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Use of fuel other than woody generally has been limited to rice husk and other residues are rarely tried as a fuel in a gasification system. With the availability of woody biomass in most countries like India, alternates fuels are being explored for sustainable supply of fuel. Use of agro residues has been explored after briquetting. There are few feedstock’s like coconut fronts, maize cobs, etc, that might require lesser preprocessing steps compared to briquetting. The paper presents a detailed investigation into using coconut fronds as a fuel in an open top down draft gasification system. The fuel has ash content of 7% and was dried to moisture levels of 12 %. The average bulk density was found to be 230 kg/m3 with a fuel size particle of an average size 40 mm as compared to 350 kg/m3 for a standard wood pieces. A typical dry coconut fronds weighs about 2.5kgs and on an average 6 m long and 90 % of the frond is the petiole which is generally used as a fuel. The focus was also to compare the overall process with respect to operating with a typical woody biomass like subabul whose ash content is 1 %. The open top gasification system consists of a reactor, cooling and cleaning system along with water treatment. The performance parameters studied were the gas composition, tar and particulates in the clean gas, water quality and reactor pressure drop apart from other standard data collection of fuel flow rate, etc. The average gas composition was found to be CO 15 ± 1.0 % H2 16±1% CH4 0.5 ± 0.1 %CO2 12.0 ± 1.0 % and rest N2 compared to CO 19 ± 1.0 % H2 17 ± 1.0 %, CH4 1 ±0.2 %, CO2 12 ± 1.0 % and rest N2. The tar and particulate content in the clean gas has been found to be about 10 and 12 mg/m3 in both cases. The presence of high ash content material increased the pressure drop with coconut frond compared to woody biomass. Proceedings of the 22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 23-26 June 2014, Hamburg, Germany, pp. 614-617

LocaGIStics is a support tool for the design of regional biomass delivery chains. It enables to further design and evaluate regional biomass delivery chains that are e.g. the result of initial planning by an energy company or a biobased producer. These general plans are translated in several biomass delivery designs using the variation in logistical concepts covering transport, pre-treatment and conversion options. The performance of every chain design can then be analyzed by comparing the different biomass delivery chains on the following environmental and economic indicators. A regional case study was performed in Aragón (Spain) using the LocaGIStics tool. In this case study maps were used where the biomass availability is specified for 2.5 x 2.5 grid cells. Data about the logistical components were supplied partly by the energy supplying company that was involved. This paper shows the main outcomes of this case study. Proceedings of the 25th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 12-15 June 2017, Stockholm, Sweden, pp. 41-47

An innovative process to produce synthesis gas from a solid feedstock is dual fluidbed (DFB) steam gasification of biomass. The principle of this technology is the separation of the fluidized bed into a gasification and a combustion zone. Bed material, nowadays olivine, is circulating, between them, which has two functions. Firstly, it acts as heat carrier from the combustion to the gasification zone. Secondly, it has the role of a catalyst regarding the reduction of hydrocarbons. In this work, the catalytic activity of different fresh and also used bed materials, such as olivine and silica sand was tested regarding their ability to enhance the water-gas-shift reaction and also reduce hydrocarbons. Calcite is known as active material in this respect and, therefore, used as reference substance. Experiments showed a correlation between the enhancement of the water-gas-shift reaction and the reduction of lighter and heavier hydrocarbons by steam reforming. Results show that as long as a bed material particle has built up a calcium-rich layer, satisfying conversion of carbon monoxide and the hydrocarbons can be achieved. As model substances for hydrocarbons ethane and toluene were used. These results are the basis for further research of catalytic characteristics of potential bed materials for the dual fluidized bed steam gasification of biomass. Proceedings of the 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 1-4 June 2015, Vienna, Austria, pp. 562-567

The Brazilian project Carne Carbono Neutro (CCN) assumes that a more sustainable beef will increase its value for the consumers. The paper aims to verify this assumption and to suggest a communication strategy supporting the CCN valorization. An online survey involving 506 Brazilian consumers showed three different classes of consumers with significantly different attitudes towards environmental issues. Price and quality always strongly influence their demand for beef. A communication campaign should focus on the CCN lower beef environmental impact and beef price/quality issues. Social media on internet and education programs in schools and different institutions should be used. International Journal on Food System Dynamics, Vol 11, No 4 (2020)

