Document details

Application of the EcoBlock method to eco-design - electric hand dryers versus ...

Author(s): Melo, João Joanaz de cv logo 1 ; Macedo, L cv logo 2 ; Galvão, A cv logo 3

Date: 2007

Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10362/5557

Origin: Repositório Institucional da UNL


Description
Sustainable Construction, Materials and Practice, p. 426-432 The EcoBlock method is an environmental performance tool that allows the comparison of products, projects or organizations. It is based on seven indicators: water extraction, resource extraction, land use, greenhouse gases (GHG), other air pollution, water pollution, and waste. A simplified life cycle analysis approach is adopted. The indicators may be aggregated into a single index, inspired in the Ecological Footprint concept. In this case study we compare the environmental performance of two hand-drying alternatives – paper towels or electric dryers. Both techniques present similar results. The pattern of use was found to be a variable of key importance in the comparison: lesser use of towels per drying would tip the balance in favour of the towels, more efficient dryers or lower impact energy sources would tip the balance in favour of the dryers. Electricity consumption proved to be the largest pressure generator in both alternatives.
Document Type Conference Object
Language English
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    Financiadores do RCAAP

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Universidade do Minho   Governo Português Ministério da Educação e Ciência Programa Operacional da Sociedade do Conhecimento EU