Energy efficient and economic renovation of residential buildings with low-temperature heating and air heat recovery

With the building sector accounting for around 40% of the total energy consumption in the EU, energy efficiency in buildings is and continues to be an important issue. Great progress has been made in reducing the energy consumption in new buildings, but the large stock of existing buildings with poor energy performance is probably an even more crucial area of focus. This thesis deals with energy efficiency measures that can be suitable for renovation of existing houses, particularly low-temperature heating systems and ventilation systems with heat recovery. The energy performance, environmental impact and costs are evaluated for a range of system combinations, for small and large houses with various heating demands and for different climates in Europe. The results were derived through simulation with energy calculation tools. Low-temperature heating and air heat recovery were both found to be promising with regard to increasing energy efficiency in European houses. These solutions proved particularly effective in Northern Europe as low-temperature heating and air heat recovery have a greater impact in cold climates and on houses with high heating demands. The performance of heat pumps, both with outdoor air and exhaust air, was seen to improve with low-temperature heating. The choice between an exhaust air heat pump and a ventilation system with heat recovery is likely to depend on case specific conditions, but both choices are more cost-effective and have a lower environmental impact than systems without heat recovery. The advantage of the heat pump is that it can be used all year round, given that it produces DHW. Economic and environmental aspects of energy efficiency measures do not always harmonize. On the one hand, lower costs can sometimes mean larger environmental impact; on the other hand there can be divergence between different environmental aspects. This makes it difficult to define financial subsidies to promote energy efficiency measures.

Photochemical degradation of 2,4-D and atrazine in well-defined media

Atrazine and 2,4-D are common herbicides used for crop, lawn, and rangeland management. Photochemical degradation has been proposed as one safe and efficient remediation strategy for both 2,4-D and Atrazine. In the presence of iron(llI) and hydrogen peroxide these herbicides decay by both thermal and light induced oxidation. Past studies have focused primarily on sun light as an energy source. This work provides a mechanistic description of herbicide degradation incorporating intermediate degradation products produced in the dark and under well-defined light conditions.

Or��amento participativo: a experi��ncia de Ribeir��o Pires

Este estudo de caso tem o objetivo de analisar o procedimento do or��amento participativo na viabiliza����o da nova pol��tica de desenvolvimento adotada pelo Munic��pio de Ribeir��o Pires. Esta pol��tica baseia-se na sustentabilidade econ��mica, incorporando os aspectos sociais e resgatando a quest��o ambiental. A sua implementa����o nesse Munic��pio est�� muito vinculada �� institucionaliza����o do Or��amento Participativo, que possibilita uma maior participa����o dos cidad��os na defini����o das prioridades de investimento dos recursos dispon��veis e, por essa raz��o, tem grande potencial para tornar-se um valioso instrumento para a concretiza����o da pol��tica de desenvolvimento sustent��vel.

Gest��o transdisciplinar das a����es de transforma����o: um olhar sobre a implanta����o das UPAS 24 horas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro

This research emerged from the contemporary need of a public management focused on results, in which the State must reach the effectiveness of public policies implemented, put these into practice through transformation actions. However, these actions should not be seen in isolation, cause, when implemented in a certain environment, interact with actions of various actors, generating social dynamics that will be fundamentals to achieving the expected results. The transdisciplinarity approach may enable an object be seen in its essence, considering all environmental aspects around it as well as various social dynamics that might emerge, in order to facilitate the State reach the effectiveness of their actions, providing the transformation wanted to society. For this reason, are presented in this study the basis of a management model with focus on transdisciplinarity, considering the various challenges, searched the literature on the management of public policies. To verify the adequacy of the basis of the proposed model, was done a case study of the government project called "Implanta����o das UPAS 24 horas" in Rio de Janeiro. In applying the basis of the model in that project, we find that the transdisciplinarity management can maximize the effectiveness of State intervention.

Integra����o vertical versus horizontal: oportunidades nas cadeias de suprimentos de garrafas PET das ind��strias de refrigerantes e ��guas minerais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

O objetivo do estudo aqui proposto �� municiar os dirigentes e acionistas do segmento industrial de refrigerantes e ��guas minerais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, com conhecimentos que possam lhes oferecer novas oportunidades de neg��cios e auxili��-los na decis��o pela integra����o horizontal ou vertical na cadeia de suprimentos de embalagens PET e de outros materiais pl��sticos na ��rea produtiva de suas f��bricas. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa com coleta de dados por meio de bibliografia e question��rio aplicado a 28 empresas. O estudo contribui para o aumento da competitividade do segmento, apresentando resultados baseados em aspectos tecnol��gicos, econ��micos, estrat��gicos, sociais e de meio ambiente. As conclus��es mostram que h�� oportunidades para melhorias na cadeia industrial de embalagens PET e de outros materiais pl��sticos no segmento de refrigerantes e ��guas minerais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, dentro do conceito de desenvolvimento sustent��vel.

