This article presents a quantitative systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of the latest life cycle assessment studies in the energy from biomass with emphasis on the biomass production phase. Global warming potential, acidification and eutrophication are identified as major impactors of the biomass production. Use of wood and forestry residues, short rotation forestry species, such as poplar and willow, are the most promising sources of woody biomass to reduce the environmental impacts. The article also recommends methods to further reduce the environmental impacts of energy from biomass and identifies gaps in knowledge for future research.