Olive­mill wastewater (OMWW) is a characteristic by­product of olive­oil production and a major environmental problem in the Mediterranean area due to the high chemical oxygen demand (COD, up to 220 g. L­1) and the high content of polyphenols. OMWW is considered as one of the most polluting agro­industrial effluents and could not be effectively process by classical biological treatment because of its phytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties. In this present work, a combined process consisting on absorption/adsorption of OMWW on sawdust, agropellets production from the OMWW/sawdust blends and energetic valorization via combustion was studied. Gaseous emissions such as CO2, CO and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured during the agropellets combustion at temperature range 500­700°C in a fixed­bed reactor. The preliminary results show that the combustion of the impregnated sawdust pellets can be a promising strategy to reduce the amount of OMWW in the environment. Hence, a complete survey is necessary to find the optimal conditions in order to obtain an environment friendly biofuel with low impacts on the environment. Proceedings of the 18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 3-7 May 2010, Lyon, France, pp. 1580-1584

During the last years breweries traditional disposal possibilities of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) face a remarkable change like the decline in the demand as animal feed. Due to its high organic content an energetic utilization can create an additional benefit for breweries. Furthermore, breweries tend to shift their energy supply more and more towards sustainable energy concepts. Although, a decent number of research projects were carried out already, still no mature strategy is available. Using a mechanical pre-treatment allows optimized energy utilization by fractionation BSG and could solve the problem. Proceedings of the 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 1-4 June 2015, Vienna, Austria, pp. 609-611

Over the past two decades dam removal has emerged as a viable tool for ecological restoration of riverine landscapes, partially as a result of changing societal values toward the ecological trade-offs associated with dammed rivers. Dam condition, purpose and ownership are key factors that determine the legal and political processes that lead to dam removal in most cases. In the United States removals of small, privately owned dams are most common, although the most high-profile removals are associated with large hydropower dams subject to a federal relicensing process. Scholars cite this legal process for periodic re-evaluation of hydroelectric dams as an important window of opportunity for institutionalising adaptive environmental governance toward the renegotiation of social and ecological values associated with rivers. It is clear, however, that this policy process alone is not sufficient to facilitate large-scale dam removal and larger transitions toward adaptive governance. In this paper we review several high-profile cases of dam relicensing and removal in the Pacific Northwest region of the US to better understand the combination of factors that couple with dam relicensing policy to present a window of opportunity for adaptive governance and social-ecological restoration. Examples from the Pacific Northwest reveal patterns suggesting the critical role of endangered species, Native American tribes, local politics and economics in determining the future of large hydropower dams in the United States.

