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2024 | Book

Circular Economy on Energy and Natural Resources Industries

New Processes and Applications to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Materials and Decrease Greenhouse Gases Emissions

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About this book

This book masterfully bridges the gap between science and industry, offering readers invaluable insights into the technological advancements shaping our world. Amidst a profound industrial transformation aimed at minimizing environmental impact, this work highlights the pivotal role of reducing energy consumption and material waste. It aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encapsulating the global ambition for the coming years. The narrative delves into myriad examples of industrial evolution, showcasing how various sectors, especially energy (including electricity and oil & gas) and natural resource exploitation, are revolutionizing their processes to lessen their environmental footprint. Furthermore, each chapter of the book equips readers with the knowledge to spearhead innovative solutions tailored to these evolving processes, making it an essential resource for anyone committed to driving sustainable industrial advancements.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Circular Economy and GHG Emissions, Current Situation
Abstract
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are directly related to economic growth. Throughout the years, men’s search for human progress has disregarded the idea of planetary boundaries, and, as a result, our societal organization is now built around a linear economic model in which overconsumption is stimulated, pushing resources’ exploitation to aggressive levels, and normalizing the generation of waste and pollution. GHG emissions are among the greatest impacts of human activity, because, as levels of CO2 in the atmosphere rise, the world’s average temperature increases, causing a series of disturbances into the climate that are already threatening life on Earth. Experts suggest that over half of the world’s GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature, and, therefore, is also subjected to the risks of nature loss. In this scenario, the concept of sustainability can be understood as the choice of practices that do not compromise the life of future generations and their access to critical resources, a system of values that often clashes with business as usual. Promoting this change is a complex problem that requires a great amount of innovation and adaptation from industry leaders, consumers, and policy-makers so that growth can be decoupled from GHG emissions and other environmental impacts. The idea of a circular economy dates back to the 80s, but only now it has gained the spotlight as it encompasses a new framework for business which could potentially help to cap GHG emissions significantly while guaranteeing economic profits and reducing risks of feedstock scarcity. This chapter recapitulates the path of modern society towards a linear economy and describes how it impacts GHG emissions and ultimately the climate. It provides a brief history of how scientists first developed ideas around sustainability and minding of resources and systems’ limitations, and presents the impacts of waste generation and waste management, to finally introduce the circular economy model. The principles of Circular Economy are presented and their benefits to the society are highlighted, as well as the challenges around its implementation in the current system. Circularity on natural resources and energy is exemplified and some key processes and industries are identified as potential areas of change with great leverage to solve the climate crisis.
J. García-Navarro, O. Cueva C. Poltronieri
Energy Storage Developing Circular Economy in Existing Facilities for Renewable Energy Use
Abstract
A circular economy represents a paradigm shift towards optimizing the use of energy and materials, giving way to a sustainable approach to resource management. This transformative concept, detailed in this chapter, delves into the strategic storage of excess energy, presenting an innovative solution to cope with fluctuations in demand. Understanding the critical role of energy storage is essential to achieving a more efficient and resilient energy ecosystem. One of the key aspects being explored is the smart storage of surplus energy, ensuring that it is available precisely when it is needed. This requires a move away from traditional methods and towards cutting-edge technologies. A central focus of this chapter is the exploration of unconventional and highly advanced storage systems, in particular, compressed air and hydrogen storage. These cutting-edge methodologies bear witness to the relentless search for sustainable energy solutions. In the context of a circular economy, storage of excess energy emerges as a crucial component. By capturing and storing renewable energy during periods of abundance, this approach mitigates the challenges posed by intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind. This not only ensures a constant supply of energy but also maximizes the utilization of environmentally friendly energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Moreover, the integration of modern storage systems enhances the efficiency of existing energy distribution networks. These systems play a pivotal role in levelling out disparities in energy production and consumption, fostering a more balanced and stable grid. The utilization of compressed air and hydrogen storage technologies optimizes the distribution of energy, offering a reliable reservoir that can be tapped into during peak demand periods or when renewable sources are not actively generating power. In conclusion, the adoption of a circular economy mindset not only promotes sustainability but also drives innovation in energy storage. The exploration of advanced technologies, such as compressed air and hydrogen storage, exemplifies a commitment to harnessing the full potential of renewable energy sources. This chapter serves as a guide to understanding the complex interplay between energy storage, distribution networks, and the overall goal of creating a resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the future.
