What is Product-Service Systems (PSS)? A Review on PSS Researches and Relevant Policies

In order to achieve sustainable society, it is necessary to transform industrial structure to the one that does not reduce the Earth's resources. Under this circumstance, a business model of "not selling goods, but selling services" has been expected as a measure of co-existence of business and the environment. This idea, which is called as "Product-Service Systems: PSS" or "Servicizing" etc., has been studied in Europe, the United States and international organisations, and is now studied in Japan. However, the idea of PSS is still not effectively used for policy development.One of the major reasons is that PSS concept itself is under-developed. Under the unclear concept of PSS, researchers are working towards more scientific understanding while policy makers are trying to develop new policy measures, and there is confusion in those communities. In order to develop policy measures, it is necessary to make clear the position of PSS in socio-economic system. This paper overviews previous PSS researches and relevant policy measures conducted in Japan, the US and EU, and tries to grasp the context of researches and policy activities and to find out the agenda of the current status. The characteristics of PSS rest on the innovative relationship between producer and consumer. However, PSS researches are stuck at measurement of environmental loads, and relevant policies tend to be rest on the ones targeting producers. In order to get out of this situation, it is necessary to ask question what is PSS and to make it clear where PSS can be positioned in socio-economic system. PSS is important, because PSS has an element of creating sufficiency as well as eco-efficiency. It is recommended that PSS concept needs to be examined as a research effort, and environmentally sound product policy needs to be systematically organised

Стійка технологія переробки відходів електричного та електронного обладнання

Об’єкт досліджень: технологічні основи «переробки відходів електричного та електронного обладнання». Предмет досліджень: механізм піролізу, отримання рідкого палива, подрібнення друкованих плат після піролізу, вібраційний млин та його сили, які впливають на подрібнення. Вихідні дані для проведення роботи: характеристики друкованих плат та їх переробка у світі. Наукова новизна: відокремлення металевої фракції від наповнювачів, за рахунок ковкості металевої фракції при подрібнені та подальшому розділення при грохочені. Практична цінність: поліпшення екологічної складової за рахунок втілення нових технологій в сектор управління відходів та рециклінгу вже добутих мінералів. Дипломна робота написана англійською мовою та надалі буде захищена в ТУ "Фрайберзька гірнича академія"

THE WEEE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN ROMANIA. DIMENSION, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Management systems for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) have modernized as countries have accumulated experience. They are characterized by a profound dynamism because of the alert pace of growth of waste quantities which have been generated, but also because of the continuous diversification of the range of electronic equipment sold as an effect of the technical progress evolution and of the living standards of population growth. In Romania, the emergence and the development of WEEE management system has been stimulated by the need to align to the European Commission stipulations as a result of the integration into the European Union in 2007. In this context the present paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of WEEE management system in Romania.Romania, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – WEEE, management, weakness, strengths.

A computer-based product classification and component detection for demanufacturing processes

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 24(10), 900-914, 2011 [copyright Taylor & Francis], available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/0951192X.2011.579169.The aim of this paper is to propose a novel computer-based product classification, component detection and tracking for demanufacturing and disassembly process. This is achieved by introducing a series of automated and sequential product scanning, component identification, image analysis and sorting – leading to the development of a bill of material (BOM). The produced BOM can then be associated with the relevant disassembly/demanufacture proviso. The proposed integrated image sorting and product classification (ISPC) approach can be considered as a step forward in automation of demanufacturing activities. The ISPC model proposed in this paper utilises and builds on the state-of-the-art technology and current body of research in computer-integrated demanufacturing and remanufacturing (CIDR). An appraisal of the latest research material and the factors that inhibit CIDR methods inpractice are presented. A novel solution for the integration of imaging and material identification techniques toovercome some of the existing shortcomings of automated recycling processes is proposed in this paper. The proposed product scanning and component detection ISPC software consists of four distinct models: the repertory database, the search engine, the product-attributes updater and the image sorting and classification algorithm. The software framework that integrates the four components is presented in this paper. Finally, an overall assessment of applying ISPC at various stages of CIDR processes concludes the article.University of Ibadan MacArthur Foundation Gran

Greening Consumer Electronics: Moving Away From Bromine and Chlorine

Presents case studies of seven electronics companies that have engineered environmental solutions that eliminate the use of most brominated and chlorinated chemicals that generate toxic materials. Discusses global standards and regulations

Assessment of Environmental Consciousness among Patrons in Selected Academic and Public Libraries in Lagos Metropolis

The study examined environmental consciousness patterns among patrons in academic and public libraries. Using the survey method, data was collected from 383 patrons who were conveniently selected from six libraries in Lagos metropolis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the multiple item scales. The least Cronbach’s Alpha value returned for the variables in the questionnaire was 0.79. Q uantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Waste disposal was found to be the most disturbing environmental issue. Respondents from both academic and public libraries agreed that there is not enough useful information on adopting pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Further findings showed that respondents from both academic and public libraries demonstrate similar pattern of motivation towards environmental consciousness. It is recommended that libraries should include services that will foster eco-friendly behaviour among library patrons

LIFE [instrument for environment and climate action]. Third country projects 2005

The European Commission has selected 15 projects situated in Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey and the West Bank and Gaza, for funding through the LIFE-Third Countries programme. These projects aim to improve the environment and achieve sustainable development by creating or strengthening the relevant institutions, policies, monitoring tools, training facilities, networks and data bases

The concept of waste and waste management

&lt;p&gt;Several studies and researches have been conducted on the sources and characteristics of wastes as well as the possible adverse effect of inappropriate handling and best international practices. One thing that is still not clear however is what exactly constitutes a waste? How much do we know about what should be classed as waste? What are the historical contexts of waste managements? The present paper seeks to examine these vital questions with a view to providing answers from previous studies. The paper employed a desktop approach to provide answers to the research objectives. Specifically, the paper uses a descriptive approach to gather information from peer reviewed publications such as, journal articles, environmental organizations reports and books. It was found that, waste is to a large extent subjective in meaning as a substance can only be regarded as a waste when the owner labels it as such. This is particularly true because one individual may regard a substance as a waste, while another may view the same substance as a resource. Nevertheless, it was argued that there is a need to clearly define what constitute wastes as this form the basis for regulation. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Development of the evaluation system for automobile remanufacturing

By 2015, the EU directives required the automobile manufacturers to produce a vehicle that contains reusable and / or recoverable parts at least 95% of total weight. In the developed countries, the legislative issue the take – back policy which requires the manufacturers to consider the end – of – life (EOL) of their products at early design stage. The goal of this paper is to propose a framework of development methodology that focuses on integrated design for remanufacturing evaluation system. This system supports the automobile product design and development at the early design phase. The proposed method is divided into two phases. The first phase aims to identify the suitable EOL process. The second phase aims to verify the most economical EOL process. The proposed method incorporates the Case base Reasoning [CBR] into the remanufacturing techniques. It is expected that the proposed method can provide the EOL with decision support during designing the automobile parts at the early design stage

How E-waste challenges environmental governance

This article examines how e-waste – waste from electronic and electrical equipment – poses a challenge for environmental governance. The amount of e-waste generated globally has been estimated to reach about 72 billion tons annually by 2017. This article discusses how e-waste challenges the control of illegal trade as well as the prevention of environmental harms. By focusing on the role of state, corporate and civil society actors, insights are gained into the strengths and limitations of the governance framework. These suggest the need for reflection about both practical and theoretical implications that arise for environmental governance