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Student capstone and applied projects from ASU's School of Sustainability.

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Exploring Opportunities for Woody Biomass Utilization in Coconino County, Arizona

Description
In northern Arizona, the removal of woody biomass from forested land has garnered a high level of interest as threats of catastrophic wildfires have increased in recent years. Although there has been a great deal of vocal support for forest restoration, efforts on the ground are often stalled by complex…

In northern Arizona, the removal of woody biomass from forested land has garnered a high level of interest as threats of catastrophic wildfires have increased in recent years. Although there has been a great deal of vocal support for forest restoration, efforts on the ground are often stalled by complex federal contracting systems, a weak logging and sawmill industry, low-quality timber, and inabilities to guarantee long-term biomass supplies to processers. These barriers are exceedingly apparent in in the Flagstaff area, where the vast majority of forested land falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government and little infrastructure exists for wood product industries. In order to address these obstacles, forest stakeholders in Coconino County are actively searching for enterprises to utilize material that urgently needs to be removed from the surrounding forests. This project aimed to assist stakeholders in this endeavor by identifying and researching a number of practical and innovative woody biomass utilization enterprises that are suited to the existing regional infrastructure. While there are a variety of ways to process biomass, this project focuses on the following four end products because of their ability to use residual materials from harvest and sawmill operations, their low-tech nature, and the end product’s proximity to potential markets: biochar, compost, wood-plastic composites, and mushroom cultivation. Each of these products, and the processes used to create them, were analyzed and evaluated using a sustainable enterprise framework, and the final results were summarized in a portfolio for stakeholders in the region to review. Although this project offered just a glimpse of what is possible, the ultimate aim was to foster collaborative conversations regarding how forest restoration residues can be used in sustainable and innovative ways.
ContributorsPaulus, Caitlin (Contributor)
Created2019-05-15

Biochar Briquettes: Alternative to Firewood and Charcoal Fuel

Description

Domestic energy is an important component of our day to day lives and is something we cannot live without. Imagine how life would be without a means to cook our food, to warm our house, life would be unbearable. As we enjoy these comforts rarely do we stop to think…

Domestic energy is an important component of our day to day lives and is something we cannot live without. Imagine how life would be without a means to cook our food, to warm our house, life would be unbearable. As we enjoy these comforts rarely do we stop to think what the opportunity cost is. For those using renewable sources, it is not a big issue, but for those who rely on wood fuel, they have to strike a delicate balance between need for fuel and the need to conserve the greatest support systems of their livelihoods, the forests. The main source of energy for households in many developing countries is biomass, mainly from forests and woodlands. The continued use of firewood and charcoal fuel puts a strain on forests, resulting in adverse effects on the environment such as prolonged droughts, loss of biodiversity, dwindling water resources, changing weather patterns among other sustainability challenges. An alternative to firewood to charcoal lies in biochar briquettes. This paper discusses the role of biochar briquettes in mitigating climate change and serves as a step by step guide on how biochar briquettes may be produced.
ContributorsNganga, Patrick M. (Author)
Created2018
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Greener Golf: Promoting a More Sustainable Game

Description
At a confluence of accelerating climate change, unprecedented technological advancement, and increasing corporate and government transparency, global systems are reaching a level of complexity never seen before. Much about how the future will play out is unknown. But what is clear is the need for a more sustainable structure to…

At a confluence of accelerating climate change, unprecedented technological advancement, and increasing corporate and government transparency, global systems are reaching a level of complexity never seen before. Much about how the future will play out is unknown. But what is clear is the need for a more sustainable structure to all organizations, and only those that are willing and able to adapt will survive. Few industries have a greater need for this change than golf, a sport that has shown significant decline in social and cultural relevance in recent decades due to controversial business practices and varying perspective on environmental impact. Greener Golf seeks to help businesses prepare for this needed level of resiliency.This project sought to address one of the least sustainable industries in one of the least sustainable cities, Phoenix, Arizona. Golf was chosen as the specific focus due to its significant impact on both the landscape of the state and its water reserves. Greener Golf was established as a driving force for sustainability advocacy and education and a platform where golf managers, workers, vendors, players, and entrepreneurs alike can come to learn about sustainability efforts and solutions in the golf world. It also serves to connect a network of like-minded individuals with the common goal of bringing sustainability to the sport they love. With the right vision and partnerships, a robust, adaptable, resilient, and inclusive business model can be achieved, elevating the game for future generations.
ContributorsGinn, David (Writer of accompanying material)
Created2020-05-13