Combining frontier analysis and Exergetic Life Cycle Assessment towards identification of economic-environmental win-win situations on dairy farms

In light of environmental concerns about livestock farming and high pressure on profit margins in milk production, dairy farmers face the challenge to produce in an environmentally sustainable, yet competitive way. In this study, we aim to investigate whether and how economic-environmental win-wins can be achieved for dairy farms in the region of Flanders (Belgium). From an environmental viewpoint, we focus on natural resource use (land, water, minerals, fossil resources, etc.), quantifying it through Exergetic Life Cycle Assessment (ELCA). Combining ELCA and frontier analysis, we assess economic and environmental performances of 127 specialized dairy farms by positioning these farms against a best practice frontier.

Publication year:2015