Events Calendar

Guest Lecture in ISE 576 (Industrial Ecology)

Speaker: Roland Geyer, PhD, Associate Professor, Bren School of Environmental Science, UC Santa Barbara

Talk Title: Spatially Explicit LCA of Sun to Wheels Transportation Pathways in the U.S.

Abstract: In this guest lecture, Dr. Geyer will expand and enhance the traditional Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) theory and practice by coupling LCA tools with the spatial functions of geographic information systems (GIS). Integration of LCA and GIS allows assessment of two different pathways of solar energy to vehicles or “sun-to-wheels”: (1) photosynthesis biomass production to fuel/electricity production to gasoline/electric vehicle and (2) photovoltaic electricity production to electric vehicle. The research, conducted in collaboration with geographers at UCSB, compares direct land use, life cycle GHG emissions and fossil fuel requirements of different sun-to-wheels conversion pathways for every county in the contiguous U.S. The results demonstrate the importance of accounting for spatially explicit data because solar insolation and crop yields vary widely between regions.

Biography: Roland Geyer is assistant professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. In his research, he uses the approaches and methods of industrial ecology, such as life cycle assessment and material flow analysis, to assess pollution prevention strategies based on recycling, reuse, and material and technology substitution. Dr. Geyer also combines these approaches with research methods from operations management and other fields in order to study the relationship between environmental performance, economic viability, and technical and operational feasibility of pollution prevention strategies. His overarching goal is to help develop the science and knowledge necessary to reduce the environmental impact from industrial production and consumption. Prior to his current appointment, he has held positions as research fellow at the Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey, UK; research associate at the Centre for the Management of Environmental Resources, INSEAD, France; and consultant in financial risk management for AMS (now part of CGI) in Germany. Since 2000 he has worked on environmental sustainability issues with a wide range of governmental organizations, trade associations, and companies. He has a graduate degree in physics from the Technical University Berlin and a PhD in engineering from the University of Surrey.

Host: Bob Vos, PhD, and Mansour Rahimi, PhD

Location: Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE) -

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Mansour Rahimi