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1

Analiza emisji gazów cieplarnianych w zakładzie mięsnym

Wróbel-Jędrzejewska Magdalena, Przybysz Łukasz, Włodarczyk Ewelina

Przemysł Spożywczy

|

2025

|

T. 79, nr 5

19--23

PL

Realizacja celów zrównoważonej gospodarki wymaga od producentów żywności analizy wskaźników środowiskowych. W artykule przedstawiono badania śladu węglowego w produkcji i przetwórstwie mięsa w średniej wielkości zakładzie w Polsce. Prace obejmowały ocenę emisji gazów cieplarnianych w zdefiniowanym zakresie i uwzględniały, zarówno emisje bezpośrednie (wynikające ze spalania paliw kopalnych i działania systemów produkcyjnych), jak i pośrednie (związane z zużyciem energii elektrycznej). Na podstawie zgromadzonych danych opracowano jednolitą metodologię obliczania śladu węglowego, umożliwiającą precyzyjną ocenę emisji na każdym etapie produkcji. Opracowano bazę danych, co pozwoliło na określenie wartości śladu węglowego w analizowanym okresie. Wyniki badań dostarczają kluczowych informacji umożliwiających optymalizację procesów produkcyjnych oraz opracowanie strategii dekarbonizacji przetwórstwa mięsnego.

EN

The achievement of sustainable economy goals requires food producers to analyze environmental indicators. A study of the carbon footprint of meat production and processing at a medium-sized facility in Poland was presented. The work included an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions within a defined range and took into account, both direct emissions (resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels and the operation of production systems) and indirect emissions (related to electricity consumption). Based on the collected data, a unified methodology for carbon footprint calculating was developed, allowing precise assessment of emissions at each stage of production. A database was developed, which made it possible to determine the carbon footprint value over the analyzed period. The results of the study provide key information to optimize production processes and develop strategies for decarbonizing meat processing.

2

Digital financial inclusion, environmental degradation, and human capital nexus: evidence from South Asian countries

Javeid Umer, Tariq Muhammad, Akhtar Munazza, Sharif Fatima

Economics and Environment

|

2025

|

No. 2

art. no. 1156

EN

This study investigates the complex interrelations between Digital Financial Inclusion, Human Capital, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Asian countries from 2005 to 2023. We applied second-generation unit root analysis and panel co-integration test of Westerlund, designed especially for cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity, by subjecting them to rigorous testing of these data irregularities. The Westerlund test results confirm significant long-term co-integration, but findings suggest a mixed character of stationarity. The empirical results indicate that a 1% incline in human capital leads to a 1.81% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, a one-unit increase in digital financial inclusion is associated with a 0.33-unit increase in greenhouse gas emissions. This study addresses a neglected area of existing research through regional analysis and utilises approaches to handle cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity. Policymakers are encouraged to integrate findings from this study into climate action strategies, emphasising the importance of promoting digital financial inclusion to support human capital development while addressing environmental impacts.

3

Integrating fuzzy logic into life cycle assessment for sustainable municipal solid waste management in Metro Cities

Choudhary Rakesh, Kumar Ajay, Narayan Saurav, Mishchenko Igor, Choudhury Moharana, Bhardwaj Laxmi Kant, Ahmad Aqueel, Andrienko Mykola, Gaman Petro, Boiko Oksana

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2025

|

Vol. 26, iss. 7

316--331

EN

This study presents an integrated decision-support framework that combines fuzzy logic with life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) strategies under data uncertainty, using Delhi as a representative metropolitan context. Seven MSWM scenarios, from conventional composting and incineration to hybrid systems involving anaerobic digestion and mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) with energy recovery, were modeled using fuzzy triangular numbers applied to key parameters such as waste composition, treatment efficiency, and emissions. A fuzzy-TOPSIS method was employed to rank scenarios based on environmental and operational performance indicators. The results indicate that scenarios involving MBT with energy recovery and anaerobic digestion outperform traditional greenhouse gas reduction, energy yield, and landfill diversion methods. Waste quantity was found to have a more significant impact on system performance than treatment capacity, highlighting the model’s sensitivity to real-world variability. Although the study focuses on a single urban region and incorporates expert-derived fuzzy ranges, its methodological framework is adaptable to similar urban contexts. By embedding fuzzy logic into LCA for urban MSWM, the research addresses a critical gap in current modeling approaches. It offers a novel, uncertainty-resilient tool for municipal planners and environmental policymakers.

