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Prof. Dr. Heather L MacLean
Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Sustainable Infrastructure
0 Sustainable and Resilient cities
0 Life cycle assessment and techno-economic methods incorporating uncertainty
0 Bioenergy systems including biobased electricity and liquid fuels (ethanol, hydrogen, and aviation fuels)
0 Conventional and alternative light-duty and medium-duty vehicles

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Life cycle assessment and techno-economic methods incorporating uncertainty

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Journal article
Published: 19 December 2020 in Cities
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Addressing the “slum challenge” is essential for urban sustainability and the capacity of cities to provide a minimum quality of life to their residents. To present policy-makers with data to inform strategies to improve the lives of marginalized urban residents, this paper reviews quantitative indicators on slum infrastructure, and demonstrates analyses they can facilitate. First, we review 122 studies on slum infrastructure and report frequently assessed quantitative indicators; access to municipal services is among the most prevalent appearing in 25%–50% of the studies. We then assess how these indicators can increase our understanding of slum settlements, analysing access to services in slums vs the remaining urban population for a subset of cities (Sao Paulo, Rio, Lima, Johannesburg, Mumbai, and Hyderabad). Significant gaps exist between the communities, especially when per capita indicators are compared. Finally, we analyse how these indicators can be used to scope the challenges of achieving universal access to basic services (e.g. water, electricity, and water collection) by 2030. The results show that large infrastructure investments or conservation efforts are needed, especially for solid waste collection and water provision in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Additional work is needed to address data gaps to enable informed policy-making.

ACS Style

Tatiana C.G. Trindade; Heather L. MacLean; I. Daniel Posen. Slum infrastructure: Quantitative measures and scenarios for universal access to basic services in 2030. Cities 2020, 110, 103050 .

AMA Style

Tatiana C.G. Trindade, Heather L. MacLean, I. Daniel Posen. Slum infrastructure: Quantitative measures and scenarios for universal access to basic services in 2030. Cities. 2020; 110 ():103050.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatiana C.G. Trindade; Heather L. MacLean; I. Daniel Posen. 2020. "Slum infrastructure: Quantitative measures and scenarios for universal access to basic services in 2030." Cities 110, no. : 103050.

Journal article
Published: 22 August 2020 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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The refurbished Don Valley Brick Works’ Kiln Building, in Toronto, Canada, now the TD Future Cities Centre, is designed to have net zero carbon emissions. This is to be achieved through the reuse of existing materials and structures, selection of lower-carbon materials purchased from local sources, installation of renewable energy systems, natural lighting and improved thermal insulation of the building’s envelope, as well as developing a carbon offset strategy. The heritage designation of the building imposed restrictions on the design of the project (e.g., preventing insulation of exterior walls). In collaboration with the owner and constructor, the project team completed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) consisting of an assessment of embodied emissions of the building’s restoration from cradle to grave, accompanied by a scoping estimate of greenhouse gas emissions associated with its future operational energy use. Primary construction data for the newly-added materials, transport, and construction activities were used. Life cycle inventory analysis and impact assessment were implemented in the One Click LCA software. Use phase carbon intensity was estimated using design and literature data. In addition to the ‘core and shell’ LCA scope typically applied to buildings, the team also tracked materials and processes that are often not included in building LCA studies such as HVAC, plumbing, and renewable energy systems. Embodied carbon for the restoration project, assuming a 60-year lifetime, is calculated as 1,250 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). Sixty-nine percent of the carbon comes from the materials (extraction to manufacturing) used in construction, 20% is due to replacement of materials during the building’s service life, and most of the remaining 11% is from on-site construction energy (5%) and waste disposal at end-of-life (4%). The main building elements contributing to the embodied carbon are the renewable energy systems (31%) and the raised concrete floor (26%). Building envelope and foundation play minor roles, as they are mostly pre-existing. The embodied carbon added to the building through the restoration project is forecast to be balanced by savings in operational energy related to heating, cooling and lighting, within 3 to 13 years, depending on whether natural gas or electricity use are avoided, respectively. Uncertainties in the analysis arise from partial or missing data, modeling assumptions and future scenario unknowns. The model is sensitive to the usable lifetime of the building, local or non-local sourcing of building materials, modeling of certain components used in large quantities, and changes in the recycled content of steel. This study of a net zero carbon refurbishment project of a heritage building provides insights for assessments of future projects as such refurbishments become more commonplace. The methods and recommendations regarding data sources, data collection, and approach to uncertainty evaluation will be useful for LCA of any construction project.

