Environmental and Climate Technologies Feed

Data Specificity in Scope 2 Accounting for Carbon Reporting: A Case Study Using Internet of Things-supported Electricity Measurements

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Among growing regulatory and investor pressure for high-quality sustainability reporting, accurate carbon accounting has become essential for corporate environmental, social, and governance disclosures. A key challenge exists in calculating Scope 2 emissions, where companies often use generalized national average emission factors, for which accounting approaches differ in how electricity generation, cross-border exchanges, and energy attributes are interpreted and allocated. This study critically reviews literature on data specificity in Scope 2 accounting, analysing methodological differences between locationbased mix and market-based mix approaches defined by GHG Protocol, the role of residual mixes and current spatial and temporal shortcomings of methods related to calculation of life cycle assessment and environmental product declarations. This study aims to explore how an increase in the granularity of company-specific electricity consumption measured data can improve the precision and traceability of related Scope 2 emissions for more qualitative operational decisions in companies. A case study was conducted using hourly electricity consumption data from four manufacturing companies that operate in Latvia over one year. The delivered electricity mix was recorded each hour, and company-specific average hourly and yearly emission factors were calculated based on energy source types. The results demonstrate that company-specific data typically yield lower calculated emissions compared to using Ecoinvent 3.11 database country-specific emission factors. However, these results must further be contextualized within the methodological tensions between physical locationbased and contractual market-based accounting. This study supports the current need for harmonized, high-resolution electricity data practices and integration with digital solutions to support trustworthy carbon emissions disclosures.

Technical and Market Aspects of Pumped Storage Hydropower Operation in the Ukrainian Energy System During Military Conflict

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has significantly affected the stability and operation of the national energy system, creating unprecedented challenges for electricity security and market functioning. While previous studies have primarily focused on infrastructure damage and generation losses, limited attention has been given to the role of hydropower plants (HPPs) and pumped-storage power plants (PSPPs) in maintaining power system resilience under wartime conditions. This study aims to assess the current state of Ukraine’s energy sector and evaluate the contribution of HPPs and PSPPs to system stability during periods of severe generation shortages. The research is based on the analysis of statistical data on electricity generation in Ukraine, operational information from the national electricity market, and international experience in the development of pumped-storage technologies. Comparative and analytical methods were applied to assess changes in generation capacity, infrastructure damage, and the operational role of PSPPs in balancing electricity supply and demand. The novelty of the study lies in its assessment of the evolving role of PSPPs in ensuring energy system resilience during wartime and its analysis of their increased contribution to balancing electricity supply and demand under conditions of largescale infrastructure disruption. The results emphasize the importance of expanding pumpedstorage capacity and strengthening integration with the European electricity market to enhance the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector.

Evaluation of Result-Based Payment Schemes for Carbon Farming in Latvia

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The agricultural sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions; however, carbon farming practices offer substantial potential for carbon sequestration. As the European Union moves towards more outcome-oriented climate policy, result-based payments may provide an additional incentive for measurable climate benefits. This study assesses the financial competitiveness of potential gross result-based carbon farming payments relative to existing action-based Common Agricultural Policy support and identifies the carbon remuneration levels at which result-based payments become competitive. A case-study farm in Latvia was analysed using farm-level management data, literature-based annual soil organic carbon stock change rates and a calculation framework based on the accounting logic of the draft Carbon Removal Certification Framework methodology. Two scenarios were assessed: a maximum potential scenario and a conservative scenario accounting for uncertainty associated with the combined effects of carbon farming practices. At a commercial carbon remuneration reference value of 35 EUR Mg CO₂eq⁻¹, estimated result-based payments reached 260.89 EUR ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and 158.22 EUR ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, respectively, compared with an action-based Common Agricultural Policy benchmark of 178.00 EUR ha−¹ yr−¹. The corresponding financial competitiveness thresholds were approximately 23.9 EUR and 39.4 EUR Mg CO₂eq⁻¹, respectively. Thus, at the commercial reference value, the maximum potential scenario was financially competitive, whereas the conservative scenario remained below the Common Agricultural Policy benchmark. The results indicate that financial competitiveness depends strongly on both carbon sequestration outcomes and remuneration levels. A hybrid approach combining action-based Common Agricultural Policy support with result-based remuneration may provide a more balanced incentive, particularly given uncertainty in soil organic carbon outcomes and additionality constraints affecting early adopters. Since the analysis relies on literature-based estimates and excludes direct soil organic carbon measurements, implementation costs, transaction costs and actual Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification or certification costs, the results should be interpreted as indicative gross payment estimates rather than as a complete assessment of farm-level profitability.

