Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
12-4-2025
Abstract
The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities has emerged as a critical concern in both energy and governance. Dependence on landfills is approaching critical thresholds as disposal sites near saturation, transportation costs escalate, and host communities increasingly resist garbage transfers. In response, this study proposes a comprehensive Waste-to-Energy (WtE) assessment framework that integrates engineering evaluation with policy and stakeholder analysis to support sustainable decision- making.
Using Baguio City as a case study, the framework applies a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to evaluate three waste management scenarios: (1) current landfill-dominated practices, (2) engineered landfill with gas recovery systems, and (3) an alternative thermochemical conversion pathway. The engineering component examines energy recovery potential, system costs, and greenhouse gas emission intensity using a streamlined modeling process informed by local waste composition data. The policy component incorporates stakeholder perspectives on health, social acceptance, and inter- LGU coordination to reflect governance conditions influencing implementation feasibility.
Quantitative indicators across the economic, environmental, and energy dimensions are normalized and integrated into a composite TBL index to compare the sustainability performance of each scenario. Findings demonstrate that while thermochemical conversion offers superior energy recovery, landfill gas recovery performs better environmentally, underscoring the need for balanced prioritization. The proposed framework, grounded in local realities, is designed as a transferable decision-support model for municipalities seeking to integrate technical feasibility, environmental accountability, and governance coherence in transitioning toward circular and low-carbon waste systems.
Recommended Citation
Edwin, Izech Brian O. and Recto, King Harold A., (2025). Developing a Waste-to-Energy Assessment Framework Integrating Engineering and Policy Dimensions Using a Triple Bottom Line Approach. Archīum.ATENEO.
https://archium.ateneo.edu/ecce-faculty-pubs/197
Included in
Energy Policy Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Power and Energy Commons, Sustainability Commons, Systems Engineering Commons
Comments
Presented in:
International Association of Jesuit Engineering Schools (IAJES) 2025 Conference
December 4–5, 2025
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines