SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND SUSTAINABILITY

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Contents

Preface

A Word from the Editor

Contributors

Chapter 1: Definitions of Sustainability

1EnviTech Ltd, (Institute of Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Department of Research and Development)

2Cyprus Open University, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science,

Environmental Conservation and Management

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. State of the Art

Conclusion

References

Chapter 2: Policies and Legislation

EnviTech Ltd, (Institute of Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Department of Research and Development)

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. State of the Art

2.1. Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Declaration)

2.2. Earth Summit 1992 -Agenda 21

2.3. Treaty of European Union 1992 - Maastricht Treaty

2.4. Treaty of Amsterdam – 1997

2.5. Kyoto Protocol – 1997

2.6. Strategy for Sustainable Development – 2001 (2005)

2.7. Earth Summit 2002 - Johannesburg Declaration

2.8. Lisbon Treaty - 2007 (2009)

2.9. United Nations Climate Change Conference – 2009 (Copenhagen Summit)

2.10. Strategy on Climate Change for 2020 and beyond - 2010

Conclusion

References

Chapter 3: Environmental Indicators

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Developing the Indicators

3. Classifying the Indicators

4. Using the Indicators

References

Chapter 4: Psychological Aspects of Sustainability

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Psychological Aspects of Sustainable Behavior

3. Developing and Enhancing Sustainable Behavior

Conclusion

References

Chapter 5: Business behind Sustainability

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Challenge of Business Sustainability

3. Sustainability Practices in Several Companies

4. Sustainability Decision Drivers

5. Sustainability and Performance

Conclusion

References

Chapter 6: Ancient Sustainability Use of ‘the Palmeral of Elche’ and the Current Unsustainabilty: Reasons for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. ‘The Palmeral of Elche’

1.2. Ancient Irrigation System

1.3. Soils and Waters

2. Sustainable Uses of the Palmeral Along Centuries

3. Unsustainability and New Uses of ‘the Palmeral’

3.1. New Perspectives and Traditional Uses

Conclusion

References

Chapter 7: Africa and Sustainable Development

Abstract

1. Introduction

Africa’s Sustainable Development Challenges

Sustainability Idea

Africa’s Sustainable Development Framework

Intangible Issues Concerning the Green Economy and Green Growth

2. Resource Use and Productivity in Africa:

Some Formalized Evidences

Measuring Sustainability: Material Flow Accounting and Analysis,

and Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production

Material Flow Accounting and Analysis

Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production

Fossil Fuels Are the Dominant Material Export and Import of Africa

Africa Is a Net Exporter of Non-Renewable Resources and a Net Importer of Renewable Resources

Energy Use in Africa Is Low and Has Been Increasing Much Less Rapidly Than Material Use

Africa Has Contributed the Least to Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

but is the Region Most Affected by Climate Change

Water Use and Sustainability in African Countries

Conclusion

References

Chapter 8: Reconciling Sustainable Development with Nature Conservation – The Natura 2000 Paradigm

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Spatial Planning in Natura 2000

3. Conflicts between Nature Conservation and Development – What Drives These Conflicts?

4. Conflict Resolution

5. Balancing Economic Development and Nature-Biodiversity Conservation

6. Sustainability: What Are the Future Challenges?

Conclusion

References

Chapter 9: Natural Vegetation As a Key to Sustainability of Agroecosystems

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Benefits of Natural Vegetation

Conclusion

References

Chapter 10: Waste Treatment Sustainability

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Solid Waste Characteristics and Its Impact on Environment

2.1. Characteristics and Generation of Waste

2.2. Environmental Impact

3. Sustainability in Waste Management

3.1. Collection of Waste

3.2. Recycling and Reuse of Wastes

3.3. Disposal of Waste and Treatment

3.3.1. Landfill

3.3.2. Incineration

4. Design Sustainability of Waste Treatment Processes

4.1. Modification to Conventional Landfills

Bioreactor Landfills

Pre-Treatment Landfill

4.2. Advanced Combustion Processes

4.2.1. Pyrolysis and Gasification

4.3. Anaerobic Digestion

4.4. Composting

5. Sustainability in Resource Recovery from Waste

5.1. Leachate and Landfill Gas

5.2. Energy from Combustion

5.3. Compost

Conclusion

References

Chapter 11: Energy and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. General