ACS Style

Tamar Opher; Mel Duhamel; I. Daniel Posen; Daman K. Panesar; Rashad Brugmann; Adrien Roy; Ryan Zizzo; Larissa Sequeira; Alireza Anvari; Heather L. MacLean. Life cycle GHG assessment of a building restoration: Case study of a heritage industrial building in Toronto, Canada. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 279, 123819 .

AMA Style

Tamar Opher, Mel Duhamel, I. Daniel Posen, Daman K. Panesar, Rashad Brugmann, Adrien Roy, Ryan Zizzo, Larissa Sequeira, Alireza Anvari, Heather L. MacLean. Life cycle GHG assessment of a building restoration: Case study of a heritage industrial building in Toronto, Canada. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 279 ():123819.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tamar Opher; Mel Duhamel; I. Daniel Posen; Daman K. Panesar; Rashad Brugmann; Adrien Roy; Ryan Zizzo; Larissa Sequeira; Alireza Anvari; Heather L. MacLean. 2020. "Life cycle GHG assessment of a building restoration: Case study of a heritage industrial building in Toronto, Canada." Journal of Cleaner Production 279, no. : 123819.

Chapter
Published: 09 August 2019 in Blue Biotechnology
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A key motivation behind the development and adoption of industrial biotechnology is the reduction of negative environmental impacts. However, accurately assessing these impacts remains a formidable task. Environmental impacts of industrial biotechnology may be significant across a number of categories that include, but may not be limited to, nonrenewable resource depletion, water withdrawals and consumption, climate change, and natural land transformation/occupation. In this chapter, we highlight some key environmental issues across two broad areas: (a) processes that use biobased feedstocks and (b) industrial activity that is supported by biological processes. We also address further issues in accounting for related environmental impacts such as geographic and temporal scope, co-product management, and uncertainty and variability in impacts. Case studies relating to (a) lignocellulosic ethanol, (b) biobased plastics, and (c) enzyme use in the detergent industry are then presented, which illustrate more specific applications. Finally, emerging trends in the area of environmental impacts of biotechnology are discussed.

ACS Style

Aranya Venkatesh; I. Daniel Posen; Heather L. MacLean; Pei Lin Chu; W. Michael Griffin; Bradley A. Saville. Environmental Aspects of Biotechnology. Blue Biotechnology 2019, 77 -119.

AMA Style

Aranya Venkatesh, I. Daniel Posen, Heather L. MacLean, Pei Lin Chu, W. Michael Griffin, Bradley A. Saville. Environmental Aspects of Biotechnology. Blue Biotechnology. 2019; ():77-119.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aranya Venkatesh; I. Daniel Posen; Heather L. MacLean; Pei Lin Chu; W. Michael Griffin; Bradley A. Saville. 2019. "Environmental Aspects of Biotechnology." Blue Biotechnology , no. : 77-119.

Journal article
Published: 13 February 2018 in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
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Vehicle lightweighting reduces fuel cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but may increase vehicle cycle (production) GHG emissions because of the GHG intensity of lightweight material production. Life cycle GHG emissions are estimated and sensitivity and Monte Carlo analyses conducted to systematically examine the variables that affect the impact of lightweighting on life cycle GHG emissions. The study uses two real world gliders (vehicles without powertrain or battery) to provide a realistic basis for the analysis. The conventional and lightweight gliders are based on the Ford Fusion and Multi Material Lightweight Vehicle, respectively. These gliders were modelled with internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains. The probability that using the lightweight glider in place of the conventional (steel-intensive) glider reduces life cycle GHG emissions are: ICEV, 100%; HEV, 100%, and BEV, 74%. The extent to which life cycle GHG emissions are reduced depends on the powertrain, which affects fuel cycle GHG emissions. Lightweighting an ICEV results in greater base case GHG emissions mitigation (10 t CO2eq.) than lightweighting a more efficient HEV (6 t CO2eq.). BEV lightweighting can result in higher or lower GHG mitigation than gasoline vehicles, depending largely on the source of electricity.

