We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Beyond greenhouse gases - a natural capital-based sustainability assessment framework for the waste-to-energy approach
Summary
This study proposes a sustainability assessment framework for waste-to-energy facilities that accounts for natural capital beyond greenhouse gas emissions, providing a more comprehensive picture of environmental trade-offs.
Although greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and marine plastic reduction have been recognised as essential factors for the sustainability performance of waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation tool for quantifying the environmental, social and economic impacts caused by WTE projects. To fill the gap, this study developed a natural capital-based sustainability assessment (NCSA) framework for evaluating the sustainability of WTE projects. The merits of the NCSA framework include (1) the quantification of the benefits caused by the avoidance of marine plastic pollution by WTE projects, and (2) an inclusive sustainability evaluation framework that holistically assesses the environmental, social and economic performance associated with GHG and marine plastic reduction. The NCSA framework has been demonstrated in the case study on the Sanya WTE Project. The results showed that the Sanya WTE Project emitted 265,376 tonnes of CO2e of GHG and prevented 28,242 - 75,312 tonnes of marine plastic during the study period, which is equivalent to a net benefit of CNY41.90 million - 464.45 million. The case study demonstrated that the NCSA framework is a comprehensive evaluation tool that provides clear and sound results for guiding decisions towards sustainable waste management and the overall sustainability of cities.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Sustainable Wastewater Management Decision-Making Process and Its Application to Water Resource Recovery Facilities
This study developed a sustainable decision-making framework for Water Resource Recovery Facilities to help balance competing priorities including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing emerging pollutants like PFAS and microplastics, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and maintaining economic feasibility while meeting regulatory requirements.
Measuring Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Water Resource Recovery Facilities Workshop Report
Researchers convened a workshop bringing together water utilities, national laboratories, and government agencies to identify challenges and opportunities in measuring life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from water resource recovery facilities.
Sustainable Management of Organic Waste and Recycling for Bioplastics: A LCA Approach for the Italian Case Study
Researchers used life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental trade-offs of collecting organic waste for biodegradable plastic production in Italy, finding that the system could reduce fossil resource use but that impacts depended heavily on collection efficiency and the end-of-life pathway chosen.
Mitigating greenhouse gases emissions in processing fossil carbon containing industrial waste
Researchers assessed best available techniques (BAT) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste treatment of fossil carbon-containing materials including oil, plastic, and rubber. The analysis found that recycling is the primary recommended method, and that effective GHG mitigation policy requires integrating waste management with full product life-cycle optimization.
A Review of Environmental, Social and Governance Frameworks in Sustainable Disposal of Waste from Renewable Energy Resources
This review examines the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges associated with disposing of waste from renewable energy infrastructure, including components that frequently contain hazardous materials. The study uses industry case studies to illustrate successful ESG-integrated disposal frameworks and recommends technical innovation, global collaboration, and stakeholder accountability as pathways toward sustainable renewable energy waste management.