Analysing the environmental impact of local fruit and vegetables compared to foreign produce
Abstract
The consumption of fruit and vegetables causes environmental impacts that vary depending on which crops are consumed in which season. In order to reduce the environmental impact and in particular greenhouse gas emissions caused by consumption, it is essential to understand the cultivation methods and value chains. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method, standardized according to ISO 14040/44, and the product environmental footprint (PEF) are suitable methods for this. There are currently hardly any LCAs for the production of fruit and vegetables in Austria. This project aims to fill this gap. Based on primary data from Austrian farms, detailed LCAs will be prepared for at least 5 fruit and vegetable crops. The aim of this work is to find out what influence the origin of selected fruit and vegetables has on the environmental impact associated with the product. In detail, the carbon and water footprint will be considered. The following research questions are to be answered as part of the project: - What is the environmental impact of selected fruit and vegetable crops - Are there differences due to different transportation routes and types of cultivation - What savings could result from a change in consumer behavior from foreign to domestic products
keywords Life Cycle Assessment Fruit Vegetables
Publikationen
Project staff
Gudrun Obersteiner
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Gudrun Obersteiner
gudrun.obersteiner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81319
Project Leader
01.04.2024 - 31.07.2025