Social Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass Feedstocks for the Production of Chemicals: A Region-Specific Comparison

Research topic/area

Sustainability Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Assessment

Type of thesis

Master

Start time

-

Application deadline

07.11.2025

Duration of the thesis

-

Description

The production of chemicals faces significant pressure to transition from fossil-based to renewable raw materials, with biomass feedstocks playing a critical role in enabling this shift toward more sustainable chemical production. While biomass-based chemicals offer a promising solution given the limited availability of alternatives, their production raise profound social challenges which can vary depending on the geographic origin of the biomass. This regional variability highlights the urgent need for comprehensive evaluations that incorporate social sustainability indicators. Therefore, this master thesis aims to systematically examine and compare the social impacts of biomass feedstocks sourced from different countries through a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), providing insights into how regional differences can significantly affect the social sustainability of biomass-based chemical production. This master thesis is connected to the ELOBIO project within the RESET research group. RESET consists of experts focusing on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of cutting-edge sustainable energy technologies.

Responsibilities

• Literature review on most recent Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methods and approaches.

• Identification and selection of relevant biomass feedstocks and regions.

• Data collection on supply chain and social impacts.

• Conducting an S-LCA with a region-specific comparative approach.

• Analysis and interpretation of results.

• Formulation of recommendations for action regarding sourcing strategies in chemical production.

Requirement

Requirements for students

• Interest in sustainability, social impacts, and Life Cycle Assessment.
• Knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn LCA software and data analysis techniques.
• Independent and structured working approach.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Faculty departments

• Humanities & social sciences
  Other fields of study
• Engineering sciences
  Chemical & process engineering
  Other fields of study
  Production and Operations Management
• Natural sciences and Technology
  Geoecology
  Other fields of study
• Other
  Other fields of study
• Economic & law sciences
  Other fields of study

Supervision

Title, first name, last name

Lukas Lazar

Organizational unit

ITAS

Email address

lukas.lazar@kit.edu

Link to personal homepage/personal page

Website

Application via email

Application documents

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcript of Records

E-Mail Address for application
Senden Sie die oben genannten Bewerbungsunterlagen bitte per Mail an lukas.lazar@kit.edu


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