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André Faaij - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Biodiversity Impacts of Increased Ethanol Production in Brazil
Land, 2020Co-Authors: Anna S. Duden, Pita A. Verweij, André Faaij, Daniele Baisero, Carlo Rondinini, F. Van Der HilstAbstract:Growing domestic and international ethanol demand is expected to result in increased sugarcane cultivation in Brazil. Sugarcane expansion currently results in Land-Use Changes mainly in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, two severely threatened biodiversity hotspots. This study quantifies potential biodiversity impacts of increased ethanol demand in Brazil in a spatially explicit manner. We project Changes in potential total, threatened, endemic, and range-restricted mammals’ species richness up to 2030. Decreased potential species richness due to increased ethanol demand in 2030 was projected for about 19,000 km2 in the Cerrado, 17,000 km2 in the Atlantic Forest, and 7000 km2 in the Pantanal. In the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, the biodiversity impacts of sugarcane expansion were mainly due to direct Land-Use Change; in the Pantanal, they were largely due to Indirect Land-Use Change. The biodiversity impact of increased ethanol demand was projected to be smaller than the impact of other drivers of Land-Use Change. This study provides a first indication of biodiversity impacts related to increased ethanol production in Brazil, which is useful for policy makers and ethanol producers aiming to mitigate impacts. Future research should assess the impact of potential mitigation options, such as nature protection, agroforestry, or agricultural intensification.
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a review of key international biomass and bioenergy sustainability frameworks and certification systems and their application and implications in colombia
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2018Co-Authors: Nidia Elizabeth Ramirezcontreras, André FaaijAbstract:This document presents the results of an analysis of the key sustainability certification systems applicable to biomass and bioenergy. A review was made of the state-of-the-art sustainability frameworks at the international level. The improvements that have been made in these standards in recent years to reduce social, environmental and economic impacts were identified. In addition, it was determined how some of the initiatives analyzed were implemented in a country such as Colombia, where the establishment of a bio-based economy is being carried out. It was noted that most of the certification systems analyzed have been updated in the last two years. The main adjustments made to the standards are based on criteria developed by the European Commission through the Renewable Energy Directive (EU2015/1513). For environmental issues, it was found that the key update was the inclusion of the Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC). Another key issue addressed is the obligation to calculate and publish the GHG emissions generated annually. Social issues have increased the focus on food security of the population regarding local areas of influence such as the price of the family food basket and food supply. Regarding economic issues, the requirement for a business plan is highlighted to contribute to the economic viability of a certified company. Colombia is one of the countries in the world where the basic conditions support a future sustainable bio-based products sector. Not only does the country have a large amount of land suitable for cultivation, but the land does not require the forests deforestation. However, it must be borne in mind that in a megadiverse country like Colombia, a joint effort (integration) is required between the application of strict laws for the protection of natural resources and the use of certification systems for sustainable products.
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mapping land use Changes resulting from biofuel production and the effect of mitigation measures
Biomass & Bioenergy, 2018Co-Authors: F. Van Der Hilst, André Faaij, Judith A Verstegen, Geert Woltjer, Edward SmeetsAbstract:Many of the sustainability concerns of bioenergy are related to direct or Indirect land use Change (LUC ) resulting from bioenergy feedstock production. The environmental and socio‐economic impacts of LUC highly depend on the site‐specific biophysical and socio‐economic conditions. The objective of this study is to spatiotemporally assess the potential LUC dynamics resulting from an increased biofuel demand, the related greenhouse gas (GHG ) emissions, and the potential effect of LUC mitigation measures. This assessment is demonstrated for LUC dynamics in Brazil towards 2030, considering an increase in the global demand for bioethanol as well as other agricultural commodities. The potential effects of three LUC mitigation measures (increased agricultural productivity, shift to second‐generation ethanol, and strict conservation policies) are evaluated by using a scenario approach. The novel modelling framework developed consists of the global Computable General Equilibrium model MAGNET , the spatiotemporal land use allocation model PLUC , and a GIS ‐based carbon module. The modelling simulations illustrate where LUC as a result of an increased global ethanol demand (+26 × 109 L ethanol production in Brazil) is likely to occur. When no measures are taken, sugar cane production is projected to expand mostly at the expense of agricultural land which subsequently leads to the loss of natural vegetation (natural forest and grass and shrubland) in the Cerrado and Amazon. The related losses of above and below ground biomass and soil organic carbon result in the average emission of 26 g CO 2‐eq/MJ bioethanol. All LUC mitigation measures show potential to reduce the loss of natural vegetation (18%–96%) as well as the LUC ‐related GHG emissions (7%–60%). Although there are several uncertainties regarding the exact location and magnitude of LUC and related GHG emissions, this study shows that the implementation of LUC mitigation measures could have a substantial contribution to the reduction of LUC ‐related emissions of bioethanol. However, an integrated approach targeting all land uses is required to obtain substantial and sustained LUC ‐related GHG emission reductions in general.
