Research Publications

This study develops a framework and analytical model based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) for NextEnergy to evaluate the environmental and energy life cycle performance of its Microgrid Pavilion (hereafter "the microgrid"). Life cycle assessment is an analytical tool based on ISO 14040 standards that characterize the full energy and environmental consequences of a product or service system. A key aspect of the LCA for this study is the inclusion of upstream or pre-combustion processes in energy modeling. The energy and emissions resulting from all processes before a fuel is combusted or converted to electricity or heat energy (e.g. extraction, reformation, delivery) are modeled in the report.