ACS Style

Jason M. Luk; Hyung Chul Kim; Robert De Kleine; Timothy J. Wallington; Heather L. MacLean. Greenhouse gas emission benefits of vehicle lightweighting: Monte Carlo probabalistic analysis of the multi material lightweight vehicle glider. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 2018, 62, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Jason M. Luk, Hyung Chul Kim, Robert De Kleine, Timothy J. Wallington, Heather L. MacLean. Greenhouse gas emission benefits of vehicle lightweighting: Monte Carlo probabalistic analysis of the multi material lightweight vehicle glider. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 2018; 62 ():1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jason M. Luk; Hyung Chul Kim; Robert De Kleine; Timothy J. Wallington; Heather L. MacLean. 2018. "Greenhouse gas emission benefits of vehicle lightweighting: Monte Carlo probabalistic analysis of the multi material lightweight vehicle glider." Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 62, no. : 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 05 October 2017 in Annual Review of Resource Economics
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ACS Style

Deepak Rajagopal; Caroline Vanderghem; Heather L. MacLean. Life Cycle Assessment for Economists. Annual Review of Resource Economics 2017, 9, 361 -381.

AMA Style

Deepak Rajagopal, Caroline Vanderghem, Heather L. MacLean. Life Cycle Assessment for Economists. Annual Review of Resource Economics. 2017; 9 (1):361-381.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Deepak Rajagopal; Caroline Vanderghem; Heather L. MacLean. 2017. "Life Cycle Assessment for Economists." Annual Review of Resource Economics 9, no. 1: 361-381.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2017 in Applied Energy
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ACS Style

Pei Lin Chu; Caroline Vanderghem; Heather L. MacLean; Bradley A. Saville. Financial analysis and risk assessment of hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel production from camelina, carinata and used cooking oil. Applied Energy 2017, 198, 401 -409.

AMA Style

Pei Lin Chu, Caroline Vanderghem, Heather L. MacLean, Bradley A. Saville. Financial analysis and risk assessment of hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel production from camelina, carinata and used cooking oil. Applied Energy. 2017; 198 ():401-409.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pei Lin Chu; Caroline Vanderghem; Heather L. MacLean; Bradley A. Saville. 2017. "Financial analysis and risk assessment of hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel production from camelina, carinata and used cooking oil." Applied Energy 198, no. : 401-409.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2017 in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
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ACS Style

Yaser Khojasteh Salkuyeh; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of hydrogen production from natural gas using current and emerging technologies. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2017, 42, 18894 -18909.

AMA Style

Yaser Khojasteh Salkuyeh, Bradley A. Saville, Heather L. MacLean. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of hydrogen production from natural gas using current and emerging technologies. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2017; 42 (30):18894-18909.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yaser Khojasteh Salkuyeh; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. 2017. "Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of hydrogen production from natural gas using current and emerging technologies." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 42, no. 30: 18894-18909.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2016 in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
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ACS Style

Jason M. Luk; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. Vehicle attribute trade-offs to meet the 2025 CAFE fuel economy target. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 2016, 49, 154 -171.

AMA Style

Jason M. Luk, Bradley A. Saville, Heather L. MacLean. Vehicle attribute trade-offs to meet the 2025 CAFE fuel economy target. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 2016; 49 ():154-171.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jason M. Luk; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. 2016. "Vehicle attribute trade-offs to meet the 2025 CAFE fuel economy target." Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 49, no. : 154-171.

