Two types of sustainability ought to be discussed in connection with biomass use for energy, the long term sustainability of biomass production as such, and the overall ecosystem sustainability under the existing and future global climatic conditions. This framework will stress the importance of using biomass as an energy resource, for reducing the use of fossil fuels. An integrated view of the environmental effects of short-rotation forest plantations should include an analysis of the effects from production to conversion and an analysis of the range of the specific environmental effect in relation to other alternatives for producing energy or wood products. Many negative effects from the utilization step of short-rotation forest plantations can be minimized depending on the choice of land, cultivation methods and target levels yield. Short-rotation plantations is an environmental sound energy resource if. (1) the biomass production systems are not pressed to maximum production, (2) cultivation measures are taken to minimize nutrient leaching, (3) the short-rotation plantations are designed for visual adaptation to the landscape, and (4) directed silvicultural measures are taken to retain and improve important habitats and protect marginal forest areas.