Mycelium composites is a new class of renewable materials which can be used for heat insulation of buildings. Use of the composites would help to reduce both operational energy consumption and embodied energy of building insulation materials. In addition, use of the renewable composites could also reduce embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the insulation materials. Local production and use of the composites could stimulate residential building insulation process via additional socio-economic benefits, such as positive impact on local economy, created workplaces and reduced import. The research question of this study is to determine a difference between embodied energy and GHG emissions of the mycelium insulation material and synthetic insulation alternatives. System dynamics model is used as the method for assessment of the dynamics of the total embodied energy and GHG emissions if equal amounts of the insulation materials is produced. Time horizon for the modeling is 2021–2050. Data used in the model were taken from scientific publications and laboratory experiments with growth process and properties of the mycelium composites. The model includes several feedback effects, e.g., effect of research and development on efficiency and productivity of the mycelium production process. The results show that embodied energy of the mycelium insulation material is higher than for the synthetic alternatives but the embodied GHG emissions are considerably lower than for the alternatives. The embodied GHG emissions are even lower if the absorption of CO2 of renewable materials used for the production of the mycelium composites is included.

The electricity used for charging electric vehicles (EV) must be produced from renewable energy sources to make EV carbon neutral. Solar PV panels installed at fuel stations can provide a noticeable fraction of charging electricity for EV also in countries located in the Northern region. The study aims to assess the potential dynamics of that fraction given a certain growth rate of the number of EV. System dynamics modelling is used as the method and Latvia is chosen as the case. The model contains parts for the calculation of the number of EV, dynamics of charging units and PV panels at fuel stations as well as in other places, the share of PV-produced power, and the resulting reduction of CO2 emissions. Economic factors, i.e. subsidies for EV purchase, investments, and costs of charging are considered in the model. Assessment is based on sensitivity analysis. Results show that the subsidies for the purchase of EV and the price of new EV play a decisive role in the growth rate of EV and the resulting reduction of CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles.

Many authors have discussed the paradigm shift in economy from linear to circular. Population growth and climate change caused resource scarcity are the main driving forces of shifting to circularity approach. Although consumers have been slower regarding transitioning to more sustainable economy, production companies are the ones who have felt the scarcity of resources first. In this paper we are exploring cross-laminated timber (CLT) production residue utilization possibilities for new product production and using multi-criteria analysis calculating the most promising recycling alternative from the perspective of companies working with wood as raw material. Data matrix for multi-criteria analysis was constructed from literature analysis gathering data on five criteria: (1) production costs; (2) energy consumption; (3) CO2 emissions; (4) product market price and (5) final product to wood residues ratio. Multi-criteria analysis showed that production of mycelium insulation material is the most promising alternative for CLT production residue recycling.

The future of sustainable development is the bioeconomy with both global and local renewable energy solutions. The updated Bioeconomy Strategy and the Green Deal serves as prove of European Commission commitment for transformation towards a sustainable and climate-neutral European Union. This process is characterized with an enormous complexity and should be studied thoroughly for designing transition pathways. Scientifically sound methods can support policymaking in dealing with uncertainty and complexity taking place within definition of transition pathways. This article reviews the existing bioeconomy development models, and presents a novel model, which focus on agriculture – one of the main directions of the national economy. The concept of model is tested within a case study of crop production sector in Latvia. The results of case study show economically viable scenario for added value target set for 2030. In the crop sector, the baseline scenario and three alternative scenarios were analysed. The highest added value and the most advantageous alternative scenario is for fibre powder produced from cereal bran (in the bioeconomy sector, food provides the highest added value).