The Biomass Assessment Handbook BIOENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Responding to the need for reliable and detailed information on biomass consumption and supply and overcoming the lack of standardized measurement and accounting procedures, this handbook provides the skills to understand the biomass resource base and the tools to assess the resource and the pros and cons of exploitation. Topics covered include assessment methods for woody and herbaceous biomass, biomass supply and consumption, and remote sensing techniques. International case studies, ranging from techniques for measuring tree volume to transporting biomass, help to illustrate step-by-step methods and are based on fieldwork experience. A set of technical appendices offer a glossary of terms, energy units, and other valuable reference data.

The increasing importance of biomass as a renewable energy source has lead to an acute need for reliable and detailed information on its assessment, consumption and supply. Responding to this need, and overcoming the lack of standardized measurement and accounting procedures, this handbook provides the reader with the skills to understand the biomass resource base, the tools to assess the resource, and explores the pros and cons of exploitation. Topics covered include assessment methods for woody and herbaceous biomass, biomass supply and consumption, remote sensing techniques as well as vital policy issues. International case studies, ranging from techniques for measuring tree volume to transporting biomass, help to illustrate step-by-step methods and are based on field work experience. Technical appendices offer a glossary of terms, energy units and other valuable resource data.

Overview of Biomass Energy * General Introduction to the Basis of Biomass Assessment Methodology * Assessment Methods for Woody Biomass Supply * Non-woody Biomass and Secondary Fuels * Assessment of Biomass Consumption * Remote Sensing Techniques for Biomass Production and Carbon Sequestration Projects * Case Studies * Appendices

Frank Rosillo-Calle is a Research Fellow at Imperial College's Centre for Environmental Policy and Technology. He has worked in the field of bioenergy related areas for 25 years and has published extensively in this area. Peter de Groot has worked in the field of renewable energy for 25 years. He has recently been involved in practical training courses for rural entrepreneurs. Sarah L. Hemstock is currently Programme Manager of the Cusichaca Trust. She has worked in resource management and sustainable development issues in poor communities. Jeremy Woods is a Research Fellow at Imperial College's Centre for Environmental Policy and Technology. His research focuses on the interaction between development, land use and sustainable use of natural resources, in particular biomass energy.