SBP has today published the final documentation required for compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive EU/2023/2413 (REDIII). The documents come into effect from 21 May 2025 and mark a significant step in helping SBP-certified organisations remain compliant with evolving EU sustainability and GHG requirements.

The final documents are applicable as follows:

• SBP Standards v1.0: For Certificate Holders with EU RED in scope, implementation is mandatory from 21 May 2025.
• SBP Standards v2.0: Implementation for all Certificate Holders is mandatory from 21 May 2025.

Certification Bodies are to use these documents in evaluations as of 21 May 2025.

SBP received a positive technical assessment from the European Commission on 6 May 2025, confirming SBP’s recognition under REDIII.

SBP is committed to providing clear, practical solutions to support our Certificate Holders. Publication of these documents ensures they are ready to demonstrate compliance from day one. The REDIII documents are available here.

To support Biomass Producers with the transition to REDIII, SBP has created and published  a number of REDIII Level A Risk Assessments to assist them in implementing the management systems necessary for compliance with the EU RED sustainability criteria. As independent documents, the REDIII Level A Risk Assessments will replace the Annex 6 REDII Level A Risk Assessment from the Regional Risk Assessments.

The REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for the seven regions covered by SBP Regional Risk Assessments are currently available as consultation drafts. All stakeholders are invited to comment. Full details available here.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today launched public consultations on draft REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for Estonia Forest, Latvia Forest, Lithuania Forest, US National Forest, US Private Forest, and Vietnam Forest. The draft REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Canada (covering provinces AB, BC, NB, NS, QC) will follow on 20 May 2025. Stakeholder input is critical to ensuring the continued rigour and relevance of SBP’s risk-based approach to biomass sustainability certification.

The REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest was previously published for consultation on 29 April 2025. Once the Canada draft is published, SBP will have completed REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for all seven regions covered by its Regional Risk Assessments, demonstrating our proactive approach in supporting the sector through the REDIII transition.

To support Biomass Producers with implementation of the EU’s updated Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413), SBP has created and published a number of REDIII Level A Risk Assessments to assist in establishing management systems that meet the REDIII sustainability criteria. As an independent document, the REDIII Level A Risk Assessment will replace Annex 6 (REDII Level A Risk Assessment) in the applicable Regional Risk Assessment.

Biomass Producers can use the consultation draft to demonstrate compliance with the REDIII Level A requirements. If any of the risk ratings in the final REDIII Level A Risk Assessment differ from those in the consultation draft, the Biomass Producer must update its Supply Base Evaluation accordingly.

SBP’s readiness to support REDIII implementation was affirmed by a positive technical assessment from the European Commission, confirming the scheme’s recognition under the Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413).

The REDIII requirements come into effect on 21 May 2025. All SBP Certificate Holders with EU RED in their certificate scope must update their management systems in line with the SBP EU RED normative documents by that date and thereafter operate in conformance with the requirements. From 21 May 2025, Certification Bodies will verify conformance during regular audits.

We invite all interested stakeholders to review the draft REDIII Level A Risk Assessments and submit feedback via the relevant Feedback Platform. All details are available here. The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 19 June 2025.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has issued a formal response to the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report Government’s support for biomass, expressing concern over the mischaracterisation of its assurance model.

As the largest certification scheme supporting the sustainable sourcing of biomass for energy, SBP welcomes scrutiny of assurance systems and strongly supports the principles of transparency, rigour, and continual improvement. However, the PAC’s suggestion that biomass generators are effectively “marking their own homework” does not reflect the realities of SBP’s governance or operations.

SBP: Not a self-certification scheme

SBP is an independent, internationally recognised certification scheme governed by a multi-stakeholder Board that includes representatives from Civil Society, Biomass Producers, and End-users. Certification is based on rigorous third-party auditing, not self-reporting or industry self-certification.

All audits are conducted by independent Certification Bodies that are formally accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, the globally recognised standard for product and service certification. These Certification Bodies are accredited by an independent Accreditation Body that is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and operates in compliance with ISO/IEC 17011, the standard governing accreditation bodies.

SBP audits cover:

• Sustainability criteria (biodiversity, land use, and social safeguards),
• Supply chain integrity (traceability and legality), and
• Greenhouse gas emissions (full supply chain carbon accounting).

