Integrated Manure Utilization System Life-Cycle Value Assessment

The Pembina Institute, in collaboration with the Alberta Research Council and Highmark Renewables, completed a Life-Cycle Value Assessment (LCVA) of an emerging technology to convert cattle manure into electricity, heat, biofertilizer and reusable water: the Integrated Manure Utilization System (IMUS). The results of the study demonstrate the significant potential for this technology to improve the triple-bottom-line performance of intensive livestock operations, while also highlighting many of the challenges faced by further commercialization. The study assessed the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the technology, focusing on the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential return on investment. Several other impacts on the local community and the environment were also assessed.