4

Carbon credits and environmental impact tracking: the role of blockchain in supporting efficient and secure carbon credit markets

Yadav Amol Pandurang, Mulik Vinod Prakash, Kasar Mahavir Shantinath, Vitekar Atul Bapuso, Shelke Sheetal V., Patil Sonal M.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2025

|

Vol. 26, iss. 4

76--87

EN

This research investigated how Blockchain might fix problems in carbon credit markets when it comes to being open, stopping fraud, and tracking things as they happen. It takes a deep dive into current carbon credit systems to find significant issues like counting things twice, not having the same rules for everyone, and slow ways of doing business. The study then checked if spread-out features of blockchain can help. Real-life examples show that blockchain can cut business costs by up to 30% by using smart contracts. It also helps more people join in by checking things right away and letting everyone see how credits move. These changes make carbon credit systems more trustworthy and help countries work together better. However, there are still problems, like making blockchain work for more people, the fact that it uses a lot of energy, and that different industries do not all follow the same rules. To fix these, the blockchains that use less energy and make rules that work worldwide need to be studied. Even with these problems, blockchain can help by making paperwork easier, cutting costs, and holding people responsible. This lets smaller groups join in and makes the market work better. The study pointed out that it is new and important to mix blockchain with things like the Internet of Things and AI to track emissions and check credits better in real time.

5

Neural network prediction model : applied to U.S. industrial greenhouse gas emissions

Tseng Shih-Hsien, Wang Chia-Hsuan, Duong Thi Ha Trang

Archives of Environmental Protection

|

2025

|

Vol. 51, no. 1

103--115

EN

This study explores the use of deep learning neural network models for predicting greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on small-sample time-series data sets, an area with limited prior research. It utilizes Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Long Short-Term Memory Networks (LSTMs), Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs), and Transformers combined with Genetic Algorithms to forecast CO2 emissions from industrial sources in Texas, a major contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis is based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks" dataset, spanning 1990 to 2020. The results indicate that LSTM and Transformer models are particularly effective, with LSTM outperforming Transformers in computational efficiency by 6.97 times. These findings highlight the potential of LSTM and Transformer models as accurate and stable tools for predicting CO2 emissions in small-sample time-series data, offering valuable insights for future research and policy development in environmental management.

6

Analiza systemów kominowych i ich wpływ na środowisko w oparciu o normy polskie

Graczyk Julia, Ksit Barbara

Przegląd Budowlany

|

2023

|

R. 94, nr 9-10

28--32

PL

W pracy omówiono systemy kominowe nowej generacji stosowane w budownictwie jednorodzinnym i zamieszkania zbiorowego oraz ich wpływ na środowisko. Podano wady i zalety poszczególnych rozwiązań oraz kryteriów decydujących o wyborze odpowiedniego rozwiązania. Analizę oparto o normy polskie.

EN

The paper discusses new generation chimney system sused in single-family housing and collective housing and their impact on the environment. The advantages and disadvantages of individual solutions as well as the criteria determining the selection of the appropriate solution are given. The analysis was based on Polish standards.

7

Problemy śladu węglowego w budownictwie

Ciuła Michał, Furtak Marcin

Materiały Budowlane

|

2023

|

nr 12

78--83

PL

W artykule omówiono problemy dotyczące obliczania śladu węglowego w budownictwie. Przeanalizowano trudności związane z oszacowaniem ilości emitowanych gazów do atmosfery i rozpoznaniem ich wpływu na środowisko naturalne. Zwrócono uwagę na ryzyko przyjmowania nieprawidłowych założeń przy poszukiwaniu ekologicznych rozwiązań oraz na trudności porównania śladu węglowego różnych materiałów budowlanych. Pomimo wymienionych trudności, podkreślono znaczenie analizy śladu węglowego jako narzędzia wspierającego dążenia do zrównoważonego budownictwa. Wskazano na potrzebę kontynuowania prac nad doskonaleniem metody obliczania i precyzją pomiarów śladu węglowego, aby umożliwić dokładną ocenę wpływu sektora budownictwa na środowisko naturalne.

EN

The article discusses the challenges associated with calculating the carbon footprint in the construction industry. It analyzes the difficulties in estimating the amount of emitted greenhouse gases and recognizing their impact on the natural environment. Attention is drawn to the risk of making incorrect assumptions when seeking ecological solutions and the comparative difficulties between different building materials in terms of carbon footprint. Despite these challenges, the importance of carbon footprint analysis as a tool to support sustainable construction efforts is emphasized. The need to continue improving methodologies and measurement precision to enable a more accurate assessment of the construction sector's impact on the natural environment is highlighted.

