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This study analyses corporate environmental performance in the manufacturing and mining sectors of Ghana within a framework of environmental governance. The research is premised on the fact that industry contributes to pollution, raw material depletion and natural resources use. Hence industry is equally expected to play a role in pollution reduction and minimisation of raw materials and natural resources usage. The study makes use of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches drawing on both primary and secondary sources of data. Through SWOT analysis, an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing environmental governance was carried out and new opportunities for effective environmental management espoused. In addition, the policy instruments available for environmental governance were thoroughly analysed and discussed in this research. Further, through comparative analysis the environmental initiatives of industries in the manufacturing sector were investigated on the basis of size and industry type. The study developed a model based on 22 indicators in 3 thematic areas namely (1) legal and regulatory compliance, (2) pollution control and resource conservation initiatives and (3) environmental planning and policy initiatives to evaluate corporate environmental performance in manufacturing industries. To quantify corporate environmental performance, a Likert-scale 1-5 was applied to assess performance in the 3 thematic areas mentioned. These scores were aggregated, averaged and analysed using Microsoft Excel software. A “Corporate Environmental Performance Perception (CEPPI) index” was developed to evaluate how different industries performed on key corporate environmental governance dimensions. The results among other things showed that in terms of size, Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) lagged behind large enterprises in their environmental performance. In terms of industry type however, “metal works” showed relatively low performance on the “CEPPI” scale. The findings were discussed and strategies to help enterprises that lag behind to improve their environmental performances were given. In addition to the above, the study further investigated the Corporate Social and Environmental responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the mining industry. Corporate social and environmental responsibility has been used as proxy measure of environmental performance by the mining industry. Among other things, the findings showed that CSR as “preached” by the mining companies was to some extent inconsistent with CSR as “perceived” by the mining communities. The evidence thus seems to suggest a lot more has to be done by the mining companies as well as local communities where these mining firms operate to achieve high environmental performance. The implications of this research in terms of what has to be done to improve environmental responsiveness of the mining companies were given. A comprehensive strategy, focussing on both voluntary codes and ‘command and control’ regulations, as well as a strategy for institutionalising environmental management culture in Ghana’s manufacturing and mining industries were provided.
Der weltweite Anstieg des Bedarfs an Primärenergie und das Wachstum des weltweiten Bruttoinlandsprodukts geht einher mit der Zunahme damit verbundener Emissionen. Aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Studien zufolge beträgt der Anteil des Energiesektors (Energiewirtschaft, Industrie und Verkehr) 83 % der weltweiten Treibhausgasemissionen. Der Klimawandel und die Projektion der Auswirkungen von Treibhausgasemissionen auf die Atmosphäre werden inzwischen auch auf politischer Ebene akzeptiert und weitergehende Maßnahmen diskutiert. Da aber Zugang zu Elektrizität und nachhaltige Entwicklung untrennbar verknüpft sind, stellt sich die Frage, wie diese Aufgabe innerhalb der nächsten Jahre gelöst werden kann. Weiterhin ergibt sich gleichzeitig durch die verbleibende Laufzeit des aktuellen Kraftwerksparks, je nach Szenario, für Deutschland im Jahr 2020 eine Versorgungslücke von bis zu 12.000 MWh. Ein Teil der Lösung dieser Problematik liegt in der nachhaltigen Gestaltung von Kraftwerken. Die Erstellung der Lebenszyklusanalyse eines GuD-Kraftwerks aus Sicht eines Herstellers in höchster Detailtiefe bildet daher den Hauptbestandteil dieser Arbeit. Erst die Darstellung des gesamten Produktsystems sowie der Bilanzierungsergebnisse ermöglichen das Aufzeigen von Verbesserungspotentialen. Die Systemgrenzen für die Ökobilanz umfassen alle Abschnitte des Produktlebenszyklus (Materialien, Fertigung, Transport, Betrieb, Wartung und End of Life). Die Erfassung der Materialmengen und Energiedaten liefert die Sachbilanz für alle Komponenten und Lebensphasen. In der Interpretation der Ergebnisse der Ökobilanz, insbesondere für die Kategorie Globale Erwärmung in kg CO2e überwiegen die Emissionen der Betriebsphase naturgemäß. Die Ergebnisse wurden aber für alle Wirkungskategorien und Lebensphasen erarbeitet. Auf Basis der erarbeiteten Module der Ökobilanz wurden die Umweltprofile verschiedener Konfigurationen und Betriebsszenarien dargestellt und stehen damit als Entscheidungshilfe bereits während der Produktentwicklung zur Verfügung. Die Darstellung der Auswirkungen von Designentscheidungen auf den ökologischen Fußabdruck des Produktsystems in einer aggregierten Form vereinfacht das Verständnis für Kunden und kann damit in die Kaufentscheidung einbezogen werden. Weiterhin wurde die Basis für ein Reporting der Treibhausgasemissionen nach dem GHG Protokoll erstellt. Die Ergebnisse werden außerdem in Form einer Typ II Produktumwelterklärung nach ISO 14021 veröffentlicht und als Referenzwert für die Berechnung der Emissionsfaktoren für den jeweiligen Strommix bereitgestellt.
