Abstract
A transition to a bio-based economy is important to reach sustainability, energy independence and the development of competitive, innovative bio-based products. Sweden, with large biomass reserves, innovative markets, technical know-how and internationally recognized researchers in the biomass field, is a key player to lead this development. However, a comprehensive review of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the systems is required to understand the impacts and issues, beyond energy resources and climate change, along the product life cycle. Life cycle sustainability assessments (LCSA) provide such a comprehensive assessment by combining life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing and social LCA. The project will review the extent to which current biomass value chain research between the years 2000-2015 takes into account LCSA indicators. The results of a systematic literature review will be compiled in a meta-matrix and analyzed to illustrate the salient sustainability indicators and methodological considerations used in previous assessments. Thereafter, the strengths and limitations of these assessments will be outlined. This will provide a basis for recommendations on how to improve the sustainability assessments of biomass value chains. Results will thus be important for researchers, but also relevant to assist biomass actors, policy makers and consumers to make sound decisions to support future biomass value chains.
Sweden