Response Surface-Based Optimization of Single-Cell Protein Production in Phaffia rhodozyma

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The yeast Phaffia rhodozyma is widely used as a natural source of astaxanthin for aquaculture, but its protein-rich biomass has been less studied as single-cell protein (SCP). This study explored the potential of P. rhodozyma as a dual-purpose production system by optimizing a low-cost medium for a protein-enriched mutant (AEC3/9), while also monitoring astaxanthin formation. A central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to evaluate the effects of glycerol, urea, ammonium sulphate, and initial pH. Shakeflask cultivations performed in triplicate (250 mL baffled flasks, 20 mL working volume, 22 °C, 250 rpm, 7 days) showed that protein productivity reached its maximum on day 4, which was selected as the reference point for optimization. Astaxanthin was included in the model but was not used as the main optimization target. The optimization results suggested that moderate glycerol concentrations (70–90 g/L), low urea (<0.2 g/L), and slightly acidic pH (5.9) were the most suitable conditions. Under the selected conditions (70.54 g/L glycerol, 0.134 g/L urea, 4.98 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄, pH 5.86), biomass reached 26.11 g/L with a protein content of 29.79 % (7.78 g/L). Scale-up in a 5 L stirred-tank bioreactor confirmed the feasibility of the process, reaching 33.50 g/L biomass and 6.82 g/L protein at 88 h. The results indicate that protein accumulation occurs before the phase associated with increased astaxanthin production. Optimizing nitrogen source and pH allows stable production of P. rhodozyma biomass on glycerol, supporting its use as an SCP co-product alongside astaxanthin.

Powering Micromobility Responsibly: A PRISMA-Guided Assessment for Battery Sustainability Across Environment, Society, and Economy

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The global shift toward electric micromobility and electric vehicles is accelerating rapidly, with the micromobility market projected to grow from EUR 7.49 billion in 2025 to EUR 18.94 billion by 2031. This transition is driven by the need to decarbonize transport, reduce congestion and comply with emerging zero-emission regulations. However, while this transition substantially reduces operational emissions, they introduce complex sustainability challenges associated with raw material extraction, battery manufacturing and end-of-life management. Lithium-ion traction batteries, especially high-performance chemistries depend on critical raw materials like lithium, nickel and cobalt, whose extraction poses both environmental and ethical concerns. These issues a re intensified by supply-chain concentration, geopolitical risks and high energy demands during battery production. This systematic literature review, conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology and screening 1037 records to identify 45 relevant studies, synthesizes the current state of sustainability research on electric micromobility batteries. The review highlights key lifecycle hotspots in production, the potential of end-of-life strategies, such as second-life applications and advanced recycling, to mitigate environmental burdens and the growing need for robust social and resource-criticality assessments. The novelty of this review lies in linking a PRISMA-based dataset with thematic analysis to ensure methodological traceability, while systematically comparing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and social-Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) approaches and integrating insights across environmental, economic, and social dimensions to identify cross-cutting sustainability trade-offs in battery systems. The study identifies key gaps, including the under-representation of social risks, fragmented life-cycle circularity assessments, insufficient consideration of critical raw material constraints, lack of robust quantification of end-of-life credits, and the limited number of studies specifically addressing micromobility applications involving lithium batteries below 2 kWh and 48 V capacity. The review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of battery sustainability across the full value chain, highlight methodological limitations and knowledge gaps.

Thermal Performance Degradation of Vacuum Insulation Panels under Vacuum Loss Conditions

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This paper presents an experimental study of thermal performance degradation of vacuum insulation panels under vacuum loss conditions. The experiments were carried out under field conditions using heat flux and temperature measurements. Two configurations were investigated: a single intact vacuum insulation panel and a sandwich system consisting of two vacuum insulation panels separated by an air layer after destructive damage. The effective thermal conductivity was determined under quasi-steady-state conditions. The results showed that the effective thermal conductivity of the intact vacuum insulation panel was in the range of 0.0094–0.0105 W/(m·K), which is higher than the nominal value of approximately 0.008 W/(m·K). After vacuum loss, the effective thermal conductivity increased to 0.030–0.035 W/(m·K), approaching the level of conventional thermal insulation materials. This confirms that vacuum loss causes a stepwise degradation of the thermal insulation properties of vacuum insulation panels.

