Author | Hobson, P |
Date Accessioned | 2018-03-05 |
Date Available | 2018-03-05 |
Issued | 2009 |
Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/11079/16999 |
Abstract | New policies and market drivers are currently being implemented to stimulate additional
investment in technologies and energy sources which result in reduced greenhouse gas
emissions. In addition there is a rising demand from stakeholders and customers for
information about the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of products (carbon footprint). |
Abstract | A spreadsheet based template for the accurate and consistent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
of sugarcane growing, milling, refining and distilling operations has been developed. The
template performs material and energy balance calculations to produce data that can be used
to conduct a full carbon footprint using commercially available LCA software. The tool
enables a rapid and relatively low cost LCA evaluation of multiple scenarios relating to
farming, harvest and transport practice, factory configuration, co-process integration
strategies and the impact of extraneous fuels on the embodied emissions of cane products. |
Abstract | By way of demonstration, the model has been applied to two regional case studies. Carbon
footprints were generated for products from two mills in the Burdekin and Mackay regions
selected to represent significantly contrasting scenarios. In terms of farming and harvesting
operations the majority of cane (91% for the mill considered) in Mackay is harvested green;
in the Burdekin the majority of cane (100% for the mill considered) is burnt prior to
harvest. On the processing side the Mackay case study considers a high degree of product
diversification and process integration; the Burdekin case is focussed on maximising
renewable power export. These case studies reinforced the importance of regional
differences in farming operations as being the primary influencing factor in all food and
energy related products. The case studies also provided quantitative evidence for the
Greenhouse Warming Potential (GWP) benefits of replacing coal with surplus bagasse
from surrounding mills for the provision of supplementary fuel. |
Abstract | The customised LCA software provides the processing sector with a powerful tool for and
reduces the cost associated with quantifying the GWP associated with raw and refined
sugar, molasses, electricity and ethanol. |
Language | en |
Publisher | Sugar Research Australia Limited |
Part of Series | Revised final report; 2009/027; QUT027 |
Title | Opportunities for the Australian sugar industry in greenhouse gas abatement and carbon trading : final report QUT027 |