While the best energy solutions may seem obvious to the LCA community, we often see wind turbines voted down for aesthetics and policy makers leaning toward solutions that show poor return, kilojoule per kilojoule. If we are to move forward with wise energy solutions, we will need to broaden our perspective to include the social impacts that influence policy-makers and communities, creating a decision-system that encompasses both social and environmental impacts.

Starting with LCA and Total Cost Assessment, a case study of a biodiesel facility in Vermont begins to incorporate social goals with reduced environmental impacts. We'll then look at other energy systems and how these decision-making tools might be used to bring policy makers, environmentalists, and communities together making wise energy choices for our future.