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GE3451 - Environmental Sciences and Sustainability ZERO WASTE
The conservation of all resources by means of responsible
UNIT V SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
Zero waste and R concept, Circular economy, ISO 14000 Series, Material production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products,
Life cycle assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment. Sustainable packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to
habitat: Green buildings, Green materials, Energy efficiency, Sustainable
transports. Sustainable energy: Non-conventional Sources, Energy Cycles- land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
carbon cycle, emission and sequestration, Green Engineering: Sustainable
urbanization- Socio-economical and technological change.
Zero waste is a philosophy and lifestyle that aims to reduce the
Course Objectives: amount of waste generated by individuals, households, and
To inculcate and embrace sustainability practices and develop a broader businesses to as close to zero as possible. The concept of zero waste
understanding on green materials, energy cycles and analyze the role of sustainable
is based on the principles of the circular economy, which seeks to
urbanization.
Course Outcome: eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible.
CO5 To demonstrate the knowledge of sustainability practices and identify green
materials, energy cycles and the role of sustainable urbanization. 1 2
Features of Zero Waste R-Concept
The main feature of zero waste is the aim to eliminate waste by
minimizing the generation of waste in the first place. Here are some
key features of the zero waste approach:
Reducing consumption
Reusing items
Recycling
Composting
Redesigning products and packaging
Mindful consumption
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CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The circular economy aims to create a more sustainable and regenerative
system that mimics natural processes, where resources are continuously
cycled and regenerated. It involves rethinking the way products are designed,
manufactured, and consumed, with a focus on reducing waste, maximizing
resource efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.
The circular economy is based on four key principles:
Designing out waste and pollution
Keeping products and materials in use
Regenerating natural systems
Fostering collaboration and innovation
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Benefits of Circular Economy Linear Economy Vs Circular Economy:
The circular economy offers several benefits, including:
Reduced waste and pollution Linear Economy Circular Economy
Resource efficiency
Materials flow in a straight line from Mimics natural processes, where
Economic growth and job creation: resource extraction to manufacturing resources are continuously cycled and
and then to landfill. regenerated.
Increased resilience
Improved social outcomes Value is created by producing and Circular business model builds
selling as many product as possible economic, natural and social capital.
Characterized by wasted resources,
Characterized by best utilization of
excessive pollution, ecosystem
resources, protection of ecosystem
degradation, wealth concentration and
and social equalities.
social inequalities.
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List of ISO 14000 series standards
ISO 14000 Series ISO 14001 Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance
ISO 14000 is a set of standards created to help companies to reduce for use
their impact on the environment. ISO 14004 Environmental management systems - General guidelines on
implementation
It’s a framework for environmentally-conscious quality
ISO 14005 Environmental management systems - Guidelines for a flexible
management systems by organizations. approach to phased implementation
The ISO 14000 series of standards was introduced in 1996 by the ISO 14006 Environmental management systems - Guidelines for incorporating
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and most eco design
ISO 14015 Environmental management - Environmental assessment of sites and
recently revised in 2015.
organizations (EASO)
The primary objective of ISO14000 series of standard is to promote
ISO 14020 to 14025 Environmental labels and declarations
effective environmental management systems in organizations. ISO/NP 14030 Green bonds -- Environmental performance of nominated projects
and assets; discusses post-production environmental assessment
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ISO 14031 Environmental management - Environmental performance evaluation MATERIAL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
- Guidelines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an analysis to assess environmental impacts
ISO 14040 to 14049 Environmental management - Life cycle assessment; associated with all the stages of a product's life, which is from raw material
discusses preproduction planning and environment goal setting
extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, and use.
ISO 14050 Environmental management - Vocabulary; terms and definitions
LCA is commonly referred to as a cradle-to-grave analysis.
ISO/TR 14062 Environmental management - Integrating environmental aspects
Stages of a Life Cycle Assessment:
into product design and development
Following are five stages of a life cycle assessment
ISO 14063 Environmental management - Environmental communication -
Guidelines and examples 1. Raw materials (resources) extraction and processing
ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases; measuring, quantifying, and reducing greenhouse 2. Manufacturing
gas emissions 3. Transportation and Distribution
ISO 14090 Adaptation to climate change — Principles, requirements and 4. Usage and retail
guidelines 5. Waste disposal
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Benefits of life cycle assessment (LCA)
Identifying environmental impacts
Comparison of alternatives
Improved product design
Reduced costs
Improved brand image
Overall, LCA provides a holistic approach to sustainability, allowing
companies to evaluate the environmental impact of their products and
processes and make informed decisions to reduce their environmental
footprint.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) The EIA process typically involves several stages
Environmental Impact Assessment is a process through which an 1. Screening: The initial stage of EIA involves determining whether a
environmental impact of a proposed development is evaluated. proposed project or development is likely to have significant environmental
While undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the inter- impacts that require a full EIA study.
related socio-economic, cultural, and human-health impacts are 2. Scoping: The scoping stage involves identifying the potential
considered. environmental impacts of a project or development, as well as the
This is used to predict the environmental impacts of a project in the pre- environmental factors that should be considered in the EIA study.
planning stage itself so that decisions can be taken to reduce the adverse 3. Impact assessment: The impact assessment stage involves identifying and
evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a project or development,
impacts.
including both direct and indirect impacts.