1.2. Economic and Environmental Aspects of Sustainability

2. Energy Consumption

2.1. General

2.2. Use of Electricity

2.3. Pumping System

2.4. Primary Processing

2.5. Secondary Processing

2.5.1. Aeration System

2.5.2. System of Anoxic and Anaerobic Conditions

2.5.3. Membrane System (MBRs)

2.5.4. Sludge Treatment

a) Digestion

b) Incineration

c) Dewatering

2.5.5. Tertiary Treatment – Disinfection

a) System UV

b) Ozone

3. Energy Saving

3.1. General

3.1.1. Measures through Modifications in Energy Management

i) Modification of Electric Motors

ii) Performance Improvement Processes through Automation

iii) Improvement of Energetic Efficiency in WWTPs through Energy Analyses

iv) Covering Tanks to Reduce Energy Needs

v) Balance Tank

vi) Primary Treatment

vii) Secondary Treatment

Integrated System of MFC and MBR

Staged Anaerobic Fluidized Membrane Bioreactor (SAF-MBR) System

Automatic Control System

Magnetically Induced Membrane Vibration (MMV) System

viii) Tertiary Treatment – Disinfection

ix) Sludge Treatment

Thickening by Flotation

3.1.2. Saving Measures through Operational Changes

a) Electrical Load Management

b) General Operation and Maintenance

3.1.3. Saving Measures through Changes in Lighting, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

i) Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

ii) Lighting

3.1.4. Energy Recovery Opportunities in WWTP

A) Untreated Wastewater

i) Replacing Primary Sedimentation for Energy Recovery

ii) Satellites Systems for Energy Recovery

B) Treated Wastewater

i) Hydropower Plant to Generate Electricity

ii) Thermal Energy Recovery

C) Sludge

i) Pretreatment of Sludge before Digestion

Thermal Hydrolysis

Ultrasounds

Enzyme Addition

ii) Incineration

iii) Anaerobic Digestion

D) Biogas

i) Use of Biogas

ii) Fuel Cells

3.1.5. Use of Photovoltaic Systems

Conclusion

References

Chapter 12: Sustainable Energy Development: Smart Grid – A Vision for the Future

Abstract

1. Global Final Energy Consumption Demands Urgent Measures

2. What Sustainable Development Means?

3. The Three Pillars of a Sustainable Development

4. Environment-Economy Interactions

5. Environment-Social Interactions

6. Economic-Social Interactions

7. Connect Generations through a Sustainable Development

8. “We Cannot Face the Challenges of the Future with the Tools of the Past”

Conclusion

References

Chapter 13: Biogas Utilization through Anaerobic Digestion in Greece: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,

Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Use of Waste Material for Biogas Production

3. Feedstock Availability and Agricultural Structures

4. Purification of Biogas for Insertion in the Natural Gas Grid

5. Biogas Utilization

Conclusion

References

Chapter 14: Environmental Assessment of Composting in the Context of Sustainable Waste Management

Abstract

Introduction

1.1. The State-of-the-Art

2. An Overview of Composting

2.1. Seeking a Definition

2.2. The Process Evolution

3. The Role of Composting in Waste and Resources Management

3.1. The Benefits

3.1.1. Reduction of Waste Volume

3.1.2. Reduction of Methane Emissions

3.1.3. Compost Applications

3.2. The Negative Impacts

3.2.1. Air

3.2.2. Water

3.2.3. Soil

Conclusion

References

Chapter 15: Agricultural Wastes: Protecting Soil Quality by Sustainable Disposal and Reuse in Agriculture

