Evaluating CO2 Emissions in the Residential Sector: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using Regional Forestry Design Models in System Dynamics (SD)

Authors

  • Shunsuke Kaneko Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1984-8151
  • Hyun Bae Kim Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
  • Takuyuki Yoshioka Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9758-4644

Keywords:

LCA, CO2 emissions, System dynamics, Timber structure, Woody biomass utilization

Abstract

This study used a sub-model within system dynamics to simulate and quantify CO2 emissions in the residential sector, focusing on the Nishikawa forestry region in Saitama Prefecture. The model evaluated emissions from the life cycle of houses, including production, transportation, use, maintenance, and disposal. The business as usual (BAU) scenario projects annual new housing inflows. The woody biomass utilization (WBU) scenario showed a 10% carbon reduction over 30 years by replacing new housing with timber construction, despite increased emissions from new constructions. The study highlights the economic benefits of utilizing carbon credits to support reforestation, making it possible to secure the sustainability of regional forestry to supply timber materials to the residential sector.

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Published

2024-08-09 — Updated on 2024-08-09

How to Cite

Kaneko, S., Kim, H. B., & Yoshioka, T. (2024). Evaluating CO2 Emissions in the Residential Sector: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using Regional Forestry Design Models in System Dynamics (SD). BioResources, 19(4), 7072–7079. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/23721

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication