Fulvio Ardente

Eco-sustainable energy and environmental strategies in design for recycling: the software “ENDLESS”

Abstract This paper describes a model, named “ENDLESS”, useful to address the design process towards more eco-compatible solutions. In particular, this tool can support the designer in the choice of the product with an higher recyclability potential from a set of different alternatives. The model takes into consideration a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making method and allows calculating a “Global Recycling Index” (GRI) starting from a set of energy, environmental, technical and economic indicators. A weight is assigned to each parameter following the experience of the designer; a sensitivity analysis is then performed to state how the different assumptions can affect the final results. The model is implemented in a software and applied to a case study: to establish the best recyclability option of middle and low voltage electrical lines used for electricity distribution in Italy.

The Environmental Product Declaration EPD With A ParticularApplication To A Solar Thermal Collector

The principles of sustainable development and of Integrated Product Policy are applied in new voluntary regulations, which have been internationally agree. The aim is to grant transparency of environmental information and to promote the diffusion of environmentally friendly products. A new tool under study is the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), a technical paper annexed to products that synthesises their energy and environmental performances. This paper points out the reasons for developing EPD for the energy sector, and puts special focus upon renewable energy systems, products whose environmental performances are often not clearly defined. We describe how results of a LCA upon a solar thermal collector can be included in an EPDdocument, summarising its ecological profile and making information comparable. EPD could be employed for a correct decisional strategy, making a balance between the benefits and the impacts of this technology, and could represent a way to diffuse scientific results to customers.

The Emission Saving Related To The Use Of Renewable Energy Sources:The Case Study Of Solar Thermal Collectors

The employment of renewable energy sources can represent a useful way to reduce air emissions released by conventional ones. In this paper we describe the results of a Life Cycle Analysis performed upon one of the most world-wide diffused renewable technologies: the solar thermal collectors for warm sanitary water. Two domestic solar plants have been investigated: mono-familiar plant with a passive flat collector and a large solar plant with forced fluid circulation. The first step has been the evaluation of direct and indirect emissions related to the production and use of plants. The main emissions have been categorised in three of the most important indicators (Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential and Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential) and successively we have estimated the emission saving. Considering that a solar plant works with an auxiliary heater, the pollutants that would be produced by the conventional part of the plant without the employment of collectors are the emission saving. These avoided atmospheric releases depend on the typology of the used conventional system. The case studies of electric and gas heaters have been investigated. The final aim is to perform a global balance between the air emissions related to the production and use of the solar plants and the emissions saved during their useful-life. These results are synthesised by various indicators that contain useful information to evaluate the environmental efficiency of the studied renewable technology.