178 Introduction to Renewable Biomaterials
some primary data, assumptions, and default data in FICAT, a carbon footprint of
paper and wood products can be calculated relativity simply compared to modeling the
same system in many other LCA software packages. The FICAT model is also useful
when to calculate direct land-use change, carbon in products, energy emissions, other
aspects of LCA pertaining to forest-based products. Emission factors, LUC results, and
other aspect can be calculated using FICAT then used in other software or for other
aspects of analysis outside of the software. Utilizing this tool specifically designed for
forest-based products can reduce the effort required to do an LCA; however, the results
are limited to GHG emissions, which may not be sufficient in all studies.
5.4.2 GREET Model
The Greenhouse Gases, Regulated
Emissions, and Energy Use in Trans-
portation (GREET) model created
by Argonne National Laboratory is
atoolusedtocalculatetheenvi-
ronmental parameters surrounding
transportation fuels. There is an online version that is relatively simple to use as well as
a more transparent Microsoft Excel-based model that has all the background data and
calculations. This model useful not only for determining the environmental impacts of
bio-fuels but also can be used in part for LCAs of other bio-based products. Many of
the bio-fuel unit processes (e.g., feedstock handling, pretreatment, and hydrolysis) are
common to other products besides bio-fuels, and the data in the Excel-based model
can be useful to those studies as well. The documentation for this model is robust
and provides in detail the methods used to perform the analysis. It is suggested that
the readers explore this free model and read the documentation as it will develop
understanding and skills surrounding bio-fuels LCA.
References
Bare, J., Gloria, T., and Norris, G. (2006). Development of the method and U.S.
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sustainable products.JohnWiley&Sons.
Daystar, J., Venditti, R., and Kelley, S. S. (2016). Dynamic greenhouse gas accounting for
cellulosic biofuels: implications of time based methodology decisions.The International
Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 1–15.
Gloria, T. P., Lippiatt, B. C., and Cooper, J. (2007). Life cycle impact assessment weights to
support environmentally preferable purchasing in the United States.Environmental
Science & Technology, 41 (21), 7551–7557.
Goedkoop, M., and Spriensma, R. (2001). The Eco-indicator99: A Damage Oriented
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