Sistemas de produ����o de carv��o vegetal existentes no Brasil: uma an��lise de viabilidade econ��mica

O carv��o vegetal tem um papel de destaque entre as biomassas consumidas no Brasil. Seu uso em larga escala na ind��stria sider��rgica para a produ����o de ferro gusa fez do pa��s um dos maiores produtores e consumidores mundiais de carv��o vegetal. A mat��ria-prima abundante, bem como a falta de preocupa����o com fatores ambientais e sociais, permitiu no passado que se atentasse apenas ao fator econ��mico; e a tecnologia de produ����o deste combust��vel/insumo se desenvolveu muito pouco ao longo de quase toda a sua hist��ria no Brasil at�� os anos mais recentes. Nas duas ��ltimas d��cadas, quando se intensificou a preocupa����o social e ambiental e esses fatores ganharam relev��ncia na an��lise da viabilidade de projetos tanto a serem implantados, quanto j�� existentes, a produ����o de carv��o vegetal passou a ser identificada como extremamente rudimentar e impactante ao meio ambiente e sociedade onde se localiza. Neste trabalho buscou-se analisar a viabilidade econ��mica de quatro sistemas de produ����o de carv��o existentes no Brasil. O sistema mais rudimentar, comumente chamado de ���rabo quente���, um sistema ainda de alvenaria, com um pouco mais desenvolvimento tecnol��gico conhecido como forno retangular, e dois sistemas que utilizam fornos met��licos para buscar menor tempo do processo de carboniza����o (devido ao mais r��pido resfriamento do sistema) e que t��m, ambos, uma preocupa����o ambiental maior e buscam emitir menos poluentes e oferecer uma condi����o de trabalho mais adequada, refletindo tamb��m positivamente sob o aspecto s��cio-ambiental. Percebe-se que em termos de implanta����o, obviamente, os sistemas que envolvem um pouco mais de tecnologia s��o bem mais dispendiosos em investimento inicial, por��m, h�� resultados animadores do ponto de vista de retorno do investimento e possibilidades de agrega����o de valor que tendem a atrair o investimento especialmente dos grandes grupos sider��rgicos consumidores, que t��m se preocupado cada vez mais em investir tanto na produ����o de mat��ria-prima, com grandes ��reas de reflorestamento, quanto na produ����o sustent��vel do carv��o vegetal.

A produ����o org��nica de citros no Vale do Rio Ca��/RS

H�� uma preocupa����o crescente sobre a necessidade de produ����o e consumo de alimentos mais saud��veis, sem uso de agrot��xicos nem fertilizantes qu��micos. Neste contexto se insere a pr��tica da agricultura org��nica que, contudo, apresenta resultados ainda pouco avaliados. Assim, pretendeu-se, nesta pesquisa diagnosticar a produ����o org��nica na regi��o citr��cola do Vale do Rio Ca��, no Rio Grande do Sul. Inicialmente foram selecionadas propriedades de oito agricultores, todas j�� convertidas ao sistema org��nico de produ����o h�� pelo menos cinco anos. Para tanto foram aplicadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas junto ��s unidades familiares, visando diagnosticar os aspectos sociais, econ��micos e t��cnicoambientais. Os agricultores org��nicos mostram-se satisfeitos com o sistema org��nico de produ����o, que de maneira geral proporciona boas produtividades com custos de produ����o menores do que no sistema convencional de cultivo. Os agricultores que se dedicam ao sistema org��nico de produ����o revelam bom conhecimento sobre o meio ambiente, plantas, solos e processos agroecol��gicos, aspectos pol��ticos, econ��micos e sociais, adquiridos atrav��s da participa����o em cursos, palestras, congressos, dias de campo, treinamentos, e atrav��s das reuni��es e assembl��ias da Cooperativa ECOCITRUS. A constante troca de experi��ncias entre os agricultores org��nicos tem contribu��do na melhoria da qualifica����o t��cnica dos produtores, al��m de melhor conscientiz��-los nos aspectos pol��ticos, econ��micos e sociais. A participa����o dos produtores na ECOCITRUS tem proporcionado melhor organiza����o dos mesmos, contribuindo na viabiliza����o da produ����o org��nica, inclusive com vantagens econ��micocomerciais, pela obten����o de insumos org��nicos, venda da produ����o e est��mulo ao beneficiamento da produ����o, visando agregar renda �� propriedade.