8

Exploring the Impact of Reclaimed Water on Latin America's Development

Félix-López Miryam, Ormaza-Murillo María, Álvarez-Santana Carmita, Banchon Carlos

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 10

157--173

EN

This review examines the economic impact of Latin American regulations, strategies, and community involvement in mitigating the detrimental effects of mismanaged municipal domestic wastewater on public health, safety, and the economy. A systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted to assess the economic potential of reclaimed water in the region, utilizing various data sources and methodologies. The findings reveal that Latin America faces challenges in wastewater treatment, regulation, and resource management, affecting the market potential of reclaimed water. However, resource recovery initiatives present economic opportunities, including cost reduction, agricultural growth, energy recovery, and resource reuse.The study also highlights the lack of sanitation and waste- water treatment coverage data in many Latin American countries. By examining the commercial possibilities, regulatory frameworks, and environmental benefits of reclaimed water, this research provides valuable insights for sustainable water management and resource recovery policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the economic advantages of utilizing reclaimed water and biosolids in Latin America, advocating for the implementation of strong regulations and policies to promote job creation and economic growth.

9

Relationships between economic and ecological indicators and greenhouse gas emissions: The perspective of farms in Poland at the regional level

Sieczko Leszek, Kołoszko-Chomentowska Zofia

Economics and Environment

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2023

|

No. 3

382--395

EN

Aligning farms with the European Green Deal necessitates precise identification and analysis of the interplay between primary economic factors and ecological dimensions. This study presents detailed research findings on the correlation between ecological indicators, CH4 and N2O emissions, and economic metrics within a regional framework. The research draws on data from farms participating in the European Agricultural Accounting Network (FADN) spanning 2010-2019. The resultant analysis underscores substantial correlations among the examined parameters. Regions characterised by heightened agricultural production intensity report elevated agricultural income. However, this is coupled with increased environmental impact and heightened greenhouse gas emissions, particularly among farms engaged in animal production. Mazowsze, Podlasie, Wielkopolska, and Slask exhibit notable progress in proenvironmental initiatives. In the Pomorze and Mazury regions, expenditures on fertilisation and plant protection remain close to the average, culminating in an efficient equilibrium of organic matter in the soil and minimal CH4 and N2O emissions per hectare.

PL

Transformacja gospodarstw rolnych zgodnie z Europejskim Zielonym Ładem wymaga precyzyjnej identyfikacji i analizy relacji między głównymi czynnikami ekonomicznymi a aspektami ekologicznymi. W niniejszym opracowaniu przedstawiono wyniki szczegółowych badań dotyczących korelacji między wskaźnikami ekologicznymi, emisją CH4 i N2O a wskaźnikami ekonomicznymi w kontekście regionalnym. Badania oparto na danych z gospodarstw rolnych uczestniczących w Europejskiej Sieci Rachunkowości Rolniczej (FADN) za lata 2010-2019. Uzyskane wyniki analizy wykazują istotne współzależności między badanymi parametrami. W regionach o wysokim poziomie intensywności produkcji rolniczej, gospodarstwa notują wyższe dochody rolnicze, jednakże wiąże się to z większym obciążeniem środowiska naturalnego oraz większymi emisjami gazów cieplarnianych, zwłaszcza w gospodarstwach prowadzących produkcję zwierzęcą. Mazowsze, Podlasie, Wielkopolska oraz Śląsk wykazują znaczący postęp w implementacji działań prośrodowiskowych. W regionach pomorskim i mazurskim, wydatki na nawożenie i ochronę roślin utrzymują się na poziomie zbliżonym do średniej, co przekłada się na efektywną równowagę materii organicznej w glebie oraz minimalne emisje CH4 i N2O na hektar.

10

Low Emission Power Plant Design Using R134a as Working Fluid Instead of Fossil Fuel to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Effect

Simanjuntak Janter Pangaduan, Prayogo Wisnu

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 5

231--237

EN

This study investigates the potential of using R134a as a working fluid in a low-emission power plant instead of the conventional power plant to mitigate the greenhouse effect. The study explores the thermodynamic properties of R134a and its suitability for use in an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plant. A simulation model was developed using Aspen Hysys to evaluate the power plant’s performance using this working fluid. The results indicate that the ORC power plant can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional power plants while maintaining high energy efficiency. About 18.17 kW of electric power can be obtained at a working condition of 10 bar and an evaporator temperature of 130 °C with the highest thermal efficiency of 3.43%. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of R134a as a sustainable working fluid for low-emission power generation.

