• Energy Research
• 2021-2025close
• Restricted close
• Open Source close
• Embargo close
• University of Minho close

Nowadays we are facing the emergence of new challenges, especially focused on environmental behavior and climate change and also the effects and impacts of COVID-19 world pandemic - which can restrain the attainment of the desired sustainability. It is, then, mandatory to reply to all of these challenges through the design of specific paths to attain sustainable development in a collective approach, with the involvement and the commitment of the community and performed in an integrated way. Thus, it is proposed a trans-disciplinary research method based on the European Union title recognition - European Green Capital (EGC) -, directly related to the Circular Economy (CE), together with a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This paper highlights sustainable measures and proposes common managerial strategies and policies, that can support the cities/regions' sustainable practices embedding as well as ensure its overall monitoring to measure if the actions implemented through time are adequate and efficient towards attaining CE and sustainable development. Those are based on the analysis of the best practices of the EGC, which can impact on CE, and using DEA. This approach can follow the city/region evolution and be adapted to the EGC evaluation parameters in order to understand the main characteristics that can contribute to improve governance approaches and help to foster CE into all the cities/regions' ecosystem. This work has been supported by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through project UIDB/04728/2020.

The authors thank the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for financial support: Strategic Project UID/FIS/04650/2021 and grant SFRH/BPD/110914/2015 (P.C.); funding by Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERFD): project PID2019- 106099RB-C43/AEI/10.13039/501100011033; BIDEKO Project, funded by MCIN/AEI, NextGenerationEU, PRTR; and from the Basque Government Industry Department under the ELKARTEK program. [Excerpt] Status Piezoelectricity was discovered by the Curie brothers in 1880 [1] while studying several materials, including organic ones such as cane sugar or tartaric acid. The piezoelectric effect is widely applied to sensor/actuator devices and to generate electricity. In this regard, wasted mechanical energy can be harvested to supply low-power electronic devices (μW to mW range) [1].[...] Publicado em: Journal of Physics: Materials, vol. 6, nr. 4 (2023) "Roadmap on energy harvesting materials". DOI 10.1088/2515-7639/acc550. P. 55 - 57

As alterações climáticas e a urgência na mudança de hábitos de consumo são questões que têm vindo a ser discutidas ao longo dos anos. Com o foco na importância de existir medidas sustentáveis para mitigar os impactos ambientais, surgiu a seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: “Podem ser feitos acessórios modulares com o reaproveitamento de têxteis e construídos apenas com o encaixe entre módulos?”. Para além disso, questiona-se a possibilidade de desenvolver um acessório, que permita ao consumidor a montagem/desmontagem consoante as suas necessidades e que tenha uma preocupação com o zero desperdício. Para alcançar os objetivos avançou-se com um processo de desenvolvimento de novos produtos que se dividiu em quatro fases. A primeira consistiu na caracterização dos substratos-base, destacando a resistência à formação de borboto e à flexão, assim como a repelência à água. A segunda concentrou-se na identificação de formas, estruturas, métodos e sistemas de encaixe mais adequados para o acessório, chegando-se à conclusão, por exemplo, que as formas curvas são as mais apropriadas, tendo em conta que não contenham estruturas vazadas. A terceira etapa envolveu uma seleção, considerando o desempenho de cada amostra a testes laboratoriais no aparelho do Dinamómetro. Por fim, a última etapa abarcou um estudo de soluções para melhorar o material em termos de rigidez e de repelência à água através de um acabamento de amido de milho. A investigação ocorreu durante 8 meses, recolhendo um conjunto diversificado de dados, tais como, esboços, experiências, desenhos digitais, notas, amostras, projetos experimentais, fotografias e protótipos que desempenharam um papel crucial no progresso do estudo. O resultado consiste numa bolsa de 100 módulos feita de resíduos de não-tecido 100% Lã Burel, concebido para a reciclagem e com zero desperdício. É um produto versátil, sustentável, resistente e a sua funcionalidade, adaptabilidade e personalização tornam atraente para uma variedade de aplicações, desde carteiras até cintos e pulseiras. Além disso, a reversibilidade do design amplia as opções de uso, enquanto a alça ajustável com 10 zonas de regulação contribui para a sua praticidade. Esta investigação ofereceu um novo produto com modificações incrementais e um redesenho, colaborando significativamente para o campo do design modular. Validou teorias através de investigações, ofereceu soluções sustentáveis e procurou promover a conscientização ambiental. Suas implicações são cruciais para a gestão de recursos e resíduos em um mundo que enfrenta desafios ambientais urgentes. Este trabalho apela à ação, incentivando a pesquisa contínua e a adoção de produtos sustentáveis. Climate change and the urgency to change consumption habits are issues that have been discussed over the years. Focusing on the importance of having sustainable measures to mitigate environmental impacts, the following research question arose: “Can modular accessories be made by reusing textiles and built simply by fitting modules together?” Furthermore, the possibility of developing an accessory is questioned, which allows the consumer to assemble/disassemble according to their needs and it is concerned with zero waste. To achieve the objectives, a product development process was carried out, which was divided into four phases. The first consisted of characterizing the base substrates, highlighting resistance to pilling and flexing, as well as water repellence. The second focused on identifying the most suitable shapes, structures, methods and fitting systems for the accessory, reaching the conclusion, for example, that curved shapes are the most appropriate, taking into account that they do not contain hollow structures. The third stage involved a selection, considering the performance of each sample in laboratory tests on the Dynamometer device. Finally, the last stage included a study of solutions to improve the material in terms of rigidity and water repellence through a cornstarch finish. The research took place over 8 months, collecting a diverse set of data such as sketches, experiments, digital drawings, notes, samples, experimental designs, photographs and prototypes that played a crucial role in the progress of the study. The result consists of a bag of 100 modules made from 100% Burel Wool non-woven waste, designed for recycling and with zero waste. It is a versatile, sustainable, resistant product and its functionality, adaptability and customization make it attractive for a variety of applications, from wallets to belts and bracelets. Furthermore, the reversibility of the design expands the usage options, while the adjustable strap with 10 adjustment zones contributes to its practicality. This research offered a new product with incremental modifications and a redesign, significantly contributing to the field of modular design. It validated theories through investigations, offered sustainable solutions and sought to promote environmental awareness. Its implications are crucial for resource and waste management in a world facing urgent environmental challenges. This work calls for action, encouraging continued research and adoption of sustainable products. Dissertação de mestrado em Design e Marketing de Produto Têxtil, Vestuário e Acessórios

