Application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to the estimation of environmental impact of the engine biofuels generation for example of biogas fuel

The “Life Cycle Assessment” (LCA) is a process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity by identifying and quantifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment, and to assess the impact of those energy and materials used and releases to the environment. The assessment includes the entire life cycle of the product, process or activity, encompassing: extracting and processing raw materials; manufacturing, transportation and distribution; use, re-use, maintenance; recycling and final disposal. The LCA orients the assessment of environmental impact of a product system to the areas of ecosystem, human health and resources used. In the light of the obligations imposed by the European Union on its member states regarding the minimisation of environmental impact of the fuel industry, the LCA method helps to meet these requirements and is a useful tool to fulfil such obligations. It covers the whole life cycle of a fuel, from the raw material extraction, through the fuel production and use, to the procedures of management of the fuels that do not meet the applicable standard requirements. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method has been described as one of the methods that make it possible to estimate the environmental impact of the process of manufacturing biogas as a fuel intended for internal combustion (IC) engines. Individual stages of the LCA process as well as the assessment preparation principles and requirements are governed by the ISO 14000 series of standards (from 14040 to 14049) and the corresponding Polish equivalents.