Category LCAs

PIK is pleased to announce the completion of its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project on Biodiesel for the Denver Biodiesel Cooperative (DBC). Based in Denver, CO, DBC is committed to making biodiesel available to passenger vehicles in Colorado and to increasing knowledge and awareness of biodiesel in the community. Because it employs a comprehensive life cycle perspective to scientifically evaluate the environmental dimension of sustainability, LCA was deemed uniquely suited to fulfill the objectives of this project: to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts that occur throughout the “cradle to grave” life cycle of a gallon of biodiesel, produced from waste vegetable oil (WVO) collected by the DBC. PIK completed this LCA project utilizing world-leading life cycle assessment software (SimaPro) following ISO methodology (International Organization for Standardization) and with guidance from EarthShift Inc.

Upon reviewing the LCA, DBC expressed its plans to act on the report’s findings to further improve its WVO collection and biodiesel distribution processes. It is our expectation that the results will serve as a valuable guide as DBC continues to serve its members and educate the public about the many benefits of this renewable fuel.

Please contact PIK for more details about the LCA process and how a targeted LCA study can help your organization obtain valuable insight into its products and processes, to better inform your sustainability strategy, and gain competitive advantage by succeeding sustainably.

My recent LCA project with the Denver Biodiesel Coop encouraged me to suggest a potential path forward for VW as it struggles with its emissions fraud scandal. Please see the Denver Post website for the full article: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_28957514/how-biodiesel-could-help-volkswagen-move-forward

Denver Biodiesel Cooperative (DBC) engages Denver based sustainable business consultancy, PIK Sustainable LLC (PIK), to Conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Biodiesel – March 18, 2015

Utilizing world leading LCA software in compliance with ISO methodology (International Organization for Standardization), PIK will conduct a detailed investigation into the activities in the life cycle of a gallon of biodiesel, produced from waste vegetable oil (WVO) collected by the Denver Biodiesel Cooperative. The objective of this project is to determine which activities in the product life cycle contribute the most to the environmental impact associated with this renewable fuel.

While this study is primarily concerned with accounting for the environmental impact of biodiesel using the DBC model, it will also seek to describe some change-oriented consequences of shifting from biodiesel derived from Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) to WVO-derived biodiesel produced entirely in the state of Colorado. The DBC LCA project results are anticipated in early summer, 2015.

About the Denver Biodiesel Cooperative

DBC distributes ASTM certified biodiesel fuel at cost (usually made from Waste Vegetable Oil feedstock). DBC is committed to making biodiesel available to passenger vehicles in Colorado. It is increasingly difficult to find B100 at retail gas stations and we measure success in gallons of petroleum diesel offset.

Denver Biodiesel is always looking to increase knowledge and awareness of biodiesel in our community. Members are rewarded for their participation—attending fairs, presenting at schools, signing up restaurants, or collecting oil—with fuel credits to purchase biodiesel from DBC.

About PIK Sustainable LLC

Based in Denver, CO, PIK Sustainable LLC is a consultancy that provides professional services to Colorado’s business community. PIK Sustainable LLC’s services include sustainability assessments, strategic planning, project management, reporting, communication, and product development.

PIK stands for Power In Knowledge. Whether an organization is advanced in its practice of sustainability or just beginning, PIK will supply data-driven knowledge, technical know-how, and real-world options for success. With PIK, you decide what’s right for your organization to succeed sustainably.