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mitigation of unwanted direct and Indirect land use Change an integrated approach illustrated for palm oil pulpwood rubber and rice production in north and east kalimantan indonesia
Gcb Bioenergy, 2017Co-Authors: Carina Van Der Laan, Birka Wicke, P A Verweij, André FaaijAbstract:The widespread production of cash crops can result in the decline of forests, peatlands, rice fields and local community land. Such unwanted Land-Use and land-cover (LULC) Change can lead to decreased carbon stocks, diminished biodiversity, displaced communities and reduced local food production. In this study, we analysed to what extent four main commodities, namely, palm oil, pulpwood, rice and rubber, can be produced in North and East Kalimantan in Indonesia without such unwanted LULC Change. We investigated the technical potential of four measures to mitigate unwanted LULC Change between 2008 and 2020 under low, medium and high scenarios, referring to the intensities of the mitigation measures compared with those implemented in 2008. These measures are related to land sparing through (i) the improvements of yields, (ii) chain efficiencies, (iii) chain integration and (iv) the steering of any expansion of these commodities to suitable and available underutilised (potentially degraded) lands. Our analyses resulted in a land-sparing potential of 0.4–1.2 Mha (i.e. 24–62% of the total land demand of the commodities) between 2008 and 2020, depending on the Land-Use projection of the four commodities and the scenario for implementing the mitigation measures. Additional expansion on underutilised land is the most important mitigation measure (45–62% of the total potential), followed by yield improvements as the second most important mitigation measure (32–46% of the total potential). Our study shows that reconciling the production of palm oil, pulpwood, rice and rubber with the maintenance of existing agricultural lands, forests and peatlands is technically possible only (i) under a scenario of limited agricultural expansion, (ii) if responsible land zoning is applied and enforced and (iii) if the yields and chain efficiencies are strongly improved.
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from the global efforts on certification of bioenergy towards an integrated approach based on sustainable land use planning
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2010Co-Authors: J Van Dam, Martin Junginger, André FaaijAbstract:This paper presents an overview of 67 ongoing certification initiatives to safeguard the sustainability of bioenergy. Most recent initiatives are focused on the sustainability of liquid biofuels. Content-wise, most of these initiatives have mainly included environmental principles. Despite serious concerns in various parts of the world on the socio-economic impacts of bioenergy production, these are generally not included in existing bioenergy initiatives. At the same time, the overview shows a strong proliferation of standards. The overview shows that certification has the potential to influence direct, local impacts related to environmental and social effects of direct bioenergy production. Key recommendations to come to an efficient certification system include the need for further harmonization, availability of reliable data and linking indicators on a micro, meso and macro levels. Considering the multiple spatial scales, certification should be combined with additional measurements and tools on a regional, national and international level. The role of bioenergy production on Indirect land use Change (ILUC) is still very uncertain and current initiatives have rarely captured impacts from ILUC in their standards. Addressing unwanted LUC requires first of all sustainable land use production and good governance, regardless of the end-use of the product. It is therefore recommended to extend measures to mitigate impacts from LUC to other lands and feedstock.
