DOCSLIB.ORG

Comparative Study of Life Cycle Assessment of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid for Food Packaging

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comparative Study of Life Cycle Assessment of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid for Food Packaging International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, ISSN(p): 2321 –8991, ISSN(e): 2321 –9009 Vol-7, Iss-1, Spl. Issue-2 Mar.-2019, http://iraj.in COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF POLYPROPYLENE AND POLYLACTIC ACID FOR FOOD PACKAGING 1SYAMIM FAUZI, 2HAZLEEN ANUAR 1,2Manufacturing and Material Engineering IIUM Malaysia E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Abstract - Synthetic polymers caused depletion of the petroleum. Development of PLA as food packaging is frequently done to reduce the environmental impact due to its characteristic of easily degraded. Cradle-to-grave analysis of PLA indicates that even though PLA packaging is easy to degrade, it will still be considered as waste after disposal. However, biodegradability of PLA enabled the cradle-to-cradle analysis to be made where no unwanted excess material produced as it can be recuperated or reused as the packaging decomposes into nutrients. System boundary is first developed. PLA gives lesser GWP where PP gives 203.0 Kg CO2 eqv. Due to implementation of cradle-to-cradle, the GWP value of PLA is reduced to 161.37 Kg CO2 eqv from 164.6 Kg CO2 eqv. AP value of PLA is lower than PP packaging with amount of 4.89 x -1 -1 10 Kg SO2 eqv and 4.89 x 10 Kg SO2 eqv for PLA. PP packaging gives lesser environmental impact through ODP and EP with 7.09 x 10-12 Kg CFC-11 eqv and 1.10 x 10-4 Kg P eqv each as compared to PLA with 6.22 x 10-10 Kg CFC-11 and 1.79 x 10-4 Kg P eqv. As the major contributor towards the environmental impact is GWP which covered about 97% over others, PLA packaging gives better environmental impact as compared to PP packaging. Keywords - Life Cycle Assessment, Cradle-to-Cradle, Polypropylene, Polylactic acid, Food packaging, Environmental Impacts I. INTRODUCTION terms of global warming potential (GWP)[4]. To date however, there is none of the researchers have Synthetic polymers are well known in many human conducted cradle-to-cradle assessment on polylactic activities along with industrial development. These acid as it is biodegradable that decompose into artificial substances are basically made up from nutrients that help in new crop production [5]. Thus, petroleum which define the non-degradable properties the aim of this study is to quantify the environmental that cause harm and problem to the environment impacts on food packaging of polypropylene (PP) and which is not subtle for temporary use [1]. As a polylactic acid (PLA)fabricated.Both PP and PLA countermeasure to the environmental problems such were assessed using GaBi Software. Cradle-to-gate as pollution towards the landfills, researchers are system boundary was developed for PPwhereas consistently developing and enhancing the properties cradle-to-cradle system was developed for PLA.The of the biodegradable polymer of PLA to make it environmental impact quantified were global competitive with other synthetic polymers which are warming, ozone depletion, eutrophication and well known for their good mechanical properties such acidification. as PP. Environmental impacts can be assessed by sustainability tool of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as II. METHODOLOGY it is an approach which is used to evaluate environmental impacts potential. Interpretation of 2.1. Definition of Scope LCA comprises the assessment of the environmental Scope of cradle-to-cradle is used for the PLA and impacts starting with the early stage of the product cradle-to-grave for PP.The raw pellets of both PP and that consists of raw materials towards the end of the PLA were obtained from suppliers accordingly where product‟s life [2]. In order to develop LCA, system it has been transported to the manufacturing plant that boundary must be identified. System boundary is what later on transported to consumer defined as use phase defines the unit processes that need to be included in and lastly to the landfill where landfill site for PLA the modeled system. There are different types of scope serves as a nutrients settling. that defined the system boundary which are cradle-to- 2.2. Functional Unit for Production of Packaging grave, cradle-to-gate and gate-to-gate in LCA [3]. Functional unit used for producing food packaging of Cradle-to-cradle