Frequently asked questions

To expand the contribution of good biomass to the global bioeconomy.

SBP Standards go beyond regulatory requirements, but this is a conditional approach applied where there is consensus and strategic alignment. Our Standards v2.0 go beyond regulatory compliance in key areas:

• Biodiversity – protecting habitats and species
• Land conversion – preventing deforestation and ecosystem loss
• Forest carbon stock – ensuring carbon stocks are stable or increasing over time
• Cascading use – prioritising resource efficiency
• Social safeguards – training, grievance handling, and respecting peoples’ rights

No. SBP is a sourcing standard, not a forest management standard. Its purpose is to ensure that biomass feedstock is sourced responsibly, not to manage forests directly. SBP Standards were designed to adapt principles from forest management certification into a framework relevant for Biomass Producers. This means SBP operates at the sourcing area level, not at the Forest Management Unit (FMU) level.

Comparing SBP to FSC or PEFC is an “apples-to-oranges” comparison because they serve different functions in the sourcing of forest products/feedstocks. SBP complements, rather than replaces, forest management schemes. It focuses on mitigating risks in feedstock sourcing for biomass production.

No. SBP does not give a “free pass” to feedstock certified under other schemes. SBP has evaluated FSC and PEFC according to its benchmarking and recognition framework to determine the extent to which these schemes meet SBP requirements, and therefore the extent to which they can be used to demonstrate compliance with SBP requirements.

SBP applies a formal benchmarking and recognition framework to evaluate other certification schemes such as FSC and PEFC. This process determines which requirements of the SBP Standards are met by those schemes and where gaps exist.

Where requirements are met, Biomass Producers can use recognised schemes towards SBP compliance, reducing duplication and supporting efficiency. Where gaps exist, Biomass Producers must address them through the usual process – conducting a Supply Base Evaluation (SBE) for the indicators not covered and determining the risk of non-compliance. If risks are identified, they must implement Risk Management Measures (RMMs) to reduce those risks to “low.”

This approach ensures that all SBP-certified feedstock complies fully with SBP Standards, even when other schemes are used as part of the verification process.

SBP certification focuses on Biomass Producers and their supply base rather than direct forest management. However, SBP does require auditors to verify the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures at the forest level where indicated. This means that if mitigation measures relate to forest practices, auditors must conduct on-site evaluations at a representative sample of forest units to confirm compliance.

The following are ways that SBP ensures strong auditor oversight:

• Auditor competence: Certification Bodies must meet ISO 17065 requirements, and auditors must have relevant education and at least five years of professional experience in forestry or related disciplines.
• Audit protocols: SBP Standard 3 requires auditors to assess compliance with SBP Standards and verify that mitigation measures are effectively implemented.
• Sampling regime: When forest visits are needed, SBP specifies a formula-based sampling approach to ensure representative coverage.
• Auditing the auditors: SBP uses an independent third party assurance provider (ANAB) to periodically audit the Certification Bodies against the requirements of both the SBP Standards and ISO 17065.

SBP is a sourcing standard, not a forest management standard. Its risk-based approach focuses on identifying and mitigating sustainability risks across the supply base rather than duplicating the role of FSC or PEFC. Where risks cannot be mitigated through documentation and verification, SBP requires on-site checks in the forest as part of its targeted assurance process.

SBP uses a risk-based approach. Biomass Producers must conduct a Supply Base Evaluation (SBE) and identify risks related to legality, biodiversity, carbon stock, and social impacts. Where risks are identified, Biomass Producers must implement Risk Management Measures (RMMs) to reduce them to “low”. These measures are validated by independent auditors and monitored regularly.

Feedstock cannot be considered SBP-compliant until mitigation measures have effectively reduced risks to “low”. SBP requires ongoing monitoring and verification of these measures, ensuring that non-compliant feedstock does not enter the supply chain. This process drives continuous improvement and ensures that sustainability risks are actively managed rather than ignored.

Yes. SBP incorporates the cascading use principle, which prioritises the use of wood in long-lived products before it is used for energy. This means SBP-certified biomass should not compete with markets for wood products (such as construction timber or furniture) when those products are in substantial demand within the supply base.

SBP Standards require operators to demonstrate compliance with this principle through risk assessments and mitigation measures. The aim is to support resource efficiency and climate objectives by ensuring biomass is used responsibly and does not undermine material uses that deliver greater carbon benefits.

The SBP scheme limits primary feedstock sourcing to sourcing areas with stable or increasing carbon stocks. SBP also applies the EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) methodology for carbon accounting and Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) emissions requirements. This means SBP-certified biomass must meet stringent requirements to ensure that forest carbon stocks do not decline over the long term.

SBP designates forest residues, such as branches and tops of trees, as primary feedstock, meaning they must meet the full set of sustainability criteria under SBP Standard 1. Processing residues, such as sawdust from sawmills, also need to comply with sustainability requirements. This ensures that all biomass inputs, whether from forests or processing facilities, are subject to rigorous sustainability checks.

No. SBP prohibits sourcing of primary feedstock from primary and old-growth forests, aligning with EU REDIII requirements. These areas are considered high conservation value and are designated as “no-go areas” for biomass sourcing. These safeguards protect biodiversity and carbon stocks, reinforcing SBP’s commitment to global sustainability goals.

SBP-compliant feedstock meets all SBP sustainability requirements. Whereas, SBP-controlled feedstock comes from sources certified under recognised control schemes (for example, FSC Controlled Wood).

