book publishes papers presented at the First International Conference on Energy and Sustainability. Featured topics include: Energy Management; Energy and the Environment; Energy Markets and Policy; Energy Efficiency; Energy and External Costs; Computer Modelling; Energy Resources Management; Nuclear Fuels; Rational Use of Energy; Solid Fuel Energy; Energy and Built Environment; Exergy and Ecology; Energy and Life Cycle Analysis; Education and Training; Energy Systems and Pollution Control; Energy and Climate Change; Renewable Energy Technologies; Energy Storage and Transportation; Energy Analysis of Industrial Processes; Exergy and Economics; Regulations and Policies and Hydrocarbon Exploration and Recovery.

This book is a selection of the most relevant contributions to the LCM 2011 conference in Berlin. The material explores scientific and practical solutions to incorporating life cycle approaches into strategic and operational decision making. There are several sections addressing methodological topics such as LCSM approaches, methods and tools, while more application-oriented sections deal with the implementation of these approaches in relevant industrial sectors including agriculture and food, packaging, energy, electronics and ICT, and mobility.

This first hands-on guide to ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) makes this powerful tool immediately accessible to both professionals and students. Following a general introduction on the philosophy and purpose of LCA, the reader is taken through all the stages of a complete LCA analysis, with each step exemplified by real-life data from a major LCA project on beverage packaging. Measures as carbon and water footprint, based on the most recent international standards and definitions, are addressed. Written by two pioneers of LCA, this practical volume is targeted at first-time LCA users but equally makes a much-valued reference for more experienced practitioners. From the content: * Goal and Scope Definition * Life Cycle Inventory Analysis * Life Cycle Impact Assessment * Interpretation, Reporting and Critical Review * From LCA to Sustainability Assessment and more.

This volume contains the papers presented at IALCCE2016, the fifth International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE2016), to be held in Delft, The Netherlands, October 16-19, 2016. It consists of a book of extended abstracts and a DVD with full papers including the Fazlur R. Khan lecture, keynote lectures, and technical papers from all over the world. All major aspects of life-cycle engineering are addressed, with special focus on structural damage processes, life-cycle design, inspection, monitoring, assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation, life-cycle cost of structures and infrastructures, life-cycle performance of special structures, and life-cycle oriented computational tools. The aim of the editors is to provide a valuable source for anyone interested in life-cycle of civil infrastructure systems, including students, researchers and practitioners from all areas of engineering and industry.

A central asset of eco-efficiency analysis is that it does not depend on a specific evaluation of environmental impacts against economic effects. Several evaluation methods may be used, including those based on willingness-to-pay, panel procedures, and public statements on policy goals. This volume covers all aspects of eco-efficiency analysis and offers a global perspective on the subject.