Etnografia visual das mangabeiras nas matas do tabuleiro costeiro.

This work is an ethnographic research with collectors women of Mangaba in the village of Ponta Negra in Natal - RN. This Women also known as Mangabeira's women reproduce a practice learned with their ancestors, collecting this fruit in the coastal tablelands forests and latter commercializing it in the local markets. This research uses the methodology of oral history and visual anthropology with presentation of collected images on board. It is intended to emphasize the botanical and environmental aspects of the Mangabeira plant, its ecosystem, territorial, economic and historical aspects of it, also the knowledge of this extractive practice of our immaterial culture.

An��lise bioclim��tica e investiga����o do conforto t��rmico em ambientes externos: uma experi��ncia no bairro de Petr��polis em Natal/RN

This study was intended to investigate how the urban form has been influencing the changes in the climate of the city and make a correlation between the climate and the thermal sensation of the users of open spaces. The research was developed in the district of Petr��polis in Natal/ RN whose occupation has been almost consolidated. Among other reasons, this district was selected because it was planned considering the environmental aspects of comfort. The methodologies used are based on KATZSCHNER (1997) and OLIVEIRA (1988) studies, which suggest the drawing and analysis of maps of the area under study, including topography, height of the buildings, land use, green areas, and types of soil pavement, as well as measurement of the environmental variables: air temperature, relative humidity, direction and wind speed for a comparative study. As part of this, study local users of the district were interviewed about their thermal sensations in open spaces. For the statistical analysis, data was collected at 10 distinct points characterized by BUSTOS ROMERO (2002), being 8 within the district and 2 at different places (outside the district), at climatologic stations, in 3 periods (August/2000, January/2002 and June/2002), for 4 consecutive days for each measurement (from Sunday to Wednesday) at the time of lower and higher temperatures in the city, 6:00 am and 1:00 pm, respectively. At the same time interviews were carried out with users of the open spaces in the area, totaling 171 valid formularies. The urban form showed a rather leveled topography, great diversity of land use and height of the buildings, with the existence of an area mostly occupied with high buildings, very little green area and soil practically impermeable. The statistical analysis showed high temperature and humidity levels. The wind direction is predominantly Southeast with extremely variable speeds. When the data from this district is compared with the data from other areas in the city and its outskirt, it was observed that this district is hotter and less ventilated than the others; besides, most users said that they felt uncomfortable in the local environmental conditions. The results of the analysis generated a zoning for the district with recommendations for soil occupation. The profile of the user was defined regarding the thermal comfort, as well as some discussion about the comfort parameters, including the proposal of limiting areas of temperature and humidity for the thermal comfort in the open spaces

Estudo da viabilidade do processo de reciclagem do material descartado do sistema Zirkonzanh�� de produ����o de pr��teses dent��rias

At present, the material of choice for performing aesthetic dental prosthetic work is in the ceramic. Among them, the ceramic base of stabilized zirconia with 3% yttria (3Y - TZP) stand out for having excellent physical and mechanical properties. During the machining of blocks of zirconia in the laboratory to prepare the various types of prostheses, much of the material is given off in the form of powder, which is subsequently discarded. The waste of this material results in financial loss, reflecting higher final cost treatment for patients, as well as damage to the environment, thanks to the processes involved in the manufacture and disposal of the ceramic. This research, pioneered the recycling of zirconium oxide powder obtained during milling of dental crowns and bridges, we highlight the social and environmental aspects and aims to establish a protocol for the reuse of waste (powder of zirconia Zirkonzahn�� system) discarded to obtain a new block of compacted zirconia to maintain the same mechanical and microstructural properties of commercial high-cost imported material. To compare with the commercial material, samples were uniaxially (20 MPa) and isostatically (100 MPa), and its mechanical and microstructural characterization was performed through tests of density, porosity, dilatometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness, fracture toughness, resistance to fracture electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of grain size. The results observed in the samples were isostatically pressed similiares those obtained with samples from the commercial material demonstrating the viability of the process

An��lise de Sustentabilidade em Projetos de Instala����es de Produ����o de Petr��leo

