(542d) Life Cycle Assessment Integrated with Process Development for a Sustainable Biorefinery

Biofuels are part of a growing number of product and technology opportunities within the DuPont Applied BioSciencesTM Business. Cellulosic ethanol is one potential biofuel which provides a sustainable solution to the nation's growing concerns around energy supply and climate change. DuPont is leading the way towards demonstrating the feasibility of a cellulosic ethanol concept. DuPont received matching funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Integrated Corn-Based Bio-Refinery (ICBR) program in collaboration with Diversa Corporation, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Michigan State University (MSU), and Deere & Company. DuPont scientists and engineers are committed to making advanced biofuels and energy-efficient biofuel processes a reality.

The ICBR program demonstrates how the early integration of sustainability analysis into the creative process of technology development enables a holistic approach to research guidance, where economic and environmental metrics are used alongside product performance standards to define and monitor success. Life Cycle Analysis, as a tool to evaluate the environmental profile of the ICBR value chain, has played a critical role in research guidance within the ICBR program as well as in science-based communications with external stakeholders.