Magnesia Polystyrene Concrete with Porous Mineral Fillers

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The article is concerned with the topical issue of effective lightweight concrete technology development. The objective of this study is to investigate properties of concrete mixes and lightweight magnesia concretes based on granulated expanded polystyrene and porous mineral filling materials. The following raw materials such as caustic magnesite, granulated expanded polystyrene, aluminosilicate microspheres, expanded perlite, and expanded vermiculite were used in the experiments. Concrete mixes were prepared using magnesia binder, porous fillers, and magnesium chloride solution. Technological properties of concrete mixes were determined by the Abrams cone slump; identity of the coefficient was ensured by magnesium chloride solution to caustic magnesite ratio. Concretes operating abilities were evaluated by density, strength, and strength-density ratio. Mathematical planning and processing of experimental results allowed us to develop models reflecting the dependence of magnesite concrete properties on the content and type of filling materials. Effect of each porous mineral filler on polystyrene concrete’s properties was determined. Caustic magnesite and combined fillers provide homogeneous and stable lightweight concrete structure with a density of 380–840 kg/m3 and strength of 0.9–8.7 MPa. The results of the study are aimed at expanding the range and improving technical characteristics of low-density concrete.

Costs of Meeting the EU’s LULUCF Target through Restricting Roundwood Harvests

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union (EU) has a target for greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land-use change, and forestry in 2030. Within the time frame to 2030, reducing roundwood harvests in managed forests appears to be the only measure capable of substantially increasing forest carbon sinks. The resulting reduction in global net emissions would be considerably smaller than the increase in the EU forest sink because lower harvest levels in the EU are partly offset by increased production elsewhere, and the climate benefits associated with harvested wood products decline. This study assesses the economic costs faced by the EU and its Member States if the latter restrict harvests to meet their targets. Two alternative background settings for policy implementation are considered: one with market-driven harvests and the other with stagnating EU harvests. Under the assumptions made, a comparison of the economic value generated by the forest sector with and without harvest constraints suggests that France, Germany, Finland, Poland, and Sweden would face the highest costs, amounting to several billion euros over the period of 2026–2035. A few EU countries would gain modestly. Outside the EU, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Russia are the largest economic beneficiaries. The estimated costs vary across Member States, while at the EU level, they are € 1000 per tCO₂ or more during 2030–2035 when accounting for the direct and indirect effects related to forest sector production. In addition, there would be induced effects on the rest of the economy.

Analysis of Heat Transfer Coefficients for a Micro-Jet Heat Exchanger

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigated a microjet heat exchanger. The microjet heat transfer technique offers numerous advantages, such as high heat transfer coefficients, efficient heat transfer even at low temperature differences, the ability to easily regulate the heat flux, and the possibility of direct contact with the cooled surface. The experimental setup and the microjet heat exchanger are discussed. The experiments were conducted using a microjet-generating head equipped with four membranes, each having 364 circular slits with a diameter of 160 μm, a nozzle-to-heat-transfer-surface area ratio Ar of 0.0019, and a ratio of the distance between adjacent nozzles to their diameter s/d of 19. The working fluid was water. The volumetric flow rate was adjusted manually and ranged from 12.8 to 133 mL/s, corresponding to Reynolds numbers in the range of 279–4166. The experiments were conducted for four different distances between the nozzles and the heat transfer surface, adjusted using appropriate spacers with thicknesses of 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm. The heat transfer coefficients kexp were calculated from the obtained results.

Mobile Autonomous Energy Station with Battery Swapping for Agricultural Robotics: Design and Commercialization Prospect

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Innovation is a major driver of progress across all sectors, including agriculture, while intellectual property, particularly industrial property, plays a central role in supporting both innovation and economic development. The successful commercialisation of industrial property can contribute to economic growth by encouraging investment, creating new employment opportunities, and enabling the development of innovative products and services. This paper investigates the commercial potential of a novel autonomous, mobile, and environmentally sustainable energy station created at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The process requires securing industrial property rights and managing them appropriately through the necessary legal procedures, followed by the initiation of technology transfer from academia to industry. In this case, the transfer takes place from a university to a commercial company. To facilitate commercialisation, a licensable technology portfolio must be prepared around the core licensing asset, which may include patents, utility models, and know how. In addition, the key value propositions of the product or technology must be clearly defined. The proposed mobile energy station consists of a solar power unit, operating as the primary non dispatchable source, with a maximum total output of 6.82 kW, a biomethane powered generator serving as a secondary dispatchable source, an energy storage system with a total capacity of 14.4 kWh, and a rapid battery swapping and charging system for an agricultural robot. By combining solar energy with generator support, the system is able to maintain continuous operation even in unfavourable weather conditions. The battery swapping and charging mechanism includes a platform alignment system, a motor driven trolley for battery transfer, and an automated locking and unlocking solution. The entire station is automated and managed by a programmable logic controller together with several embedded microcontrollers. The central SIMATIC PLC supervises the main control processes, including solar tracking drive operation, battery state of charge monitoring, generator control, and wireless communication with approaching robots.

