This project will develop comprehensive life cycle assessments for representative community-scaled biomass energy projects expected to meet upcoming federal regulations, taking special account of…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded Wisewood Inc. (doing business as Wisewood Energy) a $100,000 Project Grant under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) on September 9, 2025, with completion targeted for December 31, 2026. The project will develop comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCAs) for representative community-scaled biomass energy projects designed to meet upcoming federal regulations, with particular emphasis on quantifying benefits and emissions relevant to fire-adapted landscapes in the Western United States. This initiative aligns with the Wood Utilization Assistance program's focus on strengthening wood energy markets while supporting sustainable forest management and hazardous fuel reduction objectives.

To execute the LCA work, Wisewood subcontracted $50,000 of the award to Spatial Informatics Group LLC in October 2025. The sub-awardee will deliver three primary components: (1) a scoping document and comprehensive design for Wisewood's LCA modeling tool or selection of an alternative methodology ($15,000); (2) LCA modeling including case study selection and development of a working LCA model ($20,000); and (3) case study analysis and reporting support to document findings ($15,000). These deliverables will provide Wisewood with the technical foundation and analytical outputs necessary to assess greenhouse gas emissions and environmental benefits associated with community-scale biomass energy systems.

This project will develop comprehensive life cycle assessments for representative community-scaled biomass energy projects expected to meet upcoming federal regulations, taking special account of benefits and emissions relevant in the fire-adapted landscape of the western united states.