Circular economy
The circular economy aims to maximize the efficiency of material and energy use within a continuous loop in the built environment, reducing the environmental footprint of economic activities by minimizing waste and promoting the reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling of products and materials. This research thrust aims to assess the environmental sustainability of different resource recovery technologies (such as biopolymer, energy, and nutrients) from wastewater and other waste streams.
Featured publications
Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Wastewater-Derived Phosphorus Products: An Agricultural End-User Perspective. Lam, K.L., Solon, K., Jia, M., Volcke, E.I.P., van der Hoek, J.P. (2022) Environmental Science & Technology 56, 10289–10298.
Life cycle assessment of nutrient recycling from wastewater: A critical review. Lam, K.L., Zlatanović, L., van der Hoek, J.P. (2020) Water Research 173, 115519.
Low-carbon future
Mitigating climate change is a critical policy focus. How can we achieve deep decarbonization for our built environment? This research thrust aims to quantify the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of water systems and industrial systems, and understand the mitigation potential, and the environmental co-benefits and trade-offs for different decarbonizing pathways.
Featured publications
An overview of environmental co-benefits and trade-offs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in municipal wastewater management. Zheng, X., Lam K.L. (2024) Sustainable Production and Consumption 46, 1-10.
Toward Carbon-Neutral Water Systems: Insights from Global Cities. Lam, K.L., Liu, G., Motelica-Wagenaar, A.M., van der Hoek, J.P. (2022) Engineering 14, 77-85.
Low-Carbon Urban Water Systems: Opportunities beyond Water and Wastewater Utilities? Lam, K.L., van der Hoek, J.P. (2020) Environmental Science & Technology 54, 14854−14861.
Environmental data analysis
Quality use of environmental data is essential for conducting robust environmental sustainability assessments. This research thrust aims to enhance the gathering, processing, and application of environmental-related data for improved environmental sustainability assessments.
Featured publication
Compiling life cycle inventories for wastewater-derived products. Y Gong, X Zheng, G Liu, KL Lam (2024) Water Research 255, 121439.
Energy use for water provision in cities. KL Lam, SJ Kenway, PA Lant (2017) Journal of Cleaner Production 143, 699-709.
