Integrative Life Cycle Modeling for Sustainable Design of Biomass-Residue-Based Materials

The use of residue biomass, such as forest and agricultural residues, for producing value-added materials and products is garnering increasing interest. Traditional practices like prescribed burning or leaving residues in the field contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. However, converting this waste biomass into bio-based materials is not always environmentally sustainable or cost-effective. To design climate-beneficial and cost-competitive materials from residue biomass, a comprehensive assessment across the material's life cycle is essential.<br/><br/>Systems analysis tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) are widely used to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of biomass-derived materials. However, previous studies have predominantly focused on engineering systems without adequately considering ecosystem dynamics, which are influenced by complex spatial and temporal factors (e.g., land management, climate, and soil conditions) and significantly impact the overall environmental and economic costs of these materials. Conducting LCA and TEA is also challenging for early-stage material development due to the lack of large-scale operational data and limited knowledge of system-wide effects.<br/><br/>This presentation will introduce several life cycle modeling frameworks designed to address the challenges of assessing biomass-based materials. Our framework couples LCA and TEA with advanced modeling techniques such as ecosystem modeling, system dynamics, supply chain analysis, and geospatial analysis. This talk will present examples demonstrating how these integrated systems analyses can enhance engineering, process, supply chain, and policy design for sustainable biomass-based materials. Specifically, we will highlight products derived from wood residues, such as bioenergy and biochar (a carbon-negative technology). We will discuss the potential of lignocellulosic materials in mitigating climate change and identify key processes, supply chains, and socioeconomic factors that influence these potentials. Additionally, the presentation will explore strategies for the sustainable co-design of material manufacturing, supply chains, and land management.