J. Pous de la Flor, M. C. Castañeda, J. Pous Cabello
From Farm to Fuel: Microalgae Technology to Produce Novel and Sustainable Fuel
Abstract
As the global population continues to surge, the agricultural landscape, particularly livestock farming, is emerging as a critical and indispensable sector within the food industry. However, the expansion of large-scale farms is accompanied by a significant increase in the production of organic waste, leading to a rise in diffuse greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane. Addressing this challenge presents a novel opportunity for farms and agricultural industries to adopt more efficient organic by-product management strategies. In response, a pioneering initiative in the LIFE SMART AgroMobility project has been ongoing in the province of Soria, Spain, since 2018. The primary objective of this European project is to showcase the viability of converting organic substrates, derived from agricultural activities, into biomethane through anaerobic digestion and photosynthetic enhancement. The overarching goal is to control reliance on fossil fuels within the transport sector associated with agricultural operations. This dual-purpose approach not only mitigates methane emissions into the atmosphere but also captures and repurposes it as an energy source. The innovative system proposed by the project centres around the modification of existing infrastructure, specifically pig slurry ponds, to create an anaerobic digester. Additionally, a biogas cleaning and purification system utilising the growth of microalgae ensures the sustainability of the entire process. Importantly, the design facilitates straightforward installation on farms with similar characteristics, promoting widespread adoption. This chapter delves into the economic aspects of implementing such a system, leveraging insights gained from the pilot project. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive economic analysis, detailing the costs associated with setting up installations of this nature. The ultimate aspiration is to create a replicable model adaptable to diverse facilities and scalable across different operational sizes within the agricultural sector. Through an examination of economic viability, this study aims to lay the groundwork for the extensive incorporation of sustainable methodologies in both agricultural waste management and energy production.
A. García Álvaro, C. Ruiz Palomar, L. Sánchez-Martín, M. F. Ortega Romero, I. de Godos Crespo
Cement Sector and Promising Technologies to Reduce CO2 Footprint Through Circular Economy: Novel Raw Materials and Products
Abstract
The cement sector looks for different approaches to reduce CO2 footprint. This is a requirement of regulators but also consumers are continuously demanding more sustainable materials. Accordingly, some waste residues (e.g. alternative fuels such as biomass) might be used as fuel to produce clinker. The use of alternative fuels is limited by the quality and availability of these materials, the origin largely influencing both of them. Moreover, rubbish dumped in landfills or uncontrolled sites might be used as a source of raw materials to produce clinker: coal fly and bottom ashes and slags (blast-furnace, copper, stainless steel, black, white, etc.), are rich in minerals which are essential to produce Portland cement clinker. Furthermore, some industrial wastes can be utilized as cement constituents. The use of these materials is highly interesting for this sector by allowing it to replace conventional raw materials. Nevertheless, the availability of the traditional industrial wastes used in cement production is falling (coal fly ash and blast-furnace slag). Consequently, the cement sector is looking for new sources of industrial waste to be used as cement constituents. This chapter will include innovative approaches and processes to produce clinker and Portland cement sustainably using alternative fuels and raw materials to produce clinker, and new cement constituents to reduce the clinker factor according to the target established in the cement sector’s roadmap.
