Francesco Romagnoli

Sustainable Use Of Macro-Algae For Biogas Production In Latvian Conditions: A Preliminary Study Through An Integrated Mca And Lca Approach

Abstract The study focuses on sustainability evaluation of an algae-based energy system in Latvia with a holistic and integrated approach of multi-criteria analysis combined with life cycle assessment (including a practical side - biogas yield experiments of locally available algae). The study shows potential for sustainable use of algae in Latvian conditions and thus that algal biomass can be utilized for the production of biogas. The most sustainable and feasible scenario of using algae for biogas energy production foresees the collection of algae biomass from natural water bodies. Important beneficial effects through the use of algae are related to avoiding global warming potential (GWP) and eutrophication impacts. Biogas batch experiments carried out with the local macrophyte C.demersum have shown a methane yield of 554 l CH4/kg VS.

The ANDROID Case Study; Venice and its Territory: Identification of Hazards and Impact of Multi-hazard Scenarios

Abstract The objective of the paper is to review already published scientific papers and other relevant documents to identify hazards, their intensities and probability of occurrence in the Venice territory. In order to achieve the objective, the authors have selected relevant research papers and state of the art documents. Since the Venice and its territory are prone to various hazards, multi-hazard scenarios have been taken into consideration. Hazard impacts are the following: earthquake, tsunami and meteotsunami, flooding/“acqua alta”, subsidence, coastal erosion, salt wedge intrusion, pollution. The paper classifies potential impacts and recognises possible combinations of hazards that may occur in case study territory. A multi-hazard scenarios analysis considers impacts which, either occurring at the same time or shortly following each other, are dependent from one another or because they are caused by the same triggering event or hazard, or merely threatening the same elements at risk (vulnerable or exposed elements) without chronological coincidence (EU, 2010). The research presented in the paper serves as a support for cross-border multi-hazard assessment in other North-Eastern Adriatic Sea areas.

The ANDROID Case Study; Venice and its Territory: Vulnerability and Resilience in Multi-hazard Scenarios☆

The setting up of a framework for the vulnerability assessment in the case of Venice offers significant challenges in order to investigate the ability of the environment including the built environment, to anticipate and respond to the hazards identified, in view of unexpected events that may damage Venice and the surrounding territory. The hazards which can be experienced in the area are various, including earthquake, tsunami/meteo-tsunami, flooding, sea level rise (related to global warming, subsidence, coastal erosion, salt wedge intrusion), release of toxic substances from chemical plants, pollution, conservation of monuments and the impact of tourism. The resilience of the environment refers to key issues including ecology, economy, tourism and industry, society and the population, construction and infrastructure, cultural heritage. The paper includes a review of literature aiming at the definition of vulnerability and resilience. Reference is made to specific frameworks which are identified, with a special focus on MOVE - Methods for the improvement of vulnerability assessment in Europe presented as a conceptual framework for a holistic approach to disaster risk assessment and management. MOVE arose from the need to develop methods and indicators for improving vulnerability assessments to natural hazards in Europe, and established a consistent framework. In addition relevant experiences are analysed including the Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for the North Adriatic Coast in Italy, the post-earthquake reconstruction plan for the Arsita Municipality (Abruzzo) in Italy and the UNISDR Program “Making Cities Resilient”. The approach for vulnerability analysis and overall system resilience for Venice and its territory needs to cover a wide spectrum and is complicated. The review sets the framework, for the vulnerability assessment and the overall resilience analysis with reference to Venice and the surrounding North Adriatic area.

Energy Metabolism for Resilient Urban Environment: A Methodological Approach☆

Abstract This paper presents a method for urban resilience quantification from the energy metabolism perspective, taking into account different sustainability dimensions and introducing such aspects as environmental, social, economic, technical and risk aspects. The aim is to develop a methodology for resilience index quantification for urban thermal energy system taking into account different levels of urban energy metabolism - production, supply and use, and approbate it on the real Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian cities examples. The proposed approach includes a set of indicators to be used within the scope of thermal energy metabolism. The analysis is supposed to end with identification of the “weak points” of each studied energy system in order to help stakeholders develop the strategy for resilience enhancement in future.