New RSB standard proposed to certify low-risk ILUC biomass

May 1, 2015

BY Sue Retka Schill

It may soon be possible to certify that biomass is not only sustainably sourced, but also considered low-risk for indirect land use change (ILUC). The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials released its draft standard titled "Low iLUC Risk Biomass Criteria and Compliance Indicators." 

The add-on certification module to the RSB standard for biofuels and bioproducts is based on the low indirect impact biofuels methodology developed in collaboration with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Ecofys, a sustainable energy consultancy headquartered in the Netherlands. The standards include a set of criteria and compliance indicators that producers can use to demonstrate their operations are at low risk for land use change from one of four approaches: yield increase, unused or degraded land, use of waste or residues and integrated sugarcane and cattle production.

The yield increase approach applies where feedstock producers are able to increase harvested biomass from a fixed area of land though an improvement in agricultural practices, intercropping or double cropping. The draft standard outlines the required documentation and method for determining baseline yield. In the waste and residue section, the standard outlines which waste products are permissible. For example, the producer must show the waste-stream was not used previously for electricity generation, combined heat and power or as a fertilizer or soil input. The section on sugarcane and cattle integration is still under development.

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The new standards, aimed primarily at the European Union regulations for sustainable biomaterials, were released April 29 for review and will be finalized at the RSB general assembly meeting June 1 in Geneva.

"This new low iLUC standard will allow certain producers to show they generate biofuels crops which do not impact food production," said Rolf Hogan, RSB's executive director.  

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"We are pleased to publish these proposals for comment, as the European Parliament recently accepted the ILUC amendment, which includes provisions for low-ILUC biofuels."

RSB brings together a diverse coalition of over 100 organizations around the world, including large and small farmers, companies, nongovernmental organizations, experts, governments, and UN agencies. RSB certification verifies sustainable production methods are being followed by participating companies, including greenhouse gas emission reductions, respect for human rights, protection of biodiversity and water and maintenance of food security.

 

 

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