Browsing by Author "Uctug, Fehmi Gorkem"

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Cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of heavy machinery manufacturing: a case study in Türkiye
(Springer, 2025) Ediger, Şevket Volkan; Uctug, Fehmi Gorkem; Ediger, Volkan S.; Kucuker, Mehmet Ali; Berk, Istemi; Inan, Ali; Fereidani, Bahar Moghadasi
Purpose Amidst accelerated industrialization and urbanization, the surge in heavy equipment production, crucial for con struction, 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 fgures 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 acidifcation potential of forklift production, where the incorporation of the engine emerges as the primary hotspot with a signifcant 38% contribution. Conclusions The fndings present the environmental footprint associated with forklift and semi-trailer manufacturing, empha sizing 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.
Life Cycle Assessment of Black Tea Production and Consumption in Türkiye: Insights From Waste Management Scenarios
(Elsevier, 2025) Uctug, Fehmi Gorkem; Ediger, Volkan S.; Kucuker, Mehmet Ali; Berk, Istemi stemi; Inan, Ali; Tugcu, Melisa
This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of tea production and consumption in T & uuml;rkiye, the world leader in per capita tea consumption. Aiming to identify environmental hotspots and propose sustainable solutions, a cradle-to-grave LCA was performed using CCaLC2 software, CML methodology, and the Ecoinvent 3.0 database. It covers cultivation, processing, transportation, and consumption stages, focusing on key environmental indicators like carbon footprint and acidification potential. The results reveal that consumption dominates the environmental footprint (91%) due to energy-intensive brewing methods. Cultivation and transportation contribute minimally (4% each). This highlights the need for promoting energy-efficient brewing practices and consumer adoption of renewable energy sources. The study also explores the environmental implications of different waste management strategies. Composting emerged as the most beneficial approach for reducing the carbon footprint and photochemical oxidants creation, while incineration might be preferable for other impact categories. This study underscores the importance of addressing energy consumption during tea brewing and encouraging renewable energy use among consumers. Additionally, it promotes composting as a crucial waste management strategy for a more sustainable tea value chain in T & uuml;rkiye. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry players, and tea drinkers to make informed decisions that minimize environmental impact.