The sustainability performance of bioenergy and biofuels is debated, both within the scientific community and in society. Sometimes conflicting views are put forward even though similar bioenergy and biofuel production are discussed. One reason for current conflicting views is differences in basic assumptions and methodological approaches applied in the underlying environmental assessments. Thus, the overall aim with this study is to improve the knowledge about how underlying assumptions may affect the results regarding biofuels sustainability performance. This is important to inform the current debate and to make appropriate interpretations of the various studies presented within the biofuel sustainability field. Furthermore, policy tools based on inadequate environmental assessment methods, for example employing too narrow system boundaries, may not be effective in supporting those bioenergy systems that have more favorable performance concerning net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, land-use efficiency and other environmental aspects.
This report contains three different examples that concern important aspects of assessing the environmental performance of bioenergy and biofuel systems: (i) the impact of system boundaries on biogas GHG performance and land use efficiency; (ii) methodology approaches in assessments of forest bioenergy systems and associated carbon balances; and (iii) assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in a landscape perspective. The reports ends with a discussion of findings and policy implications.