Shabbir H Gheewala - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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life cycle assessment of palm biodiesel production in thailand impacts from modelling choices co product utilisation improvement technologies and land use Change
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2017Co-Authors: Trakarn Prapaspongsa, Charongpun Musikavong, Shabbir H GheewalaAbstract:Abstract The palm biodiesel industry has been promoted for climate Change mitigation, energy security and sustainability strategies worldwide. International debates on land use Change and unintended consequences from market-driven impacts of biofuel (i.e. biodiesel and bioethanol) production have highlighted the need for an assessment which considers multi-modelling approaches as well as up-to-date improvement technologies. This study assessed potential environmental life cycle consequences of palm-based biodiesel production in comparison with conventional diesel production. Impacts from modelling choices (consequential and attributional life cycle assessment), co-product utilisation during the palm oil milling and biodiesel conversion stages, recent improvement technologies for treating palm oil mill effluent and oil palm breeding, and direct and Indirect land use Change were assessed using fifteen scenarios. It was found that the different modelling choices as well as the inclusion of direct and Indirect land use Change highly affected environmental gains and losses compared with the conventional diesel system. The most important contributor to the environmental benefits was utilisation of co-products. When excluding the use phase (because its value did not vary across the different scenarios; except for climate Change), the most important contributor in environmental impacts for terrestrial acidification and marine eutrophication, was emissions from Indirect land use Change. Increased oil palm yields and improved palm oil mill effluent treatment technologies resulted in overall impact reduction; and should be promoted. Various co-product utilisation pathways have shown different impact reduction potentials. Co-products from palm oil mills should be fully utilised for electricity production, animal feed and oil substitution. Glycerol from biodiesel conversion was suggested to be used for animal nutrition. In conclusion, both modelling choices should be used for supporting policies in different contexts. Policy makers need to be aware of the differences in outcomes and risks of both modelling choices and later on select the specific approach which fits their specific decision context. Co-product utilisation should be optimised in order to increase the total impact reduction. Recommended co-product utilisation pathways, oil palm variety and wastewater treatment technologies can be used for further enhancing the sustainability of palm oil industry.
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risks of Indirect land use impacts and greenhouse gas consequences an assessment of thailand s bioethanol policy
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2016Co-Authors: Trakarn Prapaspongsa, Shabbir H GheewalaAbstract:Abstract This study aimed to assess Indirect land use Change (iLUC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) consequences of Thailand's bioethanol policy by using consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) and a systematic iLUC model based on global land market. The results indicated the risk that life cycle GHG emissions of cassava- and molasses-based bioethanol systems may outweigh those from their fossil fuel counterparts both with and without the iLUC effects. The iLUC emissions from bioethanol were around 39%–76% (±8–15%) of the gasoline GHG emission baseline. Inclusion of relevant suppliers for the use of fully utilised by-products which are renewable energy sources (i.e. molasses and bagasse) highly affected the GHG consequences. Various controlled conditions such as non-fully utilised molasses and bagasse potentially lead to significant GHG reductions. The additional molasses and bagasse production dedicated specifically for bioethanol production potentially contribute to substantial GHG reductions. Further studies are required to determine other environmental impacts from bioethanol and to consider other iLUC modelling choices and emerging research development.
Michael Ohare - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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carbon accounting and economic model uncertainty of emissions from biofuels induced land use Change
Environmental Science & Technology, 2015Co-Authors: Richard J. Plevin, Julie Witcover, Alla Golub, Jayson Beckman, Michael OhareAbstract:Few of the numerous published studies of the emissions from biofuels-induced “Indirect” land use Change (ILUC) attempt to propagate and quantify uncertainty, and those that have done so have restricted their analysis to a portion of the modeling systems used. In this study, we pair a global, computable general equilibrium model with a model of greenhouse gas emissions from Land-Use Change to quantify the parametric uncertainty in the paired modeling system’s estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from ILUC induced by expanded production of three biofuels. We find that for the three fuel systems examined—US corn ethanol, Brazilian sugar cane ethanol, and US soybean biodiesel—95% of the results occurred within ±20 g CO2e MJ–1 of the mean (coefficient of variation of 20–45%), with economic model parameters related to crop yield and the productivity of newly converted cropland (from forestry and pasture) contributing most of the variance in estimated ILUC emissions intensity. Although the experiments performed...
