One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will incr...One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.展开更多
In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is t...In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into how energy audits, with a scope on air conditioning (AC) systems, contribute to develop energy efficiency options for a government building in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico. The methodology is based in the energy audit framework proposed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Results show that, in a typical day of maximum consumption, AC represents 64% of the total electrical consumption, while office equipment accounted for 22%, and lighting 14%. Additionally, AC system has a yearly consumption of 54,419.40 kWh with an emission estimate of 24.92 tons of CO2-eq/year. Three approaches for energy efficiency proposals were addressed through AC systems: Improvement of the operation and consumption habits, maintenance and reconditioning of facilities, and replacement of AC units. While Mexico has international commitments through environmental treaties related to contribute to climate change mitigation, this study shows that, at least one government building still produces potential impacts that can be deterred by addressing structural and behavioral changes related to AC operation. Finally, this study may be used as reference for energy efficiency practitioners or decision-making authorities in the public administration field for developing better energy policies for government buildings.展开更多
文摘One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.
文摘In the face of the climate change, energy consumption is one of the main issues to be solved. Energy audits are useful tools that may contribute to develop energy efficiency initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into how energy audits, with a scope on air conditioning (AC) systems, contribute to develop energy efficiency options for a government building in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico. The methodology is based in the energy audit framework proposed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Results show that, in a typical day of maximum consumption, AC represents 64% of the total electrical consumption, while office equipment accounted for 22%, and lighting 14%. Additionally, AC system has a yearly consumption of 54,419.40 kWh with an emission estimate of 24.92 tons of CO2-eq/year. Three approaches for energy efficiency proposals were addressed through AC systems: Improvement of the operation and consumption habits, maintenance and reconditioning of facilities, and replacement of AC units. While Mexico has international commitments through environmental treaties related to contribute to climate change mitigation, this study shows that, at least one government building still produces potential impacts that can be deterred by addressing structural and behavioral changes related to AC operation. Finally, this study may be used as reference for energy efficiency practitioners or decision-making authorities in the public administration field for developing better energy policies for government buildings.
