Date of Graduation

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Chemical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Kim, Daesoo

Abstract

Life cycle assessment is performed to determine the environmental impacts of the life cycle of a product. In this study, the greenhouse gas emissions from milk production in the United States were calculated using a cradle-to-gate analysis. The dairy industry has a noticeable impact on the total greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Performing life cycle assessment provides information about the main emission sources in the life cycle which can spark innovative changes to reduce these emissions. The life cycle assessment was performed using the openLCA software and ReCiPe impact assessment methodology. The results indicated that 1.28 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) per kg of fat and protein corrected milk (4% fat, 3.3% protein). Enteric and manure management emissions contribute the largest impact (45% and 24%, respectively) on the total emissions from the life cycle. The results from this study are comparable to other life cycle assessments of milk production. Opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the dairy farm are present but further research must be conducted to make sure that there are not environmental burden shifts or trade-offs occurring when changes are made to the system.

Keywords

Life cycle assessment, milk production, environmental impact, dairy industry

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