The CO2NSTRUCT European project: Modelling the role of Circular Economy in construction value chains for a carbon-neutral Europe

Linear climate mitigation models look into aggregated economic sectors and model greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions disregarding downstream value chains, making particular sectors accountable for downstream (or upstream) GHG emissions. Hence, the present climate mitigation models inconsistently account for indirect GHG emissions; underrepresent upstream and downstream value chains; do not address Circular Economy (CE) practices; do not cover resource consumption, thus not considering materials' circularity. To provide curated policy support for decision-making for carbon neutrality and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), models need to shift from linear to circular. To achieve this, a link between energy-climate mitigation modelling and cradle-to-cradle assessment CE analytical tools must be established. This is the core issue covered in the CO2NSTRUCT Horizon project (2022-2026). CO2NSTRUCT proposes a framework to supplement the well-established JRC-EU-TIMES model, using a highly comprehensive technological representation with CE measures. The framework will apply CE measures to the value chain of six carbon-intensive construction materials (i.e., cement, steel, brick, glass, wood, and insulation materials) and will provide new components to the JRC-EU-TIMES model, including citizen behaviour; societal impacts; rebound effects; supply and value chains. The results will be used for policy approaches integrating CE into climate change mitigation actions

Business strategies in geothermal energy market: A citizens-based perspective

The development of geothermal energy can be hindered by both technical and socio-economic issues. Technical issues are associated with the intrinsic characteristics of geothermal energy and the ways in which is exploited, whereas socio-economic ones arise from the interplay between companies and stakeholders, affected to some extent in the development of geothermal energy. In this contribution, we analysed possible determinants of the relationship between companies and citizens. On the one hand, citizens represent a key stakeholder for energy companies that want to develop a geothermal energy facility. On the other hand, they represent the potential end users of technology providers’ products. Accordingly, geothermal energy companies and technology providers are called upon to take action for involving citizens and overcome the related tensions with them. In particular, geothermal energy companies need to face social acceptance issues when developing geothermal energy facilities. In order to achieve a better understanding of these issues, we have analysed suitable strategies and practices from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perspective, which is becoming a common reference point for geothermal energy companies that need to manage stakeholders’ involvement. Technology providers, instead, aim at fostering the adoption of geothermal energy systems at building level. In order to investigate the related dynamics, in this chapter we present an analysis of the most popular promotion and risk sharing strategies and practices that are in place among geothermal players. Among such strategies and practices, two themes emerged as key blocks for citizens’ involvement: information and trust. By comparing CSR, promotion and risk sharing strategies and actions, we provide energy companies and technology providers with some suggestions to achieve local acceptance of geothermal facilities

Social acceptance of wind and solar power in the Brazilian electricity system

Renewable energy is often associated with the production of clean electricity and free of significant adverse impacts. However, several studies have been highlighting the importance of the assessment of social impacts of these technologies, including not only the benefits but also the potential negative aspects most frequently affecting local population. The energy matrix in Brazil is already built up on a renewable system largely supported on hydropower but other technologies with special emphasis on wind power start to have a major role, with a strong growth forecasted for this sector in the coming years. This article discusses the integration of solar and wind power in the Brazilian electricity system focusing on the social awareness and acceptance for the population living in high potential regions. For this, a questionnaire was proposed with the aim of evaluating the level of knowledge of wind and solar power, their social acceptance and perceptions towards cost, local development and environmental impacts. The questionnaire was implemented in an academic institution in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) including students and professors as key actors for the present and future energy policy decision making. The implementation process and the obtained results are described allowing to conclude on the high level of acceptance of solar and wind power in the country and the region, with low evidence of not in my backyard syndrome.The authors wish to acknowledge the support of ALGORITMI research Centre at University of Minho. This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043 and FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013. The authors are grateful to the Rectory of Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) who allowed for the implementation of the survey.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio