Business frameworks for sustainable society: a case study on reuse industries in Japan

This paper presents a new perspective on the reuse businesses of independent reuse business companies (IRBCs) in Japan. A majority of previous studies on reuse and remanufacturing have focused on the businesses of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). During the past twenty years, however, in Japan, IRBCs have grown rapidly, especially those that launched new types of secondhand shops. The author proposes that the reuse businesses of IRBCs can provide useful information for academics, OEMs, and policy makers. A key finding is the strategies developed by IRBCs to ensure the volume of used products collected and to stimulate demand for used products. This paper compares the features of IRBC reuse businesses with those of OEMs, and discussed the results and implications of an interview survey with select IRBCs.     

An effective technique for wastewater minimisation in batch processes

This paper presents a mathematical formulation for freshwater and wastewater minimisation in multipurpose batch plants. The minimisation of wastewater is achieved through the exploitation of recycle and reuse opportunities. A superstructure that entails all possible recycle and reuse possibilities is used as the basis for the formulation. The existence of an optimal production schedule, which provides starting and finishing times for water using operations, is assumed. The paper addresses the specific case where the contaminant concentration in the outlet water stream from each operation is maintained at its maximum. This condition allows the overall model to be cast as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem for which global optimality is guaranteed. The effectiveness of the developed formulation is demonstrated through a published literature example and a practical case study.     

A methodology for the design of efficient resource conservation networks using adaptive swarm intelligence

The implementation of resource conservation schemes in industry can be enhanced through the application of systematic design methodologies. In particular, process integration methods allow resource consumption and waste generation in industrial plants to be reduced through the identification of efficient material reuse/recycle schemes. Various approaches, ranging from graphical pinch analysis to mathematical programming, have been developed by different researchers. Mathematical programming techniques provide considerable flexibility in the representation of network design problems, although in many cases, these approaches result in mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) models which are difficult to solve. This paper presents a simplified approach using a zero–one programming or “knapsack” formulation for the design of industrial material reuse/recycle networks. It is possible to solve the resulting model using an efficient heuristic algorithm based on adaptive particle swarm optimization. Two sample applications are provided to illustrate the methodology. The first case shows the application of the methodology to the implementation of industrial water conservation and the second case demonstrates its use in the design of a hydrogen gas reuse/recycle scheme in a refinery.     

废弃泡沫塑料的疏浚泥固化处理技术的研究

提出采用疏浚泥固化技术治理由废弃泡沫塑料引起的白色污染 ,既可解决疏浚泥及废弃泡沫塑料对环境的污染 ,又可废物利用产生新型土工材料。研究这一方法的技术可行性 ,对其综合性技术经济效益进行了评价。     

Marketing P2–CP to business – past,present, and possible future

For over a decade, organizations involved in promoting pollution prevention/cleaner production (P2–CP) to businesses have been asking business managers to change the way they think. But perhaps the greatest adoption of P2–CP will occur when organizations take advantage of the way business managers already think, using strategies of business-to-business (B2B) marketing. In this paper, we trace the evolution of P2–CP promotion from an Educational Strategy, through a Diffusion Strategy, and finally to the B2B Strategy. We argue that P2–CP adoption can be significantly increased if organizations apply the techniques of companies that make their living from selling innovations to businesses and use the B2B markets to bring P2–CP innovations to businesses.     

A genetic algorithm based stochastic programming model for air quality management

This paper presents a model that can aid planners in defining the total allowable pollutant discharge in the planning region,accounting for the dynamic and stochastic character of meteorological conditions.This is accomplished by integrating Monte Carlo simulation and using genetic algorithm to solve the model.The model is demonstrated by using a realistic air urban-scale SO2 control problem in the Yuxi City of China.To evaluate effectiveness of the model,results of the approach are shown to compare with those of the linear deterministic procedures. This paper also provides a valuable insight into how air quality targets should be made when the air pollutant will not threat the residents‘ health.Finally,a discussion of the areas for further research are briefly delineated.     

Techno policy aspects and socio-economic impacts of eco-industrial networking in the fishery sector: experiences from An Giang Province,Vietnam

Eco-industrial networking is considered as a new approach for businesses to improve their competitiveness, economic viability and human and ecosystem health. A cyclic material flow with alternative usage of all materials in the loop is an essential feature of an eco-industrial network. While eco-industrial networking has been primarily applied on the high-tech sector, this paper attempts to apply the principles on the fishery sector of An Giang, a Vietnamese province in the Mekong River Delta. An Giang Province has its own market share in the trade of Tra and Basa fish. The industries in the value chain of Tra and Basa are in a situation that forces them to improve their competitiveness to retain the market share. It was found that forming an eco-industrial network and recruiting new businesses to utilize all materials in the process provides additional revenue apart from reducing waste disposal concerns. This paper details the current market situation, the issues faced and material flow patterns and presents a feasible eco-industrial network. The results of the study indicate that the eco-industrial network creates positive impacts in terms of increased competitiveness, improved socio-economic conditions and cleaner environment.     