11

Prospects of Decarbonizing Industrial Areas in the Baltic States by Means of Alternative Fuels

Mezulis Ansis, Kleperis Janis, Lesnicenoks Peteris, Zemite Laila

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2022

|

Vol. 23, nr 8

152--161

EN

All three Baltic States have reached good figures regarding the change in total greenhouse gas emissions from transport during 1990-2017. Particularly successful is Lithuania, showing a negative value of -2.7%. Latvia considerably lags behind Estonia (+15.1% vs. +1.5%). Amid the achievement of Latvian scientists, engineers and merchants, the authors point out the work of Lithuanian engineers who investigated how gaseous hydrogen affects the parameters of diesel internal combustion engine. Important to note that in the Baltic States, the activities of inland waterway vessels and the shunting locomotives are concentrated in only a few main cities. Regarding that, Baltic scientists and environment specialists nowadays are developing plans also for local air pollution decreasing, which can be carried out in particular cities or industrial areas, thereby allowing for improvements in air cleanliness and the ecological situation in concerned local area. A numerical estimation shows that applying the NYSMART technology, introduced in this paper, will make areas of active action of the high-volume diesels cleaner in the same amount as gained by photosynthesis of the urban green flora. In recent years, the developed technology of hydraulic piston compression allows producing numerous different vehicle fueling appliances for the CNG/bio-CNG fuel. The further development of this technology means the producing of various solutions, applicable at biogas/biomethane production sites, for CNG/bio-CNG compression, transportation and fast natural gas vehicles refueling in a cost effective and convenient way. The hydraulic piston compression and NYSMART have a potential in small and medium-scale technologies and therefore need to be developed further for applications with hydrogen. Production of biomethane and green hydrogen is delayed by the lack of state aid programmes in the Baltic States. Lithuania is on the way to change the situation in the coming years, with one of the first biomethane gas production plants due to be built near Panevėžys, in Šilagalys near the Via Baltica motorway. Summing up all aspects, the preconditions for the use of alternative fuels in the Baltic States are similar, allowing one to learn from other’s experience and to consider joint projects.

12

Dokąd zmierza europejski system handlu uprawnieniami do emisji?

Tomasik Miłosz

Nowa Energia

|

2021

|

nr 3

26--30

PL

Nie byłoby zapewne nadmierną przesadą powiedzenie, że pojęcie „polityka klimatyczna” dla wielu osób jest niemalże synonimem określenia „polityka Unii Europejskiej” i stanowi główny obiekt zainteresowania Komisji Europejskiej. Jakkolwiek wektory polityki unijnej kształtują się w zdecydowanie bardziej złożony sposób, to nie ulega wątpliwości, że walka ze zmianą klimatu i ograniczanie emisji gazów cieplarnianych zajmują czołową pozycję na liście unijnych priorytetów i nieraz, co nieuniknione, wywołują pewne tarcia w gronie państw członkowskich.

13

Energy Balance and Green House Gas Emisson on Smallholder Java Coffee Production at Slopes Ijen Raung Plateau of Indonesia

Harsono Soni Sisbudi, Wibowo Robertoes Koekoeh Koentjoro, Supriyanto Edy

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2021

|

Vol. 22, nr 7

271--283

EN

Coffee production has been a major source of income in Indonesia since the early twentieth century. This study aimed to estimate the energy balances and determine the environmental impact of Robusta and Arabica coffee production as well as identify the measures to increase the efficiency of Robusta and Arabica yield using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The potential adverse impacts of processing ground coffee manifest themselves in the forms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, acidification, as well as water and environmental pollution due to solid and liquid waste disposal. The total GHG emissions for Arabica coffee processing is 1,804 t CO2-eq year-1 while for Robusta, it is 1,356 t CO2-eq year-1. The total acidification potential for Arabica coffee processing can be given by 8,013 kg NO2-eq year-1 and 10,663 kg SO2-eq year-1, while for Robusta coffee processing, the potential for acidification is represented by 60.97 kg NO2-eq year-1 and 79.58 kg SO2-eq year-1, and the potential GHG per unit weight of Arabica and Robusta ground coffee processing were 98.7 CO2-eq kg-1 and Robusta 119.6 CO2-eq kg-1, respectively. The potential measures to mitigate this include replacing gasoline with biofuel, utilising liquid waste with chemical processing, and solid wastes of coffee production, such as brickquetess and bio-pellets for renewable energy.