P. Mora, M. A. Sanjuán, A. J. Moraño, M. Fernández-Hernández
Microalgae Used to Fix CO2 as Valuable Biomass
Abstract
The continuous rise in greenhouse gas emissions requires appropriate mitigation strategies to be developed, one of these being CO2 capture using photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae (including cyanobacteria). Although photosynthetic microorganisms have large advantages over the forest and other biological processes in terms of CO2 capture efficiency and velocity, also they have disadvantages related to short-term storage and the high investment cost required to install these technologies. Thus, there are currently no industrial processes based on utilizing these microorganisms. The main reason explaining that is because such processes have less capacity than is required and are not economically feasible. To solve these problems, it is necessary to integrate microalgae production with other industrial applications, such as wastewater treatment, and to valorize the produced biomass in the commodities market. Industrial scale experiences demonstrate the feasibility of producing microalgae biomass coupled with urban wastewater treatment, and the use of the biomass for agriculture applications, with other uses as sources of bioplastics and aquafeed being also reported. To achieve reliable and economically favourable processes, the technologies used to produce the biomass must be optimized. Moreover, to ensure optimal management, advanced control strategies are essential. This chapter presents the most reliable technologies for achieving large-scale sustainable microalgae processes, along with scenarios in which these technologies can reach the market. It also looks at the challenges that need to be addressed so that microalgae processes can contribute more to the global bioeconomy and be more sustainable.
M. J. Rodríguez, E. Rodríguez, A. Morillas-España, J. González-Hernández, Jose L. Guzmán, B. Llamas, G. Acién
Analysis of Current Possibilities of CO2 Storage in Coal Bed Methane Deposits in the Czech Part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) Based on Archival Data
Abstract
Geological storage of CO2 is the end of a CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technology chain, being one of the technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions formed in connection with fossil fuel combustion. Capture and storage of CO2 is considered one of the possible solutions to reduce CO2 emission produced by human activity and at the same time have secondary benefits from this activity, such as increasing the yield of some oil deposits. CO2 is mainly generated by burning fossil fuels in large combustion units such as coal power plants and smaller units such as cars, and local heating plants in residential and commercial buildings. Carbon dioxide emission is also a product of industrial activity and mining as well as deforestation to create new agricultural land (e.g. Brazil, etc.). Coal seams are a geological formation that offers another possibility of CO2. Underground storage of CO2 in coal seams is considered to be one of the competitive options. The method is labelled as Enhanced Coal Bed Methane (ECBM), and it is suitable for methane deposits bound onto deep coal seams, particularly those difficult to extract when more optimal seams are preferred for mining. Emission gas or concentrated CO2 is injected into coal seams through boreholes. At the same time, yield boreholes are used to recover methane which is subsequently used. This way, the cost of storage is lower. The capacity to create gas storage in a coal seam is given by the existence of a dual-pore coal system. The primary pore system is formed by micropores and meso pores, while the secondary system represents macro pores and cracks. The less permeable primary system contains the majority of gas, the transport of which is ensured by the secondary system through Darcy flow. When injecting CO2, sorption occurs in the primary pore system, and CH4 pressure falls in the secondary pore system at the same time. Based on available archival data, the analysis aimed to realistically estimate the storage capacity of CO2 in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Basin.
M. Klempa, A. Kunz, P. Hemza, K. Labus, M. Matloch Porzer
The Circular Economy in the Oil and Gas Industry: A Solution for the Sustainability of Drilling and Production Processes
Abstract
Today’s world population consumes too many natural resources and pollutes the environment excessively. The fact that the world population reached 8 billion people in 2022 and, according to United Nations estimates, will grow to 9 billion by 2037, suggests that this problem will become even more acute in the future. Population growth also means an increase in energy demand, which is difficult to meet from renewable sources. A mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels) is more realistic. For this reason, the application of circular economy principles in the oil and gas industry is necessary. The following text shows the possibilities of applying these principles in the upstream business areas (drilling and oil and gas production) of energy companies. In this sense, drilling and production projects offer opportunities to reduce the volume and/or toxicity of waste generated and to recover, reuse or recycle waste. Drilling waste reduction opportunities include changes in the handling of additives and improvements in drilling technology, reuse includes the use of drilling waste in another location or for another purpose, while waste valorization includes the recovery of materials from potential discharges for reuse or recycling (e.g. the use of produced sand and cuttings in the cement and brick industry or road construction). Reuse of produced water in oil fields involves limited treatment and re-injection into a suitable underground formation, while reuse for irrigation, wetlands or industrial purposes is possible after extensive treatment. Emissions from gas flaring can be significantly reduced by treating the gas in an existing processing plant and injecting it into an existing pipeline system or by utilizing it for power and/or heat generation or gas production. Abandoned wells can be utilized for the permanent disposal of waste fluids and carbon dioxide, as energy storage or for geothermal energy generation. Many of the tools and equipment used in the drilling and production of wells are made of steel, which opens opportunities for recycling. When decommissioning an onshore drilling rig, processing plant or offshore platform, companies are already working to remove anything that can be recycled. In some cases, parts of the offshore substructure are turned into useful artificial reefs. In conclusion, the oil and gas industry needs to strike a balance between the need for further investment in optimizing the hydrocarbon value chain and investing in a low-carbon transition to a more sustainable, circular future.
