Multidimensional Sustainability Assessment of Forest Resource Supply Chain

Valorisation of biomass resources is recognized as a new frontier of economically sustainable and environmentally friendly activities. Nevertheless, it is not possible to assume a positive comprehensive balance in term of sustainability of products based only on the fact that they are bio-based, but it is necessary to perform exhaustive studies in a life cycle perspective. A multidimensional approach to sustainability assessment is therefore needed in order to support decision making at various level, trough comprehensive composite indicators. The present study develops a methodology for assessing the sustainability level of a technological/ operational options applied in a specific context, taking into account sustainability criteria. A comparison may be done among a number of different technologies to choose the best option in term of environmental, economic and social performance. A set of specific indicators is developed to assess the performance of a number of potential options for the implementation of forest biomass system exploitation.