Bioresource Mapping Tool
Context
InformBio starts in 2022 a task aiming to quantify, characterise and analyse the regional distribution of biological raw materials, considering technical, economic, and logistical accessibility constraints. In other words, representing an overview and mapping of the quantification of Irish biological resources, its arisings, fate, and characterisation, acting as a reference for development of new value chains and opportunities for enterprises.
Finishing this task in 2024, all the data and information gathered was included in the Bioresource Mapping Tool, a state-of-the-art model for mapping of bioresources. This tool is a recognised tool to support the mapping and modelling of biological raw materials for new value chain development1. The mapping tool was first developed and piloted in Scotland to map the wastes, by-products, and agricultural residues as a key action of the “Biorefinery Roadmap for Scotland” published by Scottish Enterprise in 20152.
Now InformBio presents the updated version of the Bioresource Mapping Tool, including the main biological raw material data estimated to be generated in Ireland in 2020.
What type of information is included?
The Bioresource Mapping Tool gathers many types of information, such as, yields, tonnes, percentage of by-products generated, etc. See the Figures below for more information!
Figure 1. Main sectors and type of information gathered.
Figure 2. Detail of the sectors studied
How does the Bioresource Mapping Tool works?
The Bioresource Mapping Tool is an Excel based tool which utilizes data sheets to record regional raw material details, encompassing pricing, fate information, and bioresource content. These data sheets, serving as background information, manage data flow through the model using Excel’s Power Pivot functionality. The data included in the model forms the background data sheets as illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Bioresource Mapping Tool Model
How can I use the Bioresource Mapping Tool?
To use the Bioresource Mapping Tool few steps are needed. The main portion of the research is around the collection of data read by the Tool, which is already collected, so you will only need to download the tool, check what type of information can be consulted (download the user guidelines) and watch this video to know how to interpret the data.
The Bioresource Mapping Tool will generate several interactive graphs and an interactive Bioresource map!
Download our copy of the Bioresource Mapping Tool here!
And the report with extra details and methodologies on the biomass arisings estimations here!
Suggested references:
-
Giron Dominguez, C. and J. Gaffey (2024). “D2.1 Final Bioresource Modelling Database” from https://informbioproject.ie/informbio-tools/bioresource-mapping-tool/.
-
Giron Dominguez, C. and J. Gaffey (2024). “D2.2 Quantification of Biological Raw Materials for Ireland’s Bioeconomy.” from https://informbioproject.ie/informbio-tools/bioresource-mapping-tool/.
Main resources used in the study:
Many resources such as peer-reviewed papers, interviews with key stakeholders and other studies have been consulted.
Special thanks to all expert that have worked with us through interviews during the development of this task. Due to GDPR reasons no names or identifiers can be given. However, we are deeply welcome to you all!
A summary of them can be found below.
1. Attard, J., McMahon, H., Doody, P., Belfrage, J., Clark, C., Ugarte, J. A., Pérez-Camacho, M. N., del Sol Cuenca Martín, M., Giráldez Morales, A. J., & Gaffey, J. (2020). Mapping and analysis of biomass supply chains in Andalusia and the Republic of Ireland. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114595
2. The main findings from this study have been compiled in the study Biorefining Potential for Scotland, published in 2017. https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/Biorefining%20Potential%20for%20Scotland%20Final%20report.pdf