Nediljka Gaurina-Međimurec, Katarina Simon, Karolina Novak Mavar, Borivoje Pašić, Petar Mijić, Igor Medved, Vladislav Brkić, Lidia Hrnčević, Katarina Žbulj
Circular Economy in the Tourism Sector
Abstract
This chapter analyses the concept of circular economy as a key vector in the development of a sustainable tourism model. The tourism sector is identified in the different strategies and plans of circular economy at the international level as one of the priority sectors due to its high impact concerning the intensive use of different natural resources, as well as the great potential for the development of new solutions and initiatives in the field of sustainability. To this end, this chapter is broken down into different sections, starting with an introduction in which the relationship between concepts such as tourism and sustainability is defined, based on the conceptualization carried out by reference organizations such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Once these preliminary concepts have been introduced, we proceed to the introduction of other more recent concepts such as the circular economy and its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals, promulgated at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Delving into the concept of circular economy, the concept is developed in line with the definition provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which is one of the main reference organizations in the field of circular economy. Once the key concepts of the chapter have been framed, a detailed analysis of the application of the circular economy concept in the tourism sector is carried out. To this end, the section begins by identifying the main environmental aspects linked to the development of the tourism industry and its impacts on the natural resources necessary for the development of its activity. Once the aspects and impacts (linked to energy consumption, materials, waste management and water) have been identified, a proposal is made focused on providing potential initiatives to be undertaken to achieve the transition of the tourism sector, which is traditionally based on linear economic models, towards circular models. The chapter closes with a description of different practical examples related to the application of the circular economy to the tourism sector (hotels and other tourism services). Among the cases considered, there are initiatives related to energy and waste management, through the energetic valorization of waste, through the transformation of organic waste. Other projects related to sustainable mobility are also included, including examples of the use of zero-emission vehicles, as well as shared-use models.
C. Repáraz, J. C. Pérez
Integrating Carbon Capture and Utilization Technologies with Sugarcane-Based Bioenergy in Colombia
Abstract
Colombia committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% concerning the 2030 projected levels according to the Paris Agreement; sugarcane mills are of high interest in reaching Colombian mitigation goals. Currently, sugarcane mills are producing raw sugar, but also; bioethanol and bioenergy by using fermentation and combustion processes, respectively, producing several million tons of CO2 as a by-product. The evaluation of CO2 capture requires an exhaustive delimitation of the generation unit, and the purification requirements vary depending on the final use, therefore it is important to study the CO2 source and the utilization processes that proceed in an integrated manner, known as the CO2 valorization chain. Bioenergy with carbon capture and utilization (BECCU) is an approach that aims at harnessing the two essential carbon sources in post-fossil scenarios, biomass and CO2 while looking to achieve global mitigation goals. Thus, this chapter presents, based on a literature review and process data analysis from local Sugarcane mills, an approach to a CO2 valorization chain considering Colombian legislation and incentives around CO2, integrating a sugarcane cogeneration plant as a CO2 source, absorption with amine solvents or calcium carbonate looping as options for carbon capture, and CO2 bioconversion into succinic acid. Technologies for CO2 utilization are often developed separately, and each sugarcane mill explored in the light of BECCU systems presents challenges and opportunities that may affect its implementation possibilities. On a one-year basis, technical and economic parameters calculated for a particular sugarcane mill show that of the 628,7 kilotons of CO2 produced by sugarcane bagasse burning, 452,7 and 402,4 tons can be captured at 34,6 and 58,3 US$/ton of CO2 captured by absorption with amine solvent or calcium carbonate looping, respectively. Then, putting the captured CO2 to use in anaerobic fermentation produces close to one thousand kilotons of succinic acid per route. This scenario can help to analyze the panorama of CO2 emissions and valorization in Colombia suggesting a need for growth in the overall technology carbon conversion yield, and that capture and CO2 use as feedstock does not automatically guarantee environmentally friendly processes; there appear to be more challenges to take care of in the current Colombian Sugarcane and CO2 incentives scenarios.
