Design for sustainability

The high consumption of energy and materials during their life cycle makes buildings among the most significant contributors to environmental impacts. Choosing sustainable materials and their reuse is crucial to positively decreasing their environmental impact. The design phase is essential throughout the lifecycle, where designers and customers are called to make informed decisions. Those are easier as more quantitative data are available. The present work presents the extension of a tool previously developed intended to introduce the topic of environmental sustainability in the design phase. It allows quantitatively assessing the goodness of reusing construction materials in terms of environmental avoided impact. The primary potentiality is represented by the possibility of executing sustainability assessment already in the early stages of building design when design choices significantly contribute to the global environmental impact of solutions. An application related to choosing and evaluating the use of second-life materials whose End of Life management is highly complex is shown. The case study is associated with the reuse of composite materials for indoor furniture. The results show how important it may be to re-employ materials because, from one side, it prevents the need for additional virgin resources and avoids the complex management of End of Life phase.

Keywords: Eco-design , Environmental impact , Environmental sustainability , Knowledge Based Engineering , Life Cycle Assessment

The present paper aims to analyze the influence on Life Cycle Assessment results of the inventory datasets selected, considering their recentness and their customization operated by practitioners, also including the modeling of certain parameter temporal evolution (e.g., electricity grid mix). The source of uncertainty still needs to be treated in detail and quantitatively analyzed, especially regarding the practitioners' choices. These can significantly affect the final results, so evaluating their impacts and effects is needed. This paper would like to contribute to this sector, by investigating energy-using products. The product selected as the case study is a professional coffee machine, an energy-using product category, produced by an Italian manufacturing company in the Marche region. A Life Cycle Assessment analysis for one reference product is realized, based on ISO 14040/44 standards, using different inventory datasets, all suitable to model the product but characterized by different levels of customization. The quantification of the result range allows producing supporting guidelines for inventory data selection and arbitrary customization, but also correct results interpretation and external communication of product life cycle environmental profile. The comparison of different modeling scenarios shows that the customization of the electricity datasets determines a reduction of impact in the Climate Change indicator of about 31%, while the inclusion of the elec-tricity evolution over time determines a reduction of about 41% compared with the reference LCA results.

Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment , Practitioners choice , Sensitivity

Soft robots are increasingly advancing into heterogeneous contexts, however they still suffer from different sustainability issues including limited lifetime, disposal and poor energy efficiency. These issues severely limit their spread usage thus leading to the need for new materials and efficient actuation systems. The main goal of this work is to find out in scientific literature the main indicators concerning environmental sustainability in pneumatically actuated soft robots. To reach this goal, we used the PRISMA methodology to explore, in a systematic manner, available indices related to environmental dimension of sustainability. The indicators found are reported with the absolute and relative metrics adapted from the references and two proposed categorizations: i) one related to the part of soft robotic system, ii) the other one related to the LCA-oriented Product Lifecycle (PL) phase. The study highlights the lack in the literature of indicators related to energy consumption regarding environmental dimension of the manufacturing process, thus opening the possibility of future studies in this direction.

Keywords: Pneumatic actuation , Soft Robotics , Sustainability

In this paper, two concepts of silicone–based pneumatic soft bending actuators with stiffening capability are presented and compared in terms of performances and sustainability. The first concept is a PneuNet bending actuator with a vacuum chamber, while the second one is a Fiber–reinforced bending actuator, again with a vacuum chamber. Both soft actuators are able to perform a bending movement and are able to increase their stiffness through layer jamming. The two concepts are first compared in terms of overall performances, namely bending behavior, capability to exert tip forces and stiffening capability. After, they are compared in terms of sustainability, through the analysis of the energy that they require for movement execution.

