Author Pena, N., Bird, D.N. & Zanchi, G.

Year of publication 2011

his report reviews and evaluates bioenergy accounting approaches in the climate context. Consideration of alternative accounting approaches for emissions generated by the use of biomass for energy is very timely. The report describes and evaluates various bioenergy accounting systems that could be used in nations with GHG-limitation obligations. This report briefly describes accounting system options and then evaluates them in 2 ways. First, options are evaluated against 3 criteria: (1) comprehensiveness over space and time, i.e., the extent to which the system accurately counts all emissions; (2) simplicity, including ease of implementation; and (3) scale independence, or the degree to which the system can be used at the project, entity, national or global level. Second, accounting systems are evaluated with regard to the degree to which they support 3 key stakeholder goals: (1) stimulation of rural economies and food security; (2) GHG emission reductions; and (3) preservation of forests.