assessment on the other hand defined both PP and PLA was 50 units where the weight for as another sustainability tool with certification system each unit of PLA food packaging is defined to be that provides an informative methodology. As 0.0106 kg while the weight for each unit of PP food compared to LCA scopes, cradle-to-cradle assessment packaging is 0.0073 kg. provides a definitive analysis that covers a closed 2.3 Transportation system as the status of the resources is For this project, PP required only land transportation maintained.PLA packaging gives lesser environmental of a car as it is obtained from Penang while PLA impact compared to other synthetic packaging in required air and land transportation as it is obtained Comparative Study of Life Cycle Assessment of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid for Food Packaging 37 International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, ISSN(p): 2321 –8991, ISSN(e): 2321 –9009 Vol-7, Iss-1, Spl. Issue-2 Mar.-2019, http://iraj.in from Nature Works located in China. PP required an III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION estimated distance of 276 km from supplier to manufacturing plant. For PLA, the distance from the 3.1. Global Warming Potential supplier is estimated to be 4004 km of airway and The result of GWP for PP is shown in Figure 3. The 77 km of roadway while the distance for transporting presence of recovery section in the plotted graph the used product to the landfill site for both PP and indicated the material recovery of PLA due to PLA are estimated to be 10 km. implementation of cradle-to-cradle method in assessing the environmental impact. It can be seen 2.4 Electricity that GWP of PP is higher compared to PLA where the For PP, the electrical energy was only used for the amount of GWP for PP is 203 Kg CO2 eqv. The fabrication of the food packaging through amount of GWP of PLA is reduced from 164.6Kg compression molding. PLA required higher electrical CO2 eqv to 161.037 Kg CO2 eqv due to the energy due to drying and compression molding implementation of cradle-to-cradle method of PLA processes. For PP, 847.22 MJ amount of electrical where the material recovery is considered. This can consumed while for PLA, 10.80 MJ for drying and be seen as similar to the study made by (GPI, 2007) 678.96 MJ was used for compression molding where cradle-to-cradle results in reduction of global process. warming potential.Manufacturing process of compression molding for PP and extra process of 2.5 Life Cycle Impact Assessment drying for PLA is the major cause of global warming Potential environmental impact of Global Warming for both PP and PLA that indicates the major cause of Potential (GWP), Ozone Layer Depletion Potential global warming for food packaging production is due (ODP), Eutrophication Potential (EP) and to the usage of electricity followed by transportation, Acidification Potential (AP) with unit of Kg CO2 eqv, obtaining raw pellets which include the production of Kg CFC-11 eqv, Kg P eqv and Kg SO2eqv each were raw pellets and lastly deposition to landfill. The assessed and interpreted as the system boundary been process of obtaining that includes production of raw developed. The impact was analysed up to the pellets for PLA is lesser which 0.311 Kg CO2 eqv midpoint level that covers the environmental problem over PP which is 0.718Kg CO2 eqv. This is due to the that were positioned between the inventory and presence of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulphur endpoint level. The impacts were assessed using hexafluoride, and greater methane gas emission as ReCipe (1.08) as LCIA method provided by the compared to PLA that contributed to GWP. Greater GaBisoftware.Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the system amount of GWP contributed in producing PP boundary developed for both PP and PLA food compared to PLA was due to the process of packaging. extraction from petroleum that required higher amount of energy used thermally and electrically where production of PP granules gives high GWP than biodegradable plastics [7]. Landfilling activity of PP is simply lesser than PLA due to composting reaction as high amount of methane is produced by bacterial decomposition when an organic material of PLA is disposed towards landfill [8]. However, due to cradle-to-cradle implementation, the amount of greenhouse gases are sequestered and absorbed by the plants as the new material are recovered by new crop production that later on deduce the overall amount of global warming to 161.037 Kg CO2eqv. Figure 1. Developed system boundary for PP in the GaBisoftware Figure 2. Developed system boundary for PLA in the GaBi software Figure 3. Global Warming Potential of PP and PLA packaging Comparative Study of Life Cycle Assessment of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid for Food Packaging 38 International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, ISSN(p): 2321 –8991, ISSN(e): 2321 –9009 Vol-7, Iss-1, Spl. Issue-2 Mar.