M. A. Trochez Cubillos, E. Y. Ortiz-Montoya, A. Ceballos Bermudez, N. H. Caicedo-Ortega, C. Alvarez-Vasco
Circular Economy of Petroleum-Based Industrial Wastes
Abstract
This chapter is dedicated to a comprehensive evaluation of the treatment processes associated with the waste generated from the utilization of petroleum products within the Spanish context. A pivotal aspect guiding our assessment is the overarching perspective of the circular economy, emphasizing our focus on processes that contribute to circularity. To achieve this, a meticulous exploration is undertaken, encompassing a detailed description of the various types of waste under scrutiny, elucidation of the industrial processes engendering them, and an in-depth analysis of their key characteristics. To define the distinctive attributes of each waste category, a systematic examination is conducted, elucidating and prioritizing the properties deemed most significant. This discernment lays the groundwork for a nuanced analysis of the available technologies within the theoretical and bibliographic domains, coupled with an exploration of the practical treatments actively employed in the Spanish market. Through this comprehensive overview, we aim to provide a holistic understanding of the landscape of waste treatment technologies, underlining their applicability and efficacy in the Spanish industrial milieu. An illustrative instance showcasing the practical application of the aforementioned technologies and treatments is presented through a recent decontamination project conducted in Arganda del Rey, located in the Community of Madrid, Spain. This real-world case study serves as a tangible demonstration of the successful implementation of the theoretical frameworks and technologies discussed earlier. The outcomes and lessons learned from this specific project enrich our understanding of the practical implications and challenges associated with the adoption of circular economy principles in waste treatment. In light of the extensive analysis and empirical evidence presented, we draw compelling conclusions that underscore the effectiveness and feasibility of integrating circular economy principles into the treatment processes for petroleum-derived waste in the Spanish context. These insights not only contribute to the academic discourse surrounding sustainable waste management but also provide practical guidance for industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to enhance the circularity of petroleum product waste streams in Spain.
P. Mora Peris, J. Pous de la Flor, L. Sánchez-Martín, D. Barettino, E. García-Franco
Application of Circular Economy in Electromobility: Recovery of Lithium Batteries
Abstract
The circular economy model leaves behind the concept of the linear economy, to advance in the recovery and reuse of materials, maintaining their value for as long as possible. On the other hand, electromobility based on the development of high-efficiency lithium batteries will allow progress towards carbon neutrality. Worldwide, the sale of electric cars has increased rapidly, representing about 10% of the vehicles sold in 2021. With this, battery production reached 160 GWh in 2020, where China and Europe being the main producers. The massification of electric, hybrid, and fuel cell cars in different parts of the planet is expected to represent a challenge in the coming years, as each country will have to design strategies to recover, reuse, recycle, and revalue the different waste associated with electromobility lithium batteries. In this context, applying the principles of circular economy and green chemistry, this chapter is based on research work aimed at proposing an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process for the revaluation of waste batteries of the Ion-Lithium type. For this project, it was defined that the objects of study would correspond to cell phone batteries and notebooks manufactured from 2010 onwards. This considering that the composition of these batteries is the same as those currently manufactured and those that will be manufactured in the coming years for application in Electromobility, in terms of structure and materials of interest. Different physical and chemical processes are used to recover the metallic and non-metallic components of interest. The characterization results of the used batteries indicate that the anode and cathode materials are mainly composed of LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, or LiCo0.2Ni0.5Mn0.3O2. Applying the hydrometallurgical method (leaching), it is possible to recover chemical species of high commercial value that can be used in the manufacture of new batteries with yields that exceed 88% for lithium and 90% for other metals such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The recovery of materials such as copper, cobalt, lithium, aluminium, and nickel will make electromobility viable worldwide. Therefore, taking care of this type of waste and giving new uses to its valuable chemical components will represent a competitive advantage shortly, in addition to opening the door to establishing a model based on a circular economy that allows avoiding the destruction of unique ecosystems. Worldwide, end the socio-environmental conflicts associated with the extraction and production of materials that are the basis for the battery industry and transform electromobility into a truly sustainable solution to global warming.