基于RDA-REM模型的我国再生水开发利用潜力

为促进我国再生水资源高效利用,优化水资源配置结构,针对再生水开发利用潜力开展再生水开发利用影响因素分析,剖析再生水资源的特殊性与竞争性,揭示再生水开发利用的驱动机制与约束机制,建立再生水供需双侧协调交互式的潜力指标体系,并基于冗余分析（RDA）筛选潜力预测关键指标,并以此为基础,构建具有随机效应的潜力预测模型（REM）,预测全国再生水开发利用潜力.同时,针对REM模型参数的不确定性,刻画10%~90%分位数水平下的参数置信区间.结果发现,生态用水量、建成区供水管道密度、再生水处理设施建设固定资产投资和污水处理总量这4项指标与再生水开发利用紧密相关,为潜力预测关键指标.REM潜力预测模型拟合精度较高,最大拟合误差为-8.5%.未来一段时期内,我国再生水开发利用量将继续保持高速增长趋势,2025年全国开发利用潜力有望达到129亿m³,将有助于优化城市供水结构,提高区域水资源循环利用率.     

Optimal retrofit of water conservation networks

This paper presents a new general mathematical programming model for the optimal retrofit of material conservation networks considering recycle, reuse and regeneration schemes (notice that most of the previously reported methods only have considered the synthesis case, and nowadays it is very important to have strategies for the retrofit of water networks because several existing water network are functioned under suboptimal conditions because these were synthesized using inefficient approaches or because the process and environmental constraints have changed). The model considers the reconfiguration of existing networks to satisfy stricter process and environmental constraints considering the repiping for the network, the reuse of the existing treatment units, the modification for the capacity and performance of the existing units and the installation of new treatment units to reduce the overall operating cost through the reduction of the use of fresh sources. The objective function accounts for the minimization of the total annual cost associated to the retrofit process. This retrofit process involves simultaneously economic (because the reduction of the fresh sources costs) and environmental (because the reduction of the waste streams discharged to the environment and with a better quality) improvements. The applicability of the proposed model is proved through a set of example problems addressed, where no numerical complications were observed. In addition, the proposed approach is general and it can be applied to any specific case with the information required.     

Eco-efficiency and SMEs in Nova Scotia,Canada

This paper describes a study undertaken by the Eco-Efficiency Centre of the levels of eco-efficiency demonstrated by small and medium enterprises in Nova Scotia. The history of eco-efficiency is described and several definitions of the term put forward by the many agencies and organizations promoting it are discussed. Emphasis is placed on definitions used in Canada, particularly those of Industry Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. After reviewing a large number of environmental management and eco-efficiency tools, the Centre determined that none of these were appropriate for small businesses in Nova Scotia and opted to develop its own checklist. The study concludes that levels of eco-efficiency are quite low among businesses in different sectors and furthermore, that more work is needed to find appropriate tools for micro and small businesses that can be more widely used.     

Reuse rate of treated wastewater in water reuse system

A water quality model for water reuse was made by mathematics induction. The relationship among the reuse rate of treated wastewater（R）, pollutant concentration of reused water（ Cs ）, pollutant concentration of influent（ C0）, removal efficiency of pollutant in wastewater（ E）, and the standard of reuse water were discussed in this study. According to the experiment result of a toilet wastewater treatment and reuse with membrane bioreactors, R would be set at less than 40%, on which all the concerned parameters could meet with the reuse water standards. To raise R of reuse water in the toilet, an important way was to improve color removal of the wastewater.     

Recent progress of arsenic adsorption on TiO2 in the presence of coexisting ions: A review

Arsenic (As)-contaminated wastewater and groundwater pose a pressing environmental issue and worldwide concern. Adsorption of As using TiO₂ materials, in combination with filtration, introduces a promising technology for the treatment of As-contaminated water. This review presents an overview on the recent progress of the application of TiO₂ for removal of As from wastewater and groundwater. The main focus is on the following three pressing issues that limit the field applications of TiO₂ for As removal: coexisting ions, simulation of breakthrough curves, and regeneration and reuse of spent TiO₂ materials. We first examined how the coexisting ions in water, especially high concentrations of cations in industrial wastewater, affect the efficacy of As removal using the TiO₂ materials. We then discussed As breakthrough curves and the effect of compounded ions on the breakthrough curves. We successfully simulated the breakthrough curves by PHREEQC after integrating the CD-MUSIC model. We further discussed challenges facing the regeneration and reuse of TiO₂ media for practical applications. We offer our perspectives on remaining issues and future research needs.     

建立安全生产长效机制应加强安全文化建设

安全文化建设是生产经营单位建立安全生产长效机制的基础，是实现建设小康社会发展目标的保证。本文对市场经济条件下，就加大安全文化建设进行了初步探讨，提出了进一步加强安全文化建设力度的建议，并指出安全文化建设是落实安全生产责任制的重要组成部分。     

沈阳市中水回用对策研究及前景分析

为了解决全市水资源严重短缺问题，缓解污水排放对生态环境造成的破坏，沈阳市在今后5～10a内将建成中水回用系统，使城市中水回用率达到50％。结合沈阳市中水回用现状，分析了目前全市中水供应能力及市场需求，进行了2010年相应指标的预测，同时探讨了沈阳市中水回用存在的问题和解决方法。     

Framework model to assess leisure and tourism sustainability

Throughout the world, leisure and tourism have long since gained major importance for individuals, businesses and the public sector. Sustainability demands equity not only for one generation, but also between current and future generations. Research should provide more balanced insight into ongoing economic, environmental, social and cultural processes, and thus for appropriate future action. This article presents an innovative comprehensive framework model for assessing impacts arising from leisure and tourism in defined large areas and relevant to society as a whole. The model is centred on leisure activities undertaken near or far from the usual home. Selected examples relate to Germany.     

Feasibility and simulation model of a pilot scale membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment and reuse from Chinese traditional medicine

The lack and pollution of water resource make wastewater reuse necessary. The pilot scale long-term tests for submerged membrane bioreactor were conducted to treat the effluents of anaerobic or aerobic treatment process for the high-strength Chinese traditional medicine wastewater. This article was focused on the feasibility of the wastewater treatment and reuse at shorter hydraulic retention time （HRT） of 5.0, 3.2 and 2.13 h. MLSS growth, membrane flux, vacuum values and chemical cleaning periods were also investigated. The experimental results of treating two-phase anaerobic treatment effluent demonstrated that the CODfilt was less than 100 mg/L when the influent COD was between 500-10000 mg/L at HRT of 5.0 h, which could satisfy the normal discharged standard in China. The experimental results to treat cross flow aerobic reactor effluent demonstrated that the average value of CODfilt was 17.28 mg/L when the average value of influent COD was 192.84 mg/L at HRT of 2.13 h during 106 d, which could completely meet the normal standard for water reuse. The maximum MLSS and MLVSS reached 24000 and 14500 mg/L at HRT of 3.2 h respectively. Membrane flux had maximal resume degrees of 94.7% at vacuum value of 0.02 MPa after cleaning. Chemical cleaning periods of membrane module were 150 d. A simulation model of operational parameters was also established based on the theory of back propagation neural network and linear regression of traditional mathematical model. The simulation model showed that the optimum operational parameters were suggested as follows： HRT was 5.0 h, SRT was 100 d, the range of COD loading rate was between 10.664-20.451 kg/（m3.d）, the range of MLSS was between 7543-13694 mg/L.     

Fostering sustainability through sourcing from small businesses: public sector perspectives

This article examines the opportunities for fostering sustainable development through public sector sourcing from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Buying from small businesses can make such contributions in a variety of forms, ranging from a contribution to local economic development through providing innovative green products and services, particularly in the food sector, to helping the public sector organisation to better align its operations with its community. Sourcing from small businesses also has implications for the governance of sourcing processes and can benefit from a partnership approach. Barriers to public sector sourcing from small businesses are discussed and suggestions made on how these can be overcome.     

中国市域旅游综合吸引力指数评价

论文以中国338个市域作为旅游客源地和旅游目的地,测算其旅游吸引力指数。以南京市为例,通过GIS空间可视化并分别划分出5个等级旅游目的地及旅游客源地。结果发现南京不同等级旅游目的地呈距离衰减规律,但同时出现区位跨越现象;南京旅游客源地总体上亦呈现距离衰减规律,但也出现远距离客源地等级甚至比近距离客源地等级要高的现象。笔者把吸引指数模型逆思维推演测算出了中国城市总吸引指数排名,并以可达性为基础,根据旅游目的地城市总吸引指数和旅游规模排名位序是否一致划分出中国城市旅游的发展程度现状10种类型,为城市旅游发展提供比较参考。     

城市污水回用于农业的技术经济分析——以以色列农业灌溉为例

城市污水回用于农业是污水资源化的有效途径。论述了污水灌溉对农业和环境的影响 ,并以以色列为例对污水回用于农业进行了经济效益分析 ,同时介绍了决定用水组成、回用水质以及农作物的组成等的优化模型     

浅议我国电子垃圾的回收

我国的电子垃圾回收利用基本处于失控状态，缺乏监管。回收处理方式：一是作为普通垃圾被填埋；二是对于尚能使用的废弃电子产品拿到旧货市场贩卖，不能使用的则私自拆解，回收提炼贵金属，丢弃不能利用的产品，对环境产生极大危害。因此，应建立和完善电子垃圾回收处理法规体系，回收利用体系，开发电子废物处理利用的新技术，改变无序发展状态。