Contribution of Biomass Supply Chains for Bioenergy to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This work evaluates the relationships between bioenergy and related biomass supply chains and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using Nilsson et al. (2016) seven-point scoring framework, the relationships between biomass supply for bioenergy and the SDGs were evaluated based on existing synthesis papers, modeling studies and empirical analyses, and expert knowledge. To complement this, contributions to SDG targets of 37 best practice case studies from around the world were documented. In reviewing these case studies, it was found that when supply chains are implemented appropriately and integrated with existing systems, they can have overwhelmingly positive contributions. Beyond directly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), at least half of all case studies supported progress toward SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption); however, the ways in which supply chains contributed often differed. Agricultural biomass supply chains (energy crops and residues) were most likely to contribute to SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while waste and forest supply chains were most likely to contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land). The development of bioenergy systems in rural and indigenous communities also indirectly supports societal SDGs such as SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Inequality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This work informs how SDGs can be used as a normative framework to guide the implementation of sustainable biomass supply chains, whether it is used for bioenergy or the broader bioeconomy. Recommendations for key stakeholders and topics for future work are also proposed.

SDG-Oriented Supply Chains: Business Practices for Procurement and Distribution

“…From these statistics, a clearer understanding of the state of the art of actual sustainable practices implementable within SCs to support SDGs is provided. This result represents an original point of view differentiated from other scientific contributions focused on either specific case studies/industries [30,31] or a limited number of SDGs [32].…”

The Contributions of Biomass Supply for Bioenergy in the Post-COVID-19 Recovery

“…The absolute size of "small-scale" and "local" will be determined by the context where the investment in BSCh occurs, and will significantly differ between small countries (e.g., Croatia) and large countries (e.g., Canada). In addition, BSChs will face different ecological boundaries that also have to be placed in the broader context when considering such investments [19].…”

“…Based on the SWOT framework, different strategy scenarios were formulated, forecasting the aspirational contributions of BSChs for bioenergy in the broader bioeconomy. Biomass supply is very related to the context from where it occurs, subject to the sustainability constraints that vary from location to location [19]. The context of biomass origin and supply de-attached the biomass source in Delphi.…”

“…It concluded that spending on biofuels had the highest multipliers of investments in the energy sector because of the labor intensity of harvesting and processing feedstocks [18]. Fuel supply distinguishes bioenergy from fuel-less renewable energy sources where the supply allows for more opportunities for interactions with sustainability aspects along the biomass supply chain and not only at the end-use as a renewable energy source [19]. Biomass supply, whether it is used for bioenergy or the broader bioeconomy, has the potential to help drive economic growth, jobs and resilience of an economy, particularly if the cross-sectoral framework is set to maximize the desired and discourage the unintended behavior [20,21].…”

Land for biomass?

“…By reducing GHG emissions, bioenergy can contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and clean energy) and 13 (Climate action) 460 . Although bioenergy aims to reduce emissions, it does not always lead to emission reductions 461 .…”