Browsing by Subject "Sustainable"

Now showing 1 - 16 of 16

100 in 100: Summer Convenings
(The Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2021-08) Anderson, Delaine
Collaborative redesign of used clothes as a sustainable fashion solution: exploring consumer interest and experience.
(2011-12) Janigo, Kristy Ann
Consumers’ clothing disposal decisions have lasting effects because the decomposition process of certain materials can span several decades (Fletcher, 2008; Black, 2008). Unfortunately, only 48% of post-consumer used clothing is recycled (Chen & Burns, 2006). The primary aim of this mixed methods study was to explore the viability of a service or business involving consumers in redesigning their used garments as a sustainable alternative to disposal. Through focus groups discussions and questionnaires with closed-ended items, I sought to answer who potential redesign consumers are and therefore the appropriate target market for the service. I collaborated with participants to conceptualize practical, executable redesign plans for their garments. After all redesigned garments were returned, consumers provided their feedback in focus groups and questionnaires. These suggestions may be used to develop recommendations for future redesign businesses. A total of 27 mostly Caucasian (89%) women ages 18-62 participated, and 27 corresponding garment redesigns were completed. Although not motivated by environmental concerns to modify their clothing purchase behavior, the women were comfortable with used clothing and were interested in using a redesign service in the future. Participants indicated they were mostly satisfied with their redesigned garment and will continue to wear their garments for a mean of approximately two additional years. They were willing to pay $50 to $60 for the service. Many (52%) suggested redesign could be marketed as a social experience to commemorate life events (i.e., engagement or marriage) among women, similar to a Tupperware® or Mary Kay® event.
COVID-19 and Local Meat Processing in the Midwest: Challenges and Emerging Business Practices
(2021-05-21) Draeger, Dr. Kathryn; Danner, Christopher; Barka, Natalie; Theis, Eliza; Busch, Joan; Schweser, Greg; Martin, Wayne
Degradable Materials from Sugar-Derived Feedstocks
(2019-01) Lillie, Leon
Sugar-derived molecules have excellent potential to serve as building blocks in the development of sustainable polymers with high performance and rich functionality. This thesis focuses on the utilization of carbohydrate-derived molecules (bicyclic sugar derivatives and sugar metabolites) to enhance the degradability of polymeric materials. The first area of research presented describes the synthesis of a novel GDL-based α,ω-diene (glucarodilactone 10-undecenoate, GDLU). This molecule and its congener (isosorbide undecenoate, IU), were found to be highly suitable monomers for acyclic diene metathesis polymerization and were used to produce a family of homopolymers and copolymers of various GDLU:IU ratios. The structure/property implications of these similar sugar-derived diols on the materials physical performance and hydrolytic stability were explored. The second area of research expanded the usage of GDLU to a new class of materials, poly(ester-thioethers), with the use of photo-initiated thiol-ene polymerization. The impact of dithiol chemistry on material thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Finally, the third area of research details the synthesis of novel methacrylic anhydride-like monomers obtained from the two-step synthetic modification of itaconic acid. These monomers were polymerized via thiol-ene polymerizations to obtain degradable, polyanhydride-based thermoset materials, with rapid neutral water degradation.
Developing a Decision Support Tool for Visualizing Renewable Natural Gas Production in Minnesota via ArcGIS Technology
(2022) Chaffee, Wyatte R.L.
This video presentation is about the first ever interactive map for visualizing Minnesota's renewable natural gas (RNG) potential! RNG is biogas (methane, carbon dioxide and other trace gasses) that has been cleansed to match the methane purity of natural gas. This renewable and sustainable alternative can be used as a replacement for natural gas in Minnesota's current infrastructure. This map displays all active feedlots from 2018 and over 50 wastewater treatment plants. Each of these locations have had calculations completed to determine their theoretical RNG production. More information on these calculations can be found at the bottom of the website's details, when observing a specific location. Use this link to view the map: https://arcg.is/qWjzi0 Credits: Wyatte Chaffee, Dr. Lingkan Ding , and Dr. Bo Hu This research was funded by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
Future of the Old Auditorium Adaptive Reuse Plan: Thief River Falls, MN
(2019-11) Singh, Virajita; Leong, Hok Him; Whittaker, Meighan
This research project supports a community effort with the Pennington County Old Auditorium Committee and other partners in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to develop a conceptual plan for the future of this existing historic building that can support local economic vitality, provide a multiuse community center and cultural destination of the region, and demonstrate sustainable community resilience within the local community. This project included: 1) case study research on similar buildings and projects, regionally, nationally, and internationally; 2) community meetings and an engagement workshop to gather community input; and 3) a set of architectural drawings documenting the project’s development and the final proposed design of the old auditorium. This project is also in support of the 2017 Thief River Fall Downtown Master Plan which provides recommendations on how to create a vibrant downtown to attract residents and visitors, enhance local economic vitality, and increase the public’s access to a variety of entertainment, recreation, and social activities
Groundwater Management: Capacity Assessment at the Local Level, A survey of Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
(2015-12-04) Pradhananga, Amit Ph.D.; Davenport, Mae A. Ph.D.; Perry, Vanessa M.S.