Importantly, audits are not carried out by biomass generators, and all audits are conducted according to the rules transparently set by SBP. Suggesting otherwise risks undermining public trust in independent certification and the broader ecosystem of credible sustainability assurance schemes.

Alignment with UK requirements

Ofgem has benchmarked SBP against the UK’s sustainability criteria and found the scheme to be aligned. SBP welcomes the PAC’s recommendation for DESNZ to conduct a comprehensive review of assurance regimes and stands ready to support this process by providing full transparency into its standards, audit procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.

A call for accurate representation

SBP urges all parties, including public institutions and the media, to ensure accuracy in how sustainability certification schemes are described. Mischaracterisations not only damage the reputation of responsible schemes like SBP, but risk eroding trust in the wider framework of sustainable sourcing.

SBP remains committed to maintaining the highest levels of assurance integrity and welcomes ongoing dialogue with policymakers, regulators, civil society, and industry stakeholders to strengthen and evolve sustainability certification in the biomass sector.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced the publication of two Interim Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs), covering New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Forests, Canada (available here). These Interim RRAs developed in accordance with the RRA Procedure v2.0, will support Certificate Holders in implementing risk mitigation measures and enable Certification Bodies to certify them until SBP-endorsed RRAs for these regions are available.

The publication of these Interim RRAs is a direct outcome of SBP’s Standards Development Process, launched in May 2020, which led to the revision of SBP Standards 1 and 2. This revision necessitated a review of all existing SBP-endorsed RRAs and initiated the development of new ones.

The process of preparing the Interim RRAs started with the development of a draft RRA prepared by the responsible Working Body comprising local qualified experts, followed by rigorous technical and quality reviews by SBP and independent local expert reviews, and public consultations conducted by SBP itself, ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach.

Stakeholder engagement has been a critical component of the RRA development process. All comments received during the public consultations, along with those provided by local experts mandated by SBP, have been reviewed and taken into account by the SBP Secretariat. This comprehensive process ensures that the published interim RRAs provide a robust foundation for assessing and mitigating risks within the specified regions.

Once an SBP-endorsed RRA is available for a region, Certificate Holders using the Interim RRA must assess any changes in risk ratings. Should a final SBP-endorsed RRA indicate a shift from low risk to specified risk, Certificate Holders will be required to update their Supply Base Evaluation accordingly. A six-month transition period will be granted for Certificate Holder to implement the SBP-endorsed RRA, with compliance verified during the Certification Body’s next surveillance audit.

In parallel, the Interim RRAs are being shared with the SBP Technical Committee for final review and recommendations for endorsement. This step ensures that all risk assessments adhere to SBP’s rigorous standards and contribute effectively to sustainable biomass sourcing practices.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced that it has received a positive technical assessment of its certification scheme from the European Commission for recognition under the standards of reliability, transparency and independent auditing required by the Renewable Energy Directive EU/2023/2413 (REDIII) for certifying compliance with the sustainability and greenhouse gas saving criteria.

The recognition is awarded for the following scope:

Type of feedstock(s):

• • Ligno-cellulosic (woody) material derived from forest and non-forest land
  • Processing residues from forest and agriculture related industries (outside forest and agricultural land)
  • Woody post-consumer waste feedstock

Type of fuel(s):

• • Biomass fuels (pellets and wood chips) produced from forest and non-forest ligno-cellulosic material and forest and agriculture related industry processing residues for heat and electricity production

Geographic coverage:

• • Global

Chain of custody coverage:

• • Full biomass supply chain

The assessment results indicate that the SBP scheme meets the existing standards in force on reliability, transparency and independent auditing for demonstrating compliance with Articles 29(3-7) and 29(10) of the Directive. This assessment has taken into consideration the rules set out in Implementing Regulation 2022/996 and  Implementing Regulation 2022/2448.

REDIII requirements come into effect on 21 May 2025. All SBP Certificate Holders with EU RED in their certificate scope must update their management systems in line with the SBP EU RED normative documents by that date, and thereafter operate in conformance with the requirements. From 21 May 2025, Certification Bodies will verify conformance during regular audits.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced the publication of two Interim Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs), covering British Columbia and Alberta Forests, Canada (available here). These Interim RRAs developed in accordance with the RRA Procedure v2.0, will support Certificate Holders in implementing risk mitigation measures and enable Certification Bodies to certify them until SBP-endorsed RRAs for these regions are available.

