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Project Code [COALESCE/2022/804]
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Project title
Food Waste in Ireland � Assessment, Environmental & Economic Burden, and Mitigation Strategies (FORWARD)
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Technological University Dublin (TUD)
Project Abstract
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) calculates that 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally per year, directly contributing to food shortages, water stress, biodiversity loss, up to 10% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and economic losses of �550 billion. Approximately 1.27 million tonnes of food waste is generated in Ireland annually, representing a carbon footprint of 3.6 million tonnes (CO2). Based on Irelands commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a 50% reduction in both food waste and emissions is required by 2030. Accordingly, it is crucial to accurately quantify volumes of food waste generated, in line with the National Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy design mitigation strategies for converting waste-to-value and assess the environmental and economic implications of food waste and that of its valorisation. FORWARD will quantify food waste generated by Irish households and conduct simulation modelling to identify spatiotemporal, occupational and demographic clusters of food waste generation, thus permitting empiric estimates of current and future risk factors and bespoke interventions. Based on this new knowledge, a roadmap for converting household food waste into sustainable biobased products using the cascading approach of a biorefinery will be developed. Finally, FORWARD will employ Life Cycle (cost) Analysis (LCA/LCCA) to measure the environmental impacts and economic costs of generated food waste in Ireland and explore implications of its valorisation into value added products. FORWARD will thus create an Environmental-Economic (EN-EC) Footprint Index and a Project Development Assistance (PDA) Tool as decision support tools for evidence-based policies and investment guidance.
Grant Approved
�219,913.61
Research Theme
Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/09/2024