14

The Carbon Footprint Methodology in CFOOD Project

Stawska Zofia, Milczarski Piotr, Zieliński Bartosz, Hłobaż Artur, Maślanka Paweł, Kosiński Piotr

International Journal of Electronics and Telecommunications

|

2020

|

Vol. 66, No. 4

781--786

EN

In the paper, the research on the process of optimizing the carbon footprint to obtain the low-carbon products is presented. The optimization process and limits were analyzed based on the CFOOD project co-financed by the Polish Research and Development Agency. In the article, the carbon footprint (CF) testing methods with particular emphasis on product life cycle assessment (LCA) are discussed. The main problem is that the energy received from the energy-meters per the production stage is not directly represented in the raw data set obtained from the factory because many production line machines are connected to a single measurement point. In the paper, we show that in some energy-demanding production stages connected with cooling processes the energy used for the same stage and similar production can differ even 25-40%. That is why the energy optimization in the production can be very demanding.

15

Wpływ elektromobilności w transporcie publicznym na emisję gazów cieplarnianych w państwach członkowskich Unii Europejskie

Burchart-Korol Dorota, Łamacz Adam

Gospodarka Materiałowa i Logistyka

|

2020

|

nr 7

15--24

PL

Celem artykułu jest ocena emisji gazów cieplarnianych elektrycznych autobusów miejskich w państwach członkowskich Unii Europejskiej. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki oceny emisji gazów cieplarnianych w następstwie ładowania akumulatorów autobusów miejskich z wykorzystaniem sieci elektroenergetycznej w poszczególnych krajach. Analizy obejmowały ramy czasowe od 2015 do 2050 r. Wykonano również analizę porównawczą emisji gazów cieplarnianych autobusu elektrycznego oraz autobusu z silnikiem spalinowym.

EN

The purpose of the paper is to assess the greenhouse gas emissions of electric city buses in the Member States of the European Union. The paper presents the results of the greenhouse gas emission assessment for charging city bus batteries using the power grid in each EU country. The analysis covered the time frame from 2015–2050. A comparative analysis of greenhouse gas emissions of an electric bus and a bus with an internal combustion engine was also carried out.

16

Analiza porównawcza danych z raportów dotyczących emisji CO2 oraz całkowitych kosztów posiadania (TCO) pojazdu elektrycznego w odniesieniu do pojazdu z napędem konwencjonalnym

Żebrowski K., Detka T., Małek K.

Maszyny Elektryczne : zeszyty problemowe

|

2018

|

Nr 3 (119)

161--170

PL

Obecnie rynek pojazdów elektrycznych rozwija się w sposób niezwykle dynamiczny, spowodowane jest to między innymi aspektami ekologicznym i ekonomicznym, oba te tematy budzą bardzo duże zainteresowanie w świecie nauki i biznesu. W związku z tym powstaje wiele publikacji związanych z analizą emisji gazów cieplarnianych, a w szczególności dwutlenku węgla oraz całkowitych kosztów użytkowania pojazdu elektrycznego, w porównaniu do pojazdów z napędem konwencjonalnym. W swoich analizach autorzy przyjmują różne założenia wstępne i dochodzą do rozbieżnych wniosków, które w różnym stopniu przemawiają na korzyść pojazdów elektrycznych. W związku z bardzo dużą ilością danych i analiz na ten temat, wynika potrzeba ich krytycznego zestawienia i podjęcia próby wyciągnięcia jednolitych spójnych wniosków – na tą potrzebę stworzono niniejszy artykuł. Zestawia on założenia, główne dane i płynące z nich wnioski, z raportów i artykułów pochodzących zarówno z kraju, jak i ze świata w celu oceny ich wiarygodności i spójności.

EN

Nowadays, the electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, due to among other things, ecological and economic aspects, both these issues arouse great interest in the world of science and business. As a result, many publications related to the analysis of CO2, greenhouse gases emissions and the total cost of ownership of the electric vehicle are created. In analyzes, the authors take different initial assumptions and reach different conclusions, which in varying degrees, indicate in favor of electric vehicles. Due to large amount of data and analyzes connected with the subject, it should be critically compared and attempt to draw conclusions – in this need this article was created. It summarizes the assumptions, the main data and conclusions from reports and articles from both the country and the world, in order to assess their reliability and consistency.