Objectives of Environmental Impact Assessment
4. Mitigation: The mitigation stage involves developing measures to
Identifying, predicting, and evaluating economic, environmental, and
minimize or mitigate the potential environmental impacts of a project or
social impacts of development activities. development.
Providing information on the environmental consequences for decision 5. Review and approval: The final stage of EIA involves review and approval
making. of the EIA study by relevant authorities, which may include regulators,
Promoting environmentally sound and suitable development by stakeholders, and the public.
identifying appropriate alternatives and mitigation measures. 15 16
The goal of EIA is to ensure that proposed projects and developments SUSTAINABLE HABITAT
are environmentally sustainable and that their potential environmental A sustainable habitat is an ecosystem that produces food and shelter
impacts are effectively managed and minimized. for people and other organisms, without resource depletion ie., no
external waste is produced. A sustainable habitat involves several key
principles, including:
Major benefits of the EIA process are
1. Energy efficiency
Cost-saving modifications in project design.
2. Water conservation
Increased project acceptance.
3. Waste reduction
Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations.
4. Sustainable materials
Improved project performance.
5. Social equity
Avoided treatment/clean up costs.
6. Biodiversity
7. Green transportation
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GREEN BUILDINGS Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built
Green building is the practice of creating structures and using environment on human health and the natural environment by:
processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation
Impacts of the built environment: Benefits:
Aspects of Built
Consumption
Environmental
Ultimate Effects Protect and enhance the biodiversity and ecological system.
Environment Effects
Reduces the wastage of water and energy.
Siting Energy Waste Harm to Human
Design Water Air pollution Health Lower construction cost and higher property value.
Construction Materials Water pollution Environment Improves occupants’ health and overall productivity.
Operation Natural Indoor pollution Degradation
Saves utility and other household bills by efficient use of water and
Maintenance Resources Heat islands Loss of Resources
Renovation Storm water runoff energy.
Deconstruction Noise
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Criteria for Green Building: Features of Green Building:
Building s are encouraged to build on previously developed land Energy efficiency
rather than developing new land. Water conservation
Building site should be smaller because there is less environmental Sustainable materials
footprint. Indoor environmental quality
Consumption of water should be reduced by built-in design by Site selection and planning
using low-flow toilets, grey water systems. Waste reduction
Buildings should be constructed using clean energy like Optimization of operation and maintenance
geothermal, solar, wind energies.
Building should be constructed by using natural materials and
should reduce material usage.
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GREEN MATERIALS
Characteristics of Green materials:
Green materials are materials that are environmentally friendly and
have a lower impact on the Green materials are energy efficient products
environment than traditional building materials. Due to the It lowers the energy cost and lessen pollution
properties of non-toxic, organic and
recycling, green materials (like wood, ceramics, clay, sand, stone) Renewable and can be regenerated again and again
are widely used. Green materials are recyclable or made from recycled material. So,
Criteria for green materials:
Following criteria can be used to identify the green materials they save energy and reduce waste
Local availability of materials Green materials are non-toxic
% of recycled (or) waste materials used
They are durable and no need to upgrade or repair
Rapidly renewable materials
Contribution in energy efficiency of building Green materials are cost effective
Recyclability of materials Materials can be locally sourced, so transport cost can be reduced
Durability
Environmental impact
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Green materials example ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Stone Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task (or)
Cob produce the same result. Energy efficient homes and buildings use less
Bamboo energy to heat, cool and run appliances and electronic equipment.
Here are some examples of energy-efficient measures that can be
Cork
implemented in buildings
Adobe brick
Lighting
Straw bale
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Earth bags
Appliances and equipment
Building design
Renewable energy
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTS
Benefits of Energy efficiency:
Sustainable transport refers to any means of transportation that is green and has low
Energy efficiency is an effective way to save money. impact on the environment.
Increased energy efficiency can lower greenhouse gas.
Provides long term benefits by lowering overall electricity demand.
Increased property value: Energy-efficient buildings may have
higher property values due to their reduced operating costs,
improved comfort, and environmental benefits.
Improved reputation: Energy-efficient buildings and systems can
improve the reputation of the building or organization.