SBP ensures transparency and traceability through dedicated digital tools such as the Data Transfer System (DTS) and Audit Portal. These platforms enable robust tracking of biomass flows across the supply chain and support credible sustainability claims. They also allow End-users to calculate the actual greenhouse gas emissions associated with the biomass they consume.

By providing clear, verifiable data, SBP fosters trust among stakeholders and demonstrates compliance with both regulatory and market requirements.

The SBP certification scheme provides for the collection and carriage of energy and carbon data throughout the biomass supply chain. Furthermore, it enables the calculation of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

Data on biomass flows is be made available in aggregated form. However, information on the Supply Base Evaluation of each certified Biomass Producer is publicly available.

SBP provides multiple engagement channels to ensure transparency and inclusivity:

• Public consultations: Stakeholders can participate in consultations during the development or revision of SBP Standards and Regional Risk Assessments.
• Regional Forums: SBP hosts Regional Forums to facilitate ongoing dialogue with NGOs, industry, and other interested parties.
• Direct feedback: Stakeholders can submit comments or concerns through SBP’s website or during stakeholder engagement processes linked to Supply Base Evaluations.

These mechanisms allow stakeholders to influence SBP’s continuous improvement and ensure their voices are heard in shaping sustainability standards.

Efforts are being made at all levels within SBP to engage with a range of stakeholder groups, including Civil Society Organisations and organisations with a commercial interest in the biomass sector.

We have civil society, supply chain and expert representation on the Board, Committees and Working Groups. Our Regional Forums aim to broaden and deepen our relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, with particular emphasis on Civil Society Organisations.

SBP requires Biomass Producers to engage with relevant stakeholders during the development and update of their Supply Base Evaluation (SBE). This includes seeking feedback from affected parties such as local communities, NGOs, and indigenous groups. Beyond the SBE process, SBP’s Chain of Custody Standard (Standard 4) also requires certified organisations to establish and maintain a Stakeholder Engagement Plan appropriate to their operations and scope of certification.

Stakeholder engagement is recognised as a fundamental accountability mechanism within SBP, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to sustainability concerns.

SBP Standards uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including FPIC. Where Indigenous Peoples are present in the Supply Base, legal, customary, and traditional tenure and usage rights must be documented and respected.

Certification Bodies assess the adequacy of stakeholder engagement with local communities and Indigenous Peoples during audits. Further, SBP Standards include indicators requiring compliance with local regulations and international norms on Indigenous rights.

SBP maintains a formal review cycle of five years, supported by a commitment to continuous improvement. This means that while comprehensive revisions occur on a five-year basis, SBP actively updates and clarifies its Standards during this period through interpretations, guidance documents, and interim updates. For example, SBP Standards v2.1 will introduce clearer definitions and enhanced guidance to reduce misinterpretation. In addition, SBP invests in developing improved risk assessment tools and mitigation guidance to ensure our Standards remain robust and responsive to evolving best practices.

SBP integrates scientific expertise throughout its standard-setting process by engaging independent specialists and collaborating with academic institutions and research organisations. This approach ensures that our requirements reflect the latest evidence and best practices in sustainability.

For example, our Carbon Working Group brings together experts in forest carbon and greenhouse gas accounting. Its flexible membership model allows new specialists to join as priorities evolve, ensuring that we remain aligned with current scientific consensus, thereby strengthening our credibility.

SBP certification is recognised by several regulatory authorities/frameworks as evidence of compliance with biomass sustainability requirements. These include:

• Belgium (Flanders) – SBP certification is accepted under the Flemish sustainability criteria for solid biomass.
• Denmark – Recognised as meeting Danish biomass sustainability requirements.
• European Union – Recognised under the Renewable Energy Directive REDIII) for demonstrating sustainability and greenhouse gas savings criteria for biomass.
• Japan – Recognised by Japanese authorities for biomass sustainability in energy generation.
• Netherlands – Accepted by the Dutch regulator for compliance with the national sustainability framework for solid biomass.
• United Kingdom – Recognised by Ofgem for compliance with relevant GB legislation.

Regulators and/or national governments set the regulatory requirements/frameworks and it is for the regulated organisations themselves to demonstrate compliance to those bodies. The SBP certification scheme is a tool that can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, provided it is recognised by the regulatory authorities/frameworks.

Separately, Certification Bodies determine organisations’ compliance with the SBP requirements during the audit process. Non-compliance with the SBP requirements will lead to suspension and subsequent termination of certification.

RE100 is a global initiative that brings together leading companies committed to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. To count electricity generated from biomass toward RE100 targets, companies must obtain assurance that the biomass was generated sustainably.

RE100 recommends that this assurance be provided through third-party certification. SBP offers a robust certification scheme specifically designed for woody biomass used in energy production. The SBP Standards align with RE100’s sustainability expectations, providing companies with a credible and transparent way to demonstrate responsible sourcing.

As such, SBP certification may be used by RE100 member companies as part of their sustainability assurance for biomass-based renewable electricity procurement.

Yes. SBP is an ISEAL Community Member and is actively working to achieve ISEAL Code Compliant Member status by the end of 2026. To support this, SBP is developing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system. This reflects SBP’s commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with globally recognised best practices.

SBP is a Community Member of ISEAL, the global membership organisation for credible sustainability systems. This status reflects SBP’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and good governance in line with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems.

Being part of the ISEAL community signals that SBP is aligned with internationally recognised best practices for sustainability standards.

Since 2019, SBP has been a multi-stakeholder governed organisation. Our governance arrangements bring together stakeholder groups representing civil society interests, Biomass Producer interests and those of Biomass End-users. Read more about our governance arrangements here.