Biofuels carbon footprints: Whole-systems optimisation for GHG emissions reduction

A modelling approach for strategic design of ethanol production systems combining lifecycle analysis (LCA) and supply chain optimisation (SCO) can significantly contribute to assess their economic and environmental sustainability and to guide decision makers towards a more conscious implementation of ad hoc farming and processing practices. Most models applications so far have been descriptive in nature; the model proposed in this work is “normative” in that it aims to guide actions towards optimal outcomes (e.g. optimising the nitrogen balance through the whole supply chain). The modelling framework was conceived to steer strategic policies through a geographically specific design process considering economic and environmental criteria. Results shows how a crop management strategy devised from a whole systems perspective can significantly contribute to mitigate global warming even in first generation technologies.

► A whole-systems design approach for ethanol production systems combining lifecycle analysis (LCA) and supply chain optimisation is presented.
► The modelling framework optimises the nitrogen balance through the whole supply chain.
► The approach is applied to first generation wheat-based ethanol production systems.
► Results shows how a crop management strategy devised from a whole systems perspective can significantly contribute to mitigate global warming.