Assessing socio-economic impacts of Lithium-Ion Battery recycling through Multi-Regional Input-Output Analysis

The expected rise in electromobility and the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is generating new challenges and opportunities, particularly in the End-of-Life (EoL) management of batteries. One of these challenges are the socio-economic impacts associated with the EoL process steps on which this paper focuses on. With the method of Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) analysis, a selected recycling process route in Europe is assessed regarding socio-economic impacts, first at current demand (baseline scenario) and followed by an upscaled demand. The results provide insight into differences in some socio-economic impact categories, such as employment, vulnerable employment, and worker remuneration. The scale-up scenarios show, among other things, an increase in the workforce and remuneration (positive impact). However, with an increase in vulnerable employment, negative socio-economic impacts are also evident in Europe-centered recycling processes. The results furthermore show that changing recycling processes can lead to sustainability trade-offs. Due to the limited number of indicators in the selected method, it is not possible to provide an overall picture of social impacts. However, this research shows a clear change in the individual impacts, which underlines the need for proactive measures to overcome infrastructure problems, expand recycling capacities, and improve employment conditions in all sectors

Novel methodology for the selection and evaluation of R-strategies to support product design for circular economy

EU legislation demands manufactures to improve their product’s circularity. The 9R Framework organizes strategies of a circular economy in a hierarchical manner based on their respective effectiveness in promoting circularity. Manufacturers need to determine which of these strategies can be implemented for their products and how well a certain design meets the requirements of these strategies. Therefore, a methodology is proposed allowing to identify feasible R-strategies that are appropriate for a specific type of product. In the next step, the methodology evaluates how the unique characteristics of a particular component allow for the application of these strategies. This methodology is applied to a case study of a vehicle door, considering and comparing the circularity readiness of various design variants. A set of specific Circularity-indicators (C-indicators) for each strategy is used for this purpose. This methodology enables comparisons among different design options, highlighting their impact on the product and material recyclability. Ultimately, the methodology helps to identify challenges in a targeted manner that guide designers in creating products that effectively support beneficial R-strategies

Hygiene practices in everyday Life: Exploring the adoption and environmental implications of disposable gloves

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of disposable products, notably face masks and disposable gloves. While these items serve as a protective barriers against health hazards, they also pose significant environmental risks due to their resource-intensive production and waste generation. This study explores the adoption of disposable gloves beyond healthcare, probing their use and significance in the daily lives of Norwegian consumers. Employing social practice theory, the research investigates the underlying reasons and ways Norwegian consumers incorporate disposable gloves into various practices, and how more sustainable alternatives could be promoted. The methods encompass mobile ethnography and focus groups with Norwegian consumers. The findings demonstrate that disposable gloves are used to reduce health risk and enhance hygiene in daily life conveniently, consequently increasing waste. Alternative methods for increasing hygiene, such as reusable and longer lasting products or hand washing, are perceived as less hygienic and less convenient. Conclusively, the study sheds light on the complexities of changing material-practice entanglements and offers insights for developing more sustainable hand hygiene practices

Reviving Bedlinen: User Expectations, Use-Life, and Repair Practices in Australia

This paper considers the relationship between user expectations of domestic bedlinen, product use-life and repair engagement within an Australian context. Bedlinen, in this instance, includes flat and fitted sheets, pillowcases, and quilt covers - also known as duvet covers, or in Australia, doona covers. There is limited data on this specific textile product within sustainability and circularity research. This paper discusses findings from the survey, Bedlinen and Sustainability (2023), which includes questions focused upon attitudes and behaviour regarding bedlinen purchase, use, care, repair, reuse and disposal. Key findings are identified and are discussed as factors that directly impact the use-life of bedlinen. These include laundering choices, emotional durability, change of mattress sizes, expectations of comfort, maintaining original condition, and repair challenges

Kapacitetsforøgelse på M1/M2 : Artikel

Passagertallet på metroens M1 og M2-linjer stiger betydeligt, hvilket skaber behov for øget kapacitet. Metroselskabet igangsatte i 2017 et investeringsprogram for at øge kapaciteten med minimum 35 % i myldretiden, blandt andet ved at tilføje 8 nye tog til den samlede flåde. Over 2022-2023 gennemførte Metroselskabet i samarbejde med driftsleverandøren Metro Service et omfattende testprogram for at optimere køreplaner og sikre driftens robusthed med flere tog i myldretiden

