. The existence of aquatic plants has a big influence on the life of the biota in the spring. Osmotic pressure is very important to study. It is to determine the degree of adaptation to changes in the environment, especially salinity because it affects the physiology of organisms, especially osmotic pressure. The purpose of this study was to analyze the osmotic carrying capacity of water against aquatic plants in springs. The research method used a descriptive analysis of laboratory test results. The material in this study is water samples obtained from ten spring locations. The level of osmotic work is obtained from the ratio of the osmolarity value of water plant plasma to the osmolarity of water. The osmotic work level of 0 means the isosmotic osmoregulation pattern, whereas if the osmotic work rate> 0 means the hyperosmotic regulatory osmoregulation pattern and the hypoosmotic regulatory osmoregulation pattern if the osmotic work level is <0. The pattern obtained at the ten spring locations is the same, namely the osmoregulation pattern of hypoosmotic regulatory against the environment because the osmolarity of water is greater than the osmolarity of the water plant plasma. Keywords : Aquatic plant, Osmotic, Spring
This research analyses the environmental impacts of domestic heat pumps with gas boilers and scenario analysis through a life cycle approach. The study analyses three scenarios (Transport (SK), 50% Hybrid and 75% Hybrid) to compare their results with a baseline model and also CE 2050 model which has a future outlook. The results show that changing the manufacturing location from Europe to South Korea doesn’t have a significant impact on both models as the weight of manufacturing and transport phases are relatively small compared to the use phase. Hybrid scenario results show increases in GHG emissions; however, the remaining categories have reductions. 50% Hybrid scenario results expect a reduction of 18% and 12% on average in ASHP and GSHP respectively in the baseline model. However, 75% Hybrid scenario results offer less reduction than the half-hybrid scenario in the same model with 8% and 5% decrease in ASHP and GSHP. In CE 2050 model, the results expect an increase of 27% and 21% on average in both heat pumps for 50% Hybrid scenario. On the other hand, CE 2050 model results offer less increase than the half-hybrid scenario for 75% Hybrid scenario with 18% and 13% increase in ASHP and GSHP respectively
In this work we illustrate a simple logical framework serving the purpose of assessing the economic profitability and measuring value creation in a solar photovoltaic (PhV) project and, in general, in a replacement project where the cash-flow stream is nonnegative, with some strictly positive cash flows. We use the projected accounting data to compute the average ROI, building upon Magni (2011, 2019) (see also Magni and Marchioni 2018), which enables retrieving information on the role of the project's economic efficiency and the role of the project scale on increasing shareholders' wealth. The average ROI is a genuinely internal measure and does not suffer from the pitfalls of the internal rate of return (IRR), which may be particularly critical in replacement projects such as the purchase of a PhV plant aimed at replacing conventional retail supplies of electricity.
In the EU, buildings account for a considerable proportion of the total final energy consumption, approximately 40%. The Portuguese residential building stock is old and has a poor energy performance. In this paper, the potential impact of large-scale buildings retrofit and energy efficiency measures' implementation on the whole Portuguese residential building stock is assessed. This analysis is developed through a bottom-up building typology approach, focusing on the space heating and cooling (H&C) energy consumption, for the 25 NUT3 regions of the country. The impact is also assessed from the standpoint of the energy performance gap. Results show that the bundle of fabric retrofit and HVAC systems replacement measures, based on the current regulations' requirements for new buildings, can result in space H&C energy consumption reductions up to respectively 88.9% and 68.6%. Decreases in the H&C energy performance gap are less subtantial, respectively 35.3% and 21.8%. Results confirm the considerable potential of the residential building stock retrofit and energy efficiency (EE) increase as a pathway to achieve the climate and energy binding goals, reducing energy poverty and consequently its side effects on the population's health. The outcomes provide regional insights for the design of more targeted and tailormade deep retrofitting schemes.