Review
Published: 01 April 2016 in Current Opinion in Biotechnology
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Lignocellulosic ethanol has potential for lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline and conventional grain-based ethanol. Ethanol production 'pathways' need to meet economic and environmental goals. Numerous life cycle assessments of lignocellulosic ethanol have been published over the last 15 years, but gaps remain in understanding life cycle performance due to insufficient data, and model and methodological issues. We highlight key aspects of these issues, drawing on literature and a case study of corn stover ethanol. Challenges include the complexity of feedstock/ecosystems and market-mediated aspects and the short history of commercial lignocellulosic ethanol facilities, which collectively have led to uncertainty in GHG emissions estimates, and to debates on LCA methods and the role of uncertainty in decision making.

ACS Style

Kelsey Gerbrandt; Pei Lin Chu; Allison Simmonds; Kimberley A Mullins; Heather L MacLean; W Michael Griffin; Bradley A Saville. Life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic ethanol: a review of key factors and methods affecting calculated GHG emissions and energy use. Current Opinion in Biotechnology 2016, 38, 63 -70.

AMA Style

Kelsey Gerbrandt, Pei Lin Chu, Allison Simmonds, Kimberley A Mullins, Heather L MacLean, W Michael Griffin, Bradley A Saville. Life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic ethanol: a review of key factors and methods affecting calculated GHG emissions and energy use. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 2016; 38 ():63-70.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kelsey Gerbrandt; Pei Lin Chu; Allison Simmonds; Kimberley A Mullins; Heather L MacLean; W Michael Griffin; Bradley A Saville. 2016. "Life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic ethanol: a review of key factors and methods affecting calculated GHG emissions and energy use." Current Opinion in Biotechnology 38, no. : 63-70.

Journal article
Published: 07 August 2015 in Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles
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Oil & Gas Science and Technology - Revue d'IFP Energies nouvelles

ACS Style

Marina Freire-Gormaly; Jonathan S. Ellis; Heather L. MacLean; Aimy Bazylak. Pore Structure Characterization of Indiana Limestone and Pink Dolomite from Pore Network Reconstructions. Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles 2015, 71, 33 .

AMA Style

Marina Freire-Gormaly, Jonathan S. Ellis, Heather L. MacLean, Aimy Bazylak. Pore Structure Characterization of Indiana Limestone and Pink Dolomite from Pore Network Reconstructions. Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles. 2015; 71 (3):33.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marina Freire-Gormaly; Jonathan S. Ellis; Heather L. MacLean; Aimy Bazylak. 2015. "Pore Structure Characterization of Indiana Limestone and Pink Dolomite from Pore Network Reconstructions." Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles 71, no. 3: 33.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2015 in Renewable Energy
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This paper examines impacts of regional factors affecting biomass and process input supply chains and ongoing technology development on the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of ethanol production from corn stover in the U.S. Corn stover supply results in GHG emissions from -6 gCO2eq./MJ ethanol (Macon County, Missouri) to 13 gCO2eq./MJ ethanol (Hardin County, Iowa), reflecting location-specific soil carbon and N2O emissions responses to stover removal. Biorefinery emissions based on the 2011 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) process model are the single greatest emissions source (18 gCO2eq./MJ ethanol) and are approximately double those assessed for the 2002 NREL design model, due primarily to the inclusion of GHG-intensive inputs (caustic, ammonia, glucose). Energy demands of on-site enzyme production included in the 2011 design contribute to reducing the electricity co-product and associated emissions credit, which is also dependent on the GHG-intensity of regional electricity supply. Life cycle emissions vary between 1.5 and 22 gCO2eq./MJ ethanol (2011 design) depending on production location (98% to 77% reduction vs. gasoline). Using system expansion for co-product allocation, ethanol production in studied locations meet the Energy Independence and Security Act emissions requirements for cellulosic biofuels; however, regional factors and on-going technology developments significantly influence these results

ACS Style

Jon McKechnie; Mohammad Pourbafrani; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. Exploring impacts of process technology development and regional factors on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of corn stover ethanol. Renewable Energy 2015, 76, 726 -734.

