Creating Markets for Green Biofuels: Measuring and improving environmental performance
Policy Incentives - Technical ReportAuthor: Brian T. Turner, Richard J. Plevin, Michael O'Hare, Alexander E. Farrell
Author Affiliation: UC Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center
Submitted: Fri, 10/05/2007 - 21:40
Edited: Tue, 07/08/2008 - 18:26
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Copyright Status: free to download Description:
Consumers often assume that the production and use of biofuels is "green" or "environmentally friendly". Biofuels are even touted as being solutions to environmental degradation and climate change. However at present, neither government officials nor consumers have any way of knowing whether using any particular biofuel is good, indifferent, or bad for the environment. No indices for these assumptions currently exist.
In the United States, the biofuels industry supplies nearly 5% of the total domestic gasoline market and is very profitable. Markets for biofuels are growing rapidly thanks in part to government policies and incentives aimed to offset the initial capital costs associated with the transition to alternative fuels. However, current government subsidies tend to ignore both the environmental costs and the environmental benefits to biofuels production and consumption. Without incentives, rules, and regulations, biofuels manufacturers are likely to expand production in environmentally harmful ways.
This study provides an excellent analysis of the current modes of domestic ethanol and biodiesel production from feedstock growth to fuel processing and delivery, with the lifecycle assessments of each technology being explored in detail. The major positive and negative environmental consequences of both ethanol and biodiesel are also provided and accompanied with strategies that can help maximize the benefits of biofuels through the intelligent management of any associated environmental consequences.
The authors also propose a Green Biofuels Index that will allow both government officials and consumers to better understand the collective environmental costs and benefits associated with biofuels production and consumption. Strategies to aid in the adoption of such an index are also explored.
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