M. L. Valenzuela, C. Sandoval-Yáñez, C. Fúnez-Guerra, D. Quezada, L. Ballesteros, L. Reyes-Bozo
Plasma Gasification of Biomedical Waste: Energetic and Exergetic Aspect
Abstract
Plasma gasification technology can process solid municipal, commercial, industrial, petrochemical, and healthcare waste and produce ash and syngas that can be used to generate thermal and/or electrical energy. This is still a little-known technology because it has a high consumption of electricity and a high economic cost, but it can be an alternative for the processing of solid waste from biomedical waste (BW) due to the need for stricter disposal processes. Considering that Brazil and the world have serious problems with the incorrect disposal of biomedical waste (BW) and the increase in the generation of this type of waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to expand the studies of plasma gasification technology for processing and disposal of the BW of Brazilian cities and cities in every country in the world. In this context, this book chapter aims to carry out energy studies to determine the potential for electric power generation in an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a gas turbine set (GTS), operating with syngas gas produced by the gasification system to plasma and to allocate this electricity to the plasma gasifier and determined out the percentage that both the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine assembly can meet the need for the plasma gasification process. And also carry out exergetic studies to determine the efficiency of Second Law and Bonokovic, and even the irreversibilities of each piece of equipment of the proposed systems to evaluate where the greatest losses are. As a conclusion of the energy studies, the plasma gasification process is promising when associated with an internal combustion engine or gas turbine set, producing 2772.54 and 3741.63 kW of electricity, respectively, and also the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine set can supply 37% and 51%, respectively, of the electrical energy required in the plasma gasification process. Through the exergetic analysis, the plasma gasifier proved to be the most irreversible equipment (21,430 kW) both associated with the internal combustion engine and gas turbine set. Therefore, it is the plasma gasifier that studies should focus on developing more efficient equipment and making the plasma gasification process more attractive.
R. Franciélle Silva Paulino, J. Luz Silveira
Coal Recovery from Processing Waste and Coal Combustion Products
Abstract
Waste from the extractive industry, which includes processing waste, constitutes a vast majority of the industrial waste streams generated in economies where the energy mix is based on coal. Although the efficiency of coal processing is increasing the amount of coal deposited in abandoned slurry ponds is significant. Coal waste storage negatively impacts the environment and due to the high carbon content, this waste cannot be used directly for construction purposes. This also refers to the high carbon content of bottom slags from brown coal boilers. In this chapter, a modern mobile technology of coal recovery from hard coal slurry ponds and an idea of carbon recovery from lignite bottom slag is described. For the first case, the basic idea is to recover combustible matter from the waste coal slurry deposits and create solid fuel and mineral fraction (waste) that can be used for construction purposes. This allows reclaiming post-industrial areas to fit for other purposes, for instance, forestation, commercial or others. The coal recovery process in the COBANT mobile installation is carried out using gravity separation methods classifying and concentrating hydrocyclones. Before the slurry is introduced into the process the slurry is homogenized in a mixing tank to achieve desirable solid concentration and pumped into the circuit of the installation. Dewatering is carried out in dewatering screens and two products are obtained: coal concentrate and mineral fraction. The process is monitored at every stage and is fully automated. In the second approach where brown coal bottom slags are processed, the resulting product from the process will be either a solid fuel or a semi-product for the production of sorbent (activated carbon). In this chapter initial results of the processing technology and results of semi-product carbonation and activation are presented. The aforementioned methods allow to creation of two streams of products that can be used in the energy and construction industry under the circular economy approach.
