Anaerobic digestion and community development: A case study from Hainan province,China

Connections and relationships between conservation practices and community development in relation to rural sustainability have received considerable attention in recent years, especially in developing countries. Among many sound practices around the world, anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has long been encouraged as an alternative source of energy, while contributing to resource conservation and economic development initiatives in developing rural areas. Guided by the theme of sustainable development, the study examined the current applications of AD technology in Meiwan Xincun Village (MWXCV) in Hainan Province, China. Employing a self-administered questionnaire survey, face-to-face interviews and on-site observation, the study explored the diffusion process, current operation and local impacts of AD practice. The study identifies that leadership, education, technical support and local economy are key factors affecting the diffusion of AD, and governmental financial incentives are significantly effective measures to make the technology economically viable for local residents. The technology was found to fit into the rural livelihood system of the village, with considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. Guided by the leaders of the village, the local residents generally accept and support the practice and are willing to contribute to introducing the technology in and out of the village. Suggestions regarding the utilization and diffusion of AD elsewhere are presented to enhance the potential capacity of the practice to generate benefits across rural Hainan.     

The use of construction equipment productivity rate model for estimating fuel use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissionsCase study: bulldozer,excavator and dump truck

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission has drawn a great attention in recent years all over the world, and it plays a very important role in the process of global warming. The off-road equipment, which includes construction equipment, accounted for 7.5% emission of CO₂. The objective of this article is to propose a groundwork for a methodology that can be used to estimate the total fuel use and CO₂ emissions from construction equipment activities based on its productivity rate. Currently, there is not a methodology or technique for estimating productivity, fuel use and emissions at once. The multiple linear regression analysis has successfully modelled the productivity rate and good to be used as a benchmark for estimating fuel use and CO₂ emissions from various types of construction equipment performing earthwork activities. The proposed methodology will help the contractor to estimate the total expected pollutant emissions for the project, which would be valuable information for a preliminary environmental assessment of the project. By using construction plans and specifications, the methodology and tool presented in this research can be used to estimate cost, fuel use and emissions from commercial, residential, industrial or heavy highway. By the proposed approach, it is possible to develop new fuel use and emissions inventories for construction industry in general.