This thesis seeks to enhance a better understanding of the concept of cookstoves and their associated repercussions on health and the environment. A three tier methodological approach was used in this study. Firstly, questionnaires were distributed in the study areas and results analysed. Secondly, a laboratory based water boiling test was conducted using three stoves (open fire, rocket stove and “skirt” stove) to assess the effect of wood moisture content on combustion and heat transfer efficiencies. Lastly, a simulation model was used to understand the behaviour of key players within the system of cookstoves and indoor air pollution such that setbacks are better understood, controlled or mitigated. Results of the questionnaires showed that the majority of the people in the case study area are not aware of the threats posed by indoor air pollution on health; however, they are willing to accept any innovations that will abate the pending related environmental, social and health crises associated to poor cooking techniques. From the water boiling test, results showed that fuel moisture greatly affects combustion efficiency and heat transfer efficiency. Fuel at 15% moisture produced best results with little particulate matter and carbonmonoxide emissions meanwhile emissions at 5% and 30% moisture were relatively high. The sensitivity model laid down the basis for comparism and control mechanisms for indoor air pollution and deforestation.
Cameroon has vast renewable energy resource potentials, with a hydropower potential of about 55,200MW, second only to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. So far, its energy needs are met by 4.8% hydropower (which accounts for less than 5% of its total hydropower potential), 0% wind and 0% solar. Cameroons’ energy sector still goes through insufficient electrical energy production, especially during the heart of the dry season, which runs from December through March. Coincidentally, the wind and solar power potentials for Cameroon are at their peak during these months and could conveniently supplement for the shortfalls in generation during these periods. In this research, technical analysis were carried out to determine the wind and solar energy resource potentials for Cameroon using the RETScreen software tool provided by CANMET Canada. These analysis revealed that the northern regions of Cameroon had higher wind and solar resource potentials than any other location in Cameroon. A 2MW installed wind energy capacity would be capable of generating well over 1.5GWh electrical energy per year, while a 2KW installed solar energy capacity will be capable of generating well over 3MWh electrical energy per year. In the final sections, financial analysis were carried out to determine the economic viability of such projects and the possibility for self-financing. Emission analyses were also done based on the ability for such projects to offset greenhouse gas emissions and ensure sustainability in the energy sector. The analysis for Maroua revealed that 78.6tCO2/yr for wind and 0.1tCO2/yr for solar could be reduced by those installations. Finally, the legislations and legal frameworks governing the energy sector in Cameroon were dissected to determine possible weaknesses and constraints limiting the use, promotion and development of the full potential of Cameroon’s renewable energy resources.
This study closely examined how oil exploration has caused environmental degradation and untold hardship to the local communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Nigeria is known to be the sixth largest producer of crude oil among the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and thelargest in the African continent. The crude oil that puts Nigeria in this position is being produced in the Niger Delta region of the country. Nigeria’s economy is based on crude oil exports. Despite this enormous wealth coming from the Niger Delta, there is pervasive poverty and despicable environmental damage as a result of crude oil mining activities going on in this region. Suffice it to say that, there is total neglect of the region in terms of infrastructural development and economic empowerment of its local populace by the government and oil companies operating in the region. This has led to youth restiveness and hostage taking in the area. A sound methodological research approach was developed and utilized in this study. Both primary and secondary data were collected from questionnaires, structured interviews, personal observations, relevant literature, documentation from government agencies and oil companies. These data were analyzed, and they synthesized the discussions contained in this study. This study is all about charting a new course in the way the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region carry out their activities in order to ensure the environmental sustainability of the region, and improve the economy of the rural communities in the region at the same time. It identifies the constraints to effective implementation of Nigeria’s environmental laws and policies especially the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as it concerns oil prospecting, which has hitherto contributed in hindering her environmental sustainability. It also unveils the critical issues concerning the deplorable state of the economy of the local populace of the region. After identifying the various problems contributing to the environmental woes, and the poor economic growth of the region, this research proffers recommendations that should be conscientiously and vigorously implemented to reverse the trend. Although, the oil companies have made some efforts towards providing the necessary infrastructures needed in the region, they need to do more in the area of capacity building, and use of green technologies to ensure healthy environment of their host communities. The government on her part should strengthen the various Ministries and Agencies vested with the responsibility of protecting the Nigerian environment, by providing them with the necessary incentives for maximum efficiency. This study therefore emphasizes a concerted approach from all the stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for the successful implementation of the recommendations herein to ensure the sustainable development of the region, and Nigeria in general.
Environmental consciousness of the modern society has projected recycling into the limelight as it has considerable potential for saving the earth’s limited resources, and potential offers opportunities for reducing environmental pollution. This dissertation presents a methodology developed for assessing the recycling-orientation of products in product design and a tool for carrying out the assessment. The design criteria for the recycling-orientation of products are formulated by investigating and analysing relevant product design constraints, including standards and regulations that facilitate and ease recycling. Essentially, this final dissertation comprises two parts: (1) the dissertation manuscript, (2) the assessment tool, “software.” The dissertation expatiates on the methodology employed and its implementation details for assessing the recycling-orientation of products both qualitatively and quantitatively at the design stage. Several recycling related product design standards were taken into account, including WEEE, RoHS, Eco-design, and DFR. The software comprises a series of decision stages; each stage controls different active facets of its functionalities. The assessment of the recycling-orientation of product design is achieved by virtually modeling a product from the product profile. The detail of how this works is demonstrated with a case problem. The opportunity for future development and software upgrading are discussed at the end.