-2019, http://iraj.in 3.2. Ozone Depletion Potential required in order to shape PP packaging. Excess Figure 4 shows the ODP value in producing PP and emission of phosphorus and phosphates caused by PLA packaging. Process of obtaining raw pellets greater electricity generation to support electrical serves as a major contributor to ozone depletion as demand will induce environmental problem due to the ODP value in producing PLA food packaging is high coal combustion[12].Both polylactic acid and 6.03 x 10-10 Kg CFC-11 eqv with no ozone depletion polypropylene, process of producing PLA produces caused by producing PP pellets.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ammonia As a Refrigerant
    1791 Tullie Circle, NE. Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2305, USA www.ashrae.org ASHRAE Position Document on Ammonia as a Refrigerant Approved by ASHRAE Board of Directors February 1, 2017 Expires February 1, 2020 ASHRAE S H A P I N G T O M O R R O W ’ S B U I L T E N V I R O N M E N T T O D A Y © 2017 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE’s prior written permission. COMMITTEE ROSTER The ASHRAE Position Document on “Ammonia as a Refrigerant” was developed by the Society’s Refrigeration Committee. Position Document Committee formed on January 8, 2016 with Dave Rule as its chair. Dave Rule, Chair Georgi Kazachki IIAR Dayton Phoenix Group Alexandria, VA, USA Dayton, OH, USA Ray Cole Richard Royal Axiom Engineers, Inc. Walmart Monterey, CA, USA Bentonville, Arkansas, USA Dan Dettmers Greg Scrivener IRC, University of Wisconsin Cold Dynamics Madison, WI, USA Meadow Lake, SK, Canada Derek Hamilton Azane Inc. San Francisco, CA, USA Other contributors: M. Kent Anderson Caleb Nelson Consultant Azane, Inc. Bethesda, MD, USA Missoula, MT, USA Cognizant Committees The chairperson of Refrigerant Committee also served as ex-officio members: Karim Amrane REF Committee AHRI Bethesda, MD, USA i © 2017 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE’s prior written permission. HISTORY of REVISION / REAFFIRMATION / WITHDRAWAL
    [Show full text]
  • LIFE Country Overview Italy 2021
    Italy Overview This document provides an overview of LIFE in Italy. It showcases key data and some of the latest LIFE projects. You will also find contact details and other useful resources and a full list of current and recently-finished LIFE projects. Every year calls for project proposals are launched covering the LIFE programme’s priority areas. ABOUT LIFE The LIFE programme is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action. It has been running since 1992 and has co-financed more than 5 400 projects across the EU and in third countries, mobilising over €12 billion and contributing more than €5.64 billion to the protection of the environment and climate. Types of LIFE project: Other types of LIFE funding: Traditional (Environment and Resource Efficiency; Nature NGO operating grants and Biodiversity; Environmental Governance and Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) Information; Climate Change Mitigation; Climate Change Private Finance for Energy Efficiency (PF4EE) Adaptation; Climate Governance and Information). Integrated (Environment, Nature or Climate Action) NCFF and PF4EE are joint initiatives with the European Preparatory Investment Bank, which manages the two funds. Capacity-building For more information visit: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en Last update: 28/05/21 European Commission/CINEA (https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en) – Page 1 – LIFE Environment and Resource Efficiency This LIFE priority area is aimed at developing, testing and demonstrating best practices, solutions and integrated approaches to environmental challenges, as well as improving the related knowledge base. To date, the LIFE Environment and Resource Efficiency strand (formerly the LIFE Environment Policy and Governance component) has co-financed 530 projects in Italy, representing a total investment of €964 million, of which €415 million has been provided by the EU.
