Lavoisier, Life cycle assessment and sustainability

Problem Description

Modeling of life cycles, describing the mass and energy flows from raw bio-materials until the final product, is a central problem in the development of a sustainable bio-based economy, optimizing the usage of bio-resources and contributing to a Zero Waste economy and expanding comercial value of unused land.

Modelling & Computational Challenges

Bio-resources are subject to a wide variety of influences. The identification of criteria for regulation definition and optimal control of processes and results requires a deep understanding not only of the significance of the influencing factors but also of the identification of thresholds indicating different sustainability levels. 

The main mathematical challenge is to integrate the information obtained by other bio-scientists to create a quantifying model that enable optimization of resource usage, and helps on identifying critical levels for relevant factors.

Project Team

• Paulo Eduardo Oliveira
• Carlos Tenreiro
• Graça Temido
• Cristina Martins
• Carla Henriques