Environmental study of the sugarcane Value Chain in the province of Tucumán (Argentina) considering different technology levels

NISHIHARA HUN, ANDREA L.; MELE, FERNANDO DANIEL; PÉREZ, GONZALO ANTONIO

Lima

Conferencia; Sixth International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment (CILCA 2015); 2015

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Purpose. The purpose of this work is to quantify the environmental impact of the sugarcane industry in Tucumán (Argentina) through the Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA). The distinctive feature is the consideration of different technology levels (TL) in the agricultural stage: high, medium and low. Methods. The scope of the study covers the agricultural and industrial stages through a ?from cradle to gate? approach (from sugar cane cultivation until production of finished products: sugar and alcohol).Data used for the inventory are mainly provided by local experts, sugarcane growers and processing companies. For the impact assessment, the CML-2001 model is used. Results and discussion. There is a positive environmental impact related to global warming coming from the CO2 consumption during photosynthesis. In most categories, the TL ?high? has less impact values than the others do. However, in few categories the level ?low? has some advantages. This behaviour is analysed in the article. Conclusions. This study explores the implications of using different TL in agricultural tasks. The increase in the degree of mechanization of farming results in a reduced environmental impact in most categories.