Overview
Production of biofuels and biochemicals from poplar trees must be environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable from start to finish. The AHB Sustainability team assessed impacts on the carbon cycle, wildlife, soil, water, and people. The team also compared climate and greenhouse gas impacts between poplar-based and petroleum-based fuels and biochemicals.
Task
Complete a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of poplar-derived jet fuels. Monitor the demonstration sites for changes in soil, water, and wildlife. Identify optimal locations for poplar bioenergy farms and biorefineries.
Research Outcomes
Environmental:
- Tested soil/water quality of poplar farms.
- Compared bird and mammal species and abundance in poplar plantations to that in nearby wheat fields.
Economic:
- Evaluated the economics of the entire value chain from growing the biomass to the production and end-use of bioproducts.
- Geospatial models were coupled with techno-economic models to determine where biorefineries could be located.
- Evaluated willingness to pay for cellulosic biofuels.
Social:
- Conducted interviews and focus groups with poplar agricultural workers and crew leaders.
- Conducted focus groups in communities across the PNW.
- Surveyed landowners in Washington state.
- Surveyed environmental and Extension professionals.
- Surveyed policy makers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
- Investigated feasibility of poplar-based industry in southwest Washington from the perspective of local stakeholders.
Go here for peer-reviewed publications by the Sustainability Team.
