Environmental sustainability analysis of biofuels: a critical review of LCA studies
Published in Chemistry, Sustainability, and Civil Engineering
The use of fossil fuels in the transportation sector has significantly increased the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to concerns about their environmental impact. As a result, biofuels have been promoted as a promising alternative to fossil fuels to mitigate GHG emissions. However, while biofuels are considered a low-carbon solution, there are concerns that its widespread use could have unforeseen environmental effects. This study analyzes the intricacies involved in biofuel’s life cycle assessment (LCA). Fifty-three peer-reviewed studies were examined, covering a broad range of biofuels produced from over 25 different feedstocks. The literature review focused mainly on research published from 2012 to 2022 to avoid outdated information. The study found that second-generation biofuels have a greater potential for reducing GHG emissions than first-generation biofuels. However, the GHG emissions from third-generation biofuels are higher than those from conventional fuel, ranging from 10.2 to 1910 g CO2 eq. / MJ. The net energy ratio for biofuels ranges from 1.23 to 12.49 for first-generation, 0.003 to 15.04 for second-generation, and 3 to 18.5 for third-generation biofuels. The analysis also shows that the water footprint of biofuels is 50–240 times greater than fossil fuels. The study also examines the critical methodological aspects and sources of uncertainty in the LCA of biofuels and suggests solutions to address these problems. Overall, the study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach when assessing the environmental impact of biofuels and the need for continued research to develop sustainable and effective biofuels.
The study shows that second-generation biofuels have a greater potential for reducing GHG emissions than first-generation biofuels. However, the GHG emission from third-generation biofuels exceeds emissions from conventional fuel due to the high electricity consumption in biofuel production. The novelty of the work lies in the critical review of LCA studies and in exploring the critical methodological features and sources of uncertainty in biofuel LCA. This study also contributes to the sustainable development goals by evaluating the GHG emissions and net energy ratio of biofuel production.
The estimated GHG emission of first-generation bioethanol ranges from 0.006 to 167 g CO2 eq. / MJ, and that for biodiesel varies from -7.3 to 329 g CO2 eq. When the average values are taken into account, the GWP of most of the first-generation biofuels is less than those of conventional gasoline (72.8 to 96 g CO2 eq. / MJ). The GHG emissions of second-generation biofuels vary from -15.4 to 178.7 g CO2 eq. / MJ for bioethanol and – 0.21 to 113.8 g CO2 eq. / MJ for biodiesel
Working on Life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability, circular economy of biofuels, wastewater management, solid waste management.
Follow the Topic
-
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
This is a scientific journal that publishes research on cleaner products, processes, and environmental policy strategies. As its title suggests, the journal has two major thrusts: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy.
What are SDG Topics?
An introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Topics and their role in highlighting sustainable development research.
Continue reading announcementRelated Collections
With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Smart Technologies and Policy Tools for Efficient Use of Natural and Secondary Resources
Recent technological developments and global economic challenges have produced mixed results in terms of sustainable development. Measured by the world's global CO2 emissions, a slowdown is apparent, but the emissions are still increasing. On the other hand, the tools necessary to curb the emissions are becoming more sophisticated. The likelihood of amplifying their effects through the application of Process Integration and digital technologies is also growing. The current Special Issue is exploring articles focused on technology development and policy tools with the potential to deliver a step-change in the resource utilisation efficiency and environmental impact reduction. The following topics are set out:
1. Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience
2. Energy Systems Planning and Policy
3. Sustainable Urbanism, Infrastructure, and Transport
4. Sustainable Materials and Processes
5. Waste Management and Circular Economy
6. AI, Data Science, and Technology for Sustainability
7. Corporate and Business Sustainability (ESG, Finance, Supply Chain)
8. Environmental Management and Natural Resources
9. Agriculture and Food Systems Sustainability
Publishing Model: Hybrid
Deadline: Apr 30, 2026
Smart Technologies and Policy for Sustainable Food Production Systems
The challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and global food insecurity demand smarter and more integrated solutions than ever before. The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Digital Twins, IoT-based systems, and data-driven policy frameworks is redefining how societies can achieve environmental sustainability and technological efficiency. At the same time, food system security, ensuring reliable, resilient, and sustainable food production and distribution, has become a global priority. Intelligent systems now play a pivotal role in optimizing agricultural resources, reducing food waste, predicting climate impacts on crops, and supporting evidence-based policy for food and nutrition sustainability.
This Special Issue aims to unite cross-disciplinary contributions that explore the role of smart and intelligent approaches in advancing clean technologies, life cycle analysis (LCA), environmental policy, and climate-smart solutions that enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of food systems. It invites innovative research, case studies, and policy dialogues that link engineering, environmental science, digital innovation, and sustainability governance.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:A. AI, ML & Digital Technologies for Sustainability
• AI/ML models for predictive environmental management, waste reduction, and quantifying sustainability indicators
• Digital twins for infrastructure, ecosystems, resource planning, pollution prevention
• Big data and IoT for smart monitoring of water, air, and soil quality
• Intelligent decision-support systems for climate adaptation
• AI/ML-based frameworks to design scalable processes for pollution prevention in agriculture and food processing.
B. Clean Technologies, Circular Economy and Sustainability Metrics
• Smart industrial processes and low-carbon manufacturing
• Green hydrogen, bioenergy, and renewable energy optimization
• Clean energy applications in food production and processing
• Green chemistry and eco-efficient manufacturing in food industries
• Digital transformation strategies, environmental benchmarking tools for food and agri-processing operations.
C. Environmental Policy, Governance & Risk
• Smart environmental governance and digital policy tools
• Risk assessment and resilience planning for climate disasters
• Policy pathways for net-zero and regenerative economies
• Policy-technology interfaces for sustainable food systems. policy-technology interfaces for food system sustainability, or include regulatory framework development for AI-driven environmental monitoring systems.
D. Food System Security & Sustainable Agriculture
• AI and precision agriculture for yield prediction and water efficiency
• Climate-smart farming and soil-health monitoring with IoT sensors
• Digital platforms for food supply chain resilience and waste reduction
• Policy frameworks for food security, nutrition, and agro-sustainability
• Process integration and intensification for resource-efficient food processing.
E. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Climate Impact of Food Systems
• Comprehensive LCAs of agricultural, aquacultural, and food processing systems
• Carbon and water footprinting across supply chains
• Integration of climate risk assessment and LCA methodologies
F. Nature-Based & Integrated Solutions
• Smart integration of nature-based solutions (wetlands, rain gardens)
• Hybrid models combining ecological engineering and digital systems
• Ecosystem services assessment using intelligent tools
Publishing Model: Hybrid
Deadline: Jul 31, 2026
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in