Dutch standard for sustainably produced biomass now also available in English

Biomass plays an important role in the transition to a sustainable energy economy. The use of biomass for energy or fuel is broadly under discussion. Therefore, it is important to make agreements on what is regarded as ‘sustainable’. A diverse working group existing of private companies, government and non-governmental organizations and facilitated by NEN, the Dutch Standardization Institute, have established sustainability requirements in a voluntary agreement.

The production of biomass takes mostly place outside the Netherlands. However, biomass should be imported to meet the Dutch demand for renewable energy. Therefore, the voluntary agreement is translated into English, so that foreign companies have the possibility to produce biomass in a sustainable way. Sustainability requirements alone are not sufficient. A scheme is needed that describes the rules that enable certification against these sustainability requirements. One is working hard on this right now.

Various initiatives take place in the field of sustainability criteria for biomass, both in Europe and worldwide. An English version of the Dutch agreement on this topic contributes to the discussions that take place at several places. In this way, the Netherlands influence international agreements on sustainably produced biomass.