Sustainable Biomass Partnership Accepts SCS Global Services as Applicant Certification Body

SCS Global Services (SCS), a leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, announced that it has been accepted as an applicant Certification Body for the Sustainable Biomass Partnership (SBP). As a result, SCS is now ready to conduct audits of companies in the biomass sector, while continuing to contribute to the expansion and success of the SBP program.

SBP is an industry-led initiative formed to ensure that woody biomass producers meet the rigorous requirements of energy production in Europe while simultaneously supporting countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The SBP Framework enables producers to demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory and sustainability requirements, with certification based upon a set of standards and processes established through the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders.  The Framework also serves as a transitional tool to address current demands while new technologies are developed to increase net energy gain and lower net emissions.  From a global standpoint, the SBP Framework complements requirements on sustainable feedstock and chain of custody from existing forest certification schemes.  SBP also creates an efficient system for biomass producers to meet industry-specific requirements, such as energy and carbon data collection, and ensure a sustainable biomass supply chain.

“We are very pleased to be accepted as an applicant Certification Body for the Sustainable Biomass Partnership and look forward to providing certification services to interested parties,” said SCS Executive Vice President Robert J. Hrubes.  “SCS is dedicated to recognizing and endorsing environmentally responsible decision-making in the production and trade of natural and manufactured products. We are eager to contribute to the success of the SBP Framework to meet Europe’s growing energy demands using responsible sourcing solutions.”

Peter Wilson, Executive Director of SBP, commented: “We are pleased to accept SCS Global Services as an applicant and look forward to progressing the application towards SBP-approved status. The acceptance of SCS as an applicant is an important step towards establishing the SBP Framework as an effective scheme enabling users of woody biomass for energy production to demonstrate that the biomass is both legally and sustainably sourced.”

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more.  Among its key certification offerings are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), Bonsucro, and carbon offset credits under a wide variety of internationally recognized schemes.  SCS is a Certified B Corporation™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. www.scsglobalservices.com

About Sustainable Biomass Partnership

SBP is an industry-led initiative formed in 2013 by major European utilities that use biomass, mostly in the form of wood pellets, in large thermal power plants. SBP’s immediate priority is to develop standards and processes allowing companies in the biomass sector to demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory and sustainability requirements. www.sustainablebiomasspartnership.org

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