IEA – Carbon Accounting for Sustainable Biofuels

Carbon accounting is crucial for biofuel policies globally, assessing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the biofuel supply chain. The carbon intensity of biofuels is measured in gCO2-eq/MJ. Sustainable biofuels are key for decarbonizing transport and offer benefits like energy security and job creation. However, concerns about the sustainability of large-scale deployment, especially crop-based biofuels, exist due to issues like land use change and impacts on biodiversity. Policies should promote transparent and consistent GHG accounting to drive continuous improvement in sustainable biofuels. Measures to improve biofuel carbon intensity include sustainable farming practices and renewable energy use. Indirect land use change poses challenges in GHG accounting and requires risk-based approaches. Policy frameworks should reward better GHG performance, prioritize measures with high GHG reduction potential, and address indirect land use change concerns. Overall, carbon accounting should be part of a broader set of policies to ensure sustainable biofuel production while minimizing negative impacts.