Review of Life-Cycle Based Tools Used to Assess the Environmental Sustainability of Biofuels in the United States.

摘要

This report explores how a systems thinking approach, such as LCA, can help decision-makers view the potential 'cradle-to-grave' environmental impacts of various types of biofuels and, thereby, choose the most favorable options that will keep us on the path toward sustainability. Ten tools that incorporate a life cycle perspective to evaluate biofuels were studied and compared: Carbon Management, Ecological Footprint, Exergy Analysis, Fuel Cycle Analysis, Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Risk Assessment, Material Flow Analysis, Net Energy Balance, and Sustainability Indicators. Discussion on data and information needs is also provided.