M. Lutyński, W. Urbańczyk
Successful Integration of Circular Economy Concepts for the Extractive Industry
Abstract
This chapter delves into the area of transversal skill development within the engineering domain, with a specific focus on the Extractive Mining Industry. It commences by underlining the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably focusing on SDG12, Responsible Consumption and Production. The chapter elucidates the pivotal role SDG12 plays in fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns, offering a contextual backdrop to the subsequent exploration of transversal skills within the extractive sector. A pivotal theme within the context of this chapter is the profound impact of the extractive industry on the environment. Recognising the imperative to address environmental concerns, the chapter introduces the principles of the Circular Economy as a strategic avenue for instilling sustainability within the industry. It ventures into the conceptual landscape of circular economy principles and their potential applications in mitigating environmental impact, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable extractive sector. Central to the discourse is the integration of circular economy concepts into the extractive industry, emphasising the transformative potential it holds. The narrative underscores the need for a paradigm shift in industry practices, advocating for a holistic approach that not only meets current demands but also ensures the preservation of resources for future generations. Moving beyond environmental considerations, the chapter critically examines the concept of competence and its symbiotic relationship with transversal skills. Providing a solid theoretical foundation, it delineates the intrinsic value of cultivating competence profiles within the extractive industry. By elucidating the nexus between competence and transversal skills, the chapter advocates for a comprehensive approach to professional development that transcends traditional skill sets. In a culminating synthesis, the chapter presents a purpose-designed competence profile tailored to the extractive industry. This profile encapsulates the transversal skills imperative for professionals to navigate the dynamic landscape of the sector successfully. Through this multifaceted exploration, readers are equipped with a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental components essential for cultivating transversal skills indispensable for success in the extractive industry. The chapter serves as a leading light for industry practitioners, educators, and policymakers alike, propelling them towards a future where sustainable practices and transversal skills converge for a resilient and competitive extractive sector.
M. Murphy, R. Obenaus-Emler, C. Pacher
Circular Business Models: Overcoming Barriers and Unlocking Potentials
Abstract
The increasing need for sustainable development has become a pivotal concern for businesses globally. This urgency has driven companies to re-evaluate their existing linear models, which traditionally focus on a “take-make-dispose” approach, and to integrate sustainability and circular economy principles into their strategies. This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of how these principles are being incorporated into contemporary business models. It delves into both the opportunities and challenges companies face in adopting circular business models, a paradigm shift that emphasizes the importance of reusing, recycling, and reducing waste in business operations. The circular economy model represents a systemic shift, encouraging businesses to develop innovative practices that promote resource efficiency and sustainability. These practices not only help in reducing environmental impact but also offer economic benefits, such as cost savings and new revenue streams. The chapter explores various strategies companies can employ to integrate circular principles into their operations, such as designing products for longevity, implementing recycling processes, and adopting business models that focus on product-as-a-service. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to a case study of EcoX, a company that stands as a paragon of successful implementation of a circular business model. The case study of EcoX illuminates the transformative potential of circular business models in fostering sustainable growth and competitive advantage. It highlights how EcoX has managed to integrate circular principles effectively into its core business operations, resulting in enhanced sustainability, customer engagement, and economic benefits. The success story of EcoX serves as an inspiration and a practical guide for other companies aspiring to make a transition toward more sustainable practices. Furthermore, the case study outlines the best practices and key lessons learned from EcoX’s entrepreneurial journey towards circularity. These insights are invaluable for businesses contemplating or currently transitioning to a circular economy model. The chapter emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, the need for innovative thinking in product design and business processes, and the significance of aligning business objectives with sustainable development goals.
M. Glinik, B. Lamolinara, Ch. Ropposch, V. H. dos Santos Ferreira, C. Pacher
Metadata
Title
Circular Economy on Energy and Natural Resources Industries
Editors
Pedro Mora
F. Gabriel Acien Fernandez
Copyright Year
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-56284-6
Print ISBN
978-3-031-56283-9
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56284-6