{"references": ["Retrieved on April 12, 2013 from website http://www.peakbagger.com/range.aspx?rid=432", "Alexander, Christopher, \"Notes on the Synthesis of Form, 1st ed.\", Harvard University Press, 1964, pp. 1-224.", "Borucke, Michael, David Moore, Gemma Cranston, Kyle Gracey, Katsunori Iha, Joy Larson, Elias Lazarus, Juan Carlos Morales, Mathis Wackernagel, Alessandro Galli, 2012, \"Accounting for demand and supply of the biosphere's regenerative capacity: The National Footprint Accounts' underlying methodology and framework\", Ecological Indicators 24 (2013) 518\u2013533, Elsevier Ltd.", "Adams, W.M., \"The Future of Sustainability: Re-thinking Environment and Development in the Twenty-first Century\", 2006, Report of the IUCN Renowned Thinkers Meeting, 29\u201331 January 2006.", "Abdaei, Kaveh, Ahadollag Azami, \"Sustainability Analyses of Passive Cooling Systems in Iranian Traditional Buildings approaching Wind-Catchers\", Recent Advances in Energy, Environment and Development, pp.124-129.", "Afrasiabian, Shaghayegh, Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad, Negar Badri, \"Nature as a Source of Sustainable Design in Architecture of Original Countries (Case Study: Traditional Architecture of Iran)\", Archi-Cultural Translations through the Silk Road 2nd International Conference, Mukogawa Women's Univ., Nishinomiya, Japan, July 14-16, 2012 Proceedings, pp.257-261.", "Azami.A, Y., \"Climate passive architecture in hot and dry regions of iran, Passive and low energy cooling for the built environment\", Greece: Santorini, 2005, pp. 613-617.", "Fardpour, Tohid, \"Analysis of Iranian Traditional Architecture Through the Lens of Kenneth Frampton's \"Critical Regionalism\"\", American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2013, 6 (2): 205-210.", "Ghobadian. Vahid, \"Climate Analysis of the Traditional Iranian Buildings\", 5th ed., Tehran: University of Tehran Press, 2008.\n[10]\tKasmai, Morteza, \"Climate & Architecture\", 4nd ed., 2006, pp. 107-130.\n[11]\tKiani, W. K., \"Cultural heritage organization of Iran\", Tehran, 1995.\n[12]\tPourvahidi, Parastoo, \"Bioclimatic Analysis of Vernacular Iranian Architecture\", Master diss., Eastern Mediterranean University, Gazimagusa, North Cyprus, 2010, 1-161.\n[13]\tPourvahidi, Parastoo, Mesut B. Ozdeniz, \"Bioclimatic analysis of Iranian climate for energy conservation in architecture\", Scientific Research and Essays, 2013, Vol. 8(1), pp. 6-16.\n[14]\tShojaei, S.A.R., Zahra khodayari, \"Sustainable Architecture In Arid Regions of Iran\", 5th Symposium on Advances in Science & Technology, May 12-17, 2011.\n[15]\tUtaberta, N., N. Sharifi, M. Surat, A. I. Che-Ani and N.M. Tawil, \"The Experience of Iranian Architecture in Direction of Urban Passages and Forming of Urban Structures to Increase Climatic Comfort\", World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 2012, Vol. 67, pp. 637-641.\n[16]\tRetrieved on June 2, 2013 from website http://news.discovery.com/earth/global-warming/hottest-spot-on-earth-120416.htm\n[17]\tAttmann, Osman , \"Green architecture: overview\", Green architecture: advanced technologies and materials. definitions and operationalizations of green architecture, McGraw-Hill Professional, AccessEngineering, ICC (International Code Council), 2010, pp. 1-26.\n[18]\tRetrieved on May 28, 2013 from Website http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=965506\n[19]\tPirnia, Mohammad Karim, Stylistic of Iranian Architecturem, 3rd ed., 1383, pp. 32.\n[20]\tRetrieved on April 18, 2013 from website Website: http://n-a-c.blogfa.com/cat-12.aspx\n[21]\tShokouhian.M, S., \"Enviromental effect of the courtyard in sustainable architecture of Iran\", Tehran: Islamic azad university, 2007.\n[22]\tRetrieved on April 26, 2013 from website http://www.gardenhistorysociety.org/post/agenda/the-gardens-of-persia/\n[23]\tLe Corbusier \"The Modulor: A Harmonious Measure to the Human Scale, Universally Applicable to Architecture and Mechanics\". Basel & Boston: Birkh\u00e4user, (2004) (First published in two volumes in 1954 and 1958.).\n[24]\tRetrieved on May 06, 2013 from website http://ghoolabad.com/index2.asp?id=26"]} Iran Central Plateau encompasses a large proportion of this country. The weather in these flat plains is warm and arid with very little precipitation. Different attempts in architecture have been done to alleviate the weather severity of this area and create a living place compatible with humans’ comfort criteria. Investigations have showed that some of the most successful approaches in traditional architecture of the area has been forgotten or are not being used widely. As sustainability is defined as an appropriate solution for environmental, economical, and social disorders, this research is a try to demonstrate the sustainability in aforementioned architecture and based on these studies, propounds solutions for today architecture in hot arid zones.