Scientists propose 'first step' to counting CO2 from biofuel composition

While biofuel composition means carbon emissions will occur from the burning of biomass, many current accounting systems do not include the CO2 in their totals, say scientists.

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology note that this has historically been due to the perception that biomass is ultimately carbon-neutral, with any emissions arising from the biofuel composition negated by the growing of new feedstocks.

Now, however, postdoctoral fellow at the university Dr Francesco Cherubini is calling for a new form of accounting to be devised to adapt this perception for shifts in the Earth's biosphere and oceans, which form key 'sinks' in the carbon cycle.

"This work reduces the inaccuracy of CO2 accounting in environmental impact studies and is a first step towards the development of an accurate and standardised procedure," he says.

Founded in 1910, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology addresses topics ranging from urban renewal in China to virtual reality, medical research and ship design.