1,3-propanediol (PDO) is an important intermediate in the production of various plastics and fibers. It may be derived from fossil or biomass resources. Tables 14.8 and 14.9 contain information about the cost of inputs to the fossil and biomass routes, respectively, to produce PDO. Using these data and the Eco-LCA tool, answer the following questions.

1. Compare the life cycle CO emissions, water use, and land use for the fossil and biomass routes to produce PDO. 

2. Calculate the CDP and transformity of both processes. Is the insight from these metrics similar?

3. Calculate the renewability index, environmental loading ratio, and sustainability index for both routes. 

4. Discuss the sustainability of both routes.

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Table 14.8 Data for fossil route to produce 1,3-propanediol [14]. NAICS sector code (2002) Cost per mt PDO 325190 $563.34 325120 $933.58 221300 $0.00 221200 $17.37 221100 $97.66 325188 $0.00 331419 $0.00 Input Ethylene oxide Syngas Water Natural gas (heating) Electricity (cooling) Cobalt catalyst Nickel catalyst