Piloting technological solutions for a sustainable and low emission bio-economy model for utilising biomass from grasslands

Introduction

The focus of the Project is to emphasize the benefits of reducing GHG emissions from the LULUCF sector relating to existing market products. This will be achieved by replacing them with products from grassland biomass (grass, straw, sedge, reeds) that currently have low economic value but high CO2 accumulation potential. The aim is to lead to a sustainable, low life-cycle emissions capacity at the product level, simultaneously enhancing biodiversity in grasslands and tackling problems caused by climate change. This will reduce the impact of the targeted sector on climate change and contribute to the achievement of the EU’s ambitious climate mitigation goals.

Overall Aim

The overall aim of the LIFE UpcyclinGrass Project is to develop, test, and demonstrate a variety of innovative technological approaches for climate-smart management of grasslands and circular use of grassland biomass. This will be combined with a business model and pathways for sustainable and economically competitive products for agricultural, horticultural, and forestry use.

General Objectives

The general objectives of the Project are:

1. To substitute currently existing products made from non-renewable resources (for example, peat), which are associated with high life-cycle emission levels.
2. To assess the impacts of the circular grassland management approach introduced in the project on climate change mitigation targets, biodiversity, and local economies.
3. To create an incentive-based mechanism to encourage individual actors to apply climate-smart agriculture practices and promote its integration into the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027.

Deliverables

The Project will deliver technologies, circular business models, and incentivizing mechanisms that will promote both sustainable grassland management and the protection of healthy peatlands. This will be achieved by substituting agricultural products from non-renewable resources with new, economically competitive, and less GHG-intensive products made from grassland biomass materials.

Addressing Key Shortcomings

The Project will address the key shortcomings that hinder efforts for the prevention of land degradation, GHG emission reduction, enhancement of carbon sequestration, and conservation of biodiversity. This will be accomplished through the demonstration of economically viable, sustainable, and circular grassland management practices. Additionally, the Project will endeavor to initiate institutional and industrial dialogue for better policy support for grass-based businesses and market acceptance for innovative products.

Sustainability and Continuity

At the very core of the Project design is an extensive set of actions aimed at ensuring the sustainability and continuity of the Project results. There will be a key focus on capitalizing on the developed and demonstrated win-win-win solutions for climate, environment, and people, with clear and appreciable economic benefits. This will lay a strong foundation for their sustainability, replication, and uptake beyond the duration of the Project.

Project Work Plan

The Project work plan is designed in a way that towards the end of the Project, the developed circular business model will be fully operational. This will be ensured by established collaborative partnerships and networks that bring together multi-stakeholders and encourage their engagement for shared benefits.