Evaluating life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from alternative forest residue utilization: Energy and product pathways

Abstract

This study quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission profiles of various forest residue utilization alternatives through a cradle-to-grave Life cycle assessment (LCA). Unlike previous studies which were limited in scope, focusing mainly on energy use of residues, there is need for comparative assessments of different alternatives with wider scope. This study compares cradle-to-grave GHG emissions associated with utilizing forest residues for six energy and non-energy applications: electricity, briquettes, sustainable aviation fuel, particleboard, biochar, and mulch. These options of utilizing forest residues were selected based on one or more of the following reasons: easier to implement technologies, processing near the forest, longer-term carbon storage potential, higher economic value, and higher avoided emissions benefit from substitution. The findings suggest that five out of six alternative forest residue utilizations have a lower global warming impact than the given amount of residue burned in piles (from 15 % less for sustainable aviation fuel to 345 % less for biochar). The findings provide critical insights for decision making on forest residues management, fostering a diversified market for forest residue as well as reducing wildfire risk, and maximizing GHG emissions mitigation potential of forests beyond current conditions.

Citation

Khatri, Poonam; Bergman, Richard; Nepal, Prakash; Nicholls, David; Gray, Andrew. 2025. Evaluating life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from alternative forest residue utilization: Energy and product pathways. Biomass and Bioenergy. 201: 108059. 10 p. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108059.