Keywords: performances , pneumatic soft actuators , Soft robotics , stiffening , sustainability

The significant consumption of resources within the healthcare sector underscores the need to address both efficiency and sustainability concerns. Telemedicine has been identified as one of the most promising pathways for reducing the environmental impacts of the healthcare sector. However, a comprehensive sustainability assessment is still required. The main aim of the present study is to conduct a systematic literature review to explore approaches and methodologies employed for quantifying the environmental, social, and economic impacts of telemedicine. Moreover, the research seeks to determine whether the approaches focus on a single aspect or whether they allow for a comprehensive assessment including all three sustainability pillars. The searching phase was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases, considering last 10 years (i.e., 2013–2023). Keywords were related to remote care and sustainability impact fields. Following the PRISMA framework, out of 477 articles, 91 studies were included in the analysis. Primary findings highlighted that studies on telemedicine impacts predominantly focus on transport-related aspects, emphasizing direct emissions and associated costs that are avoided and time savings. Televisit emerged as the most investigated remote care activity. Database and conversion factors were mainly employed for analysis, while other methodologies were sporadically mentioned in the literature. Despite numerous papers addressing these issues, a standardized and comprehensive methodology still appears to be lacking. Future works should consider the entire life cycle process, including more stakeholders. A defined approach will be fundamental to move beyond theoretical discussions and provide actionable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.

Keywords: environmental and public health , healthcare sector , sustainable development , telemedicine

The prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) methodology allows to estimate the future environmental impacts of emerging technologies and immature products not yet on the market. To make up for the lack of information on the product, the pLCA makes extensive use of secondary data, taken from various sources including patents which contain prospective information of industrial interest. To date, there have been attempts to show the potential of patent analysis in supporting pLCA, but never extensively and as proposed in this work with a truly systematic approach. In fact, this study aims to demonstrate how an accurate analysis of the information contained within patents can provide solutions to a number of open problems underlying the pLCA. More specifically, it was shown how patents can serve for: the support to experts in technological forecasting, the definition of scenario ranges, the support to the background and foreground systems modelling, the comparison of the future diffusion of a mature and an emerging technology, the support to the projections based on pathways to reach policy reductions to ensure time consistency. For each question, it was explained how to decline the patent analysis, i.e. which parts of the patents to analyse and how.

Keywords: eco-design , emerging technologies , ex-ante LCA , patent analysis , prospective LCA

Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate the significant greenhouse gas emissions of the healthcare sector. A comprehensive evaluation is required to quantify the environmental benefits of its implementation. Objectives: The study aims to compare the environmental sustainability of in-person and virtual examinations for heart failure patients. Methods: A standard life cycle assessment has been applied to quantify the equivalent CO2 of direct and indirect activities required to release a medical examination (virtual or physical) for a patient in an Italian hospital. Inputs of the analysis include electronic devices of hospital and patients, energy consumption, wastes, internet usage and patient travel. Depending on the type of visit (virtual or physical), inputs have been processed differently, considering actual consumption and utilization. Results: Televisit reduces emissions from 9.77 kgCO2e to 0.41 kgCO2e. Transport and internet data use are key inputs for in-person (i.e., 98%) and telemedicine visits (i.e., 72%), respectively. Discussion: Given the frequent car travels, telemedicine emerges as a tool to improve environmental benefits and reduce time for patients and caregivers.

Keywords: carbon footprint , environmental impact , life cycle , sustainable development , telemedicine

Batteries are becoming increasingly important due to their many applications in sectors such as energy, transport, and electronic devices, making them a key component for the green industrial revolution. Supranational bodies as the European Commission also recognize their importance. Batteries have critical issues throughout their life cycle that hinder a true ecological transition, including the use of critical raw materials, high carbon footprint in manufacturing processes, and difficulties in recycling and disassembly at end-of-life. To address these issues, eco-design is the only model capable of reducing or eliminating the problems at the root, improving the impacts of the upstream phases and the effectiveness of the downstream ones. The purpose of this study is to provide a dedicated theoretical framework for eco-design based on existing methodologies, which can be adapted to any scenario and considers all actors of the selected and involved value chain. This framework attempts to eliminate the issues and uncertainties of previous studies and enable the achievement of a truly optimized, feasible, and sustainable design.

