Author Archives: GT

Gender Equality Plan

alchemia-nova aims to promote a positive and inclusive work environment, ensuring gender balance and equality in a team of satisfied employees. The company has paid special attention to enable a sustainable work-life balance, to promote the compatibility of work and family-life and to encourage the creative potential of the employees. The company also aims to create a safe and appreciative environment that counteracts any form of potential discrimination or harassment. Additional aims are to overcome latent prejudices and to support the individual and diverse potential of every single employee.

PDF Version: Gender Equality Plan

PHOSPHORUS MINING FROM EUTROPHIC MARINE ENVIRONMENT TOWARDS A BLUE ECONOMY: THE ROLE OF BIO-BASED APPLICATIONS

Global phosphorus reserves are under pressure of depletion in the near future due to increased consumption of primary phosphorus reservoirs and improper management of phosphorus. At the same time, a considerable portion of global marine water bodies has been suffering from eutrophication due to excessive nutrient loading. The marine environment can be considered as a valuable phosphorus source due to nutrient rich eutrophic seawater and sediment which could potentially serve as phosphorus mines in the near future. Hence, sustainable phosphorus recovery strategies should be adapted for marine systems to provide phosphorus for the growing market demand and simultaneously control eutrophication. In this review, possible sustainable strategies for phosphorus removal and recovery from marine environments are discussed in detail. Bio-based strategies relying on natural phosphorus uptake metabolism of living organisms are suggested as promising options that can provide both phosphorus removal and recovery from marine waters for achieving a sustainable marine ecosystem. Among them, the utilization of microorganisms seems promising to develop novel strategies. However, the research gap for the technical applicability of these strategies is still considerably big. Therefore, future research should focus on the technical development of the strategies through laboratory and/or field studies. Coupling phosphorus mining with other valorisation pathways (i.e., metal recovery, energy production) is also suggested to improve overall sustainability and economic viability. Environmental, economic and societal challenges should altogether be well addressed prior to real scale applications.

Keywords: Marine, phosphorus, eutrophication, resource recovery, blue economy

Follow this link to read the publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135422004596

Authors: Ece Kendir Cakmak, MarcoHartl, JohannesKisser, Zeynep Cetecioglu

Guide to circular economy in building construction

Authors: Eva Bacher, Manfred Bruck, Christoph Hofbauer, Gerhard Los,
Christian Rechberger, Harald Resch, Manuel Senn, Silja Tillner,
Ben Tisowsky, Alfred Willinger
Supervisors: Manfred Bruck, Daniela Trauninger, Markus Winkler
Editing: Johannes Kisser (alchemia-nova GmbH, Institute for circular economy & nature-based solutions)
Daniela Schneider (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Fachbereich
Nachhaltiges Bauen)
Johann Fellner (TU Vienna, Waste and Resource Management)

PDF Version (German): LF_Kreislaufwirtschaft_UWK_220209

Validating Circular Performance Indicators: The Interface between Circular Economy and Stakeholders

The development and application of appropriate Circular Economy indicators is an issue that concerns both the scientific and the business community, as well as decision makers. The existing gap between research, policy and practice could be bridged by using a dynamic indicators selection approach that combines both expert and participatory practices. This study aims to develop such a novel approach for the selection of indicators based on views and needs of practitioners, whilst considering the complex interdependencies of the indicators and determining their importance. Twenty circularity indicators for the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus are selected and ranked by different stakeholders. The interrelationships of the indicators are identified using the Interpretive Structural Model, resulting in six levels of importance. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis further enabled the classification of the twenty indicators into four categories based on their driving and dependence power. The results indicate that seven indicators—one related to regeneration of natural environment principle, four related to keep resources in use, and two related to design out negative externalities—are the driving indicators to Circular Economy. The approach can be applied to other sets of indicators as well, enabling their prioritization and implementation with other systems.

Keywords: circular economy indicators; participatory approach; interpretive structural model; water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus

Find here the open access publication: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/16/2198

Authors: Chrysanthi-Elisabeth Nika, Alfonso Expósito, Johannes Kisser, Gaetano Bertino, Hasan Volkan Oral, Kaveh Dehghanian, Vasileia Vasilaki, Eleni Iacovidou, Francesco Fatone, Nataša Atanasova and Evina Katsou
Academic Editor: Konstantinos P. Tsagarakis

The six—level ISM model for interdependent CE indicators

The six—level ISM model for interdependent CE indicators

Fundamentals of Building Deconstruction as a Circular Economy Strategy for the Reuse of Construction Materials

The construction industry is one of the most environmentally detrimental industries in the world, impacting directly the use of raw materials, their determination of use involving the whole lifecycle, as well as all their surrounding environment. However, within the building sector, the transition from a linear to a circular economy is still at an early stage. Business models need to be reconsidered to include new and improved methods and innovative services that could lead to a net reduction in the use of resources and minimizing the waste disposed on landfills. In this context, an important role in buildings’ circularity is “deconstruction”, which is understood as a well-considered selective dismantlement of building components, in prevision of a future reuse, repurposing, or recycling. It represents a sustainable alternative to common demolition, which tends to be an arbitrary and destructive process, and although faster and cheaper, it typically creates a substantial amount of waste. The purpose of this article is to analyze the deconstruction potential of buildings and the strategies to apply in order to keep the impacts on the urban environment low. The article aims to facilitate the implementation of circular economy strategies for buildings by proposing common principles for deconstruction as a sustainable alternative to demolition and defining the key points to be applied during the design and planning process regardless of the type of construction system or material used.