AMA Style

Jon McKechnie, Mohammad Pourbafrani, Bradley A. Saville, Heather L. MacLean. Exploring impacts of process technology development and regional factors on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of corn stover ethanol. Renewable Energy. 2015; 76 ():726-734.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jon McKechnie; Mohammad Pourbafrani; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. 2015. "Exploring impacts of process technology development and regional factors on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of corn stover ethanol." Renewable Energy 76, no. : 726-734.

Journal article
Published: 17 September 2013 in Environmental Science & Technology
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Our study evaluates life cycle energy use and GHG emissions of lignocellulosic ethanol and bioelectricity use in U.S. light-duty vehicles. The well-to-pump, pump-to-wheel, and vehicle cycle stages are modeled. All ethanol (E85) and bioelectricity pathways have similar life cycle fossil energy use (~ 100 MJ/100 vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT)) and net GHG emissions (~5 kg CO2eq./100 VKT), considerably lower (65-85%) than those of reference gasoline and U.S. grid-electricity pathways. E85 use in a hybrid vehicle and bioelectricity use in a fully electric vehicle also have similar life cycle biomass and total energy use (~ 350 and ~450 MJ/100 VKT, respectively); differences in well-to-pump and pump-to-wheel efficiencies can largely offset each other. Our energy use and net GHG emissions results contrast with findings in literature, which report better performance on these metrics for bioelectricity compared to ethanol. The primary source of differences in the studies is related to our development of pathways with comparable vehicle characteristics. Ethanol or vehicle electrification can reduce petroleum use, while bioelectricity may displace nonpetroleum energy sources. Regional characteristics may create conditions under which either ethanol or bioelectricity may be the superior option; however, neither has a clear advantage in terms of GHG emissions or energy use.

ACS Style

Jason M. Luk; Mohammad Pourbafrani; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. Ethanol or Bioelectricity? Life Cycle Assessment of Lignocellulosic Bioenergy Use in Light-Duty Vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology 2013, 47, 10676 -10684.

AMA Style

Jason M. Luk, Mohammad Pourbafrani, Bradley A. Saville, Heather L. MacLean. Ethanol or Bioelectricity? Life Cycle Assessment of Lignocellulosic Bioenergy Use in Light-Duty Vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology. 2013; 47 (18):10676-10684.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jason M. Luk; Mohammad Pourbafrani; Bradley A. Saville; Heather L. MacLean. 2013. "Ethanol or Bioelectricity? Life Cycle Assessment of Lignocellulosic Bioenergy Use in Light-Duty Vehicles." Environmental Science & Technology 47, no. 18: 10676-10684.

Journal article
Published: 16 March 2013 in Atmospheric Environment
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An integrated modelling approach is adopted to estimate microscale urban traffic emissions. The modelling framework consists of a traffic microsimulation model developed in PARAMICS, a microscopic emissions model (Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model), and two dispersion models, AERMOD and the Quick Urban and Industrial Complex (QUIC). This framework is applied to a traffic network in downtown Toronto, Canada to evaluate summer time morning peak traffic emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during five weekdays at a traffic intersection. The model predicted results are validated against sensor observations with 100% of the AERMOD modelled CO concentrations and 97.5% of the QUIC modelled NOx concentrations within a factor of two of the corresponding observed concentrations. Availability of local estimates of ambient concentration is useful for accurate comparisons of predicted concentrations with observed concentrations. Predicted and sensor measured concentrations are significantly lower than the hourly threshold Maximum Acceptable Levels for CO (31 ppm, ∼90 times lower) and NO2 (0.4 mg/m3, ∼12 times lower), within the National Ambient Air Quality Objectives established by Environment Canada.

ACS Style

Aarshabh Misra; Matthew J. Roorda; Heather L. MacLean. An integrated modelling approach to estimate urban traffic emissions. Atmospheric Environment 2013, 73, 81 -91.

