Comparison of allocation approaches in soybean biodiesel life cycle assessment

Authors: Morais, S; Martins, A A; Mata, T M

Source: Journal of the Energy Institute, Volume 83, Number 1, March 2010 , pp. 48-55(8)

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Abstract:

This work shows the influence of using different allocation approaches when modelling the inventory analysis in a soybean biodiesel life cycle assessment (LCA). Results obtained using mass, energy and economic based allocations are compared, focusing on the following aspects: normalised potential environmental impact (PEI) categories, total PEI and relative contributions to the total PEI from each life cycle stage and environmental impact category. Similar results are obtained either using economic and energy based allocations. However, different results are obtained when mass based allocation is used when compared with the other two. This study also illustrates that using different allocation approaches in biodiesel LCA may influence the final conclusions, especially in comparative assertions, emphasising the need to perform a sensitivity analysis in the LCA interpretation step.

Keywords: Life cycle assessment; Allocation approaches; Energy based allocation; Mass based allocation; Economic based allocation; Soybean biodiesel

Document Type: Original Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/014426010X12592427712073

Publication date: 2010-03-01

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