Application of Lifecycle Concepts in the Conversion of Biomass to Value-Added Commodities

Abstract

Lifecycle assessment is a robust tool for evaluating the potential impacts of products, processes, and activities, not only on the environment but also on human health and on ecosystems’ well-being. Currently, there are pockets of scholarly works involving the use of lifecycle tools in the assessment of some stages in the biomass lifecycle. Future trends would see increased use of lifecycle engineering concepts in the entire biomass value chain rather than on the current focus on the design of biomass conversion processes. Lifecycle assessment could possibly become a regulatory requirement for the approval of a biomass facility siting. The current challenges in the biomass lifecycle assessment, especially in the developing countries, are twofold, namely, shortage of lifecycle assessment practitioners and non-availability of adequate geographical location-relevant data for lifecycle assessment. Accurate lifecycle analysis of potential consequences of decisions at any stage in the biomass value chain in the future would require availability of well-trained professionals for the job. There is therefore a need for increased and consistent offering of lifecycle assessment education in engineering colleges and universities. The future of lifecycle concept in the biomass industry will also require the development of location-relevant biomass databases for lifecycle assessment. This chapter provides details on how to achieve these goals and gives some examples.