Green Supply Chain Design and Operation by Integrating LCA and Dynamic Simulation
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an approach integrating LCA indicators and dynamic simulation for green supply chain design and operation, where environmental impact indicators are incorporated into a dynamic model of the supply chain along with profit and customer satisfaction, so that sustainability of various design and operational decisions can be assessed comprehensively.
Abstract: With sustainability increasingly becoming an important business factor, companies are now looking for methods and tools to help assess the fuller picture of the environmental impacts associated with their manufacturing and supply chain activities Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a widely-used technique for measuring the environmental costs assignable to a product or service However, LCA takes a high-level view and assumes a fixed supply chain structure and operation It does not explicitly consider the effect of supply chain design and practices which can be a significant contributor to the overall environmental impacts This paper presents an approach integrating LCA indicators and dynamic simulation for green supply chain design and operation Environmental impact indicators are incorporated into a dynamic model of the supply chain along with profit and customer satisfaction, so that sustainability of various design and operational decisions can be assessed comprehensively The application and benefits of the proposed approach are demonstrated using two case studies
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an extensional definition of a biomass-to-bioproducts supply chain and systematically describe the problems and decisions along this chain and identify the characteristics of a sustainable integrated biomass supply chain.
Abstract: The human dependency on finite fossil fuel has led to its drastic depletion. Along with its detrimental effects on the environment, such practice is now deemed unsustainable. This phenomenon has led to the growth for utilisation of biomass in the production of biofuels, biochemical and other related bioproducts. This waste-to-wealth strategy is no doubt highly beneficial to the society. However, the major challenge in the commercialisation of bioproducts production includes the complex conversion processes and the uncertainty in the supply and sources of biomass. Therefore, efficient supply chain management and optimisation is essential to overcome these barriers and variables that may constrain the development of a competitive and sustainable bioproducts market. This overview provides an extensional definition of biomass-to-bioproducts supply chain and systematically describes the problems and decisions along this chain. It also identifies the characteristics of a sustainable integrated biomass supply chain, and finally presents an overview of biomass supply chain synthesis and optimisation methods. Based on the existing research gap, the key challenges and potential future works are highlighted. This paper will provide readers with an initial point to understand the concept of sustainable biomass supply chain management and the synthesis and optimisation of sustainable biomass supply chain models.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on CO2 emissions along supply chains, from freight energy use to inventories storage, and compare levels of CO2 emitted for differing configurations of different scenarios.
Abstract: Our research focuses on CO2 emissions along supply chains, from freight energy use to inventories storage. These supply chains are Collaborative Networked Organisations (CNOs) linking together actors operating along the same value stream. A supply chain model using a discrete event simulation was developed. Our CNO model is able to simulate a three tier supply chain. Four tuneable variables are provided: manufacturing capability, locations, mode of transportation and types of products. The product data are from Carrier, a large manufacturer and distributor of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Their purpose is to compare levels of CO2 emitted for differing configurations of different scenarios. Some results are logical, but others are unexpected. The principal objectives of this study are twofold: providing a realistic decision support for simulating and promoting sustainable collaborative networks (CNs), helping managers to select eco-friendly supply chains.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of chicken meat production from a Mexican case study, with a "cradle-to-slaughterhouse gate" approach.
Abstract: This study performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of chicken meat production from a Mexican case study, with a “cradle-to-slaughterhouse gate” approach. To overcome the LCA's limitations and provide a more holistic picture of the system, simulation and artificial intelligence techniques were integrated. First, raw material/energy requirements were obtained from the case study and simulated using Process simulation (PS) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to estimate the emissions and quantify their uncertainty. Then, IMPACT 2002 + was used to calculate the overall impact using Ecoinvent and LCA Food databases. The results highlight that chicken farms are the main factors responsible for the environmental impacts assessed, where feed production (use of chemicals and energy requirements) and on-farm emissions (organic waste decomposition) are the main contributors. Concerning the slaughterhouse, the energy production (electricity and steam) and the cooling-related activities present a significant impact. Afterwards, three impact allocation procedures (mass method, neural networks, and stepwise regression) were tested, showing similar results. Finally, a multiobjective optimization model based on a Genetic Algorithm was applied looking to minimize the environmental impacts and maximize the economic benefits. The selected alternative achieved a reduction of 15.14% per functional unit at the environmental indicators. The results encourage the use of support techniques for LCA to perform a reliable assessment and an environmental/economic optimization of the system.
39 citations
Cites background or methods from "Green Supply Chain Design and Opera..."
...Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most accepted and used tools to assess environmental impacts (Nwe et al., 2010; Roy* Corresponding author....