AMA Style

Aarshabh Misra, Matthew J. Roorda, Heather L. MacLean. An integrated modelling approach to estimate urban traffic emissions. Atmospheric Environment. 2013; 73 ():81-91.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aarshabh Misra; Matthew J. Roorda; Heather L. MacLean. 2013. "An integrated modelling approach to estimate urban traffic emissions." Atmospheric Environment 73, no. : 81-91.

Letter
Published: 31 January 2013 in Environmental Research Letters
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The production of biofuel from cellulosic residues can have both environmental and financial benefits. A particular benefit is that it can alleviate competition for land conventionally used for food and feed production. In this research, we investigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of ethanol, biomethane, limonene and digestate from citrus waste, a byproduct of the citrus processing industry. The study represents the first life cycle-based evaluations of citrus waste biorefineries. Two biorefinery configurations are studied—a large biorefinery that converts citrus waste into ethanol, biomethane, limonene and digestate, and a small biorefinery that converts citrus waste into biomethane, limonene and digestate. Ethanol is assumed to be used as E85, displacing gasoline as a light-duty vehicle fuel; biomethane displaces natural gas for electricity generation, limonene displaces acetone in solvents, and digestate from the anaerobic digestion process displaces synthetic fertilizer. System expansion and two allocation methods (energy, market value) are considered to determine emissions of co-products. Considerable GHG reductions would be achieved by producing and utilizing the citrus waste-based products in place of the petroleum-based or other non-renewable products. For the large biorefinery, ethanol used as E85 in light-duty vehicles results in a 134% reduction in GHG emissions compared to gasoline-fueled vehicles when applying a system expansion approach. For the small biorefinery, when electricity is generated from biomethane rather than natural gas, GHG emissions are reduced by 77% when applying system expansion. The life cycle GHG emissions vary substantially depending upon biomethane leakage rate, feedstock GHG emissions and the method to determine emissions assigned to co-products. Among the process design parameters, the biomethane leakage rate is critical, and the ethanol produced in the large biorefinery would not meet EISA's requirements for cellulosic biofuel if the leakage rate is higher than 9.7%. For the small biorefinery, there are no GHG emission benefits in the production of biomethane if the leakage rate is higher than 11.5%. Compared to system expansion, the use of energy and market value allocation methods generally results in higher estimates of GHG emissions for the primary biorefinery products (i.e., smaller reductions in emissions compared to reference systems).

ACS Style

Mohammad Pourbafrani; Jon McKechnie; Heather L MacLean; Bradley A Saville. Life cycle greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol, biomethane and limonene production from citrus waste. Environmental Research Letters 2013, 8, 015007 .

AMA Style

Mohammad Pourbafrani, Jon McKechnie, Heather L MacLean, Bradley A Saville. Life cycle greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol, biomethane and limonene production from citrus waste. Environmental Research Letters. 2013; 8 (1):015007.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohammad Pourbafrani; Jon McKechnie; Heather L MacLean; Bradley A Saville. 2013. "Life cycle greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol, biomethane and limonene production from citrus waste." Environmental Research Letters 8, no. 1: 015007.

