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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Brit Anak Kayan and Nur Nadhifah Ashraf

Heritage buildings are consistently impacted by technical and pathological issues associated with their maintenance and conservation such as diminish of building's authenticity…

Abstract

Purpose

Heritage buildings are consistently impacted by technical and pathological issues associated with their maintenance and conservation such as diminish of building's authenticity and damaging environmental impact. This paper aims to evaluate the environmental maintenance impact (EMI) of the Singgora roof tiles repair in heritage buildings. The EMI is an evaluation upon embodied carbon expenditure during maintenance phase, thus important in repair efficiency appraisal.

Design/methodology/approach

Calculation procedures within selected boundaries of life cycle assessment (LCA) and arbitrary period enabled evaluation of the EMI of Singgora roof tiles repair in heritage buildings during the maintenance phase.

Findings

Evaluation of the EMI could be appreciated as a carbon LCA of Singgora roof tiles repair and has been recognised in embodied carbon expenditure reduction in the form of CO2 emissions mitigation. Importantly, the evaluation underpins decision-making for heritage buildings repair.

Practical implications

EMI evaluation encompasses all building types and forms, thus comprehends the associated applied methodologies. Moreover, the evaluation reflects the emerging environmental challenges of sustaining resilient buildings globally.

Social implications

EMI evaluation highlights options that may be adopted in repair. Indirectly, this implicates heritage building preservation and place's identity protection. Significantly, the evaluation supports environmentally focused conservation and promotes a sustainable repair approach.

Originality/value

EMI evaluation of this paper may devoted to the holistic understanding of the complex relations between Singgora roof materials and their environmental performance. Meanwhile, the application of a carbon LCA had dictated integration of multidisciplinary of heritage buildings maintenance and conservation.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

Payman Sahbah Ahmed, Ava Ali Kamal, Niveen Jamal Abdulkader, Basim Mohammed Fadhil and Fuad Khoshnaw

Pipelines are subject to pits, holes and cracks after staying in service for a while, especially in harsh environments. To repair the pipelines, composite materials are used, due…

Abstract

Purpose

Pipelines are subject to pits, holes and cracks after staying in service for a while, especially in harsh environments. To repair the pipelines, composite materials are used, due to composite materials' low cost, high-corrosion resistance and easy handling. This study aims to investigate the reliability of the blister test for evaluating the bonding strength of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on woven carbon-reinforced epoxy.

Design/methodology/approach

Flexural, hardness and Izod impact tests were used to evaluate MWCNT effect on the epoxy by adding different amounts, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 wt. %, of MWCNT, to be compared with pure epoxy.

Findings

The results showed that 0.8 wt.% gives the highest strength. The experimental results of 0.8 wt.% MWCNT reinforced carbon composite was compared with the finite element model under blister test, and the results showed high similarities.

Originality/value

Evaluation of the reliability and the advantages of MWCNT considering the high aspect ratio and high tensile strength, which is more than 15 times compared to steel, MWCNT enhances the strength, stiffness and toughness of epoxy used as a matrix in repairing pipelines, which leads to an increase in the resistance of composite materials against oil internal pressure before delamination.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Mengdi Zhang, Aoxiang Chen, Zhiheng Zhao and George Q. Huang

This research explores mitigating carbon emissions and integrating sustainability in e-commerce logistics by optimizing the multi-depot pollution routing problem with time windows…

Abstract

Purpose

This research explores mitigating carbon emissions and integrating sustainability in e-commerce logistics by optimizing the multi-depot pollution routing problem with time windows (MDPRPTW). A proposed model contrasts non-collaborative and collaborative decision-making for order assignment among logistics service providers (LSPs), incorporating low-carbon considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is substantiated using improved adaptive large neighborhood search (IALNS), tabu search (TS) and oriented ant colony algorithm (OACA) within the context of e-commerce logistics. For model validation, a normal distribution is employed to generate random demand and inputs, derived from the location and requirements files of LSPs.

Findings

This research validates the efficacy of e-commerce logistics optimization and IALNS, TS and OACA algorithms, especially when demand follows a normal distribution. It establishes that cooperation among LSPs can substantially reduce carbon emissions and costs, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability in e-commerce logistics optimization.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proposes a meta-heuristic algorithm to solve the NP-hard problem. Methodologies such as reinforcement learning can be investigated in future work.

Practical implications

This research can help logistics managers understand the status of sustainable and cost-effective logistics operations and provide a basis for optimal decision-making.

