Background

Biomass is being used more and more to generate energy or to produce fuel. It is a viable response to global themes like climate change and security of energy supply. The use of biomass to generate energy or to produce fuel is a much debated subject, both publicly and politically. For this reason, it is important that one can demonstrate that the biomass, being used for energy applications, is obtained in a sustainable way. Certification is a sound instrument to prove sustainability.

Cramer criteria

In 2007, the Dutch project group 'Sustainable production of biomass' formulated criteria for to the use of biomass for energy applications and chemical industry. These are published in the report 'Testing framework for sustainable biomass'. The criteria are intended to prevent economic growth harming other important values for nature, environment and society (people, planet, profit).

European targets

In June 2009, the European Commission published the Renewable Energy Directive, that includes sustainability criteria for biofuels (for transportation) and liquid biomass (for energy applications other than transportation). These are legal requirements that have to be implemented in national legislation of EU member states by December 2010. This Directive is an elaboration of European targets concerning energy consumption, the amount of renewable energy and biofuels and reduction of greenhouse gas emission.

Objective

Based on Dutch and European sustainability criteria, a certification system for biomass for energy purposes has been developed by a diverse group of stakeholders. The criteria have been turned into verifiable requirements. The certification system offers a way for suppliers and buyers of biomass to distinguish sustainable products.

Contact

More information?
E-mail to nta8080@nen.nl or fill in our online contact form.

Contact