Introduction: Active modes of transport can be defined as means of travel and transport at reduced speed, which take up little space on public roads and do not emit air pollutants or noise, being seen as an economic, social, and environmental asset, and a real alternative to motorized vehicles. Given its characteristics, the environmental benefits retrieved from active modes of transport should not serve only as a justification for its promotion but as a decisive and active factor in the scope of its actual use, which translates into the provision of pleasant and less polluted routes. Thus, the main objective of this paper is the development of a model for planning and generating urban routes for active modes that have a less negative influence on active users (pedestrians and cyclists) regarding their exposure to air and noise pollution. Methods: Conventional route planners are mostly designed to find the shortest, fastest, or less expensive route. In this research, the model to assign the best route will be presented for pedestrians and cyclists from an environmental point of view, by defining the least polluted, less noisy, and most health-friendly path. Based on the production of noise and air pollution maps, the model proposes the contamination of the network routes, which are used to determine healthoriented routes. The model is carried out through the calculation of the noise and pollution exposure for the routes found, compared to the shortest route. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that less polluted routes may imply a small increase in the length of routes, but a significant gain in terms of reduction in exposure to PM10 and noise for active modes. Thus, the use of health-friendly routes can be seen as a matter of public health and a way for promoting more sustainable mobility. Available online 12 June 2022 (undefined)