Solar Photovoltaic installations have become an invaluable source of savings for companies. Combining solar electricity generation with storage can further augment the benefits. Most large industrial enterprises possess Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) as a back-up source of energy. This paper is focused on harvesting the potential of batteries-previously used solely as sources of UPS-in combination with solar electricity generation. With no reduction of back-up time, UPS batteries can support the reduction of peak demand charges ((sic)/kW) and peak-time charges ((sic)/kWh). The profitability of such combined usage of battery storage is not found in the literature. The proof-of-concept is shown with measured data from a battery-backed solar system on a university campus.
New 10.5-xPbx(VO4)7, 0 5 high-temperature ferroelectric based on Ca3(VO4)2 is obtained in powders and ceramics form by solid-state method. Nonlinear optical properties of the whitlockite-type compounds increased with the substitution of Ca2+ by Pb2+ cations by an order of magnitude. It is found that ferroelectric Curie point goes linearly from 1367 K at x = 0 down to 751 K at x = 5 at rise of lead content. A maximum value of optical nonlinearity and the lowest temperature of ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition was found for 5.5Pb5(VO4)7. Combination of low temperature transition with record non-linear optical activity makes its applicable in ion-exchange technology and useful for optical devices.
Public transportation is fundamental to ensure quality of life to the population allowing to deal with the environmental challenges of the sector. However, public transportation also promotes a number of problems and impacts, such as Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, noise pollution, accidents and congestion. The importance of the public transportation sector in Brazil is also evident. This research aimed to design and implement a methodology to consider externalities in the costs analysis of bus fleets. The case of Joinville city in Santa Catarina State, Brazil was used to compare different bus technological options to respond to the needs for public transport on three different routes. The TCwE (Total Cost with externalities) model was proposed and tested for these cases considering diesel, electric, compressed natural gas, bioethanol, hydrogen and hybrid buses. The results show that externalities can affect decision making in the choice of a bus fleet. For the case under study, the best option is a fleet composed of hybrid buses, due to its low operating costs, maintenance and externalities.
Weekly electricity spot market prices in Germany and electricity production in Germany. Consequences of market liberalisation: Demission of base load, the importance of balancing power, cycling of old coal power plants
Energy suppliers and research institutions in several European countries are dealing intensively in finding solutions to store energy efficiently and in high amounts. The Power-to-Gas technology offers a promising answer for this purpose. Renewable energy is thereby transformed into gas, which is then transported and stored using the existing infrastructure for natural gas. A quite new approach is to store energy from volatile renewable sources in the forms of hydrogen or methane in pore spaces of geological formations. To investigate this approach, the research project "Underground Sun Storage" was initiated. Besides the technical and legal feasibility of the proposed solution, also the environmental impacts of an implementation have to be considered. For this, alternative business models were developed and evaluated regarding their environmental effects using the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is based on ISO 14040:2006. The conducted Life Cycle Impact Assessment clearly shows that, regardless of the implemented business model, the source of energy is the key factor for the environmental performance of a Power-to-Gas plant. This means that background processes dominate the foreground processes. A complementary sensitivity analysis identified that hydropower and wind power have a better environmental compatibility, although the preferable source is strongly influenced by local availabilities. Overall, the LCA includes results for different environmental impact indicators, and uncovers further potential to increase the efficiency of Power-to-Gas plants and involved units. The outcomes of this innovative approach regarding the storage of renewable energies are from outstanding importance for industry, political decision makers and authorities for the strategic development of future energy systems.
The phosphates Ca9–xPbxDy(PO4)7 were obtained by standard solid state reaction found to be isotypic with whitlockite-type -Ca3(PO4)2 (polar space group R3c). The introduction of one or several doped cations preserves the structure and creates multi-colored and tunable phosphors. The luminescence properties are discussed. The Ca9–xPbxDy(PO4)7 phosphates shows green result emission and can be used as a potential materials for LED devises.