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accounting for Indirect land use Change in the life cycle assessment of biofuel supply chains
Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2012Co-Authors: Susan Tarka Sanchez, Michael Ohare, Jeremy Woods, Mark Akhurst, Matthew Brander, Terence P Dawson, Robert Edwards, Adam J Liska, Rick MalpasAbstract:The expansion of land used for crop production causes variable direct and Indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and other economic, social and environmental effects. We analyse the use of life cycle analysis (LCA) for estimating the carbon intensity of biofuel production from Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC). Two approaches are critiqued: direct, attributional life cycle analysis and consequential life cycle analysis (CLCA). A proposed hybrid ‘combined model’ of the two approaches for ILUC analysis relies on first defining the system boundary of the resulting full LCA. Choices are then made as to the modelling methodology (economic equilibrium or cause–effect), data inputs, land area analysis, carbon stock accounting and uncertainty analysis to be included. We conclude that CLCA is applicable for estimating the historic emissions from ILUC, although improvements to the hybrid approach proposed, coupled with regular updating, are required, and uncertainly values must be adequately represented; however, the scope and the depth of the expansion of the system boundaries required for CLCA remain controversial. In addition, robust prediction, monitoring and accounting frameworks for the dynamic and highly uncertain nature of future crop yields and the effectiveness of policies to reduce deforestation and encourage afforestation remain elusive. Finally, establishing compatible and comparable accounting frameworks for ILUC between the USA, the European Union, South East Asia, Africa, Brazil and other major biofuel trading blocs is urgently needed if substantial distortions between these markets, which would reduce its application in policy outcomes, are to be avoided.
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comment on Indirect land use Change for biofuels testing predictions and improving analytical methodologies by kim and dale statistical reliability and the definition of the Indirect land use Change iluc issue
Biomass & Bioenergy, 2011Co-Authors: Michael Ohare, Thomas W. Hertel, Daniel M. Kammen, Robert Edwards, Mark A Delucchi, Uwe R Fritsche, Holly K Gibbs, Jason Hill, David LabordeAbstract:Abstract "Indirect land use Change for biofuels: Testing predictions and improving analytical methodologies" by S. Kim and B. Dale [1] , presents a principal inference not supported by its results, that rests on a fundamental conceptual error, and that has no place in the current discussion of biofuels’ climate effects. The paper takes correlation between two variables in a system with many interacting factors to indicate (or contraindicate) causation, and draws a completely incorrect inference from observed sample statistics and their significance levels.
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greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels Indirect land use Change are uncertain but may be much greater than previously estimated
Environmental Science & Technology, 2010Co-Authors: Richard J. Plevin, Andrew D. Jones, Michael Ohare, Margaret S Torn, Holly K GibbsAbstract:The life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions induced by increased biofuel consumption are highly uncertain: individual estimates vary from each other and each has a wide intrinsic error band. Using a reduced-form model, we estimated that the bounding range for emissions from Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC) from US corn ethanol expansion was 10 to 340 g CO2 MJ−1. Considering various probability distributions to model parameters, the broadest 95% central interval, i.e., between the 2.5 and 97.5%ile values, ranged from 21 to 142 g CO2e MJ−1. ILUC emissions from US corn ethanol expansion thus range from small, but not negligible, to several times greater than the life cycle emissions of gasoline. The ILUC emissions estimates of 30 g CO2 MJ−1 for the California Air Resources Board and 34 g CO2e MJ−1 by USEPA (for 2022) are at the low end of the plausible range. The lack of data and understanding (epistemic uncertainty) prevents convergence of judgment on a central value for ILUC emissions. The complexity of t...