As alterações climáticas são um problema global premente que coloca ameaças significativas aos recursos hídricos. O aumento da temperatura, as mudanças nos padrões de precipitação, e a maior frequência e intensidade de eventos climáticos extremos estão a afetar a quantidade, qualidade e disponibilidade de água, com implicações profundas em setores vitais como a agricultura, a energia e o abastecimento de água potável. Antecipar os impactos das alterações climáticas nos recursos hídricos e identificar estratégias de adaptação viáveis, como práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, tornou-se assim uma área de investigação de extrema importância. Nesta tese de doutoramento, foram analisados os impactos das alterações climáticas em usos múltiplos da água, juntamente com a eficácia de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis como estratégia de adaptação, usando o modelo hidrológico SWAT na bacia do Rio Cávado, uma área de elevada importância para os recursos hídricos em Portugal. O nosso estudo revelou que as alterações climáticas devem reduzir a entrada de água nos reservatórios e a produção de energia hidroelétrica, o que pode prejudicar a transição energética para fontes renováveis. Também foi verificado que uma combinação de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, incluindo a incorporação de fertilizantes, mobilização reduzida do solo, e faixas de vegetação ripária, podem reduzir substancialmente a exportação de sedimentos e nutrientes, e melhorar a qualidade da água. Em cenários de alterações climáticas, as práticas agrícolas sustentáveis foram eficazes na mitigação dos impactos na qualidade da água, mas práticas múltiplas serão necessárias para alcançar benefícios mais elevados. Além disso, este estudo mostrou que as alterações climáticas devem intensificar a frequência de meses em que o caudal do rio fica abaixo do limiar do caudal ecológico, após a captação de água para abastecimento, o que significa que o abastecimento de água, a serem mantidos os níveis de captação de águas atuais, ocorrerá às custas de uma maior degradação ambiental. No geral, os nossos resultados destacam a importância de considerar os impactos das alterações climáticas em usos múltiplos da água e a necessidade de abordagens integradas de gestão de recursos hídricos que considerem as interações entre as alterações climáticas, práticas agrícolas e quantidade e qualidade da água. Os resultados deste estudo podem auxiliar na formulação de políticas e na tomada de decisão para proteger os recursos hídricos e desenvolver estratégias de adaptação eficazes às alterações climáticas. Climate change has emerged as a pressing global issue posing significant threats to water resources. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are affecting the quantity, quality, and availability of water, with profound implications for vital sectors such as agriculture, energy, and drinking water supply. Anticipating the impacts of climate change on water resources and identifying viable adaptation strategies, such as sustainable agricultural practices, has become a critical research area. In this PhD thesis, the impacts of climate change on multiple water uses are examined and the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices as an adaptation strategy is assessed, using the SWAT hydrological model in the Cávado River basin, a strategically important area for water resources in Portugal. Results showed that climate change is projected to reduce reservoir inflow and hydropower generation, potentially hampering the renewable energy transition. Moreover, the combination of sustainable agricultural practices, including fertilizer incorporation, conservation tillage, and filter strips, can substantially reduce sediments and nutrient export, and improve water quality. In the realm of future climate projections, sustainable agricultural practices were proven effective in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water quality, but multiple practices are necessary to achieve higher benefits. Furthermore, climate change is expected to intensify the frequency of months when river flow falls below the ecological threshold following water abstraction for drinking water treatment, meaning that drinking water supply, if current water abstraction levels are maintained, will occur at the expense of additional environmental degradation. Overall, results highlight the importance of considering the impacts of climate change on multiple water uses and the need for adopting integrated water resource management strategies that consider the interactions between climate change, agricultural practices, and water quantity and quality. The results of this study can inform policy and decision-making processes for safeguarding water resources and developing effective adaptation strategies in response to the challenges posed by climate change. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the funding agencies and institutions that have supported my research work, namely Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (SFRH/BD/141486/2018) and the European Social Fund through the “Programa Operacional Regional do Norte” of the European Commission. Without their financial support, this research would not have been possible. I also thank the support of the CLIMALERT project: Climate AlertSmart System for Sustainable Water and Agriculture, an ERA-NET initiated by JPI Climate (ERA4CS programme) co-funded by the EU commission (Grant Agreement 690462) and FCT (ERA4CS/0004/2016), the STREAMECO project (PTDC/CTA-AMB/31245/2017), funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the COMPETE2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI), and the River2Ocean project (NORTE-01-0145- FEDER 000068), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (NORTE 2020). Programa doutoral em Molecular and Environmental Biology (ramo do conhecimento em Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology)

