The Integrated Approach to Sustainable Development: The Case of Energy Efficiency and Solid Waste Management

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the possibilities and develop proposals for the integrated solution of some of the problems of sustainable development related to waste processing and improving the energy efficiency of the economy. This purpose was achieved by solving the following objectives: (1) analysis of the problem of energy efficiency and how to solve it; (2) study of the problem of waste management and approaches to its solution; (3) development of proposals for the implementation of energy-efficient waste treatment. The leading methods used in the article were the following: A review of the literature, statistical analysis, expert assessments, systems, technological and institutional analysis, economic modeling. As a result of the study, it was proved that the problems of energy efficiency of the economy and waste management should not be solved in isolation, but in a comprehensive manner. The key idea of the study was that waste may be an unconventional (alternative) energy source. The existing technological solutions for their implementation require significant investments, changes in regulation, as well as transformation of the behavior of the population. Modernization of waste management often comes down to the modernization of landfill management. This is not effective enough (from environmental, economic, energy efficiency positions). The development of new institutional rules and innovative technologies is required. The authors propose to use waste as an energy resource using the technology of thermal catalytic depolymerization. In addition to the beneficial environmental effect, the proposed technology has high energy efficiency.

Characterization of Health Beneficial Components in Discarded Leaves of Three Escarole (Cichorium endivia L.) Cultivar and Study of Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

“…However, its use generates a high amount of waste product. The waste and by-products of the horticultural crops chain are arousing more and more interest; in fact, according to the United Nations [15], the world population is expected to increase from 7.7 billion (2019) to 9.7 billion in 2050, and the annual production of waste, following the current trend, will increase by 70% in the next 40 years [16]. Studies have shown that waste of vegetable processing consists of large amounts of proteins, sugars, and lipids, together with specialized metabolites and, therefore, could be an abundant and cheap source of high value-added products that are potentially useful as health and food products.…”

Systematic Waste Management for Empowerment of Ambulu Village Community

“…In the upstream part, in the form of a less than optimal system applied to the final processing (Mulasari, 2016). Most people think that burning waste is part of waste processing (Vertakova, 2019). However, things like that can cause pollution to the environment and interfere with health.…”

Optimization of Energy Consumption in Chemical Production Based on Descriptive Analytics and Neural Network Modeling

“…Numerous works of researchers are devoted to the issues of increasing the energy efficiency of industrial production in general and chemical-technological systems. The main directions of research in the field of green chemistry and sustainable consumption of energy resources are determined by the work of the following scientists: Chen et al investigated the latest achievements of power engineering in the field of light chemistry [2]; Phan and Luscombe studied recent advances in environmentally friendly, sustainable synthesis of semiconductor polymers [3]; Delgado-Povedano and Luque de Castro evaluated the development of green analytical chemistry [4]; Liu et al substantiated water-soluble, highquality graphene as a green solution for efficient energy storage [5]; Mandal developed the theory of alternative energy sources for sustainable organic synthesis [6]; Wang and Feng deepened the knowledge of advanced materials for green chemistry and renewable energy [7]; Vertakova and Plotnikov proposed new technical energy-saving solutions based on waste processing [8].…”