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greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels Indirect land use Change are uncertain but may be much greater than previously estimated
Environmental Science & Technology, 2010Co-Authors: Richard J. Plevin, Andrew D. Jones, Michael Ohare, Margaret S Torn, Holly K GibbsAbstract:The life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions induced by increased biofuel consumption are highly uncertain: individual estimates vary from each other and each has a wide intrinsic error band. Using a reduced-form model, we estimated that the bounding range for emissions from Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC) from US corn ethanol expansion was 10 to 340 g CO(2) MJ(-1). Considering various probability distributions to model parameters, the broadest 95% central interval, i.e., between the 2.5 and 97.5%ile values, ranged from 21 to 142 g CO(2)e MJ(-1). ILUC emissions from US corn ethanol expansion thus range from small, but not negligible, to several times greater than the life cycle emissions of gasoline. The ILUC emissions estimates of 30 g CO(2) MJ(-1) for the California Air Resources Board and 34 g CO(2)e MJ(-1) by USEPA (for 2022) are at the low end of the plausible range. The lack of data and understanding (epistemic uncertainty) prevents convergence of judgment on a central value for ILUC emissions. The complexity of the global system being modeled suggests that this range is unlikely to narrow substantially in the near future. Fuel policies that require narrow bounds around point estimates of life cycle GHG emissions are thus incompatible with current and anticipated modeling capabilities. Alternative policies that address the risks associated with uncertainty are more likely to achieve GHG reductions.
Thomas E. Mckone - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lifecycle greenhouse gas implications of us national scenarios for cellulosic ethanol production
Environmental Research Letters, 2012Co-Authors: Corinne D Scown, Bret Strogen, Agnes Lobscheid, Nicholas J Santero, Umakant Mishra, William W Nazaroff, Eric Masanet, Arpad Horvath, Thomas E. MckoneAbstract:The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 set an annual US national production goal of 39.7 billion l of cellulosic ethanol by 2020. This paper explores the possibility of meeting that target by growing and processing Miscanthus giganteus. We define and assess six production scenarios in which active cropland and/or Conservation Reserve Program land are used to grow to Miscanthus. The crop and biorefinery locations are chosen with consideration of economic, Land-Use, water management and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction objectives. Using lifecycle assessment, the net GHG footprint of each scenario is evaluated, providing insight into the climate costs and benefits associated with each scenario’s objectives. Assuming that Indirect Land-Use Change is successfully minimized or mitigated, the results suggest two major drivers for overall GHG impact of cellulosic ethanol from Miscanthus: (a) net soil carbon sequestration or emissions during Miscanthus cultivation and (b) GHG offset credits for electricity exported by biorefineries to the grid. Without these factors, the GHG intensity of bioethanol from Miscanthus is calculated to be 11‐13 g CO2-equivalent per MJ of fuel, which is 80‐90% lower than gasoline. Including soil carbon sequestration and the power-offset credit results in net GHG sequestration up to 26 g CO2-equivalent per MJ of fuel.
David Styles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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environmental performance comparison of bioplastics and petrochemical plastics a review of life cycle assessment lca methodological decisions
Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2021Co-Authors: George Bishop, David Styles, Piet N L LensAbstract:Abstract There is currently a shift from petrochemical to bio-based plastics (bioplastics). The application of comprehensive and appropriately designed LCA studies are imperative to provide clear evidence on the comparative sustainability of bioplastics. This review explores the growing collective of LCA studies that compare the environmental footprints of specific bioplastics against those of petrochemical plastics. 44 relevant studies published between 2011 and 2020 were reviewed to explore important methodological choices regarding impact category selection, inventory completeness (e.g. inclusion of additives), boundary definition (e.g. inclusion of Land-Use Change impacts), representation of biogenic carbon, choice of end-of-life scenarios, type of LCA, and the application of uncertainty analysis. Good practice examples facilitated identification of common gaps and weaknesses in LCA studies applied to benchmark bioplastics against petrochemical plastics. Many studies did not provide a holistic picture of the environmental impacts of bioplastic products, thereby potentially supporting misleading conclusions. For comprehensive evaluation of bioplastic sustainability, we recommend that LCA practitioners: embrace more detailed and transparent reporting of LCI data within plastic LCA studies; adopt a comprehensive impact assessment methodology pertaining to all priority environmental challenges; incorporate multiple plastic use cycles within functional unit definition and system boundaries where plastics can be recycled; include additives in life cycle inventories unless there is clear evidence that they contribute long-term carbon sinks; account for (Indirect) Land-Use Change arising from feedstock cultivation; prospectively consider realistic scenarios of deployment and end-of-life, preferably within a consequential LCA framework.
