Life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic ethanol: a review of key factors and methods affecting calculated GHG emissions and energy use

- System boundaries, N2O emissions, soil carbon and LUC remain contentious issues.
- Differences in process efficiency and chemical use can strongly impact LCA metrics.
- GHG emissions are impacted by allocation methods and co-product credits.
- Wide variation in key parameters reported in the literature impacts GHG emissions.
- Indirect/consequential effects can be important and warrant further study.