    [Show full text]
  • 60 Examples of Natural Refrigerant Stories in Article 5 Countries and Eits July 2012 Ŝŷƚƌžěƶđɵžŷ !"#$%&"#'"$(
    60 EXAMPLES OF NATURAL REFRIGERANT STORIES IN ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES AND EITS JULY 2012 ŝŶƚƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ !"#$%&"#'"$( dŚĞƵƐĞŽĨŽnjŽŶĞͲĚĞƉůĞƟŶŐĂŶĚŚŝŐŚͲŐůŽďĂůǁĂƌŵŝŶŐƐƵďƐƚĂŶĐĞƐŚĂƐďĞĐŽŵĞĂƌŝƐ) ŝŶŐĐŽŶĐĞƌŶƚŽƚŚĞŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂůĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͕ŐŝǀĞŶƚŚĞŝƌĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚĂůŝŵƉĂĐƚĨƌŽŵ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚƵƐĞ͕ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚǁŝƚŚƟŐŚƚĞŶŝŶŐƐƵƉƉůLJĂŶĚƌŝƐŝŶŐƌĂǁŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐĐŽƐƚ͘&Ɛ͕ ,&ƐĂŶĚ,&ƐƵƐĞĚĂƐƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂŶƚƐĂƌĞĞŝƚŚĞƌĂůƌĞĂĚLJĐŽǀĞƌĞĚďLJŐůŽďĂůĂŐƌĞĞ) ŵĞŶƚƐŽƌĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJĚŝƐĐƵƐƐĞĚƵŶĚĞƌƉŚĂƐĞͲŽƵƚƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞƐ͘tŚĞƌĞŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƌƟĐůĞ ϱĐŽƵŶƚƌŝĞƐŚĂǀĞƚĂŬĞŶƚŚĞůĞĂĚƚŽďĂŶƚŚĞƵƐĞŽĨĂůůŇƵŽƌŝŶĂƚĞĚŐĂƐĞƐŝŶƚŚĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ LJĞĂƌƐ͕ĂŵĂũŽƌŝƚLJŝƐƐƟůůŚĞƐŝƚĂƟŶŐĂƐƚŽǁŚĞƚŚĞƌŶŽŶͲŇƵŽƌŝŶĂƚĞĚƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂŶƚƐĐŽŶƐƟ) ƚƵƚĞĂǀŝĂďůĞĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞŝŶĂůůĞŶĚͲƵƐĞƐĂŶĚĐŝƌĐƵŵƐƚĂŶĐĞƐ͘ dŚĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĐŽůůĞĐƟŽŶŽĨĂƌƟĐůĞƐŝƐŝŶƚĞŶĚĞĚĨŽƌƉŽůŝĐLJŵĂŬĞƌƐŝŶƐĞĂƌĐŚŽĨƐŽůŝĚ ƉƌŽŽĨĨŽƌƚŚĞǀŝĂďŝůŝƚLJŽĨƚŚĞŶĂƚƵƌĂůƐƵďƐƚĂŶĐĞƐĂŵŵŽŶŝĂ͕ĐĂƌďŽŶĚŝŽdžŝĚĞĂŶĚŚLJĚƌŽ) ĐĂƌďŽŶƐƵƐĞĚĂƐƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂŶƚƐŝŶƚŚĞŚĞĂƟŶŐ͕ƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂƟŽŶĂŶĚĐŽŽůŝŶŐŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJǁŽƌůĚ) ǁŝĚĞ͘dŚĞĐŽŵƉŝůĂƟŽŶǁĂƐƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĚĂŌĞƌĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶŵĂŬĞƌƐƌĞƉĞĂƚĞĚůLJĞdžƉƌĞƐƐĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚŝŶŚĂǀŝŶŐŽŶĞƌĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚƚŽƐƵŵŵĂƌŝƐĞďĞƐƚͲƉƌĂĐƟĐĞĞdžĂŵƉůĞƐĂŶĚ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐƚŚĞǀĂƌŝŽƵƐŝƐƐƵĞƐĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJƚŚŽƵŐŚƚƚŽƉƌĞǀĞŶƚƚŚĞƵƐĞŽĨŶĂƚƵƌĂůǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŇƵŝĚƐŝŶƌƟĐůĞϱĐŽƵŶƚƌŝĞƐ͗ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚLJ͕ĐŽƐƚ͕ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ͕ƐĂĨĞƚLJ͕ůĞŐŝƐůĂƟŽŶ͕ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ΘŬŶŽǁͲŚŽǁĂŶĚŵĂƌŬĞƚͲďĂƐĞĚďĂƌƌŝĞƌƐ͘dŚĞĐŽůůĞĐƟŽŶĂŝŵƐƚŽŚŝŐŚůŝŐŚƚŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝ) ƟĞƐďƵƚůŝŬĞǁŝƐĞŽƵƚůŝŶĞĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐĞŶĐŽƵŶƚĞƌĞĚŝŶĂĚŽƉƟŶŐK*(%+,-ĂŶĚ,ƐĂƐ ƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂŶƚƐ͘ dŚĞĂƌƟĐůĞƐůŝƐƚĞĚŝŶƚŚŝƐĐŽůůĞĐƟŽŶĂƌĞƚĂŬĞŶĨƌŽŵƚŚĞŽŶůŝŶĞŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJƉůĂƞŽƌŵƐ ǁǁǁ͘ĂŵŵŽŶŝĂϮϭ͘ĐŽŵ͕ǁǁǁ͘ŚLJĚƌŽĐĂƌďŽŶƐϮϭ͘ĐŽŵĂŶĚǁǁǁ͘Zϳϰϰ͘ĐŽŵͲĞĂĐŚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐĞĚŽŶŽŶĞƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂŶƚ;ŐƌŽƵƉͿǁŝƚŚůŽǁĞƐƚŐůŽďĂůǁĂƌŵŝŶŐƉŽƚĞŶƟĂůĂŶĚŶŽ ŽnjŽŶĞĚĞƉůĞƟŽŶƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů͘ dŚĞLJǁĞƌĞƉƵďůŝƐŚĞĚŽǀĞƌƚŚĞůĂƐƚϭϮŵŽŶƚŚƐĂŶĚǁĞƌĞƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚĨŽƌƚŚĞŝƌƌĞůĞǀĂŶĐĞ
    [Show full text]
  • Carrier Transicold to Highlight Sustainability Solutions at IAA Show 2016 Stand E15, Hall 27, IAA Show, Hanover, Germany, 22 – 29 September 2016
    For Immediate Release Contact: Andy Hemphill / Beth Laws For Carrier Transicold 020 8647 4467 [email protected] [email protected] Carrier Transicold to Highlight Sustainability Solutions at IAA Show 2016 Stand E15, Hall 27, IAA Show, Hanover, Germany, 22 – 29 September 2016 WARRINGTON, England, Aug. 25, 2016 — Carrier Transicold will introduce visitors to a prototype natural refrigerant trailer unit as well as a new generation of engineless transport refrigeration systems at the 2016 IAA Show in Hanover, Germany. Both technologies highlight Carrier’s commitment to helping fleets meet efficiency and sustainability goals. Carrier Transicold, which operates in the UK as Carrier Transicold UK, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The prototype natural refrigerant trailer unit will be making its IAA debut, mounted to a Rohr trailer and displayed on the Rohr stand (F09) in Hall 27. Following the IAA Show, it will enter service on a three-year technology field trial with German retailer Netto Marken-Discount. The prototype unit stands apart from conventional transport refrigeration technology for operating exclusively with carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigerant in a closed- loop system. CO2 is a safe and non-ozone depleting gas with a global warming potential (GWP) of one, delivering a massive reduction in F-Gases and making it the baseline against which other refrigerants are measured. Carrier Transicold will also showcase the new engineless transport refrigeration units that have joined its range following the strategic acquisition of Dutch firm, TRS Transportkoeling b.v. (TRS). The Carrier stand will feature an example of the ground- breaking ECO-DRIVE power module, which utilises the power generated by a truck’s own Euro VI diesel engine to drive a host refrigeration unit, removing the need for a secondary engine.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Is Earth's Ozone Layer Still at Risk?
