Integrating IoT Technology with a Systems Engineering Approach to Improve the GHG Emission Accounting in the Waste Management Industry

Abstract

This work presents how to automate emission accounting and analysis in the waste management industry. The methodology adopted is based on the combined use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and a Systems Engineering approach. The presented methodology has been tested in an industrial case. In the case, there were multiple systems available to collect environmental data. However, the accessibility and the interpretability of this environmental data were observed as a challenge. After gathering the data in a centralized database, the automation of the Green House Gasses (GHG) emission management and accounting was performed. Findings show that the operational emissions of the industry partner mainly occur from energy and fuel consumption. By measuring and categorizing energy usage, the industry partner identified several potential improvements for reducing emissions. Lowering energy usage can consequently decrease the associated carbon footprint. Finally, the authors suggest some useful insights for companies with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of industrial GHG emissions accounting.