Revista de Artes e Ciências Sociais

Comparison of Two Biomass−to−Electricity Systems′ Social Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

Mario Gamba

Numerous decarbonization initiatives that aim to lessen the immediate and long-term effects of climate change depend heavily on biomass. Decision-makers must take into account all potential sustainability consequences of bioenergy systems when making decisions in this context. The present work uses the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology to compare the social performance of two biomass-to-electricity systems located in Portugal that use either fluidized-bed or grate furnace technology, in particular because studies addressing the social sustainability of bioelectricity are lacking. S-LCA uses a thorough methodology for the analysis and interpretation of social data. Child labour, forced labour, the gender wage gap, the proportion of women in different occupational groups, health care costs, and the contribution to economic development were the six social indicators that were benchmarked.