In a recent episode of Ethanol Producer Magazine’s podcast series, McCord Pankonen, Managing Director for North America Biofuels at EcoEngineers, joined host Anna Simet at the 2025 Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) in Omaha, Nebraska, to discuss the evolving landscape of carbon intensity (CI) tracking and its implications for the ethanol industry. 

Pankonen emphasized that the ethanol industry is at a pivotal moment. As regulatory frameworks and voluntary programs increasingly prioritize carbon performance, producers are being called to demonstrate not just compliance but also leadership in sustainability. He noted that accurate life-cycle analysis (LCA) is no longer a niche concern; it’s becoming a core business function. This shift is driven by both policy developments and market expectations, particularly from buyers seeking low-CI fuels.

A key theme in the discussion focused on the need for credible, third-party-verified data. Pankonen highlighted how voluntary consensus standards bodies are helping to establish trust in carbon accounting practices. He also pointed to the importance of aligning methodologies across jurisdictions to ensure consistency and comparability.

The conversation also touched on the role of digital tools and quality assurance programs (QAPs) in streamlining data collection and verification. Pankonen advocated for systems that are both rigorous and user-friendly, enabling producers to focus on operational improvements while maintaining audit readiness.

Looking ahead, Pankonen expressed optimism about the ethanol industry’s ability to lead in carbon-reduction innovation. He underscored the value of collaboration between producers, regulators, and technology providers in building a transparent and efficient carbon marketplace.

Click below to watch the full podcast interview. 

About EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.