A proposal for a global analysis of sustainability in projects related in oil facilities is presented. By considering economic, environmental and social aspects in the early stages of design, the suggested method is more comprehensive and can be used to complement the analysis commonly applied in the petroleum industry, such as: Study of Technical and Economic Feasibility; Environmental Impact Assessment and Risk Analysis. Several authors, associations, certification bodies and oil companies suggest different approaches to study sustainability in some specific activities (or industries). In this study, a checklist of significant sustainability aspects for the oil industry (surface facilities) was assembled. In addition, a matrix was developed to assess the sustainability items relevant to these projects. In this work, the checklist interacts with the matrix to perform a "Preliminary Analysis of Sustainability of the Enterprise" (APSE). This method allows the identification of aspects that contribute significantly to global sustainability. From this analysis, which includes economic, social and environmental aspects, is built a report that is used to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the impact of the sustainability aspects of the project. In this analysis are identified items that strongly influence the economic, social or environmental aspects and evaluated alternatives that can increase the overall sustainability of the project. Finally, the alternatives that can be used to indicate the most sustainable option are identified. This method was applied in a project (design) of a small offshore platform. This case study shows how the APSE can contribute to the identification of sustainability initiatives for the enterprise. The results showed that relevant aspects can contribute decisively to global sustainability. Finally, it was observed that the proposed method can contribute to increased rates of sustainability, even after application of analysis commonly used in these projects

An��lise jur��dico-constitucional do fomento aos campos maduros de produ����o de petr��leo no Brasil

The oil activities in Brazil had been started in an intensive way in the end of the 30 s and in the beginning of the 40 s. Many of the brazilians fields discovered in the past are nowadays in decline. They are called ―mature fields‖. These fields, because of the decline situation that characterizes them, are not interesting for the majors. The majors want the big fields and big productions. On the other hand, they could be interesting for the small and medium enterprises. The mature oil fields are instruments of development, they have oil and the oil production is an activity connected with many social and economics benefits: jobs, taxes, royalties, etc. The Brazilian State, in this context, needs to realize actions to promote the activities in the mature oil fields, especially with the work of the small and mediums enterprises. Many of the onshore brazilian mature fields are located at the Northeast, a region matched by many social and economic problems. The activities in the mature fields of the Northeast Region could solve some of its problems. The present research analyses the mature oil fields and its situations in Brazil, making criticisms and suggestions. The methodology adopted is theoretical and descriptive, with literature review, case law and legislation (Constitui����o Federal de 1988, ―Law of the Oil‖). This research examines the following points: mature fields rounds and its documents, name and definition of the mature fields, definition of small and medium enterprises, environmental aspects, concentration of certain activities of the sector and the royalties

Soil uses in the sugarcane fallow period to improve chemical and physical properties of two latosols (oxisols)

Funda����o de Amparo �� Pesquisa do Estado de S��o Paulo (FAPESP)

An��lise tecnol��gica sobre os aspectos ambientais de empreendimentos hoteleiros da Praia de Ponta Negra Natal/RN: um modelo de sistema de gest��o ambiental

The present work aimed the elaboration of an environmental study focused on the hotel sector in order to present an analysis of the environmental aspects of Ponta Negra Beach, in Natal, RN, Brazil and also the aspects of the small and medium hotels existing in this area. By means of this work, it is possible to elaborate a model of a simplified System of Environmental Management which can attend to the exigencies required by NBR ISO 14001: 2004, as well as to present economical viability and possibility to be implemented in a way that hotels may converge to the sustainable environmental development of the tourism in Ponta Negra Beach. The research methodology presents itself divided into three items: execution of the environmental characterization of Ponta Negra Beach, by way of technical visits and interpretation of satellite images and cartograms of the main environmental characteristics of the region; execution of the work already made concerning the development, application and interpretation of the evaluation of the environmental aspects of each hotel, considering the hotels and the period of data collection, these used in evaluation, research instrument and a description of the procedure utilized for the analysis of the collected data and the utilized methodology for the elaboration of a model of a simplified System of Environmental Management. In a general way, it has been concluded that the practices executed by hotels in Ponta Negra Beach are impact-like and harmful to the environment. The simple implementation of analysis procedures and control of the environmental aspects could suggestively contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts promoted by the hotel section at this beach and in the nearby areas. It had been noticed that the study contributed to the sensitization of managers concerning the environmental problems since, in many other times, the detected problem was, in fact, the non-acquaintance about the environmental aspects and impacts from those hotels administrators, because of the lack of surveys and studies about the theme. It had also been noticed the arousing of a possible environmental attitude from some managers