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RenovaCalc: Calculation of Carbon Intensities Under Brazil’s National Biofuel Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Lucas G. Pereira

    (Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, Jaguariúna CEP 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Mateus F. Chagas

    (Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10.000, Polo II de Alta Tecnologia de Campinas, Campinas CEP 13083-970, SP, Brazil)

  • Marília I. S. Folegatti

    (Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, Jaguariúna CEP 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Joaquim E. A. Seabra

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, R. Mendeleyev, 200, Cidade Universitária, Campinas CEP 13083-860, SP, Brazil)

  • Nilza P. Ramos

    (Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, Jaguariúna CEP 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Michelle T. Scachetti

    (SCS Global Services, 2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA)

  • Juliana F. Picoli

    (FGVces—Center for Sustainability Studies of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, Av. Nove de Julho, 2029, 11th Floor, Bela Vista, São Paulo CEP 01313-902, SP, Brazil)

  • Marcelo M. R. Moreira

    (Agroicone, Av. Angélica, 2447, cj 173, Higienópolis, São Paulo CEP 01227-200, SP, Brazil)

  • Renan M. L. Novaes

    (Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, Jaguariúna CEP 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Antonio M. Bonomi

    (Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10.000, Polo II de Alta Tecnologia de Campinas, Campinas CEP 13083-970, SP, Brazil)

  • Otávio Cavalett

    (SCS Global Services, 2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA)

  • Anna Leticia M. T. Pighinelli

    (Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, Jaguariúna CEP 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Marcelo A. B. Morandi

    (Embrapa, Parque Estação Biológica—PqEB, s/n, Brasília CEP 70770-901, DF, Brazil)

Abstract

In 2017, Brazil launched its National Biofuel Policy (RenovaBio) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation matrix, aligned with the National Determined Contribution commitments under the Paris Agreement. The authors of this Technical Note formed a working group that structured the methodological framework for RenovaCalc, the computational tool used by producers to quantify the carbon intensity of biofuels certified under RenovaBio. The framework is based on the Life Cycle Assessment approach, in accordance with internationally recognized standards and bioenergy policy guidelines. For the 2025 cycle, 331 production units (75% of Brazil’s total) had their biofuels under certification obtained using RenovaCalc, which is currently available for biodiesel, ethanol, biomethane, and sustainable aviation fuel produced from numerous feedstocks. The calculator is widely adopted and possibly the most important life cycle tool in Brazil.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas G. Pereira & Mateus F. Chagas & Marília I. S. Folegatti & Joaquim E. A. Seabra & Nilza P. Ramos & Michelle T. Scachetti & Juliana F. Picoli & Marcelo M. R. Moreira & Renan M. L. Novaes & Antonio, 2025. "RenovaCalc: Calculation of Carbon Intensities Under Brazil’s National Biofuel Policy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:23:p:10442-:d:1800076
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