Bio-based Strategies to Enhance the Performance of Trametes versicolor Mycelium-Based Leather-Like Materials

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mycelium-based materials are emerging as promising bio-derived alternatives to animal and synthetic leather. However, their practical implementation is limited by insufficient mechanical strength and high surface hydrophilicity, which compromise dimensional stability and durability under humid conditions. This study investigates post-processing strategies aimed at enhancing structural integrity and improving surface hydrophobicity – an essential parameter to increase water resistance and extend service life – of Trametes versicolor mats produced through liquid-state surface fermentation (LSSF). A preliminary assessment showed that hot pressing increased the ultimate stress of glycerol-treated sheets from 0.31 ± 0.06 to 0.45 ± 0.06 MPa, confirming its suitability as a standard consolidation step. Subsequently, sorbitol- and citric acid-treated mats were coated with seven bio -based formulations, including proteins, polysaccharides, shellac, and wax–oil blends, and evaluated through static water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The uncoated mat exhibited the highest hydrophobicity (99.8 ± 15.0)°, while coated samples showed WCAs ranging from 65.1° (corn zein) to 95.3° (wax–oil balm). Coatings rich in hydrophobic long-chain molecules yielded the best water repellence, whereas protein- and polysaccharide-based films primarily altered surface texture without enhancing wettability. These results highlight the importance of formulation chemistry – particularly plasticizer content – in determining surface hydrophobicity, and provide a foundation for the development of scalable, fully bio-based surface finishing treatments for fungal leather-like materials.

Optimizing the Geometry of an L-Shaped Building to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The geometric form of a building strongly influences its material use, heat losses, and energy efficiency. This paper presents an analytical optimization of L-shaped residential buildings aimed at minimizing the external surface area for a prescribed volume. Both symmetric and asymmetric configurations are examined under realistic design constraints, including fixed or bounded wing aspect ratios and fixed building height. Using explicit optimization methods and Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, closed-form expressions for the optimal geometric parameters and the minimal envelope area are derived. The results show that unconstrained optimization leads to degenerate cuboid shapes, highlighting the importance of geometric constraints to preserve the L-shaped form. The results obtained provide practical design guidelines for architects and engineers, supporting informed early-stage decisions that balance functional requirements, regulatory constraints, architectural intent, and energy performance. The proposed approach should be understood as an early-stage geometric optimization method based on envelope-area minimization, rather than as a complete dynamic energy-performance assessment. Case studies of existing houses demonstrate that the proposed approach can reduce external surface area or confirm near-optimality of practical designs, supporting energy-efficient early-stage architectural decisions.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates for Biodegradable Printed Circuit Boards: A Mini Review for Bio-Microelectronics

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components of nearly all electronic products and consist mostly of laminated structures combining conductive and insulating layers. Conventional PCB manufacturing relies on fossil-based and poorly degradable materials. Most widely used components are the fiberglass FR-4 for rigid substrates and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for flexible substrates. When improperly managed at the end-of-life stage, PCBs pose significant environmental and health risks. Current disposal practices, including incineration and e-waste storage, contribute to the release of carcinogenic and persistent pollutants such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with severe impacts on ecosystems and human health. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop simplified recycling strategies and to adopt environmentally friendly materials for both substrates and processing reagents. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent a promising class of biopolymers synthesized by microorganisms. PHAs combine functional performance with intrinsic biodegradability and enable controlled degradations of electronic substrates after disposal. In recent studies, PHAs were investigated as sustainable PCB substrate materials, processed through additive manufacturing techniques such as drop casting, spray coating, inkjet printing, and laser activation to support material-efficient and low-impact fabrication routes. The surface morphology and topography of the surface of the substrates were characterized using optical profilometry, while cross-section analyses and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate layer integrity, microstructure, and interfacial quality. Thermal properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, eco-friendly solvent-based approaches were explored for the recovery and recycling of materials, aiming to close the material loop and enhance circularity. Overall, the integration of biodegradable polymers, advanced manufacturing techniques, comprehensive material characterization, and green recycling strategies suggest viable pathways toward environmentally responsible microelectronics and support the transition to a more sustainable future for electronic materials.