Journal article
Published: 20 July 2012 in Forest Ecology and Management
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An important consideration in forest management to mitigate climate change is the balance between forest carbon (C) storage and ecological sustainability. We explore the effects of management strategies on tradeoffs between forest C stocks and ecological sustainability under five scenarios, three of which included management and two scenarios which provide baselines emulating the natural forest. Managed forest scenarios were: (a) Protection (PROT), i.e., management by suppression of natural disturbance and harvest exclusion; (b) Harvest at a higher rate removing all sustainably available wood (HHARV); (c) Harvest at the lower historical average rate of harvest, AHARV. Both harvest scenarios reflected current forest management practices in the study area, including suppression of natural disturbance and a large (>20% of total) forest area reserved from harvest. Scenarios (d) and (e) simulated “natural” forest with unsuppressed fire at higher (NDH) or lower (NDL) levels and no harvest. Ecological sustainability was evaluated using a coarse filter approach where forest age class and tree species composition were indicators of condition. The study area encompassed 3.4 million hectares of forest in northeastern Ontario at the interface between the temperate hardwood and boreal forest zones. Future forest condition for each scenario was modeled using a timber supply model (SFMM), and C stored in forests and wood products were estimated using the FORCARB-ON model. Forest protection (PROT) resulted in greatest forest C stocks, especially in the near term, but was within 95% of its maximum, becoming saturated within 30 years. Harvesting (HHARV and AHARV) resulted in less forest C stock compared to PROT, however, after 100 years of adding C in wood products to that in regenerating forests total C storage was equivalent or greater than forest C with PROT. In contrast, removing management (NDH and NDL) decreased C relative to any of the management regimes, though in NDL the decrease was delayed for 30 years compared to HHARV. Forest sustainability measured by similarity to natural forest age class was superior with HHARV and AHARV compared to PROT, although no management regime produced a fully natural result. PROT in particular largely lacked younger age classes. All management regimes produced species composition that was near or within the range of natural variation. This analysis provides an example of the types of tradeoffs that can be considered in evaluating the contribution of forests to climate change mitigation, either in a commercial forestry context or in an approach based on protected areas.

ACS Style

Stephen J. Colombo; Jiaxin Chen; Michael T. Ter-Mikaelian; Jon McKechnie; Philip C. Elkie; Heather L. MacLean; Linda S. Heath. Forest protection and forest harvest as strategies for ecological sustainability and climate change mitigation. Forest Ecology and Management 2012, 281, 140 -151.

AMA Style

Stephen J. Colombo, Jiaxin Chen, Michael T. Ter-Mikaelian, Jon McKechnie, Philip C. Elkie, Heather L. MacLean, Linda S. Heath. Forest protection and forest harvest as strategies for ecological sustainability and climate change mitigation. Forest Ecology and Management. 2012; 281 ():140-151.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stephen J. Colombo; Jiaxin Chen; Michael T. Ter-Mikaelian; Jon McKechnie; Philip C. Elkie; Heather L. MacLean; Linda S. Heath. 2012. "Forest protection and forest harvest as strategies for ecological sustainability and climate change mitigation." Forest Ecology and Management 281, no. : 140-151.

Journal article
Published: 09 May 2012 in Environmental Science & Technology
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This study examines how driving patterns (distance and conditions) and the electricity generation supply interact to impact well-to-wheel (WTW) energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The WTW performance of a PHEV is compared with that of a similar (nonplug-in) gasoline hybrid electric vehicle and internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). Driving PHEVs for short distances between recharging generally results in lower WTW total and fossil energy use and GHG emissions per kilometer compared to driving long distances, but the extent of the reductions depends on the electricity supply. For example, the shortest driving pattern in this study with hydroelectricity uses 81% less fossil energy than the longest driving pattern. However, the shortest driving pattern with coal-based electricity uses only 28% less fossil energy. Similar trends are observed in reductions relative to the nonplug-in vehicles. Irrespective of the electricity supply, PHEVs result in greater reductions in WTW energy use and GHG emissions relative to ICEVs for city than highway driving conditions. PHEVs charging from coal facilities only reduce WTW energy use and GHG emissions relative to ICEVs for certain favorable driving conditions. The study results have implications for environmentally beneficial PHEV adoption and usage patterns.

ACS Style

Leon Raykin; Heather L. MacLean; Matthew J. Roorda. Implications of Driving Patterns on Well-to-Wheel Performance of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology 2012, 46, 6363 -6370.

AMA Style

Leon Raykin, Heather L. MacLean, Matthew J. Roorda. Implications of Driving Patterns on Well-to-Wheel Performance of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology. 2012; 46 (11):6363-6370.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Leon Raykin; Heather L. MacLean; Matthew J. Roorda. 2012. "Implications of Driving Patterns on Well-to-Wheel Performance of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles." Environmental Science & Technology 46, no. 11: 6363-6370.

