Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Systemic Design in a study to implement a biodigester at Bairro Confisco, Belo Horizonte-MG

Abstract

The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to examine the ecological and social benefits of implementing a biodigester, triggered by Organic and Domestic Urban Solid Waste, with the aim of generating electricity at Bairro Confisco, one of the most affected areas by the climate crisis in Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil. The methodology adopted has sought to integrate the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and the Systemic Design (SD) principles. Under the DS's non-linear approach, it has been possible to visualize the relationships between neighborhood social actors as well as the interaction of local institutional actors. Thus, in the first phase of the LCA, the objective and scope have been defined, including the biodigester system boundaries. As a result, the Life Cycle Inventory (second phase of the LCA) is presented. It has been crafted from the system conceptual model's development and encompasses the processes involved and the quantification of its inputs and outputs. This quantification is being used to assess the environmental impacts.