    Volume XVIII | 30 April 2018 In this issue: 1. Is Earth’s ozone layer still at risk? 5 questions answered 2. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon market set explosive growth to 2025 3. Fast mitigation to save lives and the planet in Latin America and the Caribbean 4. USEPA to start new rule-making on HFCs 5. HVAC manufacturers optimistic about the future of the refrigeration market 6. Reclamation of R-22 weakens in 2017, resulting in refrigerant concern 7. Oman and Jordan share experience on training and certification in the refrigeration and air conditioning 8. Cooling India with less warming: Affordable & Efficient ACs 9. NEW REPORT: Removing ‘F-gases’ could slow global warming by 0.5 degrees 10. ODS banks: Over 70 participants learned in GIZ webinar about environmental friendly disposal of old appliances in RAC sector 1. Is Earth’s ozone layer still at risk? 5 questions answered Editor’s note: Curbing damage to Earth’s protective ozone layer is widely viewed as one of the most important successes of the modern environmental era. Earlier this year, however, a study reported that ozone concentrations in the lower level of the stratosphere had been falling since the late 1990s – even though the Montreal Protocol, a global treaty to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals, had been in effect since 1989. This raised questions about whether and how human activities could still be damaging the ozone layer. Atmospheric chemist A.R. Ravishankara, who co-chaired a United Nations/World Meteorological Organization Scientific Assessment panel on stratospheric ozone from 2007 to 2015, provides perspective. What’s the prevailing view among atmospheric scientists today about the state of the ozone layer? The overall picture is clear: The Montreal Protocol reduced use of ozone-depleting chemicals and will lead to healing of the ozone layer.
    [Show full text]
  • Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Crude Oil Processing - Global Emission Inventory and Environmental Release DOI: 10.1016/J.Scitotenv.2020.138654
    The University of Manchester Research Emissions of volatile organic compounds from crude oil processing - global emission inventory and environmental release DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138654 Document Version Accepted author manuscript Link to publication record in Manchester Research Explorer Citation for published version (APA): Rajabi, H., Hadi Mosleh, M., Mandal, P., Lea-Langton, A., & Sedighi, M. (2020). Emissions of volatile organic compounds from crude oil processing - global emission inventory and environmental release. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138654 Published in: Science of the Total Environment Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on Manchester Research Explorer is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Proof version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the Research Explorer are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Takedown policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please refer to the University of Manchester’s Takedown Procedures [http://man.ac.uk/04Y6Bo] or contact [email protected] providing relevant details, so we can investigate your claim. Download date:05. Oct. 2021 Emissions
    [Show full text]
  • QUANTIFYING the SOCIAL IMPACT of REFRIGERANT CHOICES the Role of Refrigerants in Climate Change… and What You Can Do About It
    QUANTIFYING THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF REFRIGERANT CHOICES The role of refrigerants in climate change… and what you can do about it AUGUST 2020 Contents The Impact of Refrigerants 4 The Importance of 2024 in California 5 The Social Cost of Carbon 7 What can HVAC Engineers & Chiller Manufacturers Do? 8 Natural & Alternative Refrigerants 9 Putting this into Practice with Two Case Studies 10 Case Study 1: Natural Ventilation 11 Case Study 2: Alternative Refrigerants 12 Global Leaders 13 Call to Action 14 Manufacturer Advocacy Letter 15 Contributors & References 17 iii QUANTIFYING THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF REFRIGERANT CHOICES The Impact of Refrigerants Refrigerants are significant contributors to climate change. Project Drawdown identifies refrigerants as the #1 most impactful factor in the construction industry (Project Drawdown, n.d.). Flourinated gases comprise 3% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, 92% of which are due to refrigerants in buildings and vehicles (Environmental Protection Agency, 2020). The impacts of refrigerants are classified using two measurements: ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP). Beyond the environmental impact, refrigerants additionally pose a risk to human health via risks of toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation and other hazards (Advent Air, 2015). Many of these risks can be mitigated via prudent refrigerant management, such as prevention of leakage and proper disposal. The Montreal Protocol In order to combat the harmful impacts of refrigerants, the 1987 Montreal Protocol was established to protect the ozone layer through phasing out the usage of refrigerants with high ODPs, including Chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochrloroflourocarbons (HCFCs) (U.S. Department of State, 2019).
