University of Michigan Life Cycle Assessment shows sustainability benefits of plant-based meat over conventional beef

Oct. 1, 2018, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

Dr. Martin Heller, research specialist at the Center for Sustainable Systems in U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), conducted a peer-reviewed life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impact of the production of the Beyond Burger through it’s distribution to retailers. The study shows that production of the Beyond Burger has a significantly lighter environmental footprint—from a sustainability perspective—than production of traditional beef hamburgers. Compared to a ¼ lb. of U.S. beef, producing a ¼ lb. Beyond Burger requires:

• 99% less impact on water scarcity

• 93% less impact on land use

• 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions

• Nearly 50% less energy

Research brief:http://css.umich.edu/project/comprehensive-comparison-plant-based-and-animal-based-protien-sources-beyond-meats-beyond

Forbes article:https://www.forbes.com/sites/katrinafox/2018/09/26/this-vegan-brand-just-proved-that-plant-based-burgers-are-more-sustainable-than-those-made-of-beef/#24620050475a

[… Read more at , School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan ]

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