Keywords: Battery , Design for Sustainability , Eco-design , Framework , Lifecycle management

The green energy revolution has propelled the use of batteries, necessitating holistic lifecycle monitoring and data sharing among stakeholders involved in the supply chain and in the whole lifecycle. The European Union mandates digital passports through the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Recognizing the challenges in today's landscape - from fragmented software to limited collaboration and the array of battery types - this paper unveils a standardized battery passport data model aimed at overcoming the challenges posed. It organizes techno-environmental data into a tree structure, ensuring compliance with European regulations and offering a Life Cycle Inventory-ready structure for the purpose of supporting Life Cycle Assessment studies. The future implementation on a centralized platform has the potential to drive eco-friendly battery infrastructure growth.

Keywords: Battery Passport , Lifecycle Management , Standard Data Model , Sustainable Value Chain

The objective of this chapter is to describe the strategic action line related to the factories for humans (LI3). In particular, this chapter proposes research and innovation priorities aimed at designing and developing new solutions to enhance the role of human resources and their skills, and contribute to their satisfaction and wellbeing; research and experimentation of new technologies for reducing physical exertion, cooperation with advanced support systems, with collaborative robots and with AI-powered technologies; mapping of knowledge generated on the job, especially implicit knowledge, in a way that is compatible with privacy requirements, introducing advantages both on the human wellbeing front—whether the individuals are users, operators or managers—and in terms of business strategies and procedures. In this regard, innovative factories will need to be increasingly inclusive, strongly geared towards the engagement and participation of individuals (users, operators and managers). These models must take a human-centric approach to look into/investigate new technologies and all the dimensions through which the new factory is defined.

Keywords: Human–machine interaction , Safety and ergonomics , Skills and competences , Training , Workers

This review explores a variety of techniques that utilize air injections beneath a vessel's hull to reduce drag and consequently improve energy efficiency. It focuses on the methodologies of microbubble drag reduction (MBDR), air layer drag reduction (ALDR), and air cavity drag reduction (ACDR), offering insights into their design, operational mechanisms, and potential applications. This review provides a detailed examination of the underlying principles of these technologies, incorporating a blend of experimental research, numerical simulations, and mathematical modelling to offer a comprehensive understanding. It references recent experimental data, highlighting how these findings corroborate with numerical simulations and are further explained through mathematical models. Conclusively, this review accentuates the transformative influence of air injection methods in drag reduction within the maritime industry, emphasizing their pivotal role in boosting operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and driving the evolution of naval design and transportation. Through a balanced and detailed analysis, this review provides a holistic view of the current state and future prospects of these innovative resistance reduction strategies.

Keywords: air cavity , air layer , air lubrication , CFD , drag reduction , microbubble , sustainability

The environmental sustainability of titanium powders production mainly depends by atomization that is the most diffused technology in this field, ensuring the environmental advantages of high mass flow rate, energetical efficiency and reduced waste which have greatly encouraged its diffusion on an industrial scale. However, few quantitative assessment studies have been proposed on atomization sustainability and none of them consider the many technological evolutions of atomization that the industries are working on. This study proposes a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA), of the ex-ante type, of future new Electrode Induction Gas Atomization (EIGA) and Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) that will produce Ti6Al4V powders in 2035. This time point, referring to a medium-term view is considered to ensure the relevance and the reliability of technology forecasts based on quantitative estimates. Both the systems have been modelled through data retrieved from patents to assess their future impacts. The prospective LCA shows that in the future EIGA the average impact, in each indicator, will be 50% lower for electrical consumption and 98% lower for argon consumption compared to future PREP. The future EIGA and future PREP are more sustainable than the mature EIGA (of the crucible and crucible-free type) and mature PREP (of the traditional and supreme-speed plasma type) currently on the market. The average impact reductions, respectively passing from future to mature EIGA and PREP, are 65% and 23% for electricity consumption and 11% and 28% for argon consumption. The variabilities in technological solutions, scalability and future scenarios about electricity and argon production scale all the impacts without reverse the ranking. At a structural level, the most sustainable solutions are the optimization of the geometries of the titanium bar in the future EIGA and the optimization of the disposition of the plasma gun in the future PREP. This study shows which technological advancement increase the sustainability of EIGA and PREP atomization process in the future and to what extent in the two cases.