Modelling the demand for overnight tours between East and West Denmark: Insights from the update of the Grøn Mobilitetsmodel : Artikel

Overnight travel between East and West Denmark differs substantially from daily travel patterns, necessitating dedicated demand models. This study presents updated overnight travel models for the Grøn MobilitetsModel (GMM), one of Denmark’s primary tools for evaluating infrastructure projects. Key enhancements include finer geographic resolution, explicit representation of long-distance buses, differentiation of car travel alternatives, and integration of 2023 survey data.Logit-based discrete choice models are developed to predict tour generation, mode choice, and destination choice for long-distance overnight travel in Denmark. Estimation draws on five travel surveys, updated level-of-service (LoS) data, and revised values of travel time (VTT). The results indicate that travelers between major Danish cities are more likely to choose air, public transport, or long-distance bus over car, compared to those whose trips originate and/or end elsewhere. Higher-income individuals are less likely totravel by public transport, long-distance bus, or as car passengers. Greater car availability increases the likelihood of selecting car travel between East and West Denmark. As expected, longer travel times and higher costs reduce the attractiveness of an alternative. Destination job availability has a strong influence on work/business tours, while hotel capacity and the presence of summer houses at a destination are more decisive factors for leisure tours

Sources of Dependence and Non-Profit Business Model Trajectory: Evidence from Lyon e-Sport

Purpose: This article uses a dynamic approach to analyzing the role of resource dependence on the BM trajectory of a non-profit organization. Non-profit organizations are particularly dependent on access to external resources and advanced partnerships to create, deliver and capture value. Because they have little or no control on these external resources, this dependence may influence the business model orchestration and its evolution over time. Design/methodology/approach: Based on an in-depth case study of a major French e-sport association, the qualitative methodology relies on 15 semi-structured interviews and a large amount of secondary data covering a period of 12 years (2011-2023). Findings: This article identify various types and intensities of the sources of dependence that shape the BM trajectory. It specifies this influence on the mechanisms of value creation, proposition, and capture and describes the dynamics of reinforcement or reduction of dependence, according to the strategic actions deployed. Practical implications: The article encourages non-profit organizations to consider addiction as a positive phenomenon, in order to structure their value logic and acquire a short-term reputation. In the medium term, dependence needs to be controlled and rebalanced as the BM continues to grow. Originality/value: The originality lies in the use of resource dependency theory to analyze the BM trajectory. Knowing that the BM is theoretically grounded in the resource-based view, this this view of dependence contributes to better understand the internal and external factors influencing a BM's evolution process

GIS heats up the district heating business: Four takeaways from the transformation towards data-driven decisions

Artiklen beskriver, hvordan vi i Kredsløb anvender GIS og geodata i transformationen mod mere datadrevne beslutninger. Gennem fire konkrete cases illustreres værdien af at kombinere geodata med forretningsdata for at forbedre kundetilfredshed, planlægning og effektivitet. Eksemplerne inkluderer udviklingen af en takstberegner, renoveringsplanlægning baseret på forskellige datasæt, identifikation af potentielle fjernvarmekunder og automatisering af årsrapportering. Artiklen fremhæver vigtigheden af datakvalitet, ejerskab og tværgående samarbejde samt fordelene ved iterative processer og automatisering. Governance og netværk er afgørende for at realisere potentialet i GIS og geodata, hvilket kan transformere forsyningsvirksomheder og skabe betydelig værdi.This paper describes how we at the utility company, Kredsløb, use GIS and geodata in the transformation towards more data-driven decisions. Through four actual cases, the value of combining geodata with business data to improve customer satisfaction, planning and efficiency is illustrated. The examples include the development of a rate calculator, renovation planning based on different data sets, identification of potential district heating customers, and automation of annual reporting. The article highlights the importance of data quality, ownership and cross-functional collaboration as well as the benefits of iterative processes and automation. Governance and networks are crucial to realizing the potential of GIS and geodata, which can transform utilities and create significant value