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. Agricultural Wastes

1.2. Characteristics, Uses and Problems of Agricultural Wastes

1.2.1. Cereal Crop Wastes

1.2.2. Olive Mill Waste (OMW)

1.2.3. Wine Waste

1.2.4. Animal Wastes

1.2.5. Horticultural Wastes

1.2.6. Pruning Wastes from Fruit Trees and Vineyards

1.2.7. Wastes of Food Industry

2. Landspreading of Wastes

2.1. Protecting Soil

2.2. Evaluation of Waste Suitability for Landspreading

2.3. Monitoring of the Disposal Areas

2.3.1. Identification of Potential and Current Waste Disposal Areas and Recording them in a GIS Database

2.3.2. Characterization of Disposal Areas-Risk Assessment

2.3.3. Evaluation of Risk Level

2.3.4. Defining the Conditions of Landspreading

Conclusion

ANNEX 1: Critical Levels of Some Main Soil Properties

References

References of Annex 1

Chapter 16: Sustainable Supply Chains: Social Practices and Organizational Performance

1School of Technology and Management of Lamego/Polytechnic Institute of Viseu and researcher with the Centre for the Study of Education, Technologies and Health at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu

2Industrial Engineering and Management Department of the University of Aveiro and a researcher with the Centre for Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy.

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review

2.1. Social Practices

2.2. Performance

2.3. Methodology

3. Analysis and Discussion of the Results

3.1. Internal Social Practices

3.2. External Social Practices

3.3. Performance

Conclusion

References

Chapter 17: Sustainable Agriculture in the Pampas Region, Argentina

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Principles of Sustainable Agricultural Production

3. The Pampas Region, Argentina

4. Environmental impact of sustainable agriculture

4.1. Soil Organic Carbon and Microbial Activity

4.2. Soil Physical Properties

4.3. Soil Nutrients

4.4. Water Quality

4.5. Pesticides

Conclusion

References

Chapter 18: Tourism Development through Sustainability

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. Why Go Sustainable?

1.2. Tourism As an Investment Process

1.3. Management

2. Concept of Sustainability

2.1. Aims for the Sustainability of European Tourism

3. Tourism in the Mediterranean

3.1. The Weight of Tourism in SEMC (Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries) Economies

3.2. Kind of Tourism after the Arab Revolutions

3.3. Sustainable Tourism Development in Developing Countries

3.4. Sustainable Tourism Management for Developing Countries

3.5. (Un)sustainable Tourism Models

3.6. Tourist Destination and Municipalities

3.7. The Integration of the Stakeholders As a Key-Element on the Process of Sustainable Tourism Development

3.8. Actions/Measures towards Sustainable Tourism Development

3.9. Review on Standards and Certification Systems for Sustainable Tourism

Conclusion

References

Chapter 19: Sustainable urban transport

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Urban Transport

3. The Meaning of Sustainable Transport

4. The Need for Change

5. Targets for a Sustainable and Competitive Urban Transport

6. Implementing Sustainable Urban Transport

6.1. New Mobility

Distributed Travel Information

Fare Integration

Car-Sharing

Bike-Sharing

Auto-Free Housing

New Service Paradigms

6.2. City Logistics

6.3. Intelligent System Management

Comprehensive Bus System Management

Automated Traffic Enforcement

Business Plans

6.4. Urban Livability

Pedestrian Realms

Breaking the Driving Routine

Bus Rapid Transit

Shared Space

Traffic Calming

Parking Space Management

Development of Local Public Transport

Noise Reduction

6.5. Reducing Air Pollution

Congestion Charging

Low Emission Zones

6.6. Reducing the Impact on the Environment and Climate Change

Cleaner Urban Transport

6.7 Making Urban Transport Safer

Maximum Driving Time

Training of Drivers

Working Time for Drivers

Seen and Be Seen

Removing Blind Spots

Passenger Rights

7. Preparing Transport for the Future – The Case of Europe

Conclusion

References

Chapter 20: Concrete Sustainability

Department of Civil Engineering, Frederick University,

Nicosia, Cyprus

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Why is “Green” Concrete Important

3. Recycled Aggregates Effectively Reused in Concrete Mixes

4. Supplementary Cementitious Materials and Special Concretes

5. Recycled Fibres

Conclusion

References

Index