New framework developed to allow rapid evaluation of decarbonization technologies towards net zero

A brand new novel high-level framework is about to enhance effectivity in life cycle evaluation. In a papershowing in Journal of Cleaner Manufacturingthe stakeholder-driven framework is utilized to an aviation case examine.

Standard Life Cycle Evaluation (LCA) strategies are capable of assess environmental impact utilizing important sources (together with time and information). Nevertheless, because of the challenges related to data collectionthese can nonetheless endure from points together with illustration accuracy, comparability, information availability, data qualityand uncertainty.

The brand new paper, “A brand new high-level Life Cycle Evaluation framework for evaluating environmental performance: An aviation case examine,” describes a brand new streamlined, high-level framework which seeks to unravel these points by means of rigorous and iterative software of current standardized LCA methodologies whereas regularly partaking with stakeholders.

This analysis has developed a novel high-level framework which improves effectivity in LCA on this regard. The proposed framework permits for environment friendly joint interpretation of outcomes by totally different stakeholders, enabling efficient strategic decision making with out requiring the granular degree of knowledge element demanded by typical LCA frameworks.

The paper is written by College of Sheffield researchers Jacob Whittle (EngD Researcher in Superior Metallic Techniques and Analysis Affiliate), Professor Lenny Koh (Director of the Superior Useful resource Effectivity Middle and Chair in Operations Administration), Katie Callander (Analyst on the AMRC and Analysis Affiliate) and Faizal Kachwala (Challenge Supply Supervisor at AMRC North West), in addition to BAE’s Internet Zero Expertise Lead, Michelle Akure.

On this paper, the brand new framework is utilized to an aviation case examine which seeks to research the potential environmental influence of implementing sustainable aviation gas, together with fuels based mostly on used cooking oil, energy to liquid expertise and hydrogen. It additionally seeks to research digitalization of coaching regimes inside a UK plane producer.

This analysis has proven that making use of the brand new framework permits for fast analysis of decarbonization applied sciences by means of rigorous environmental evaluation to a level of accuracy of which nonetheless permits strategic choice making, however with out the usage of pointless sources.

Whereas the framework has been developed to work throughout a spread of merchandise, platforms and programs, going ahead we are going to look to use it in several contexts as an LCA enabler inside technological developments.

This might embody exploration of different aviation decarbonization pathways to attain internet zero, says Professor Lenny Koh, principal investigator of the undertaking.