Optimizing Energy Consumption in Buildings

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The optimization of hybrid building energy systems is commonly addressed using two main approaches: model-based and rule-based energy management strategies that ensure operational stability, and heuristic or algorithmic methods designed to optimize multiple objectives such as operational cost, CO₂ emissions, and system reliability. However, these approaches are often insufficiently validated with respect to energy demand sensitivity, limiting their robustness under dynamic and uncertain operating conditions. This study proposes an integrated energy forecasting and management framework that combines real-time energy management with intelligent load control based on dynamic building energy modelling. Despite significant progress in hybrid renewable energy system control, existing solutions frequently lack unified and computationally efficient algorithmic architectures capable of simultaneously addressing multiple renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and demand response. Moreover, many approaches exhibit limited effectiveness in handling complex multi-objective optimization problems in real-time applications. To overcome these limitations, the proposed framework integrates machine learning–based energy demand forecasting with a two-level optimization strategy supported by adaptive parameter control and parallel evaluation. The framework enables real-time decision-making while maintaining computational efficiency. By coordinating hybrid renewable energy systems with conventional power supply infrastructure, the proposed approach reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption while ensuring occupant comfort, thereby demonstrating strong potential for practical deployment in smart and energy-efficient buildings.

Computational Modeling of Forest Firebreak Formation by Controlled Hydrogen Explosions

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The work presents the results of a numerical study of the spatiotemporal impact of a cylindrical (hose-type) hydrogen-charge blast wave on a forest area in order to assess the feasibility of forming firebreak barriers using controlled explosive loading. The study is motivated by the increasing frequency and scale of forest fires associated with climate change, which necessitate the development of new technological solutions for limiting fire spread while minimizing environmental impact. A set of several explosion power configurations (differing in hose-type charge radius) was examined for modeling the hydrogen blast near the ground surface. For each configuration, the spatial distributions of the maximum overpressure and the positive impulse of the blast wave were analyzed within the computed “air-forest cover” domain. Environmental blast impact parameter fields were generated from a hydrogen explosion model and analyzed, accounting for a given forest area height. Based on maximum overpressure thresholds, zones corresponding to different levels of forest-cover damage, including leaf stripping, twig breakage, and complete tree destruction, were identified. The extent of each zone along the ground surface was defined, enabling the quantification of the potential firebreak streak width. A comparative analysis of forest-cover damage-zone widths as a function of the charge’s geometric parameter (hose-type charge radius) was performed. Additionally, the time histories of overpressure at a characteristic point near the ground surface beneath the charge were analyzed for all modeling configurations, allowing a comparison of blast-wave dynamics across different explosion powers. Grouped bar charts and trends illustrating the dependence of the damage-zone widths on the radius of the hosetype charge were constructed. The results demonstrate the fundamental feasibility of controlling the extent of forest-cover damage zones by selecting geometric parameters of hosetype hydrogen charges, thereby establishing a scientifically grounded basis for the development of environmental-safety technologies for firebreak formation.

Biomass Diversification for District Heating: Trade- Off between Biomass Sustainability and Heat Production Efficiency

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Biomass diversification in district heating is driven by resource constraints and sustainability requirements under European Union policy, yet variability in fuel properties complicates procurement and operational planning. This study evaluates nine biomass fuels available on the local market, including wood chips, residues from intensified forest harvesting, and alternative biomass blends, to link fuel quality with economic and environmental performance. Fuels were characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis, calorific value, ash melting temperature, and chemical composition, and ash utilization potential was assessed through oxide mapping and heavy-metal analysis. Combustion tests were conducted in a large-scale moving-grate boiler under real operating conditions, with flue-gas measurements used to calculate efficiency and heat losses. WC3 achieved the highest net calorific value due to low moisture, also the highest combustion efficiency and lowest particulate matter concentration in flue gas, while WM3 and WM4 showed severe CO peaks and combustion efficiency losses under tested conditions. WM3 had the highest ash content and lowest melting point, while WM4 contained a large fines fraction, raising dust and segregation concerns. Heavy-metal concentrations were lowest in WC3 and highest in WR2.