Keywords: Atomization , Life cycle assessment , Patent analysis , Prospective LCA , Titanium powder

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) could have great application potential and technological development. However, there are no studies that have quantitatively and rigorously estimated the environmental impacts in the future scenario. This study fills this gap through an innovative approach consisting of patent-based technological forecasting and prospective life cycle assessment (LCA). The analysis of the 58 selected patents reveals that future SOFCs could have (on average) +53% specific power which could lead to a 56% mass reduction compared to current SOFC. The prospective LCA shows an average global warming potential (GWP) reduction of 50%. The future tubular layout is more sustainable than planar one by about 15%. GWP decreases with increasing specific power and in cells with smaller sizes and thicknesses. Finally, the ductile future SOFCs, dedicated to mobile applications and dynamic loads, have a GWP greater than future stationary SOFCs, but still equal to half of the current SOFCs. All these results therefore confirm the potential of the patented SOFC developments on environmental sustainability, arguing in favour of their industrial development and a more massive application in the future.

Keywords: patents , Prospective LCA , solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)

The push for environmental sustainability has accelerated the acceptance of electric vehicles, as well as the exploration of electrified Non-Road Mobile Machinery. This study emphasizes the challenges of electrifying off-highway machinery, which include the many machinery layouts and the presence of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises in the market. Recognizing the barriers faced by these companies, this paper shows how modeling and simulation can be effective tools for system integration and control optimization, even when lacking extensive expertise in the topic. However, it emphasizes the need for user-friendly modeling tools and methods adaptable to the operational needs of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises. This study presents a case study of a retrofitted battery-electric hydraulic material handler. The machinery is simulated using Simscape, and the accuracy of the model is confirmed through experimental validation. By simulating a rational duty cycle, this study proposes two solutions for performance enhancement while maintaining the integrity of the hydraulic system. These solutions offer a balanced compromise between energy consumption and productivity and a novel control algorithm to minimize energy consumption. Most importantly, the two proposed solutions can be easily switched by the operator, which can decide to favor productivity over energy saving based on driving needs.

Keywords: electrification , energy saving , hydraulics , load sensing , non-road mobile machinery , off-highway , retrofitting

Integrating remote Internet of Things (IoT) laboratories into project-based learning (PBL) in higher education institutions (HEIs) while exploiting the approach of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is a challenging yet pivotal endeavor. Our proposed approach enables students to interact with an IoT-equipped lab locally and remotely, thereby bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, creating a more immersive, adaptable, and effective learning experience. This study underscores the significance of combining hardware, software, and coding skills in PBL, emphasizing how IoTRemoteLab (the remote lab we developed) supports a customized educational experience that promotes innovation and safety. Moreover, we explore the potential of IoTRemoteLab as a TEL, facilitating and supporting the understanding and definition of the requirements of remote learning. Furthermore, we demonstrate how we incorporate generative artificial intelligence into IoTRemoteLab's settings, enabling personalized recommendations for students leveraging the lab locally or remotely. Our approach serves as a model for educators and researchers aiming to equip students with essential skills for the digital age while addressing broader issues related to access, engagement, and sustainability in HEIs. The practical findings following an in-class experiment reinforce the value of IoTRemoteLab and its features in preparing students for future technological demands and fostering a more inclusive, safe, and effective educational environment.

Keywords: education , educational technology , formative feedback , generative artificial intelligence , hands-on learning , interactive learning , internet of things , project-based learning , remote laboratory , technology-enhanced learning , user–computer interface

In recent decades, the pressure from regulations and consumers for products with enhanced sustainability performance has escalated the implementation of sustainability actions by companies. For manufacturing companies specifically, Sustainable Product Development (SPD) is a key approach for reducing the sustainability impacts of the developed products, across their entire life cycle. Despite the availability of wide range of management practices for SPD to support embedding sustainability into the product development process, the extent of their application by companies remains underexplored. To fulfil this gap, an industry survey was conducted to investigate the capability of manufacturing companies to apply a consolidated set of 61 SPD management practices. The overall results which comprised 20 companies across 14 sectors revealed that most of the practices are still applied at a low capability level by most companies. This result indicates a large theory-practice gap particularly in understanding the influence of the type of business, variation in capability levels across different business processes and stages of the product development that influence the successful implementation of sustainability actions in companies. Hence, stronger collaboration between the academia and industry sectors are essential to transform new knowledge into actionable strategies.

