Title:
Impact of LCA Methodological Choices on Biodiesel Sustainability Classification: A Review
Author(s):
Rodrigues, M.C., Silveira, E.A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The growing demand for renewable energy sources is encouraging the use of biofuels, repositioning Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a tool for defining sustainability. However, the classification of inputs as waste or co-product, as well as the decision to allocate environmental impacts or not, remains a controversial issue. This article presents a systematic review of published LCAs on biodiesel production from beef tallow and investigates how different methodological choices influence the sustainability classification of this biofuel. The study reveals that the classification of the input as either waste or co-product and the definition of system boundaries are often poorly justified, with significant effects on the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with biodiesel production. Additionally, the article discusses the relevance of beef tallow as a low-cost feedstock and its energy and environmental advantages. The inclusion of impacts related to land use and local production conditions is also observed.
Keywords:
biodiesel, sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA), beef tallow, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.3.24
Pages:
330 - 338
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.3.24
Price:
FREE