17

Decision-making on the integration of renewable energy in the mining industry: A case studies analysis, a cost analysis and a SWOT analysis

Zharan K., Bongaerts J. C.

Journal of Sustainable Mining

|

2017

|

Vol. 16, iss. 4

162--170

EN

The mining industry is showing increasing interest in using renewable energy (RE) technologies as one of the principles of sustainable mining. This is witnessed in several pilot projects in major mining countries around the world. Positive factors which favor this interest are gaining importance and negative barrier factors seem to be less relevant. For a mine operator, the switch from fossil fuel to RE technologies is the outcome of decision making processes. So far, research about such decision making on the use of RE in mining is underdeveloped. The purpose of this paper to present a practical decision rule based on a principle of indifference between RE and fossil fuel technologies and on appropriate time management. To achieve this objective, three investigations are made: (i) a case studies analysis, (ii) a comparative cost analysis, and (iii) a SWOT analysis.

18

Krajowa baza o emisjach gazów cieplarnianych i innych substancji : przemysł chemiczny w Polsce

Maciejewska J., Jaworski W., Kawulska J.

Przemysł Chemiczny

|

2016

|

T. 95, nr 3

504--511

PL

Przedstawiono system raportowania w ramach Krajowej Bazy o emisjach gazów cieplarnianych** i innych substancji, a także obowiązki podmiotów korzystających ze środowiska wynikające z funkcjonowania niniejszego systemu. Zaprezentowano dane zgromadzone w Krajowej bazie, w tym m. in. dane o instalacjach i zanieczyszczeniach emitowanych z sektora chemicznego, z rafinerii ropy naftowej lub gazu i piecy koksowniczych, a także z instalacji do produkcji energii elektrycznej i ciepła eksploatowanych w sektorze chemicznym.

EN

The Polish reporting system of emissions and the obligations of users of the environment were presented. The data on installations and pollutions emitted from the chem. sector, oil or gas refineries and coke ovens, as well as on installations for the prodn. of electricity and heat in the chem. sector included in the system were disclosed.

19

Reliability effect on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of mining hauling fleet towards sustainable mining

Peralta S., Sasmito A. P., Kumral M.

Journal of Sustainable Mining

|

2016

|

Vol. 15, iss. 3

85--94

EN

Mineral commodity prices have decreased swiftly since 2012. For example, gold price, which was above $1800 per ounce, is currently about $1250 per ounce. Price slumps were even more severe in the base metals. Furthermore, the resource degradation and complex geologic conditions give rise to operation costs. As a result, many mining operations and development projects were eventually suspended, cancelled or ceased. Environmental compliance is also another challenge to the mining industry. The fuel consumed by diesel trucks emits greenhouse gases, which are one of contributors to the global warming. In Canada, the provinces of Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta introduced carbon taxes with the objective of reducing gas emissions in attempt to mitigate climate change. In this scope, only way to stay in business for a mining company is to invest more efficient and environmental friendly production practices such that operation costs are reduced. Given that maintenance costs and energy consumption are the largest contributors to operation costs, the minimization of carbon emissions and the maximization of equipment availability would be beneficial. This paper addresses to quantify the relationship between equipment reliability and energy consumption through a case study. It shows that a maintenance policy based on equipment reliability can significantly reduce energy consumption and its associated gas emissions.

20

Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union member states with the use of an agglomeration algorithm

Kijewska A., Bluszcz A.

Journal of Sustainable Mining

|

2016

|

Vol. 15, iss. 4

133--142

EN

The use of fossil fuels as sources of energy is related to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The implementation of international commitments on reducing emissions requires their continuous monitoring. The main energy resources for electricity production in the world include fossil fuels, i.e. oil, coal and natural gas, and according to projections their dominant role in the market of energy resources will persist for at least the next two decades. The aim of this article is to analyse the level of differentiation of European Union member states in terms of emissions of four greenhouse gases and to identify groups of similar countries based on these criteria. Such studies will provide information that will enrich our knowledge about the contribution of each European Union country to the emissions of greenhouse gases. This article uses a taxonomic method - cluster analysis, namely the agglomerative algorithm, which enables the extraction of objects that are similar to each other from the data and then to merge them into groups. In this way, a number of homogeneous subsets can be obtained from one heterogeneous set of objects. European Union countries make up the objects of segmentation. Each of them are described by their level of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxides. Groups of homogeneous countries are distinguished due to total emissions and due to the level of their emissions per capita. Analysis is based on annual Eurostat reports concerning greenhouse gas emissions.