Keywords: building deconstruction; building deconstructability; design for deconstruction; end-of-life material recovery; material reuse; sustainable construction; building circularity; building lifecycle

Find here the open access publication: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/939
This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Durable Building Materials

Authors: Gaetano Bertino, Johannes Kisser, Julia Zeilinger, Guenter Langergraber, Tatjana Fischer and Doris Österreicher
Academic Editor: Chiara Giosuè

Building decomposition (drawing by G.B.)

Building decomposition (drawing by G.B.)

Automation Specialist (m/w) for Nature-based Solutions

We are searching for a motivated and experienced Automation Specialist to join our innovative technologies development team!

Background
alchemia-nova GmbH, a Viennese-based Institute for research and innovation (www.alchemia-nova.net), has been focused on innovative applied plant chemistry since 2006, with the aim of closing loops and facilitating a circular economy in combination with nature-based technologies and solutions. Our nature-inspired innovations typically incorporate plants and natural processes to treat polluted air and wastewater, remediate soil, capture metals and recover nutrients.

Vacancy
An opportunity has now become available within our technical development team for a hands-on and experienced Automation Specialist able to support the automation, development and monitoring of project prototypes, technologies and products. The salary consideration starts at EUR 2.100,00 per month (Gross for a 30 hour week, 14 x per year) and is negotiable relative to the applicant’s qualifications and professional experience.

Duties and responsibilities
The applicant will be responsible for carrying out following tasks autonomously:

  • Drawing of P&ID, electrical and bus diagrams
  • Programming and wiring of PLC´s and dataloggers according to functional requirements
  • Writing of functional description
  • Selection and procurement of sensors, actuators, pumps, and network equipment
  • Set-up of network devices for remote access
  • Comissioning and follow up of the installation
  • Electrical installations with up to 400V three phase power supply
  • Coordination with other companies involved in the task
  • CE-label applications (not essential)

Job Qualifications

  • A least 2 years experience in automation
  • Knowledge and experience with IEC 61131-3 Standard programming languages (mainly Ladder Diagram and Function Block Diagram)
  • Certification and legally recognised training for work on electrical installations
  • Related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Knowledge and experience in industrial protocols (Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, M-Bus, etc. )
  • Knowledge in programming languages Python, C++, JSON

Specific Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license, flexibility and the readiness to travel EU-wide for installations
  • Long-term perspective & willingness to learn
  • Proficient verbal and written English and working knowledge in German
  • Critical thinking, adaptability and creativity
  • Efficient, reliable and independent work approach
  • Contributing to the team spirit through effective communication and projecting a positive work ethic
  • Openness to innovations and a strong commitment to sustainable practices and circular economy principles
  • European citizenship or valid work permit for Austria

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application documents in single PDF file (max. 3MB) by e-mail to Francesco Menconi at office@alchemia-nova.net:

  • A short cover letter describing your motivation for applying for this position
  • A current CV including with actual photograph
  • A short description explaining why you believe you possess the skills and experiences listed in the “Qualifications & Requirements” section
  • Any additional material you may wish to share

Applications close: 31st of May 2022
Employment start date: ASAP

13th International Conference on Bio-based Materials (BMC)

Bio-based polymers can be found in almost all application areas such as packaging, consumer goods, toys, vehicle construction, textiles or coatings. Biodegradable polymers open up new markets. New bio-based building blocks are available for body care, cosmetics, food ingredients and pharmaceuticals. On top of that, more and more biogenic side streams from the food industry are utilised via biotechnology as part of the circular bioeconomy. More than 200 experts and 30 exhibitors are expected.

The preliminary programme and further workshops can be found on the conference website. http://bio-based-conference.com

Innovative circular solutions and services for new buildings and refurbishments, Eco-Architecture VII, Wessex Institute, UK

 

Eco-Architecture VII

 

Innovative circular solutions and services for new buildings and refurbishments

Gaetano Bertino, Francesco Menconi, Andrea Zraunig, Eduardo Terzidis & Johannes Kisser (Page 83)

Eco-Architecture VII
Volume  183
Transaction  WIT Transactions on The Built Environment
Editor(s)  S. Syngellakis, Wessex Institute, UK  Published  2019

Papers contained in this volume are archived in the WIT eLibrary in volume 183 of WIT
Transactions on the Built Environment (ISSN 1743-3509).
The WIT eLibrary provides the international scientific community with immediate and
permanent access to individual papers presented at WIT conferences.
Visit the WIT eLibrary at www.witpress.com.

SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HARMONISATION BETWEEN
ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE

Eco-Architecture 2018

Organised by
Wessex Institute, UK
University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
Sponsored by
WIT Transactions on the Built Environment
International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning

Published by
WIT Press
Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7AA, UK
Tel: 44 (0) 238 029 3223; Fax: 44 (0) 238 029 2853
E-Mail: witpress@witpress.com
http://www.witpress.com
For USA, Canada and Mexico
Computational Mechanics International Inc
25 Bridge Street, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
Tel: 978 667 5841; Fax: 978 667 7582
E-Mail: infousa@witpress.com
http://www.witpress.com