Publication detail

The energy and environmental footprints of COVID-19 fighting measures - PPE, disinfection, supply chains

Klemeš, J.J., Fan, Y.V., Jiang, P.

Original Title

The energy and environmental footprints of COVID-19 fighting measures - PPE, disinfection, supply chains

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

The still escalating COVID-19 pandemic also has a substantial impact on energy structure, requirements and related emissions. The consumption is unavoidable and receives a lower priority in the critical situation. However, as the pandemic continues, the impacts on energy and environment should be assessed and possibly reduced. This study aims to provide an overview of invested energy sources and environmental footprints in fighting the COVID-19. The required energy and resources consumption of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and testing kits have been discussed. The protecting efficiency returned on environmental footprint invested for masks has been further explored. The main observation pinpointed is that with a proper design standard, material selection and user guideline, reusable PPE could be an effective option with lower energy consumption/environmental footprint. Additional escalated energy consumption for aseptic and disinfection has been assessed. This includes the energy stemming from emergency and later managed supply chains. The outcomes emphasised that diversifying solutions to achieve the needed objective is a vital strategy to improve the susceptibility and provide higher flexibility in minimising the environmental footprints. However, more comprehensive research proof for the alternative solution (e.g. reusable option) towards low energy consumption without compromise on the effectiveness should be offered and advocated. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

COVID-19 fighting measures; Energy consumption; Environmental footprints; PPE; Disinfection; Supply chains; EFFICIENCY

Authors

Klemeš, J.J., Fan, Y.V., Jiang, P.

Released

15. 11. 2020

Publisher

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Location

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

ISBN

0360-5442

Periodical

Energy

Number

211

State

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Pages from

118701

Pages to

118701

Pages count

10

URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544220318090?via%3Dihub

BibTex

@article{BUT167761,
  author="Jiří {Klemeš} and Yee Van {Fan}",
  title="The energy and environmental footprints of COVID-19 fighting measures - PPE, disinfection, supply chains",
  journal="Energy",
  year="2020",
  number="211",
  pages="118701--118701",
  doi="10.1016/j.energy.2020.118701",
  issn="0360-5442",
  url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544220318090?via%3Dihub"
}