A hybrid-MCDA tool for assessment of added value networks in a woodbased bioeconomy

The Leading-Edge cluster "BioEconomy" in Central Germany is integrating all relevant industries from wood manufacturing over pulp and paper to chemical industries into added value networks primarily based on beechwood and additional ligno-cellulosic feedstocks. The Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is applicable as an appropriate method for techno-ecological and socio-economic assessment of resource flows within added value networks under a life cycle perspective and under varying decision alternatives for material flow integration. The utility functions for expressing the indicator systems are elicited through a hybrid approach composed out of a preference based approach and reference point approach for ranking the set of sustainability criteria. Decisions made in the Bioeconomy region implying trade-offs between material efficiency, energy autonomy strategies for utility supplies and in the design of cascade use systems for hybrid refinery solutions need to be carefully evaluated in advance as they may imply high related investment costs as well as long-term environmental impacts. For these questions in demand the Hybrid-MCDA tool delivers valuable decision support on how to constitute and achieve goals for efficient and sustainable material flow architectures within a bioeconomy region.