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climate regulation energy provisioning and water purification quantifying ecosystem service delivery of bioenergy willow grown on riparian buffer zones using life cycle assessment
AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 2016Co-Authors: David Styles, Pal Borjesson, Tina Dhertefeldt, Klaus Birkhofer, Jens Dauber, Paul Adams, Sopan Patil, Tim Pagella, Lars B Pettersson, Philip PeckAbstract:Whilst life cycle assessment (LCA) boundaries are expanded to account for negative Indirect consequences of bioenergy such as Indirect land use Change (ILUC), ecosystem services such as water purification sometimes delivered by perennial bioenergy crops are typically neglected in LCA studies. Consequential LCA was applied to evaluate the significance of nutrient interception and retention on the environmental balance of unfertilised energy willow planted on 50-m riparian buffer strips and drainage filtration zones in the Skane region of Sweden. Excluding possible ILUC effects and considering oil heat substitution, strategically planted filter willow can achieve net global warming potential (GWP) and eutrophication potential (EP) savings of up to 11.9 Mg CO2e and 47 kg PO4e ha−1 year−1, respectively, compared with a GWP saving of 14.8 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1 and an EP increase of 7 kg PO4e ha−1 year−1 for fertilised willow. Planting willow on appropriate buffer and filter zones throughout Skane could avoid 626 Mg year−1 PO4e nutrient loading to waters.
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Consequential life cycle assessment of biogas, biofuel and biomass energy options within an arable crop rotation
Gcb Bioenergy, 2015Co-Authors: David Styles, Jens Dauber, James Gibbons, A.p. Williams, Heinz Stichnothe, Barbara Urban, David R. Chadwick, Davey L. JonesAbstract:Feed in tariffs (FiTs) and renewable heat incentives (RHIs) are driving a rapid expansion in anaerobic digestion (AD) coupled with combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the UK. Farm models were combined with consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) to assess the net environmental balance of representative biogas, biofuel and biomass scenarios on a large arable farm, capturing crop rotation and digestate nutrient cycling effects. All bioenergy options led to avoided fossil resource depletion. Global warming potential (GWP) balances ranged from 1732 kg CO2 eM g 1 dry matter (DM) for pig slurry AD feedstock after accounting for avoided slurry storage to +2251 kg CO2 eM g 1 DM for oilseed rape biodiesel feedstock after attributing Indirect land use Change (iLUC) to displaced food production. Maize monoculture for AD led to net GWP increases via iLUC, but optimized integration of maize into an arable rotation resulted in negligible food crop displacement and iLUC. However, even under best-case assumptions such as full use of heat output from AD-CHP, crop–biogas achieved low GWP reductions per hectare compared with Miscanthus heating pellets under default estimates of iLUC. Ecosystem services (ES) assessment highlighted soil and water quality risks for maize cultivation. All bioenergy crop options led to net increases in eutrophication after displaced food production was accounted for. The environmental balance of AD is sensitive to design and management factors such as digestate storage and application techniques, which are not well regulated in the UK. Currently, FiT payments are not dependent on compliance with sustainability criteria. We conclude that CLCA and ES effects should be integrated into sustainability criteria for FiTs and RHIs, to direct public money towards resource-efficient renewable energy options that achieve genuine climate protection without degrading soil, air or water quality.
