THE NEW ERA OF EUROPEAN BIOFUELS LANDSCAPE: COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCKS

摘要

This paper presents the development of a new conceptual framework and the application of an innovative socioenvironmental impact assessment tool of biomass to biofuels production pathways. The proposed sustainability assessment tool consists of one index (BSI), 3 vectors and 12 indicators. The resulting new sustainability index will be used to assess the environmental and social performance of feedstocks and feedstock mixes, as well as biomass supply chains up to the stage of biomass conversion to biofuels. An example of the application of this tool for the assessment of biofuel production options will be presented, using 2 lignocellulosic feedstocks: wheat bran and barley straw. This assessment will take place in the context of two scenarios: "Best practice" and "Maximum profit". Indicative results were obtained from the combination of a thorough literature review and previous work by our research group; European mean values and conditions have been considered.