Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique developed to measure two possible environmental impacts caused as a result of the manufacturing and use of a certain product. Among the main environmental impacts measured are climatic changes, resulting from the emissions of greenhouse gases (SGE). Once the data relating to the extraction and use of raw materials have been raised and used, passing through production and distribution to consumption and final disposal, we can also consider recycling and reuse – in this way, analyzing the entire life cycle of the product. Ultimately, it is possible to understand the amount of CO₂ equivalent emitted per unit of product (kg, MWh generated, MJ, etc.).
Raízen annually carries out LCA of its main products (sugar, 1G and 2G ethanol, cogeneration, pellets and biogas). To guarantee adequate measurement and management of GEE emissions that occur during the production process, the LCA studies that we carry out independently use a “free-port” approach, which accounts for all emissions involved in the production process at that time. “portão” of our power plants, according to the flowchart:
* “Cradle-to-gate” approach: All GHG emissions are considered up to the plant gate. In other words, until the production of products, not taking into account emissions from transport and use, which varies significantly between consumption destinations.
** It is important to mention that the annual ACV analysis of our renewable products always undergoes an external and independent audit.