Problem - There is little evidence that over the past 20 years real estate agents in Australia are taking initiative in promoting sustainability features in the property purchase selection phase. Methodology/Approach - Residential real estate agents are selected as they are the conduit of information between sellers and buyers, having an important role in communicating the importance of sustainability features in housing. A questionnaire was distributed through a newsletter alert from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and an Australia-wide residential real estate company, PRDnationwide. This questionnaire asked agents to rate the relative importance of 50 building information of housing. Results - Real estate agents considered more on spatial planning category, which focuses on general housing features, as opposed to other categories which are more related to sustainability. Discussion - This study provides an insight into the agents’ perspectives on sustainability features that will enhance the effectiveness of sustainability “marketing” in the residential property sector. Implications – The attitude of agents not actively promoting sustainability features may affect potential sellers/buyers not realising the importance of choosing a home with sustainability features. Originality - The majority of the studies examine the impact of sustainability features on property value, ignoring the role of real estate agents. This study adds to the importance of assessing agents’ perspectives that may assist in the decision making process of purchasing a house.
Purpose / Context - As the emerging digital technology, Building Information Modelling has been applied in the multidisciplinary design work for sustainable houses. This study aims to input the real-world design context into the BIM pedagogy and to demonstrate the capacity of BIM in enhancing teamwork in the cross-disciplinary collaboration. Methodology / Approach – A case study of a Saint Lucia-based residential house project was adopted by utilizing BIM as the platform to carry on the redesign plan differing from an existing de-sign. Nine different student design teams from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, each team consisting of students from architecture, civil engineering, and architectural environmental engineering, worked in the BIM-based platform to provide solutions on architectural model, structural design, cost estimate, and sustainability in terms of energy efficiency. Each team’s design plan was presented and evaluated by academics, the client, and construction professionals. Results – The case study demonstrates the capacity of BIM in assisting the cross-disciplinary pro-ject design. BIM learners gained the practical experience in the team design work. As the project deliverable, different design plans were evaluated by the client and the contractor for further devel-opments. The BIM project experience from team members was also presented in this study. Key Findings / Implications – The BIM education provides the insights of how colleague educa-tion could equip students with the state-of-the-art learning experience by incorporating the real-world project into the BIM pedagogy. BIM, as the coordination platform, could be fully utilized to implement the building design. This case project serves as an example of briding the gap between BIM academ-ia and industry. Future BIM education could continue adopting the case study-based experiential learning approach and expand BIM applications from design to the construction stage. Originality – This work provides the case study in the pedagogical practice demonstrating the BIM-enabled multidisciplinary collaboration in architectural visualization, structural design, budget control, and sustainability strategies.
Byron Shire, NSW, Australia, aims to transition to zero emissions within ten years in five sectors - energy, buildings, transport, land use and waste. This study investigates the potential of Geodesign to effectively map the shire during this transition. A contextual study of the shire's residential pockets is initiated using open source Geographic Information System (GIS) data and a typical case study site selected based on demographic information. CO2 equivalents from current electricity usage and offsets from renewable energy systems are added to the database and visualized in ArcGIS software. Site specific benchmarks are derived as the first step of developing a Regenerative Sustainability Design (RSD) strategy using Geodesign tools. The tenets of RS require each building to use systems that enhance overall ecosystem health by achieving positive outcomes for energy, waste, water, biodiversity, etc. ArcGIS is a system for designing built and natural environments in an integrated process. It enables evaluation of RSD alternatives against their impacts, collaborative decision making and community engagement (via apps, online surveys). Vector data can be directly quantified, multiple parameters accounted for and the onground situation presented to stakeholders in a legible and easy to understand format. Complex datasets can be quickly accessed and visualized in order to identify opportunities for positive contributions to the community. This work shows the value of Geodesign for community planning processes to drive positive change. ArcGIS can assist in holistic assessments to identify the most effective retrofit opportunities, monitor the transition to zero emissions over time and inform policy.
