A simplified methodology for estimating the Carbon Footprint of heat generation by forest woodchips as a support tool for sustainability assessment in decision-making

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cesys.2023.100126
• Publication Date: 2023-05-31T06:26:39Z
• Authors: Flavio Scrucca; Grazia Barberio; Laura Cutaia; Caterina Rinaldi
• Keywords: Woodchips; Carbon Footprint

Energy production from biomass is very strategic for the achievement of global sustainability goals and use biofuels decentralized energy in medium-small size plants, which conforms to fossil GHG reduction targets, expected increase short-medium term. This paper proposes a simplified methodology estimating Carbon Footprint associated with heat generation by forest woodchips. The includes all relevant life cycle phases based on specific fuel plant characteristics, so it can effectively support assessment decision-making regarding projects through proper estimates. application showed results range about 6–12 gCO2eq/MJ, depending case study that agree impact values observed previous literature. basic idea woodchips particularly sustainable within "local" wood-energy supply chain (short transport distance) was confirmed. Furthermore, allowed estimate indicative transportation distances be considered environmentally competitive compared alternative renewable sources such as, instance, wood pellets.