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...Some studies focus on customer satisfaction (Nwe et al., 2010),...
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...Some studies focus on customer satisfaction (Nwe et al., 2010), crop yield (Khoshnevisan et al., 2015), energy payback time (P!erez et al., 2014) and the design of processes (Alexander et al., 2000; Dietz et al., 2006) and entire supply chains (You et al., 2012)....
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...Nwe et al. (2010)....
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TL;DR: It is concluded that, amongst the current array of DLCA definitions, the implementation of partially dynamic LCA (PDLCA) is common and likely to continue, and incorporating system dynamism as part of a sensitivity analysis particularly in PDLCA that are limited by missing data is proposed.
Abstract: Durable goods last for years, decades, or even centuries. The environmental implications of the changing social, economic, and material conditions in which these goods are embedded can be overlooked by conventional life cycle assessment (LCA) that assumes a static world. To avoid this oversight, methods such as dynamic LCA (DLCA) are increasingly being used. Despite the growing use of DLCA, numerous questions remain, including how this dynamism is incorporated and what aspects of any given DLCA are dynamic. To answer these questions, we performed a review of 56 DLCAs, of which 44 propose a framework for DLCA covering all International Organization for Standardization phases of an LCA or that carry out a DLCA. Three types of LCA dynamism are identified and assessed for the reviewed literature: dynamic process inventory, dynamic systems, and dynamic characterization, while a further 2 types of LCA dynamism, dynamic scope and dynamic weighting, are proposed but not applied in the assessed literature. We found that the implementation of DLCA varies widely, and inventories accounting for dynamic characteristics are by far the most prevalent expression of DLCA. To reduce confusion surrounding the discussion of DLCA, we propose a definition of DLCA and its subtypes: full DLCA, partial DLCA, and prospective LCA. It is concluded that, among the current array of DLCA definitions, the implementation of partially dynamic LCA (PDLCA), which applies dynamism in only some parts of the LCA, is common and likely to continue. This is because PDLCA offers quantifiable marginal utility in terms of increased validity of the assessment, in relation to conventional LCA methods, but caution is needed in applying PDLCA because of potential for introducing bias into the LCA. To avoid this problem, we propose incorporating system dynamism as part of a sensitivity analysis, particularly in PDLCA that are limited by missing data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:314-323. © 2019 SETAC.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a theoretical discussion of how the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can presents as an entrepreneurial tool for modern business management and green innovation, showing benefits and applications in the areas of strategic planning, production, process of development of products, search and development, social and environmental responsibility, and marketing.
Abstract: A transition for a green economy has encouraged companies to use new tools which promote internal corporate entrepreneurship, increase the competitiveness and achieve sustainable results. This article presented a theoretical discussion of how the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can presents as an entrepreneurial tool for modern business management and green innovation. Studies of LCA were analyzed showing benefits and applications in the areas of strategic planning, production, process of development of products, search and development, social and environmental responsibility, and marketing. As for green innovations, there were analyzed studies of innovations in products, processes and services. The tool assists in making sustainable decisions, fortifies the management of the business processes, the management of operations and the promotion of greener innovations.
35 citations
Cites background from "Green Supply Chain Design and Opera..."
...Newe et al. (2010) incorporates indicators of LCA in development of green supply chain projects (green supply chain design) and operation....
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References
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TL;DR: An integrated and fresh look into the area of GrSCM is taken, using the rich body of available literature, including earlier reviews that had relatively limited perspectives, on the basis of the problem context in supply chain's major influential areas.
Abstract: Vol. 9 Issue 1 pp. 000‐000 There is a growing need for integrating environmentally sound choices into supply-chain management research and practice. Perusal of the literature shows that a broad frame of reference for green supply-chain management (GrSCM) is not adequately developed. Regulatory bodies that formulate regulations to meet societal and ecological concerns to facilitate growth of business and economy also suffer from its absence. A succinct classification to help academicians, researchers and practitioners in understanding integrated GrSCM from a wider perspective is needed. Further, sufficient literature is available to warrant such classification. This paper takes an integrated and fresh look into the area of GrSCM. The literature on GrSCM is covered exhaustively from its conceptualization, primarily taking a ‘reverse logistics angle’. Using the rich body of available literature, including earlier reviews that had relatively limited perspectives, the literature on GrSCM is classified on the basis of the problem context in supply chain’s major influential areas. It is also classified on the basis of methodology and approach adopted. Various mathematical tools/techniques used in literature vis-a-vis the contexts of GrSCM are mapped. A timeline indicating relevant papers is also provided as a ready reference. Finally, the findings and interpretations are summarized, and the main research issues and opportunities are highlighted.
