Using SSM to rethink the analysis of energy efficiency initiatives

This paper reflects an attempt to rethink the process of analysis of energy efficiency initiatives using soft systems methodology (SSM) as a problem structuring tool. The aim of the work is to provide public and private initiative promoters or evaluators with a structured support for a more informed decision regarding the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The SSM approach contributed with the identification of all market players and their relations, as well as the insight into the deficiencies of current methodologies. Some future work directions are also proposed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Structuring an MCDA model using SSM: A case study in energy efficiency

This work presents the use of a problem structuring method, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), to structure a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model, aimed at appraising energy efficiency initiatives. SSM was useful to help defining clearly the decision problem context and the main actors involved, as well as to unveil the relevant objectives for each stakeholder. Keeney’s Value Focused Thinking approach was then used to refine and structure the list of objectives according to the perspective of the main evaluators identified. In addition to describing this particular case study, this paper aims at providing some general guidelines on how SSM may facilitate the emergence of objectives for MCDA models.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identifying and overcoming barriers in launching sustainable energy projects in the industrial sector using multi-methodology

Mestrado em Engenharia e Gestão IndustrialThe aim of this essay has been to try out Soft Systems Methodology in development of a multidisciplinary framework to launch energy sustainability in Iranian industry sector. A petrochemical industry, one small sized company from the automobile industry and an energy service company are studied due to their diversity in conditions. The petrochemical industry is recognized to possibly have more gains in terms of improving energy consumption. Beyond SSM, the AHP model, MCIR framework, UML, and financial feasibility study methods are used in the development of CSEL framework. The AHP model applied in this study transforms qualitative data into quantitative decision making results. The MCIR framework classifies the barriers which have interrelated nature and identifies the gaps of energy sustainability in industry. NPV and SPB of financial analysis methods are applied in this framework and finally UML diagrams depict the information process in the latter subsystem of this framework.O objectivo desta tese é definir uma metodologia multidisciplinar, usando Soft Systems Methodology, com vista a analisar o sector da Indústria no Irão do ponto de vista de lançamento de novos projectos de sustentabilidade energética. Para a metodologia proposta uma indústria petroquímica, uma pequena empresa do ramo automóvel e uma empresa que faz consultoria em energia são analisadas. A indústria petroquímica surge como a que potencialmente terá maiores ganhos do ponto de vista de poupança energética. Para além de SSM, o modelo AHP, a framework MCIR, diagramas UML e um estudo de viabilidade financeira são usados para o desenvolvimento da metodologia proposta. O modelo AHP usado neste estudo permite trabalhar dados qualitativos de uma forma quantitativa. A framework MCIR classifica as barreiras interrelacionadas e identifica as necessidades de sustentabilidade energética na indústria. Métodos de análise financeira são usados na metodologia proposta e, por último, diagramas UML mostram o processo de informação

Climate change and cities: problem structuring methods and critical perspectives on low-carbon districts

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Cities around the world have set climate change mitigation targets, yet actions to implement these targets have so far proved inadequate. Better methodology is needed to support this impetus for action. Problem structuring methods (PSMs) enable improvements to be made in wicked problem situations; they appear to have potential to improve climate change mitigation actions but they are difficult to carry out in highly pluralist problem contexts. A case study (STEEP) that applied a PSM to support lowcarbon urban energy master planning in three cities is presented. The STEEP methodology was effective in reducing the wickedness of the problem but issues of a lack of clarity on problem ownership and lack of interessement were seen. A reflective boundary critique study found that there was a mismatch between power and interest amongst key stakeholders towards the low-carbon vision. Three key issues identified in the case study were discussed through the lens of critical systems thinking: (i) the need for new competencies, (ii) dealing with wickedness, and (iii) behavioural complexity and discordant reference systems. The paper suggests how these issues might be improved through the application of non-PSM theories which can support the use of PSMs in improving city-level climate change mitigation.This work was supported in part by the EU FP7-ENERGY-SMARTCITIES-2012 (314277) project STEEP (Systems Thinking for Comprehensive City Efficient Energy Planning)

