A multi-criteria decision support tool for biorefinery siting: Using economic, environmental, and social metrics for a refined siting analysis

摘要: Abstract Facility siting has traditionally been performed using economic metrics alone to determine suitable locations for a new facility. In this era of climate change concerns and political discord, more holistic approach biorefinery may yield alternative that meet stakeholder goals community acceptance reduced environmental impacts. A multi-criteria decision support tool (DST) incorporates economic, environmental, social concurrently is introduced assess the repurpose potential existing facilities as wood-based biorefinery. Economic criteria are represented by operational cost components vary geospatially. The criterion Global Warming Potential supply chain, measured through greenhouse gases emitted from feedstock procurement, preprocessing, transport equipment. Social 1) number regional jobs created installation biofuel 2) county-level assets influence project success. Weights scale values derived each set metrics. An overall facility score produced summing three metric scores. Additionally, user-defined weights used adjust importance metrics, thus altering DST applied case study in Western Oregon Washington refine list candidate pulp mills down select few further investigation. It was found scored differently when were adjusted. Therefore, different preferences priority facilities.