Circular logistics in practice
Circular logistics is becoming increasingly important as we look for ways to make our industries more sus- tainable. In today’s world, the construction, food, and energy industries are central to our lives, providing us with shelter, nourishment, and power. However, these sectors also contribute sig...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/420832 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/420832 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Business logistics Economia circular Cicle de vida del producte Logística (Indústria) Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Economia i organització d'empreses |
| Sumario: | Circular logistics is becoming increasingly important as we look for ways to make our industries more sus- tainable. In today’s world, the construction, food, and energy industries are central to our lives, providing us with shelter, nourishment, and power. However, these sectors also contribute significantly to environ- mental issues, from resource depletion to pollution. This thesis explores how integrating circular logistics, an approach focused on reusing materials, reducing waste, and regenerating resources, can help these key industries become more sustainable. By exploring practical strategies such as industrial symbiosis, where one industry’s waste becomes another’s resource, and models like incentivized recycling, the research highlights ways to make these industries more efficient and less harmful to the environment. While there are obstacles, such as the limited availability of recycled materials and the need for better regulations, this thesis provides a roadmap for how these sectors can transition to more sustainable practices. To underpin this research, the theoretical chapter introduces key methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), which allow for the assessment of both the environmental impact and the costs and social aspects of products and services at each stage of their cycle. Circular logistics models such as recycling, remanufacturing and the product-as- a-service model are also explored, offering practical avenues for the application of the circular economy in various contexts. In the construction sector, innovative practices such as the use of recycled materials and the design of energy-efficient buildings stand out. Examples such as the Museu do Amanh˜a demonstrate how circularity can reduce resource demand and improve energy efficiency. However, obstacles include the limited avail- ability of recycled materials and the need for uniform regulations. In the food industry, important advances are being made to reduce waste and develop sustainable pack- aging. Preservation methods such as vacuum sealing and biodegradable packaging are helping to reduce waste. However, the cost of these materials remains an obstacle to their wide-scale adoption. On the other hand, the energy sector has made important steps towards the use of renewable energies, such as solar and wind power, thus decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Even so, the necessary infrastructure and the high upfront costs of these technologies remain considerable barriers, although they are becoming increasingly accessible and competitive. As for transport, there is an urgent need to adopt more sustainable mobility methods, as this sector accounts for a significant share of global energy-related CO2 emissions. This research documents the impact of elec- tric vehicles and the increasing use of electric bicycles, both of which have significantly lower emissions. In addition, solutions such as public charging points and mass transit infrastructure with a low carbon footprint are explored. These findings underline the importance of a transition to the circular economy, demonstrating that, al- though there are challenges in implementation, the environmental and economic benefits justify the invest- ment. This thesis provides a solid foundation and practical examples for businesses and policy makers to move towards a green economy that benefits both society and the planet. |
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