The BioGrace model provides the default values in a spreadsheet for the EU Renewable Directive. The calculations meet the requirement of Annex V (2009/28/EC) of the Directive. The BioGrace model is available for the Netherlands with parameters that are consistent with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) analysis. A key feature of the analysis is energy allocation for co-products.

BioGrace provides over 15 biofuel pathways in separate workbooks. The calculation scheme for each pathway is consistently organized and easy to follow. BioGrace follows the functional unit approach laid out in the JRC report. Energy inputs and emissions are calculated per unit of throughput such as a tonne of sugarcane. The emissions are converted to a per MJ basis using a cumulative yield factor, which reflects all of the yields for each processing step.

BioGrace is configured with the energy allocation approach specified under the EU Directive. Thus, the tool is not configured to provide the flexible options for examining co-products as in other fuel LCA models.

Another significant feature of BioGrace is the exogenous LCI data. These parameters are external model inputs, whereas they are calculated internally in GREET, LEM, and GHGenius.