Purpose / Context. The purpose of this paper is to present data and discussion on a critical review of a sample of multi-storey and mixed use residential buildings in the subtropical city of Brisbane in order to understand how contemporary buildings are achieving local authority policy outcomes and resident-identified attributes of locally-appropriate subtropical living. Methodology / Approach. This research used the Brisbane City Council’s Multiple Dwelling Code’s Acceptable Outcomes in four performance criteria to objectively measure the performance of a sample of 15 contemporary MSRB from five to thirty storeys approved post-2011. A landmark building, Torbreck, completed in 1961 was also analysed. Development-Approved documents (architectural drawings) were accessed from the Council’s online system for planning applications, and a content analysis was conducted. Results. Few cases demonstrate Code compliance on all issues, though smaller developments performed better than large scale projects. Some generalisations were derived in terms of emerging trends: cross-ventilation is unsupported by generic centre-core spatial configurations; facades are extensively glazed regardless of solar orientation; external shading strategies are unsophisticated and private outdoor space is extremely limited. Key Findings / Implications. Socially, the poor performance of large scale buildings means that more people have less choice in controlling comfort and energy use in their private dwellings. The paper recommends reviewing the Multiple Dwelling Code and its role in the regulatory environment in order to strengthen policy outcomes. Originality. This research is the first to analyse Development Approval data against measurable metrics of a local government planning code aimed at liveability.
Context - Minimum thermal performance standards for residential building envelopes have been increasing in many countries for several decades, addressing concerns about occupant comfort, operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Simulation tools play a role in assessing the space heating/cooling load of new buildings and for evaluating options for systematic retrofitting of existing dwellings. The purpose of this study was to examine the role and limitations of simulation in informing potential retrofit activities for an aged care facility. Methodology - The study utilised a 110 apartment Aged Care facility as a case study. Two typical apartments from this case study were selected for indepth study. A simulation tool (BersPro 4.1) utilised for regulatory purposes in Australia for new construction, was utilised to simulate existing building thermal performance and expected performance of three retrofit actions. Results - The thermal performance of the existing buildings meet regulatory requirements at the time of construction (pre 2006) but are 70% higher than current regulations. Enhanced air movement, through the installation of ceiling fans, showed the largest reduction in space heating/cooling load (52.5%), followed by ceiling insulation (22.6%) and double glazing (4.3%). Key Findings - The simulations identified differences in the heating/cooling loads of sleeping and living spaces within the apartments. The benefits of the proposed retrofit options, however, are questionable because of practical limitations of the existing building and the mismatch between these occupants and occupancy assumptions made in the simulation tool. Originality - This paper applies a simulation tool to an examination of retrofit options for existing senior housing. It reveals limitations in relying on simulation tools for this purpose unless other issues, such as the uniqueness of this particular demographic, are equally considered.
Methamphetamine contamination has the potential to be present in residential and commercial buildings as a result of illicit manufacture and drug use, in particular smoking. The illicit manufacture of methamphetamine and the smoking of methamphetamine results in the generation and deposition of drug aerosols/residues on all surfaces, porous and non-porous. These drug residues can remain in the home for a long period of time and if they are not properly identified and cleaned this can result in unwitting exposures and adverse health effects by individuals and families who subsequently rent or purchase these properties. Research has been undertaken to better understand what levels of methamphetamine contamination remains in homes following manufacture or smoking, and what factors related to the manufacture and building design affect the spread of contamination throughout the property. Data on contamination levels, and property observations, has been obtained from 100 homes and apartments throughout Australia to assist in better understanding the level of methamphetamine contamination that may be present. This data has been reviewed to develop a risk matrix that can be used at the start of an investigation or property assessment to determine the level of risk a property may pose to the public. The level of risk then determines the level of further investigation and remediation work that may be required to ensure the property is safe for future occupants. The risk matrix can be used by property managers including managers of public housing authorities where a significant number of illicit drug laboratories are located. Originality – This study provides data on the level and spread of methamphetamine contamination in former clandestine drug laboratories in Australia.