This report describes a capacity assessment of Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff to engage in groundwater protection. The study was conducted by the Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) and Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD). The overarching goal of the study was to examine local capacity and capacity building programs for groundwater management.
Lake of the Woods Sustainability Assessment
(The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2019-05-19) Dix, Alec; Freesmeier, Claire; Helgeson, Erik; Pattsner, Max
Metrics for a Sustainable EcoVillage
(Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2013-05-17) Nguyen, Nam; Atangana, Jules
Off-Grid A Sustainable Approach to the Next 30 Years of Climate Change.
(2024) Fleming, Samuel
The next 30 years of climate change are poised to significantly impact civilizationworldwide. The built environment and the processes required to erect, maintain, and destroy it are all large contributors to climate change, and must change in order to reduce the built environment's carbon footprint. From an architectural perspective, building for more communal, off-grid lifestyles while utilizing sustainable and efficient building materials enable numerous opportunities to accomplish this. An off-grid residential program was used to understand the current and future potential of limiting global warming contribution from building. Current practice was used to establish a baseline and understand impacts, and a second scenario served as means to examine future opportunities and limitations. Two contrasting climates: Minneapolis, MN (ASHRAE climate zone 6) and Phoenix, AZ (ASHRAE climate zones 9&10), were selected for the analyses. They represent a range of contrasting climate change impacts. The factors included in the analysis include climate, operational energy, renewable energy production, primary building assembly material life cycle across global indicators, potable water use reductions, and agricultural production. Consideration was given to housing accessibility and adaptability for residents. The findings demonstrate that regenerative/recycled building materials (when grown nearby the site), onsite food generation and waste management, rainwater harvesting, PV panels, and Passive House strategies can play pivotal roles in reducing embodied carbon emissions and lower embodied energy usage, and make unnecessary a central city grid for resources. Moreover, off-grid building and living practices are poised to become essential in order for architectural design to be effective as the climate continues to change.
Phasing Sustainability low tech sustainable housing prototype.
(2012-02) Ankeny, Jeffrey William
Abstract summary not available
Planning for Healthy and Resilient Climate Destinations
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2022) Haynes, Monica
This presentation ties into the report "Interviews with Stakeholders: The Potential Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts on Duluth, Minnesota, as a Climate Refuge" that is on the Digital Conservancy at https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/229867
Renewable Aliphatic Polyester Block Polymer Thermoplastic Elastomers
(2014-04) Martello, Mark
The performance of thermoplastic elastomers is predicated on their ability to form mechanically tough physically crosslinked elastomeric networks at low temperatures and be able to flow at elevated temperatures. This dissertation focuses on renewable aliphatic polyester block polymers with amorphous polylactide (PLA) and their performance as TPEs. The goal of this work was to enhance the mechanical toughness of PLA containing TPEs; fundamental properties ranging from chemical composition and phase behavior, molecular architecture and melt processability, to melt polymerization strategies were investigated. ABA triblock polymers with PLA end-blocks and rubbery mid-blocks from substituted lactones comprised of poly(6-methyl-ε-caprolactone)(PMCL), poly(δ-decalactone), and poly(ε-decalactone)(PDL) were produced by sequential ring-opening polymerizations in the bulk. The bulk microstructure of symmetric PLA-PMCL-PLA and PLA-PDL-PLA triblock polymers formed long-range ordered morphologies and the interaction parameter of the repeat units was determined. High molar mass triblocks exhibited elastomeric behavior with good tensile strengths and high elongations. Small triblocks were coupled to produced (PLA-PDL-PLA)n multiblock polymers with high molar mass and accessible order-disorder transitions allowing for melt processing via injection molding. The mechanical toughness of the multiblocks was comparable to the high molar mass triblocks. The controlled polymerization of renewable δ-decalactone was accomplished with an organocatalyst at low temperatures in the bulk to maximize the equilibrium conversion of the monomer.