Journal article
Published: 31 December 2011 in Energy Policy
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We compare energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with total household expenditures and activities in Canada and US in 1997, the first detailed estimate of environmental burdens for Canadian households. We estimate direct burdens from published government data and indirect burdens using an industry-by-commodity, bi-national economic input–output life cycle assessment model developed in this study. Comparing 30 expenditure and two activity categories, per capita US household expenditures were 70% higher, while per capita household energy use and GHG emissions were only 10% and 44% higher, respectively. Energy use/dollar of expenditure was higher in most Canadian categories, while the average ratio of GHG emissions/energy use was higher in the US (65 vs 50 kg Eq. CO2/GJ) due largely to a higher proportion of electricity from nonrenewable sources. Indirect environmental burdens represented 63–69% of total burdens and 62–70% of total burdens were associated with household operation and transportation. Key drivers of differences between energy profiles were: higher per capita electricity use by Canadian households, and higher US household private health care expenditures and motor fuel use. Energy-intensive production for export represented a higher proportion of Canadian production, resulting in less agreement between consumption and production-based analyses for Canada than US.

ACS Style

Thomas M. Ferguson; Heather L. MacLean. Trade-linked Canada–United States household environmental impact analysis of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Policy 2011, 39, 8011 -8021.

AMA Style

Thomas M. Ferguson, Heather L. MacLean. Trade-linked Canada–United States household environmental impact analysis of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Policy. 2011; 39 (12):8011-8021.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thomas M. Ferguson; Heather L. MacLean. 2011. "Trade-linked Canada–United States household environmental impact analysis of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions." Energy Policy 39, no. 12: 8011-8021.

Conference paper
Published: 15 August 2011 in Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA)
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An Economic Input-Output based Life Cycle-based Assessment tool developed for the Canadian economy is presented, which estimates selected environmental implications (e.g. energy use, greenhouse gas emissions) throughout the entire economy associated with given demand for a product/material. An example application illustrates a comparison between concrete and steel use for columns in office buildings. Steel columns are found to be more energy intensive, but both column types result in similar levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The model’s advantages and limitations as a tool to assist designers in evaluating the environmental implications of their designs are discussed.

ACS Style

Thomas M. Ferguson; Jonathan Norman; Heather L. MacLean. MOVING TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF ECONOMIC INPUT-OUTPUT-BASED LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT METHODS. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) 2011, 1 .

AMA Style

Thomas M. Ferguson, Jonathan Norman, Heather L. MacLean. MOVING TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF ECONOMIC INPUT-OUTPUT-BASED LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT METHODS. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA). 2011; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thomas M. Ferguson; Jonathan Norman; Heather L. MacLean. 2011. "MOVING TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF ECONOMIC INPUT-OUTPUT-BASED LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT METHODS." Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2004 in International Journal of Vehicle Design
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Petroleum fuels, which are not sustainable and which contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, power nearly all light-duty vehicles. We review the North American literature on alternative fuels such as natural gas, ethanol from corn and biomass, and hydrogen and electricity from renewable resources, as well as propulsion systems including internal combustion engines, electric motors, and fuel cells. Vehicle characteristics including emissions, safety and consumer attributes such as range and power are examined. Results for greenhouse gas emissions and energy use for the well-to-wheel (fuel production and vehicle operation) aspects of the life cycles of the fuel/vehicle combinations are evaluated. While fuel cells and batteries might some day be attractive, in the near term they cannot replace the internal combustion engine. We focus on ethanol and explore its potential to replace nearly all gasoline used in the United States and Canada. We conclude that ethanol produced from biomass is an attractive near/midterm fuel among those that are sustainable.

ACS Style

Heather L. MacLean; Lester B. Lave; W. Michael Griffin. Alternative transport fuels for the future. International Journal of Vehicle Design 2004, 35, 27 .

AMA Style

Heather L. MacLean, Lester B. Lave, W. Michael Griffin. Alternative transport fuels for the future. International Journal of Vehicle Design. 2004; 35 (1/2):27.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Heather L. MacLean; Lester B. Lave; W. Michael Griffin. 2004. "Alternative transport fuels for the future." International Journal of Vehicle Design 35, no. 1/2: 27.