Heat and cold production from pruning residues of grapevine: Environmental assessment

This study assesses the environmental performances related to the valorisation of pruning residues for the production of heat and cold by means of a boiler and an absorption chiller. To this purpose, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach was applied. Two different management systems of pruning residues were considered. In the first Scenario (Baseline - BS), the residues are managed traditionally while in the Alternative one (AS) the biomass is collected and used for energy production (heat from a biomass boiler and cold by an adsorption chiller). Using the characterisation factors reported by the midpoint ILCD method 12 different impact categories were considered. The outcomes of this study highlighted how, between the two evaluated scenarios (pruning residues chopped and left on the soil versus collection for energy production), the best solution depends from the selected impact category. The energetic valorisation of the residues reduces the environmental impact for the impact categories not affected by the emissions related to wood combustion.