Keywords: Industry survey , Management practice , Manufacturing companies , Product development , Sustainable product development

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

Keywords: four-point bending test , high-speed vessel , impact testing , life cycle assessment , maritime safety

In recent years, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction sector has placed a growing emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability throughout the life cycle of buildings. The driver is the possibility to minimize the ecological impact of materials and components, both in their production and operational phases. Transparent glazing systems, such as windows and curtain walls, significantly impact energy consumption and indoor comfort. These effects, particularly during the building's use phase, play a crucial role in determining its overall environmental performance. To achieve the development of sustainable alternatives in glazed closure systems three key objectives are pursued: (i) technological simplification, (ii) enhancing performance (energy, mechanical and environmental), and (iii) extending service life. To evaluate the benefits introduced by new design concepts, also in comparison with traditional systems, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable and well-established tool. In this research, a comparative LCA is performed on two different window concepts. The first one is a traditional window (TW), which uses standard components and assembly techniques. The second concept, called Invisible Window (IW), designed to fit the three abovementioned key objectives and manufactured by the same company, is conceived to have a hidden frame employing adhesive joint technology for component assembly. This study aims to identify the environmental performance of the IW compared to the TW, offering insights into benefits and environmental consequences of embracing cutting-edge solutions in the construction industry, for the promotion of more informed and eco-conscious decision-making. Results show that IW has a higher impact only for Global Warming Potential indicator due to one of the materials employed (wood) and manufacturing phase. However, this result is linked to the choice of Life Cycle Impact Assessment method (EN 15804 + A2 Method V1.00) for which the wood is credited with a carbon storage benefit (carbon sequestration in a plant life cycle), even though a smaller quantity of wood is used for the IW. For all other indicators, the IW performs better than the TW, demonstrating that materials and manufacturing processes related to this new product concept are more suitable from the environmental perspective. In addition, the extended service life of IW lowers the burdens in all indicators, leading to an overall better performance of the new windows concept from a life cycle perspective.

Keywords: Adhesive joint technology , Building component , Innovative window , LCA , Novel glazing system , Sustainable buildings

Batteries are fundamental to the sustainable energy transition, playing a key role in both powering devices and storing renewable energy. They are also essential in the shift towards greener automotive solutions. However, battery life cycles face significant environmental challenges, including the harmful impacts of extraction and refining processes and inefficiencies in recycling. Both researchers and policymakers are striving to improve battery technologies through a combination of bottom–up innovations and top–down regulations. This study aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and policy frameworks by conducting a Systematic Literature Review of 177 papers. The review identifies innovative solutions to mitigate challenges across the battery life cycle, from production to disposal. A key outcome of this work is the creation of the life cycle management framework, designed to align scientific developments with regulatory strategies, providing an integrated approach to address life cycle challenges. This framework offers a comprehensive tool to guide stakeholders in fostering a sustainable battery ecosystem, contributing to the objectives set by the European Commission's battery regulation.

Keywords: battery life cycle , battery regulation , battery review , battery sustainability , Cradle-to-Cradle thinking , life cycle framework , life cycle management

This study explores the acoustic properties of composite biomaterials using a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced by plant fibers for sound insulation applications. Acoustic tests evaluated the absorption coefficient, reflection factor, and characteristic impedance, examining various configurations with different thicknesses of the composite biomaterial. The combinations of PLA/grape stem and PLA/wood straw were analyzed for their acoustic behaviors. Grape stems and wood straw were chosen because they are abundant, undervalued waste materials, especially in Italian regions like Tuscany. Therefore, using these materials in composite biomaterials could offer opportunities for valorization. The findings highlight the impact of plant fiber characteristics on acoustic properties, emphasizing the need to optimize these factors for desired acoustic outcomes. The results suggest implications for developing eco-friendly construction materials that balance environmental sustainability with performance requirements. This investigation contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable material utilization for acoustic purposes, reinforcing the potential for innovative and environmentally conscious building solutions.

Keywords: bio-foam , PLA-foam , plant fiber , reuse , sound absorption , sound insulation , sound polylactic acid foam , sustainable composite biomaterial , waste material