The construction industry generates the most waste in the European Union (EU), and each member state is responsible for implementing measures to reduce construction and demolition waste (CDW). As a result, Sweden is working to enhance the sustainability of its construction sector. This study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainably managing materials and waste in an interior office renovation project, drawing insights and perspectives from various stakeholders across the value chain. This study also proposes measures that companies can adopt to improve their sustainable CDW management practices. To achieve this, the study employed thematic analysis on data collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, a review of peer-reviewed journal articles and grey literature, as well as observations from site visits. The analysis identified nine key themes that reveal both the challenges and opportunities in sustainably managing materials and waste from renovation projects. The study explores these findings and examines initiatives that promote sustainable practices in interior office renovations, concluding with recommendations for future research and guidance for property companies.

The depletion of finite fossil fuel reserves and the severe environmental degradation resulting from human activities have compelled the expeditious development and application of sustainable waste to energy technologies. To encapsulate energy and environment in sustainability paradigm, bio waste based energy production is need to be forged in organic bio refinery setup. According to world bioenergy association, biomass can cover 50 % of the primary energy demand of the world. Therefore, the present study focuses on reforming the energy mix for a clean energy generation, where, sample composition of cotton stalk was acidified in dilute (5% wt.) hydrochloric acid (HCL) for analyzing material burnout patterns in biomass conversion systems utilized in organic bio refinery sector. Advanced thermochemical burning technique, which includes pyrolysis and combustion was applied at four different leaching times from 0 to 180 min under nitrogen environment from 0 degrees C to 500 degrees C and air from 500 degrees C to 900 degrees C, respectively. Different analyses including proximate, ultimate, gross calorific value (GCV), thermos-gravimetric, kinetic, XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS were used for analyzing the degradation of demineralized cotton stalk at different treatment rates. Proximate study demonstrated that cotton stalk leaching for 180 min has efficiently infused HCL, leading in a significant increase in fixed carbon and higher heating value of 20.23 % and 12.48%, respectively, as well as a reduction in carbon footprint of around 54.80%. The findings of proximate was validated by GCV analysis and CHNS analysis as value of carbon and hydrogen has shown increasing behavior with the time delay in demineralization Thermo-gravimetric and derivative thermo-gravimetric data analyses shows an increasing trend of conversion efficiency, with the maximum increase of 98 % reported for sample 3H. TT.DEM. XRD characterization has reported 23 degrees to 25 degrees angle for all the observed peaks. Sample 3H.TT.DEM has shown maximum angle inclination along with matured crystalline peak. The latter observations has been validated by FTIR spectroscopy as sample 3H.TT.DEM has reported maximum O-H group formation. Sample 3H.TT. DEM has reported lowest activation energy of 139.51 kJ*mole-1 and lowest reactivity of 0.000293649%*min 0C, due to moderate and stable reactiveness. In SEM examination, increment in pore size and number of pores within the structural matrix of cotton stalk was observed with the enhancement in acidulation process. Furthermore, in EDS analysis, 3H.TT.DEM has shown most balanced distribution of the elements. In this research, sustainable transformation of biomass is envisioned to improve the waste bio refinery system, significantly contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12 and 13.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate in Asian cities is exponentially increasing with rise in urbanization and commercial activities. Beside this, the cities in developing Asia are deficient in adequate waste management and facing energy shortage as well. The ineffectual waste management practice is one of the main causative factors behind the negative repercussions on public health and environment. This paper provides an estimation of power generation potential along with economic and environmental benefits of biochemical methane production from MSW. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) test of the MSW generated in Karachi, Pakistan was conducted by using the fresh synthetic waste sample. Through the analysis of the results obtained in this study and available data of the MSW generation (quantity, organic fraction and moisture content) in Karachi it is estimated that, every year about 5600 tons of methane are being wasted to atmosphere adding enormous share in global climate change. This study estimated that, about 63 MWe electric power can be generated by establishing biowaste digestion plants with power generation facilities in the city. The generated power can contribute 2.1% share in daily power supply and 21% power shortage can be reduced as well. Additionally, about 401.3 million-PKRs (2.6 million-US$) revenue can be earned every year by selling the power generated by utilizing the MSW in waste to energy plants. Moreover, 0.13 Mt CO₂-eq/annum greenhouse effect caused by methane emissions from open disposal of MSW can be eliminated.Previous articleNext articleKeywords