    [Show full text]
  • The Future of Air Conditioning for Buildings
    The Future of Air Conditioning for Buildings July 2016 W. Goetzler, M. Guernsey, J. Young, J. Fuhrman Navigant Consulting, Inc. O. Abdelaziz, PhD Oak Ridge National Laboratory (This page intentionally left blank) NOTICE This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government, nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, nor any of their contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency, contractor or subcontractor thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Available electronically at www.osti.gov/home/ Prepared for: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies Office eere.energy.gov/buildings Prepared by: Navigant Consulting, Inc. 77 South Bedford Street, Suite 400 Burlington, MA 01803 William Goetzler Matt Guernsey Jim Young Jay Fuhrman Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    [Show full text]
  • Interpreting Environmental Impacts Resulting from Fruit Cultivation in a Business Innovation Perspective
    sustainability Article Interpreting Environmental Impacts Resulting from Fruit Cultivation in a Business Innovation Perspective Marco Medici * , Maurizio Canavari and Moreno Toselli Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; [email protected] (M.C.); [email protected] (M.T.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 29 September 2020; Accepted: 20 November 2020; Published: 24 November 2020 Abstract: Sustainability of food production is a major concern today. This study assessed the environmental impact of fruit production and discussed business implications for sustainability. Data were collected from three agricultural enterprises growing six species of fruit, extending over a total of 34 hectares, and producing roughly one thousand tons of fruit per year. The results of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) showed that several production activities heavily impact the environment: in descending order of absolute terms, fruit refrigeration, agronomic operations, irrigation, and fertilizer use were recognized as the most impacting. Other activities, including agrochemical applications, planting, and plastic use for harvesting and packaging, showed overall lower impacts. The high environmental impact associated with most of the production activities emphasizes the need to make the primary food production cleaner, more resource-efficient, and less energy-intensive. Affordable incremental innovations able to reshape the way business is conducted in the context of primary food production are proposed, mainly relying on process rationalization and digital switchover. The analysis of the business path toward increased sustainability involves strategic issues, ranging from the reshaping of production processes to relationships with consumers, affecting value proposition, creation, and capture. Keywords: business models; innovation; resource efficiency; sustainability; environmental assessment; fruit production; cleaner production; life cycle assessment (LCA); carbon footprint 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Technicians
    Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Introduction Technicians Welcome to the Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Technicians. It is an e-book for people who are involved in training and organization of service and maintenance of refrigeration and air- conditioning (RAC) systems. It is aimed at people who are: • Service and maintenance technicians • Private company service/maintenance managers • Private company managers involved in developing their Why you need this manual 4 service and maintenance policy Private company technicians trainers When to use this manual 4 • • Educational establishment RAC trainers and course How to use this manual 4 developers • National Ozone Units (NOUs) responsible for servicing and maintenance regulations and programmes related to the Montreal Protocol. Why you need this Manual Over recent years, attention on the issue of ozone depletion has The manual is written for those who have a relatively comprehensive remained focused on the obligatory phasing out of ozone depleting level of knowledge and understanding of RAC systems and substances (ODS). At the same time, awareness of climate change associated technology. The material within this manual may be Introduction has increased, along with the development of national and regional used for the purpose of developing training resources or parts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. In order to of training courses, as well as general guidance and information achieve reduction in emissions of both ODSs and GHGs, attention for technicians on issues that are closely related to the use and has to be paid to activities at a micro-level. This includes reducing application of alternative refrigerants. Most training courses are leakage rates, improving energy-efficiency and preventing other likely to cover a range of topics associated with RAC systems, and environmental impacts, by directing the activities of individuals, and as such, the material within this manual may contribute towards influencing the design and maintenance of equipment.