Originality/value

This paper describes the complexity of the MDPRPTW model, which addresses both carbon emissions and cost reduction. Detailed information about the algorithm, methodology and computational studies is investigated. The research problem encompasses various practical aspects related to routing optimization in e-commerce logistics, aiming for sustainable development.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Shahriar Abubakri, Pritpal S. Mangat, Konstantinos Grigoriadis and Vincenzo Starinieri

Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable. Accelerated curing of concrete under MC can contribute to the decarbonisation of the environment and provide economies in construction in several ways such as reducing construction time, energy efficiency, lower cement content, lower carbonation risk and reducing emissions from equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates moisture loss and pore properties of six cement-based proprietary concrete repair materials subjected to MC. The impact of MC on these properties is critically important for its successful implementation in practice and current literature lacks this information. Specimens were microwave cured for 40–45 min to surface temperatures between 39.9 and 44.1 °C. The fast-setting repair material was microwave cured for 15 min to 40.7 °C. MC causes a higher water loss which shows the importance of preventing drying during MC and the following 24 h.

Findings

Portland cement-based normal density repair mortars, including materials incorporating pfa and polymer latex, benefit from the thermal effect of MC on hydration, resulting in up to 24% reduction in porosity relative to normal curing. Low density and flowing repair materials suffer an increase in porosity up to 16% due to MC. The moisture loss at the end of MC and after 24h is related to the mix water content and porosity, respectively.

Originality/value

The research on the application of MC for rapid repair of concrete is original. The research was funded by the European commission following a very rigorous and competitive review process which ensured its originality. Original data on the parameters of porosity and moisture loss under MC are provided for different generic cementitious repair materials which have not been studied before. Application of MC to concrete construction especially in cold climates will provide environmental, economic and energy benefits.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Ahmed M. Attia, Ahmad O. Alatwi, Ahmad Al Hanbali and Omar G. Alsawafy

This research integrates maintenance planning and production scheduling from a green perspective to reduce the carbon footprint.

Abstract

Purpose

This research integrates maintenance planning and production scheduling from a green perspective to reduce the carbon footprint.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed to study the relation between production makespan, energy consumption, maintenance actions and footprint, i.e. service level and sustainability measures. The speed scaling technique is used to control energy consumption, the capping policy is used to control CO2 footprint and preventive maintenance (PM) is used to keep the machine working in healthy conditions.

Findings

It was found that ignoring maintenance activities increases the schedule makespan by more than 21.80%, the total maintenance time required to keep the machine healthy by up to 75.33% and the CO2 footprint by 15%.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed optimization model can simultaneously be used for maintenance planning, job scheduling and footprint minimization. Furthermore, it can be extended to consider other maintenance activities and production configurations, e.g. flow shop or job shop scheduling.

Practical implications

Maintenance planning, production scheduling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are intertwined in the industry. The proposed model enhances the performance of the maintenance and production systems. Furthermore, it shows the value of conducting maintenance activities on the machine's availability and CO2 footprint.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the literature by combining maintenance planning, single-machine scheduling and environmental aspects in an integrated MINLP model. In addition, the model considers several practical features, such as machine-aging rate, speed scaling technique to control emissions, minimal repair (MR) and PM.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Evie Kendal

The purpose of this paper is to consider the ethical and environmental implications of allowing space resource extraction to disrupt existing fuel economies, including how…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the ethical and environmental implications of allowing space resource extraction to disrupt existing fuel economies, including how companies can be held accountable for ensuring the responsible use of their space assets. It will also briefly consider how such assets should be taxed, and the cost/benefit analyses required to justify the considerable expense of supporting this emerging space industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts theoretical bioethics methodologies to explore issues of normative ethics and the formulation of moral rules to govern individual, collective and institutional behaviour. Specifically, it considers social justice and social contract theory, consequentialist and deontological accounts of ethical evaluation. It also draws on sociological and organisational literature to discuss Dowling and Pfeffer’s (1975) and Suchman’s (1995) theories of pragmatic, cognitive and moral legitimacy as they may be applied to off-world mining regulations and the handling of space assets.

Findings

The findings of this conceptual paper indicate there is both a growing appetite for tighter resource extraction regulations to address climate change and wealth concentration globally, and an opportunity to establish and legitimise new ethical norms for commercial activity in space that can avoid some of the challenges currently facing fossil fuel divestment movements on Earth.

Originality/value

By adopting methodologies from theoretical bioethics, sociology and business studies, including applying a legitimacy lens to the issue of off-world mining, this paper synthesises existing knowledges from these fields and brings them to the new context of the future space resource economy.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 April 2020

David Ness

While most efforts to combat climate change are focussed on energy efficiency and substitution of fossil fuels, growth in the built environment remains largely unquestioned. Given…

Abstract

While most efforts to combat climate change are focussed on energy efficiency and substitution of fossil fuels, growth in the built environment remains largely unquestioned. Given the current climate emergency and increasing scarcity of global resources, it is imperative that we address this “blind spot” by finding ways to support required services with less resource consumption.

There is now long overdue recognition to greenhouse gas emissions “embodied” in the production of building materials and construction, and its importance in reaching targets of net zero carbon by 2050. However, there is a widespread belief that we can continue to “build big”, provided we incorporate energy saving measures and select “low carbon materials” – ignoring the fact that excessive volume and area of buildings may outweigh any carbon savings. This is especially the case with commercial real estate.

