Systems Modeling Approaches for Sustainable Material Development: Techno-Economic and Environmental Considerations

Developing sustainable materials requires a comprehensive understanding of the potential environmental, economic, and societal implications of different material, process, and design strategies. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) have been widely used to assess the potential environmental impacts and economic feasibility of various materials. However, applying LCA and TEA to new materials is challenging due to the lack of large-scale data and limited knowledge of systems effects. Furthermore, the impacts of biomass utilization on ecosystems depend on many complex spatial and temporal factors (e.g., land management, climate and soil conditions), most of which are difficult to be considered in LCA for early-stage material development.<br/><br/>This talk will present several innovative systems modeling frameworks that we have been developing to address this challenge. Our frameworks integrate engineering simulations with advanced modeling approaches in different disciplines, such as LCA, TEA, machine learning, supply chain analysis, ecosystem modeling, and system dynamics. In addition, our frameworks help understand the potential environmental or economic implications of new biomass-derived materials at product-, process-, and industry-wide scales. By the crucial integration of those modeling techniques from engineering, industrial ecology, and data science, our research has demonstrated how interdisciplinary approaches can support sustainable material development.<br/><br/>Several examples will be presented to show how these integrated systems analyses can enhance engineering, process, supply chain, and policy design for sustainable biomass-based materials. The examples will focus on wood-based materials, including mass timber for large-scale building applications, as well as materials derived from forest residues (a waste, under-utilized resource) as carbon-negative technologies. These case studies will highlight the potential of lignocellulosic materials in mitigating climate change and other environmental impacts such as eutrophication, and identify the main process-, supply-chain, and socioeconomic factors determining these potentials. In addition, the presentation will discuss how material manufacturing and land management can be optimized simultaneously for maximum environmental benefits.