Os jovens são particularmente propensos aos efeitos das alterações climáticas e têm vindo a consciencializar a sociedade para este desafio global. As vulnerabilidades têm sido estudadas, mas desconhece-se como mobilizar as suas capacidades para um futuro próspero. Esta dissertação visa explorar como as alterações climáticas estão incorporadas na vida diária de adolescentes e adultos emergentes entre os 16 e os 24 anos e compreender que características da perspetiva de desenvolvimento positivo de jovens podem contribuir para o seu envolvimento saudável nas questões climáticas. No Estudo 1, uma revisão sistemática explorou como a teoria do Desenvolvimento Positivo de Jovens é abordada em estudos empíricos sobre alterações climáticas. Seguimos as diretrizes Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses e selecionamos 13 artigos. Os resultados mostraram que não é abordada diretamente, mas identificaram interseções úteis para investigação e intervenção. O Estudo 2 validou uma escala de atitudes face às alterações climáticas entre 499 adolescentes e adultos emergentes. Realizamos análise fatorial exploratória, confirmatória, de invariância e de validade convergente, encontrando boas propriedades psicométricas e convergência com medida de desenvolvimento positivo de jovens. O Estudo 3 explorou como as alterações climáticas se refletem na experiência de vida diária dos jovens. Avaliamos 110 participantes durante uma semana com o Experience Sampling Method. As alterações climáticas foram mencionadas por nove participantes e o desenvolvimento positivo de jovens revelou papel moderador quando avaliados os pensamentos relacionados com o clima e o afeto. O Estudo 4 testou um modelo conceptual incluindo os Cinco Cs do Desenvolvimento Positivo de Jovens, atitudes face às alterações climáticas, comportamentos próambientais e satisfação com a vida. Inquirimos 326 participantes e usamos análise de equações estruturais. O caráter foi o preditor mais forte de atitudes e comportamentos, que por sua vez não mostraram associação significativa com a satisfação com a vida. No geral, esta dissertação acrescenta evidência sobre as características do desenvolvimento positivo de jovens a serem promovidas no contexto das alterações climáticas e aponta direções para investigações, intervenções educativo-desenvolvimentais e políticas sociais baseadas neste quadro teórico. Younger generations are particularly prone to the effects of climate change and have raised societal awareness of this global challenge. Research has focused on understanding youth climate-related vulnerabilities, but there is still a lack of knowledge on how their abilities may be mobilized to a thriving future. The present dissertation aims to explore how climate change is embedded in the daily life of adolescents and emerging adults aged 16-24 and understand which positive youth development characteristics may contribute to their healthy climate engagement. In Study 1, we conducted a systematic review to explore how the Positive Youth Development framework is addressed in empirical studies on climate change. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses guidelines and selected 13 articles. The results showed that it is not yet directly addressed, but some intersections that can inform future research and interventions were identified. Study 2 aimed at validating a scale to assess climate change attitudes among 499 adolescents and emerging adults. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance, and convergent validity analysis, finding good scale psychometric properties and some convergence with a measure of positive youth development. Study 3 explored how climate change is reflected in youth's daily life experience. We assessed 110 participants over a week using the Experience Sampling Method. Findings showed that climate change was mentioned by nine participants and evidenced the moderator role of positive youth development when assessing climate-related thoughts and affect. Study 4 tested a conceptual model that included the Five Cs of Positive Youth Development, climate change attitudes, pro-environmental behaviors, and satisfaction with life. We surveyed 326 participants and performed structural equation modeling. Character was the strongest predictor of attitudes and behaviors, which in turn had no significant effect on satisfaction with life. Overall, this dissertation advances evidence on the specific features of positive youth development that should be enhanced in the context of climate change and points directions to the design of future research, educational-developmental interventions, and social policies based on this framework. The work of this doctoral dissertation was supported by a Ph.D. fellowship from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT; SFRH/BD/143814/2019) and was conducted at CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, also supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/01662/2020) through the Portuguese State Budget. Tese de doutoramento em Psicologia Aplicada

Abstract Due to the time-consuming and complicated process of performing Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA), this is usually incompatible with construction companies’ deadlines. With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, the opportunity for BSA methods to adopt and benefit from BIM arises. Following a previous study, this paper aims to put in practice a proposed theoretical approach to facilitate the implementation of the BSA since the preliminary design stages using, as an example, the Portuguese SBToolPT-H method. Therefore, this paper analyses how BIM platforms can contribute to optimising the BSA evaluation. To achieve this goal, a case study was modelled and characterised in Autodesk Revit and, tailored parameters were created to support the assessment. The results show that Autodesk Revit can support the evaluation of 13 SBToolPT-H sustainability criteria, in a faster and automated way when faced with the traditional assessment process. The capabilities of BIM platforms and its wider use by designers can significantly contribute to the integration of BSA methods in the BIM collaborative process, thus contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

Blockchain (BC) adoption in the public sector can potentially address sustainability issues. Thus, blockchain is seen as an enabler and a booster of sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals accomplishments. However, BC adoption in the public sector brings challenges concerning risk management. This work presents insights from 19 expert interviews organised as a risk management model for blockchain adoption and sustainability in the public sector, following the risk management process from the standard ISO 31000. The model describes nine identified risks, five proposed treatments, and five metrics for monitoring. This will support scholars and practitioners focusing on developing knowledge about adopting BC under the perspective of sustainability and the contribution to the risk management body of knowledge. This work has been supported by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R &D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020. First Online: 15 November 2023

Abstract The viability of 2nd generation bioethanol processes is dependent on achieving high ethanol titers, which requires the use of high solid loadings that will negatively affect the fermentative microorganism besides increasing enzyme-associated costs. To solve this, and also problems of feedstock availability, lignocellulosic biomass can be mixed with dairy by-products to increase carbon content. In this study, industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with improved thermotolerance and stress resistance, were engineered for the cell surface display of cellulolytic enzymes and were evaluated in consolidated bioprocessing of cellulose. Additionally, β-galactosidase was also displayed to enable lactose consumption, resulting in high ethanol titers (>50 g/L) from the simultaneous use of cheese whey and pretreated corn cob as substrate. The multi-feedstock valorization approach together with this lactose-consuming cellulolytic yeast allowed the reduction on materials costs by 60% with a 2.5-fold increase in the annual ethanol production, therefore contributing to the establishment of economic viable ethanol processes.