    [Show full text]
  • Ozone Layer Protection
    VATIS UPDATE OzOzoneone LaLayyerer PrProtectionotection Vol. 4 No. 118 z May - Jun 2013 ISSN 0971-5657 Apprise yourself with the latest technological innovations Highlights z Sunlit snow triggers atmospheric cleaning z Successful trials of new low-GWP refrigerant z Methyl soyate: an eco-friendly solvent z CFC-free, stable inhalation formulation z Low-GWP liquid blowing agent for foam insulation z Pressurized disinfestation with carbon dioxide Ozone Cell VATIS UPDATE: Ozone Layer Protection May-Jun 2013 1 Asian and Pacific Centre for Ministry of Environment and Forests Transfer of Technology (APCTT) Government of India The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), a subsidiary body of ESCAP, was established on 16 July 1977 with the objectives: to assist the members and associate members of ESCAP through strengthening their capabilities to develop and manage national innovation systems; develop, transfer, adapt and apply technology; improve the terms of transfer of technology; and identify and promote the development and transfer of technologies relevant to the region. The Centre will achieve the above objectives by undertaking such functions as: Research and analysis of trends, conditions and opportunities; Advisory services; Dissemination of information and good practices; Networking and partnership with international organizations and key stakeholders; and Training of national personnel, particularly national scientists and policy analysts. The shaded areas of the map indicate ESCAP members and associate members Cover Photo A scientist conducts a snow-chamber experiment in Alaska (see page 5 for details). (Credit: Dr. Paul Shepson, Purdue University, the United States) 2 VATIS UPDATE: Ozone Layer Protection May-Jun 2013 VATIS* Update Ozone Layer Protection is published 6 times a year to keep the CONTENTS readers up to date of most of the relevant and latest technological Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Ammonia – a Natural Refrigerant
    Ammonia – A Natural Refrigerant Environmentally friendly, economically efficient Our developed society depends on industrially produced refrigeration. Whether at home, in the production and storage of foodstuffs like frozen foods, yogurt and coffee, as part of industrial production processes in the automotive and chemicals/pharmaceuticals industry, or in air-conditioning systems – refrigeration is a central element everywhere. Industrially produced refrigeration is what makes a modern lifestyle possible. And natural refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons are an integral element in refrigeration. Natural refrigerants have been used to produce cold energy – mainly in food production and th storage – since the mid-19 century. Ammonia (NH 3) in particular has proven its worth in industrial refrigeration for over 120 years. Although “safety refrigerants“ – such as the now illegal CFCs – were increasingly used in plants built in the 1950s and ‘60s, ammonia has always managed to prevail in industrial refrigeration technology. Due in great part to the environmental debate surrounding ozone depletion and global warming, ammonia’s share in the market for refrigeration technology is on the rise again, and companies of long-standing tradition and experience prefer to work with ammonia. Compelling Characteristics Ammonia is a colourless gas that liquefies under pressure and has a pungent odour. In refrigeration technology, ammonia is known as R 717 (R = Refrigerant). Although it is synthetically produced for use in refrigeration, ammonia is considered a natural refrigerant because it occurs in nature’s material cycles. Ammonia has no ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and no direct greenhouse effect (GWP = 0). Its indirect greenhouse effect contribution is also very limited due to its high energy efficiency.
    [Show full text]