Evaluation of wood cascading

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of utilization of wood in cascades, that is, for multiple successive material applications followed by a final incineration for energy production. Cascading is widely mentioned as a measure to tackle possible resource shortages due to increasing resource utilization. To evaluate this concept, a case study comparing the cascading use of one metric ton of recovered wood to direct incineration of this resource by applying environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) is presented. To enable a comparison of the two options, a system expansion approach based on both primary wood products and fossil products is carried out. Additionally highlighted aspects of LCA in this chapter are carbon storage in wood products and the consideration of time in LCA. In the majority of the considered impact categories and variants, cascading proved to be the more environmental-friendly alternative. Yet, especially the efficiency of the recovery of wood between the different steps of the cascade influences the performance of the cascading system, thereby demonstrating the importance of improving process efficiency as well when handling renewable resources such as wood.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainability Assessment of Renewables-Based Products
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Case Studies
Publisherwiley
Pages335-346
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781118933916
ISBN (Print)9781118933947
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • Life cycle assessment
  • Particleboard
  • Recovered wood
  • Resource cascading
  • Resource efficiency
  • Substitution
  • System expansion
  • Waste wood

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