As the inception and planning phases of projects offer most potential for reduction in both operational and embodied carbon, we must turn our attention to previously overlooked options such as “build nothing” or “build less”. This involves challenging the root cause of the need, exploring alternative approaches to meet desired outcomes, and maximising the use of existing assets. If new build is required, this should be designed for adaptability, with increased stewardship, so the building stock of the future will be a more valuable and useable resource.

This points to the need for increased understanding and application of the principles of strategic asset management, hitherto largely ignored in sustainability circles, which emphasize a close alignment of assets with the services they support.

Arguably, as the built environment consumes more material resources and energy than any other sector, its future configuration may be critical to the future of people and the planet. In this regard, this paper seeks to break new ground for deeper exploration.

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Ruchi Mishra, Rajesh Singh and Kannan Govindan

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the state-of-art literature on the net-zero economy in the field of supply chain management.

2950

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the state-of-art literature on the net-zero economy in the field of supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 79 articles published from 2009 to 2021 has been conducted to minimise the researchers' bias and maximise the reliability and replicability of the study.

Findings

The thematic analysis reveals that studies in the field of net-zero economy have mostly been done on decarbonisation in the supply chain, emission control and life cycle analysis and environmental and energy management. The findings highlight the strong positive association between digitalisation, circular economy and resources optimization practices with net-zero economy goals. The study also addresses the challenges linked with the net-zero economy at the firm and country levels.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners in companies and academics might find this review valuable as this study reviews, classifies and analyses the studies, outlines the evolution of literature and offers directions for future studies using the theory, methodology and context (TMC) framework.

Originality/value

This is the first study that uses a structured approach to analyse studies done in the net-zero field by assessing publications from 2009 to 2021.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Zahra Borghei, Martina Linnenluecke and Binh Bui

This paper aims to explore current trends in how companies disclose climate-related risks and opportunities in their financial statements. As part of the authors’ analysis, they…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore current trends in how companies disclose climate-related risks and opportunities in their financial statements. As part of the authors’ analysis, they examine: whether forward-looking assumptions and judgements are typically considered in reporting climate-related risks/opportunities; whether there are differences in the reporting practices of firms in carbon-intensive industries versus non-carbon-intensive industries; and whether negative media reports have an influence on the levels of disclosure a firm makes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose content analysis as their methodology and examined the financial statements published by firms listed on the UK’s FTSE 100 between 2016 and 2020. This analysis is framed by Suchman’s three dimensions of legitimacy, being pragmatic, cognitive and moral.

Findings

Climate-related disclosures in the notes and financial accounts of these firms did increase over the period. Yet, overall, the level the disclosures was inadequate and the quality was inconsistent. From this, the authors conclude that pragmatic legitimacy is not a particularly strong driving factor in compelling organisations to disclose climate-related information. The firms in carbon-intensive industries do provide greater levels of disclosure, including both qualitative and quantitative (monetary) content, which is consistent with cognitive legitimacy. However, from a moral legitimacy perspective, this study finds that firms did not adapt responsively to negative media coverage as a way of reflecting their accountability to broader public norms and values. Overall, this analysis suggests that regulatory enforcement and a systematic reporting framework with adequate guidance is going to be critical to developing transparent climate-related reporting in future.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing studies on climate-related disclosures, which have mainly examined the ‘front-half’ of annual reports. Conversely, this study aims to shed light on these practices in the “back-half” of these reports, exploring the underlying reasons for reporting climate-related risks and opportunities in financial accounts. The authors’ insights into the current disclosure practices make a theoretical contribution to the literature. Practitioners can also draw on these insights to improve how they report on climate-related risks and opportunities in their financial statements.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2022

Qingyan Jiang, Cuihong Yang, Jie Wu and Yan Xia

Known as the major capital providers in Belt and Road countries and the largest carbon emitter in the world, what role China's outward direct investment (ODI) plays in carbon…

Abstract

Purpose

Known as the major capital providers in Belt and Road countries and the largest carbon emitter in the world, what role China's outward direct investment (ODI) plays in carbon neutralization has become a matter of concern. This study aims to measure the impact of China's ODI on the carbon emissions of Belt and Road countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an econometric model and an inter-regional input–output model, a new model measuring the carbon emission effects of ODI is developed.

Findings

The empirical results show that (1) in general, China's ODI generates an emission-reduction effect in Belt and Road countries; (2) The relationship between the emission-reduction effect and income level of host countries shows an approximate inverted U-shaped trend; and (3) China's ODI generates stronger emission-reduction effects on capital-intensive industries.

Originality/value

This study quantitatively measures the scale of carbon emission-increase and reduction effect, which is relatively lacking in previous studies. This study explores the heterogeneity from the perspectives of regions, countries and industries. The authors have compiled an inter-regional input–output table for the Belt and Road countries for 2014 to provide a broad basis for the study of related issues.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

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