3,344 citations
TL;DR: This work addresses the optimization of SC planning and design considering economical and environmental issues by developing a multi-objective MILP (moMILP), which reduces the value-subjectivity inherent to the assignment of weights in the calculation of an overall environmental impact by considering endpoint damage categories as objective function.
Abstract: Corporate approaches to improve environmental performance cannot be undertaken in isolation, so a concerted effort along the supply chain (SC) entities is needed which poses another important challenge to managers. This work addresses the optimization of SC planning and design considering economical and environmental issues. The strategic decisions considered in the model are facility location, processing technology selection and production–distribution planning. A life cycle assessment (LCA) approach is envisaged to incorporate the environmental aspects of the model. IMPACT 2002+ methodology is selected to perform the impact assessment within the SC thus providing a feasible implementation of a combined midpoint–endpoint evaluation. The proposed approach reduces the value-subjectivity inherent to the assignment of weights in the calculation of an overall environmental impact by considering endpoint damage categories as objective function. Additionally, the model performs an impact mapping along the comprising SC nodes and activities. Such mapping allows to focus financial efforts to reduce environmental burdens to the most promising subjects. Furthermore, consideration of CO 2 trading scheme and temporal distribution of environmental interventions are also included with the intention of providing a tool that may be utilized to evaluate current regulatory policies or pursue more effective ones. The mathematical formulation of this problem becomes a multi-objective MILP (moMILP). Criteria selected for the objective function are damage categories impacts, overall impact factor and net present value (NPV). Main advantages of this model are highlighted through a realistic case study of maleic anhydride SC production and distribution network.
218 citations
Book•
24 Nov 2003
TL;DR: In this article, the use of life-cycle assessment, risk assessment, and a combined framework of the two in the estimation of environmental damage, providing explanations of methods and descriptions in the environmental analysis of industrial processes.
Abstract: This book covers the use of life-cycle assessment, risk assessment, and a combined framework of the two in the estimation of environmental damage, providing explanations of methods and descriptions in the environmental analysis of industrial processes. The book opens by examining environmental strategies, then places life-cycle and risk assessment within an environmental toolbox, and explores the integration of the two methods via a case study. This volume is one of the first attempts to illustrate the interfaces between the tools and considers options for continued integration. The new communication between life-cycle assessment experts and risk assessment scientists results in a manual that it practical and useful in environmental analysis and decision making.
129 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the possibility of increased GWP when switching to gas-based MWFs is a reasonable tradeoff for definite and large reductions in aquatic toxicity, water use, solid waste, and occupational health risks.
Abstract: A number of environmentally adapted lubricants have been proposed in response to the environmental and health impacts of metalworking fluids (MWFs). The alternatives typically substitute petroleum with vegetable-based components and/or deliver minimum quantities of lubricant in gas rather than water, with the former strategy being more prevalent than the latter. A comparative life cycle assessment of water- and gas-based systems has shown that delivery of lubricants in air rather than water can reduce solid waste by 60%, water use by 90%, and aquatic toxicity by 80%, while virtually eliminating occupational health concerns. However, air-delivery of lubricants cannot be used for severe machining operations due to limitations of cooling and lubricant delivery. For such operations, lubricants delivered in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) are effective while maintaining the health and environmental advantages of air-based systems. Although delivery conditions were found to significantly influence the environmental burdens of all fluids, energy consumption was relatively constant under expected operating conditions. Global warming potential (GWP) increased when delivering lubricants in gas rather than water though all classes of MWFs have low GWP compared with other factory operations. It is therefore concluded that the possibility of increased GWP when switching to gas-based MWFs is a reasonable tradeoff for definite and large reductions in aquatic toxicity, water use, solid waste, and occupational health risks.
68 citations
01 Dec 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a dynamic model of a multi-site chemical supply chain, which can serve as a quantitative simulation tool to aid decision-making, and demonstrate its application for decision support in a multisite Chemical supply chain.
Abstract: Shifting from a single-site manufacturing facility to a multi-site enterprise enables a company to seize business opportunities by increasing production, specializing capabilities, and moving closer to target markets and low cost raw material sources. The supply chain of such a multi-site enterprise is complex as numerous interacting entities with different interests are involved. In this paper, we present a dynamic model of a multi-site chemical supply chain, which can serve as a quantitative simulation tool to aid decision-making. The model explicitly considers the entities and their interactions in various supply chain activities such as order acceptance and assignment, job scheduling, raw material procurement, storage, and production. Different policies, configurations, and uncertainties can be simulated and their impacts on overall performance can be analyzed. This paper describes the model and illustrates its application for decision support in a multi-site chemical supply chain.
3 citations