Work

Carbon Footprint Assessment on the Viability of Utilizing Brewer’s Spent Grain to Produce Biochar

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The waste generated by the brewing industry, particularly brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and wastewater, presents challenges for sustainable management practices. While BSG is traditionally utilized as cattle feed, this option is not universally accessible. This study considered the environmental impact of a novel, laboratory-based process for converting BSG into biochar that also utilizes brewing wastewater, as compared to disposing of BSG and cleaning chemical wastewater. The study employed a carbon footprint assessment approach to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with each disposal method, using one unprocessed kg of BSG as the functional unit. The results indicated that landfilling BSG generated approximately 3 kg CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per kg of unprocessed BSG, whereas biochar production reduced emissions to 1.18 kg CO2e per kg of BSG. The study concluded that diverting BSG from landfills to biochar production presents a viable strategy for minimizing environmental impacts associated with BSG disposal. However, several factors must be considered in the development of a biochar production facility, including biochar transportation. These elements may contribute more GHG emissions than landfilling if not properly designed.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15105525

Authors: Emily Newman, Nitin Nitin, Edward Spang, Glen Fox

Institution: University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896