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Some examples of sustainable transport: Advantages of Sustainable transport
Active transport It creates job
Public transport
Provides safer transportation
Electric vehicles
Emits less pollution
Carpooling and ridesharing
Efficient transportation systems Promotes health
It saves energy
Key elements of Sustainable transport: Saves money
Fuel economy: It is a measurement of fuel use. This measures how
far a car can go using a set amount of fuel. It is achieved by Making Decrease congestion
engines more efficient & Vehicles lighter and bodies more Conserves land
aerodynamic.
Electrification: Most important pathway to low carbon transport
Pedal power: Cycles reduces the carbon emission.
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SUSTAINABLE ENERGY NON-CONVENTIONAL SOURCES
Sustainable energy refers to forms of energy that are renewable and Non-conventional sources of energy, also known as renewable sources of
have a minimal impact on the environment.
energy, are sources of energy that are replenished naturally and can be
The most common sources of sustainable energy include solar,
used without being depleted.
wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
These sources of energy are considered sustainable because they are These sources of energy are often considered to be more sustainable than
constantly replenished and do not produce harmful emissions or conventional sources of energy, such as fossil fuels.
pollutants that contribute to climate change.
There are many benefits to using sustainable energy. Here are some examples of non-conventional sources of energy:
Advantages Solar Energy
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Wind energy
Cost-effective Hydroelectric energy
Energy security
Geothermal energy
Job creation
Biomass energy
Health benefits
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ENERGY CYCLE 2. Water cycle:
The term "energy cycle" can refer to different types of cycles that involve The water cycle is another energy cycle that involves the movement
the production, transformation, and consumption of energy. Here are
of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and underground
some examples:
reservoirs.
1. Carbon cycle:
Energy from the sun drives the evaporation of water from the
The carbon cycle is an energy cycle that involves the movement of
surface of the Earth, which forms clouds that eventually release
carbon through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems.
Carbon is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil precipitation back to the surface.
fuels and other human activities, and is absorbed by plants through This precipitation is then used by plants and animals, and
photosynthesis. eventually returns to the atmosphere through evaporation and
The carbon is then passed on through the food chain as organisms transpiration.
consume other organisms, and eventually returns to the atmosphere
through respiration, decomposition, and other natural processes.
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CARBON EMISSION and SEQUESTRATION There are several natural and artificial methods for carbon sequestration:
Carbon emission and sequestration are two processes that are closely 1. Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees and preserving forests can
related to the carbon cycle and have significant impacts on the Earth's help to increase carbon storage.
climate. 2. Agricultural practices: Certain agricultural practices, such as no-till
Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other farming, cover cropping, and crop rotation, can help to increase carbon
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This occurs through natural storage in soil.
processes, such as respiration and volcanic activity, as well as through 3. Ocean sequestration: The ocean absorbs and stores large amounts of
human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but this can have negative impacts on
Carbon emissions are a major contributor to climate change, as they trap marine ecosystems.
heat in the Earth's atmosphere and cause temperatures to rise. 4. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS): This involves
Carbon sequestration (or carbon storage) is the process of storing carbon growing biomass, such as trees or grasses, and using it to generate energy.
(in particular atmospheric carbon dioxide) in a carbon pool. The carbon dioxide produced during energy generation is captured and
Carbon sequestration is a naturally occurring process but it can also be stored underground.
enhanced or achieved with technology, for example within carbon capture 5. Direct air capture: This involves using technology to directly capture
and storage projects. carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground.
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GREEN ENGINEERING
Advantages of carbon sequestration:
Green engineering is an approach to engineering that focuses on
Mitigating climate change designing and implementing technologies, systems, and processes that
minimize negative environmental impacts and promote sustainable
Enhancing ecosystem services
development.
Potential economic benefits It aims to integrate environmental considerations into all stages of the
engineering lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and
Disadvantages of carbon sequestration: decommissioning.
High cost: Principles and Practices of Green Engineering:
Environmental Protection
Limited potential
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Environmental impacts Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Technological challenges Material Efficiency and Recycling
Pollution Prevention
Sustainable Water Management
Green Building and Infrastructure
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SUSTAINABLE URBANAIZATION Key aspects and principles of sustainable urbanization
• Sustainable urbanization refers to the process of designing,
Compact and Efficient Cities
developing, and managing cities in a way that meets the needs of
Resource Efficiency
the present generation without compromising the ability of future
Social Inclusion and Equity
generations to meet their own needs.
Green Spaces and Biodiversity
• It involves creating livable, inclusive, resilient, and environmentally
Sustainable Transportation
friendly cities that promote social, economic, and environmental
Climate Resilience
well-being.
Integrated Planning and Governance
Circular Economy
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