... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoi... more ... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoid uncertainties related to weighting processes and impacts assessment. ... Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is employed to weld together various collector's parts with welding rods. ...
In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy ... more In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy consumption and environmental burdens associated with the production of protected crops in an agricultural district in the Mediterranean region. In this study, LCA was used as a 'support tool', to address local policies for sustainable production and consumption patterns, and to create a 'knowledge base' for environmental assessment of an extended agricultural production area. The proposed approach combines organisation-specific tools, such as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Product Declarations, with the environmental management of the district. Questionnaires were distributed to producers to determine the life cycle of different protected crops (tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, melons and zucchinis), and obtain information on greenhouse usage (e.g. tunnel vs. pavilion). Ecoprofiles of products in the district were also estimated, to identify supply chain elements with the highest impact in terms of global energy requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, water consumption and waste production. These results of this study enable selection of the 'best practices' and ecodesign solutions, to reduce the environmental impact of these products. Finally, sensitivity analysis of key LCA issues was performed, to assess the variability associated with different parameters: vegetable production; water usage; fertiliser and pesticide usage; shared greenhouse use; substitution of plastics coverings; and waste recycling.
... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal... more ... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal of the study is to define the energy and environmental profile of an insulation product based on a natural fibre composite material. The ...
... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill t... more ... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill them, respecting, at least, the mass/energy balance principle ([Ross et al., 2001] and [Huijbregts, 1998]). There are many LCA tools that ...
Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of
mater... more Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoi... more ... as possible, in order to show the incidence of each component and life cycle step and to avoid uncertainties related to weighting processes and impacts assessment. ... Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is employed to weld together various collector's parts with welding rods. ...
In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy ... more In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to evaluate the energy consumption and environmental burdens associated with the production of protected crops in an agricultural district in the Mediterranean region. In this study, LCA was used as a 'support tool', to address local policies for sustainable production and consumption patterns, and to create a 'knowledge base' for environmental assessment of an extended agricultural production area. The proposed approach combines organisation-specific tools, such as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Product Declarations, with the environmental management of the district. Questionnaires were distributed to producers to determine the life cycle of different protected crops (tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, melons and zucchinis), and obtain information on greenhouse usage (e.g. tunnel vs. pavilion). Ecoprofiles of products in the district were also estimated, to identify supply chain elements with the highest impact in terms of global energy requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, water consumption and waste production. These results of this study enable selection of the 'best practices' and ecodesign solutions, to reduce the environmental impact of these products. Finally, sensitivity analysis of key LCA issues was performed, to assess the variability associated with different parameters: vegetable production; water usage; fertiliser and pesticide usage; shared greenhouse use; substitution of plastics coverings; and waste recycling.
... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal... more ... kenaf-fibre. 4. Case study: kenaf-fibre board. 4.1. Goal and scope definition. The main goal of the study is to define the energy and environmental profile of an insulation product based on a natural fibre composite material. The ...
... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill t... more ... base of his experience, and moves on. Moreover, if data are missing, it is possible to fill them, respecting, at least, the mass/energy balance principle ([Ross et al., 2001] and [Huijbregts, 1998]). There are many LCA tools that ...
Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of
mater... more Within Research and Development programmes funded by the European Union, new generations of materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
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Papers by Fulvio Ardente
materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of
a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and
milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the
technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting
solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing
innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment
has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge
knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA
in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested
within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D
stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and
direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also
described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been
analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental
aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future
calls and the execution of future projects is reported.
materials, products, systems, and processes are under development. In the present article the structure of
a Research and Development publicly funded inter-organizational project with its deliverables and
milestones is analysed, since it can enhance the development of real eco-innovation. In particular the
technical and managerial experience gained during EU-funded FP7 project called HarWin (Harvesting
solar energy with multifunctional glass-polymer windows) is reported. The project aimed at designing
innovative smart windows with polymer-glass composite glazing and framing. As Life Cycle Assessment
has been increasingly explicitly required in R&D projects, efforts have been dedicated to enlarge
knowledge on the development of specific tailored LCA methods and tools and on the application of LCA
in inter-organizational R&D projects in general. The specific method developed and systematically tested
within the project to assess the environmental burden associated to the life cycle of windows at the R&D
stage is reported. The specific tool that has been developed to allow environmental data gathering and
direct involvement of the design team in the environmentally conscious design of the window is also
described, highlighting its experienced benefits. The management of the HarWin project has been
analysed and reported in order to identify strengths and weaknesses for the integration of environmental
aspects and of LCA in particular. Finally, a list of recommendations for improving the planning in future
calls and the execution of future projects is reported.