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Vector space theory of sustainability assessment of industrial processes

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Abstract

In this work, a sustainability analysis based on concepts of normed linear vector space is presented. The processes of production are vectors whose components are the manufacturing factors. The sustainability assessments are measured by the magnitude of the vectors, that is, by their norms. The properties of the space are simple, and the applications are straightforward. The formalism applies equally well whether the indicators are positive or negative, without the recourse of shifting variables. Whenever available, values of the sustainability threshold limits can be handled by the formalism.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia—INMETRO, and the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa Carlos Chagas Filho do Rio de Janeiro—FAPERJ, for financial support. I also thank Dr. Humberto Brandi and Dr. Romeu Daroda for interesting discussions on sustainability assessment. Research from Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa Carlos Chagas Filho do Rio de Janeiro—FAPERJ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia – INMETRO, Av. N. S. das Graças 50, Duque de Caxias, RJ, 25250-020, Brazil

    Antonio C. Olinto

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  1. Antonio C. Olinto
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Correspondence to Antonio C. Olinto.

Appendix

Appendix

See Tables 8, 9 and 10.

Table 8 Processes and factors
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Table 9 Processes and factors
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Table 10 Processes and factors
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Olinto, A.C. Vector space theory of sustainability assessment of industrial processes. Clean Techn Environ Policy 16, 1815–1820 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0729-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0729-4

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