Success to abundant water supply in Kathmandu Valley
(2013-08) Manandhar, Indira
Despite being renowned as one of the richest countries in water resources with the snowcaps of the Himalayas, Nepal has not been able to utilize its tremendous water resources. Agriculture, which is the major occupation of Nepalese people, has a water requirement that is very high throughout the entire year. Besides the need of fresh drinking water for human consumption, the importance of surface water sources is also high because of the country's dependency on hydropower electricity. Today, Kathmandu, the capital city, is already facing an overwhelming tragedy of clean potable water scarcity with only a few hours of water supply per week and blackout of more than 12 hours per day. Besides lack of quantity, quality issues are also contributing to the water crisis. Rapid population growth and direct waste disposal into the rivers within the city are the major two reasons for the depletion of both surface and ground water quality and quantity as well. Cultural and political interventions further exacerbate the issue. Various government and non-government organizations both national as well as international, are attempting to fulfill the water demand for all of the water users in the valley. However, the progress towards both quality and quantity has been slow due to lack of appropriate technology, bureaucratic entanglements and lack of finance. Not to be forgotten are the huge roles of corruption at the various levels of bureaucracy and more than a decade long political unrest. The case in Kathmandu Valley is not so unique water crisis compared to other parts of the world. Nepal water problems are not caused by lack of the resources but for other reasons unrelated to its abundant water resources such as distribution, management and lack of infrastructures etc. In this context, this paper intends to explore the major problems and the hurdles in supply of safe and sufficient drinking water, to study and analyze the ongoing efforts to resolve the problems and to recommend the most culturally appropriate, adaptable and cost effective principles and strategies to create sustainable water management system in the Valley. The study will include surveys to determine the public perception of the water crisis, conduct interviews of water officials in the rural and urban areas of Kathmandu Valley and given an analysis of recent reports and studies from previous experts, quantification of local water availability for sustainable management and future supply. This research will reveal some of the hidden issues behind the water crisis and direct to appropriate and cost effective solutions for developing countries like Nepal. The water budget calculation will disclose the availability of local sustainable water and provides the measures and necessity to maintain the balance in hydrological cycle which helps to assure water availability in future for the abundant water supply in Kathmandu Valley. I believe that abundant supply of safe drinking water is possible from the existing water resources if it can be used with a sustainably managed system. I hope to illuminate and clarify the issues surrounding the water crisis and make recommendations to help people move towards a more sustainable supply of potable water.
Sustainable Development of Polymers Using Hybrid Process of Biosynthesis and Chemical Reactions
(2022-02) Wu, Yuxiao
Natural and synthetic polymers can be found everywhere in our everyday lives. Polymer materials contribute to crucial roles in sophisticated applications such as electronics, medical devices and implants. They are also found in parts of every trivial thing in modern life such as clothing, food packaging, housing, and transportation. We rely more on synthetic polymers over natural polymers since the prosperity of petrochemical industry after the Second Industrial Revolution. The cheap and abundant fossil fuel allowed the development of a wide array of synthetic polymers in the 20th century. However, environmental concerns associated with using petroleum feedstock as the raw material received more and more attention. Over the past several decades researchers have focused on replacing petroleum feedstock with renewable feedstock to produce sustainable polymers. The abundant biomass is often used as the renewable raw material and one important way to breakdown biomass is through microbial fermentation. The development of genetic engineering allowed successful expansion of the natural metabolic pathways of microorganisms. Many industrial chemicals and novel chemicals were produced from microbial fermentation. The advantage of microbial fermentation is that it is carried out in mild reaction conditions and generates environmentally benign byproducts. However, microbial fermentation lacks the economic viability and utility due to long fermentation time and productivity. A hybrid synthesis process combining microbial fermentation and chemical reaction is a highly efficient approach to produce sustainable polymers. With this in mind, my PhD research has focused on developing hybrid chemical engineering process for the production of novel or existing polymer precursors and implement them for material applications. Using metabolic engineering and simple chemical reaction, I have produced N-acetyldopamine which can be used as a precursor for catechol functionalized polymers. By optimizing the fermentation pathway of mesaconic acid, the yield and productivity have reached an industrially practical level. The hybrid synthesis process to isoprene, the monomer for natural rubber, was established combining this optimized fermentation route with preciously developed one-pot cascade thermal chemical reaction. Finally, I implemented a heterologous pathway to produce citramalic acid. I have worked to establish a C5 diacid platform from microbial fermentation. Combining with a thermocatalytic decarboxylation reaction, an integrated hybrid process for the conversion of glucose to poly(methyl methacrylate) was achieved.
Sustainable Polymer Framework
(2020-02) Wissinger, Jane E.; Ellison, Christopher J.; Dichtel, William R.; Chang, Alice B.; Trotta, Jacob T.; Yang, Anna B.; Bunyard, Clayton W.
The Sustainable Polymer Framework seeks to holistically define a sustainable polymer. The intended use is for members of the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers to be able to identify and explain how their individual research project meets this definition. The goal is to introduce an integrated systems-thinking approach that considers the interconnection of all criteria and their net impact across the environment, economy, and society.

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