Study on Capacity, Change and Performance: Interim Report

In 2002 the chair of the Govnet, the OECD's Network on Governance and Capacity Building, asked the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, to undertake a study of the capacity of organisations and groups of organisations, mainly in low-income countries, its development over time and its relationship to improved performance. The specific purposes of this study were twofold:to enhance understanding of the interrelationships amongst capacity, change and performance across a wide range of development experiences; andto provide general recommendations and tools to support the effectiveness of external interventions aimed at improving capacity and performance

Subsidies for energy efficiency and alternative energy adoption programs: case study from Egypt taxi recycling program

This thesis was developed to call in question the conventional perception that energy subsidies, especially in the service sector, are necessarily barriers to the adoption of improved technology. It provides a case study for an innovative program that supported energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy in the transportation sector and relied in part on subsidy savings. The program-Egypt\u27s Taxi Recycling Program-was not only successful in reaching the targeted population effectively, but also lifted some of the fuel subsidies burden off the government budget. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Soft System Methodology (SSM) were applied to analyze the distribution of benefits from the Taxi Recycling program. The CBA was applied to define the main costs and benefits drawn by the two key stakeholders- the Egyptian Government and taxi owners participating in the program. The SSM was applied to have more detailed understanding of the role and the power of the stakeholders involved; in order to evaluate the performance of the stakeholders. The study findings indicated that the program has an overall positive impact on the different stakeholders involved. Since it was structured as a Public-Private-Partnership, the program offered significant opportunities to the private sector participating companies, either by stimulating vehicles sales and loan demands that would have not otherwise occurred, or by facilitating the communication channels among the different stakeholders involved. The program encountered some challenges that directly and indirectly affected the stakeholders involved. The taxi owners, however, had been the most influenced by the program\u27s challenges. The challenges included: the advertising firm being unable to fulfill its commitments; the maintenance services and maintenance costs; the waiting periods for getting the new cars; the quality of the cars that were sold; and the adoption of natural gas as an alternative fuel. Nonetheless, the program had overall positive social impacts. Through applying CBA from the government perspective, we concluded that the benefits encountered from the program implementation far exceed the costs incurred by the government. Upon reaching the program target of changing around 40,000 old taxi vehicles operating in Greater Cairo Region, the program would save more than LE 380 million annually from the fuel subsidies assigned funds. As for the environmental impacts, the Taxi Recycling program has been divided into eleven separate projects called Certified Project Activities (CPAs); with an average of 4,576 recycled taxi vehicles per CPA. The preliminary assessment, based on CAPMAS\u27s 2010 estimation of the costs associated with CO2 emissions\u27 negative environmental impacts, showed that the new vehicles would result in annual average environmental benefits of 2.080 million US dollars per each Taxi-Recycling-CPA. In addition, these saved emissions represent potential government revenue if the government was able to sell the reduced emissions under the Clean Development Mechanism

Industry 4.0 technologies for manufacturing sustainability: A systematic review and future research directions

Recent developments in manufacturing processes and automation have led to the new industrial revolution termed “Industry 4.0”. Industry 4.0 can be considered as a broad domain which includes: data management, manufacturing competitiveness, production processes and efficiency. The term Industry 4.0 includes a variety of key enabling technologies i.e., cyber physical systems, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and digital twins which can be considered as the major contributors to automated and digital manufacturing environments. Sustainability can be considered as the core of business strategy which is highlighted in the United Nations (UN) Sustainability 2030 agenda and includes smart manufacturing, energy efficient buildings and low-impact industrialization. Industry 4.0 technologies help to achieve sustainability in business practices. However, very limited studies reported about the extensive reviews on these two research areas. This study uses a systematic literature review approach to find out the current research progress and future research potential of Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve manufacturing sustainability. The role and impact of different Industry 4.0 technologies for manufacturing sustainability is discussed in detail. The findings of this study provide new research scopes and future research directions in different research areas of Industry 4.0 which will be valuable for industry and academia in order to achieve manufacturing sustainability with Industry 4.0 technologies