B_0215_Newsfeed_Corn

Biofuels Not as Carbon-Friendly as Previously Thought

Feb. 17, 2015

State policies may not cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Almost every single study that has evaluated biofuels and found them to be more carbon-friendly than petroleum fuels is flawed and needs to be redone, according to a researcher from the University of Michigan who analyzed over 100 papers published over the past 20 years. The research is defective because it uses an incomplete calculation for the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere when corn, soybeans, and sugarcane are grown to make biofuels, according to John DeCicco, the scientist.

DeCicco’s analysis examines what is called “carbon footprinting,” a lifecycle analysis that is supposed to give a complete evaluation of the carbon impact of transportation fuel production. The paper shows that the current methods are ineffective at properly reflecting the dynamics of the terrestrial carbon cycle, which could explain why the results of biofuel-related studies have been so hotly disputed.

Given the new information, the study says that state and federal policies such as the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard and California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard may actually be making things worse rather than better for the climate. The study, The Liquid Carbon Challenge: Evolving Views on Transportation Fuels and Climate, is available online.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...