Linking Environmental Impacts and Nutritional Value in a Life Cycle Perspective for Different Dairy Products

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The dairy sector faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining nutritional quality and product diversity. Cheese production is particularly complex, as it involves a wide range of processing technologies and energy demands, from fresh cheeses to long-ripened products. This study presents an evaluation based on Environmental Product Declarations and Life Cycle Assessment applied to fourteen dairy and plant-based products, including milk, fresh products, cheese, and plant-based alternatives. Environmental impacts are expressed as Global Warming Potential (GWP, kg CO₂eq/kg product) and disaggregated across upstream, core, and downstream phases. For studies with limited system boundaries, downstream proxy values, covering distribution, household refrigeration, and packaging end-of-life, were estimated using a harmonized set of assumptions to ensure cross-product comparability. To move beyond mass-based functional units, impacts are also expressed relative to a Nutrient Density Unit (NDU) encompassing energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium, key nutrients in which dairy products excel. Further analyses examine the influence of post-farm processing efficiency through five decarbonization scenarios, including energy efficiency improvements and industrial heat pump electrification under varying electricity mixes, applied to four representative products and address the robustness of the nutritional metric through a simplified Nutrient Rich Food index in which fat is treated as a nutrient to limit. Results show that while mass-based GWP favours minimally processed and plant-based products (0.72–1.6 kg CO₂eq/kg) over longripened cheeses (9–20 kg CO₂eq/kg), nutritional normalization substantially narrows, and in some cases reverses, this gap: mean GWP/NDU values are 39 for milk, 34 for fresh dairy, 30 for cheese, and 12 for plant-based alternatives, reducing the category-level difference from approximately thirteen-fold to roughly two-and-a-half-fold. Processing decarbonization reduces GWP/NDU by 4–24 % depending on product type, with UHT milk showing the strongest response and long-ripened cheeses the most limited, given the dominance of upstream agricultural emissions. The NRF-based robustness check confirms that relative product rankings remain broadly stable under alternative nutritional metrics. This framework supports transparent sustainability communication, product benchmarking, and evidence-based decision-making in the food sector.

Research of Acidulation Parameters Affecting the Extraction of Acid Oil from Rapeseed Soapstock

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The problems of climate change, especially the greenhouse effect caused by transport exhaust gas emissions, make the issue of finding alternatives to fossil fuels increasingly urgent. One such alternative is biodiesel. The valorisation of industrial biomass based by-products such as soapstock, generated during vegetable oil refining, supports both waste reduction and sustainable biodiesel production. This study investigates the acidulation of rapeseed soapstock to obtain acid oil – a mixture of free fatty acids and glycerides suitable for advanced biodiesel synthesis. The effects of acid type (concentrated sulphuric acid, 50 % sulphuric acid, 25 % citric acid), pH (2–7), and temperature (20, 45, 70 °C) on purified acid oil yield and phospholipid removal were examined under controlled laboratory conditions. Rapeseed soapstock was acidified till defined pH using chosen acid at set temperature. Then extraction with cyclohexane followed by purification with cold acetone yielded acid oil. The optimal acidulation parameters were achieved with concentrated sulphuric acid at pH 5 and initial soapstock temperature around 20 °C, producing 34.7 % of purified acid oil. These results demonstrate that optimized acidulation of rapeseed soapstock provides a cost-effective route for converting industrial waste into a viable feedstock for biodiesel synthesis, contributing to circular bioeconomy principles and the reduction of fossil fuel dependence.

Assessment of the Usefulness of e-LNG, e-LPG, and Other Alternative Marine Fuels in the Baltic Sea Region Based on OECD Short-Term Evaluation Criteria

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The maritime sector faces increasing regulatory and economic pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, requiring region-specific evaluation of alternative marine fuels. This study examines the short-term (10–15 years) usefulness of alternative fuels in the Baltic Sea Region through an integrated assessment combining literature review, regional trade analysis using Eurostat and HELCOM data, vessel segmentation, infrastructure readiness analysis, and techno-economic modelling. A GT–LOA conversion formula is derived from ship databases to improve vessel-based fuel demand estimation and support infrastructure compatibility analysis. The results identify e-LPG, e-LNG, green methanol, ammonia, and biofuels as the most viable fuels for the transition period, emphasizing the role of infrastructure availability, regulatory cost mechanisms, and vessel size distribution in shaping adoption pathways. The findings indicate that the Baltic Sea Region is entering a critical transitional phase in which alternative fuels can be deployed through phased implementation strategies combining transitional and zero-carbon options. The study provides decision support for policymakers, port authorities, and industry stakeholders regarding fuel investment planning, infrastructure development, and emerging maritime energy business opportunities.

Erratum to: Life Cycle Assessment of Peat Extraction Towards Peat-bog Reconversion Strategies: Scenarios Comparison Based on a Real Case Study from a Latvian Peat Extraction Factory

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT