Theses - School of Engineering, ATU Galway Cityhttps://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/1372024-03-29T07:55:10Z2024-03-29T07:55:10ZAccelerating the transition to a circular economy (CE) through exchange of excess materials: A conceptual framework for an excess materials exchange (EME) for the public sector, built environment in Ireland.Whelan, Davidhttps://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/46922023-12-05T03:02:02Z2023-11-01T00:00:00ZAccelerating the transition to a circular economy (CE) through exchange of excess materials: A conceptual framework for an excess materials exchange (EME) for the public sector, built environment in Ireland.
Whelan, David
The research examines the viability of accelerating the transition to a circular economy (CE) in Ireland through the exchange of excess materials from the public sector, built environment. This study uses Design Science Research (DSR) as described in Hevner et al. (2004) as its primary methodological approach. The research process consisted of problem identification and the
motivation for the project, defining objectives for a solution and the results needed, and the creation of an innovative artefact.
The study begins with a comprehensive literature review which examines the current state of the CE, and specifically the contribution of the built environment to material resource depletion globally, and nationally. A model was developed from the literature and was further refined using data from the primary research, consisting of a series of interviews with twelve (n=12) industry experts with expertise in economic and social research, procurement, design, and public policy areas. The results of the interview process identified several key factors which further influenced the development of the conceptual framework for excess materials exchange (EME). The main research findings were the following: a) the definition of excess materials must include a broad category of descriptors to reach scale, b) mandatory legislation, specifically through the mechanism of circular public procurement would enable adoption of an EME framework across the public sector, c) a carbon tax or allowance could incentivise the use of circular materials, and d) an EME should be regulated and governed by a commercial state agency, successful examples of which already exist within the Irish state. The conceptual framework for excess materials exchange is offered as a proposed solution to the problem of material and energy value loss, specifically as it concerns construction and demolition (C&D) waste. In Ireland C&D waste accounts for 8.2m tonnes in 2020 (EPA, 2023). Ireland’s circular material use rate is 1.6% which compares unfavourably with the EU circular material use rate average of 11.9% (Eurostat, 2023). The low circular materials use rate in Ireland suggests that a significant percentage of C&D waste could be reused, but it will require efficient systems and mechanisms to recover, categorise, certify, and manage materials along the value chain. The conceptual framework also proposes that incentivisation and mandatory legislation could
increase adoption of an EME framework and accelerate the transition to the circular economy.
2023-11-01T00:00:00ZAN ANALYSIS OF THE REMOTE COMPUTING SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS PROVIDED BY ATU GALWAY CITY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTING TO STAFF AND STUDENTSFolan, Pathttps://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/43342022-12-13T03:00:26Z2022-11-01T00:00:00ZAN ANALYSIS OF THE REMOTE COMPUTING SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS PROVIDED BY ATU GALWAY CITY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTING TO STAFF AND STUDENTS
Folan, Pat
The research question being asked here is what are the most efficient strategies to improve the remote working and learning experience in ATU Galway School of Science and Computing? The aim of the research was to analyse the effectiveness of remote computing resource provision by ATU Galway City School of Science and Computing and thus identify any gaps or weaknesses, so as to be in a position to make improvements. In other words, how well are staff and students able to work or study from locations outside the university when using computing services and systems and could it be done any better. The methodology used was action research. Action research involves using systematic observations and other data collection methods that are useful for the practitioner-researcher in reflection, decision making and in the development of more effective practices in the workplace. Data collection was undertaken using surveys, semi-structured interviews and observation. This study adds to the knowledge already in the literature, enabling improvements to be made to the provision and delivery of remote computing systems and solutions not only in ATU but elsewhere. It was found that the systems in use are effective and that the users are satisfied with their levels of knowledge and the training provided. Slow broadband or a lack of coverage in rural areas was the most common complaint. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in particular suffered from a lack of access caused by difficulties in paying for broadband as much as for technical reasons related to the availability or quality of Internet. It is recommended that students who qualify for the laptop loan scheme or who are identified via a means test should be provided with pre-paid data packages in order to offset the disadvantage they suffer and give parity of access to all.
2022-11-01T00:00:00ZFinishing Framework in the Irish Furniture IndustryWallace, Damienhttps://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/24872019-06-12T02:01:54Z2008-04-01T00:00:00ZFinishing Framework in the Irish Furniture Industry
Wallace, Damien
This thesis originated from the desire of the author to develop a tool to assist Irish furniture manufacturers in meeting the requirements set out in the volatile organic compounds (voc) directive. The introduction of this directive has resulted in Irish furniture companies seeking advice and assistance in order to comply with the pertaining rules and regulations. There is a need for the development of a support mechanism for these companies to deal with the challenges that the legislation poses. The overall objective of the thesis is to provide a framework for these companies within the Irish furniture industry who are affected by the legislation.
This body of work initially takes an in-depth look into the Irish furniture industry, the VOC directive and also the theory of finishing. Once a greater understanding of the industry is developed the focus of the thesis moves onto examining how the legislation is affecting companies within the industry. This occurs through the use of case study analysis. Eleven case companies are used to develop a greater appreciation of the level of awareness of the directive in the industry and how each company is proposing to deal with the situation. This gives the author the ability to develop a set of requirements that need to be addressed in the generation of a framework. Once these requirements are identified, solutions are proposed and the framework developed. In order to test the validity of the framework, it is necessary to test and verify the elements of the framework. This is achieved by mapping the framework against 3 further case companies. By applying a set of predefined validation criteria the framework is validated.
The developed framework is both a practical and functional tool and will assist companies in complying with the legislation thus being very beneficial to the industry.
2008-04-01T00:00:00ZPotential Utilisation of Irish grown Alnus glutinosa and Eucalyptus spp.O’Donovan, Dermothttps://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/24862019-06-12T02:01:53Z2008-01-01T00:00:00ZPotential Utilisation of Irish grown Alnus glutinosa and Eucalyptus spp.
O’Donovan, Dermot
Over the past century forestry cover in Ireland has risen from a low of 0.5% of total land area to approximately 10% today. This has been achieved through an afforestation policy which concentrated on exotic coniferous species for commercial planting. This imbalance in the forestry mix has resulted in Ireland having the lowest proportion of broadleaf forestry cover in the European Union. Broadleaves have a relatively longer rotation than coniferous species and require intensive management thus incurring greater costs in terms of the pursuit of quality timber. Ireland has thus become very dependent on imported hardwoods as a raw material for the manufacture of wooden products.
In recent years there has been extensive debate on the role of broadleaf species in Irish forestry. One of the results of this . has been a dramatic rise in the planting of certain species of broadleaf trees which are relatively easy to establish and develop. In order to fully exploit the commercial potential of such species, their range of end uses must be fully explored. This will enable those involved in forestry to see clearly the markets for their produce and thus achieve a maximum return on their investment.
This paper examines one such species. The timber produced from common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is used extensively in other European countries and around the world. In Ireland however, alder is not highly regarded in terms of its timber and there is minimal demand at present for Irish-grown common alder. This paper presents findings on the mechanical and physical properties of Irish-grown specimens of common alder, makes comparisons of those properties with similar species available on the European and Irish markets and explores its full utilisation potential. The results demonstrate that Irish grown common alder compares favourably with alder grown in other countries in terms of utilisation potential. The way in which alder is processed and used in other countries is also presented in an effort to broaden the analysis of its possible uses.
Commensurate with this analysis Eucalyptus spp. is introduced as a possible exotic species to be considered for Irish forestry. Extensively used in its native Australia, species of eucalypts have been planted in parts of Europe including Ireland and through trials have had some considerable success. This paper examines in particular its ability to produce quality timber and presents findings on its properties.
2008-01-01T00:00:00Z