Browsing by Author "Üçtuğ, F.G."

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Citation - WoS: 3
Citation - Scopus: 3
Cradle-To Life Cycle Assessment of Heavy Machinery Manufacturing: a Case Study in Türkiye
(Springer, 2025) Üçtuğ, F.G.; Ediger, V.Ş.; Küçüker, M.A.; Berk, İ.; İnan, A.; Moghadasi Fereidani, B.
Purpose: Amidst accelerated industrialization and urbanization, the surge in heavy equipment production, crucial for construction, mining, industry, and transportation, necessitates a comprehensive examination of its environmental implications from a sustainability standpoint. This study aims to scrutinize the environmental impacts of manufacturing forklifts and semi-trailers in Türkiye, employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Methods: The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is the foundational framework for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with forklift and semi-trailer manufacturing. A cradle-to-gate approach was employed. CCaLC2 software alongside the Ecoinvent 3.0 database and CML LCIA methodology was used. Results: The carbon footprint analysis reveals that the production of a single forklift and semi-trailer generates 10.8 tons CO2eq. and 24.9 tons CO2eq. of emissions, respectively. Considering the mass of the machinery, these figures translate to 2.8 ton CO2eq./ton machinery and 1.57 ton CO2eq/ton machinery for the forklift and semi-trailer, respectively. These results were found to be consistent with values reported for similar (but not identical) heavy machinery. Notably, the predominant share of environmental impact stems from raw material acquisition for both products, with subsequent contributions from various production stages. Steel utilization emerges as the primary contributor to all environmental impact categories, constituting an average contribution of 75%. Noteworthy exceptions include the acidification potential of forklift production, where the incorporation of the engine emerges as the primary hotspot with a significant 38% contribution. Conclusions: The findings present the environmental footprint associated with forklift and semi-trailer manufacturing, emphasizing the pivotal role of raw material acquisition, particularly steel utilization. Insights derived from this environmental impact assessment provide invaluable guidance for enhancing environmental sustainability. Decision-makers and industry stakeholders can leverage these conclusions to implement targeted measures, such as exploring alternative materials or refining production processes, to mitigate the environmental consequences of resource-intensive heavy equipment manufacturing, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. © The Author(s) 2025.
Citation - Scopus: 1
Gate-to-gate life cycle assessment of petrochemicals production in Türkiye: a case study of acrylonitrile and C4
(Joint Center on Global Change and Earth System Science of the University of Maryland and Beijing Normal University, 2024) Üçtuğ, F.G.; Vali, V.; Tok, N.; Fereidani, B.M.
The widespread use of acrylonitrile (Acyrlonitrile) and crude C4 across industries has significantly boosted global manufacturing of these energy-intensive petrochemicals. A life cycle assessment was employed to evaluate the environmental impact of Acyrlonitrile and C4 production, aiming to promote sustainability in the petrochemical supply chain. Modeling integrated refinery-petrochemical plant operations in Türkiye revealed that Acyrlonitrile production emitted 7.46 kg CO2eq./kg, while C4 production emitted 1.62 kg CO2eq./kg. The Acyrlonitrile production was found to be more environmentally polluting, especially in terms of acidification potential, photochemical smog potential and eutrophication potential with 4.5 kg SO2eq., 3.88 kg C2H4eq. and 2.39 kg PO4eq. per kg Acyrlonitrile respectively. Waste disposal, natural gas use, propane and nitrogen emission have been the major hotspots of Acyrlonitrile production, while natural gas use and lubricant oil for C4. On average, the production stage emerged as the primary hotspot, for Acyrlonitrile production contributing 58% to overall impacts. The results of water footprint identified 3.13 L per kg Acyrlonitrile and 0.99 L per kg C4 production, with aromatics and ethylene plants being the key contributors. Adoption of energy efficiency measures and circular economy principles is recommended to mitigate environmental impacts. This study sheds light on the resource-intensive petrochemical supply chain, offering valuable insights into environmental impact assessment in this sector. © The Joint Center on Global Change and Earth System Science of the University of Maryland and Beijing Normal University 2024.