The publication of these Interim RRAs is a direct outcome of SBP’s Standards Development Process, launched in May 2020, which led to the revision of SBP Standards 1 and 2. This revision necessitated a review of all existing SBP-endorsed RRAs and initiated the development of new ones.

The process of preparing the Interim RRAs started with the development of a draft RRA prepared by the responsible Working Body comprising local qualified experts, followed by rigorous technical and quality reviews by SBP and independent local expert reviews, and public consultations conducted by SBP itself, ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach.

Stakeholder engagement has been a critical component of the RRA development process. All comments received during the public consultations, along with those provided by local experts mandated by SBP, have been reviewed and taken into account by the SBP Secretariat. This comprehensive process ensures that the published interim RRAs provide a robust foundation for assessing and mitigating risks within the specified regions.

Once an SBP-endorsed RRA is available for a region, Certificate Holders using the Interim RRA must assess any changes in risk ratings. Should a final SBP-endorsed RRA indicate a shift from low risk to specified risk, Certificate Holders will be required to update their Supply Base Evaluation accordingly. A six-month transition period will be granted for Certificate Holder to implement the SBP-endorsed RRA, with compliance verified during the Certification Body’s next surveillance audit.

In parallel, the Interim RRAs are being shared with the SBP Technical Committee for final review and recommendations for endorsement. This step ensures that all risk assessments adhere to SBP’s rigorous standards and contribute effectively to sustainable biomass sourcing practices.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today launched two public consultations: the draft REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest and the proposed revisions to the Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for Denmark Forest. Stakeholder input is critical to ensuring the continued rigour and relevance of SBP’s risk-based approach to biomass sustainability certification.

Public Consultation on the REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest
In preparation for recognition under Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (REDIII), SBP is developing a series of country-specific REDIII Level A Risk Assessments. These documents will support Biomass Producers in implementing management systems that ensure compliance with the updated REDIII sustainability criteria.

The REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest will replace the existing Annex 6 REDII Level A Risk Assessment included in the Regional Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest.

SBP invites all interested stakeholders to review the draft document and submit feedback via the Feedback Platform. The consultation is open until Friday, 30 May 2025.

Public Consultation on Revisions to the Regional Risk Assessment for Denmark Forest
SBP is also seeking feedback on proposed updates to the Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for Denmark Forest (v2.0, published July 2024). The revisions – undertaken in line with the SBP Regional Risk Assessment Procedure (v2.0, published February 2025) – include administrative improvements to eight specified risk indicators, as well as rapid revisions to two indicators (1.1.1 and 2.2.2), where the risk designation has changed from specified risk to low risk.

The proposed changes are intended to ensure that Certificate Holders are supported by accurate, robust, and up-to-date risk assessments in implementing effective mitigation measures.

Stakeholders are invited to review the revision report and submit their feedback via the Feedback Platform. The consultation is open until Friday, 30 May 2025.

SBP has today published its Annual Review 2024, capturing a year of growth, strategic progress, and continued delivery as the biomass certification scheme of choice.

With 2024 marking the second year of its current three-year strategy, SBP has consolidated its position in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape, while laying firm foundations for the years ahead.

Carsten Huljus, CEO of SBP, said: “2024 outcomes reflect a busy and productive year for SBP. We saw significant growth in certified biomass volumes and Certificate Holder numbers, but equally important we took proactive steps to define our contribution to global challenges, from carbon and climate to regulatory compliance and sustainability governance. With growth comes an increased responsibility to ensure that assurance and oversight of compliance are rigorously maintained. ”

Highlights from 2024 include:

• Record-high biomass volumes: 19.15 million tonnes of SBP-certified biomass produced and sold – a 28% year-on-year increase. Of that, 17.65 million tonnes were consumed in Europe, a 30% increase.
• Certificate Holder growth: a 25% rise in Certificate Holders, ending the year at 340, with a strong pipeline of new applicants.
• Global expansion: SBP’s geographic reach grew to 35 countries, with new market entrants including Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, and Luxembourg.
• Market diversification: continued expansion beyond pellets and chips to include biocarbon and biochar, with promising developments in agricultural biomass certification.

A major focus in 2024 was supporting the transition to SBP Standards v2.0, with comprehensive training, auditor support, and the rollout of updated Regional Risk Assessments. The revised Standards have now received positive recognition from both Ofgem (UK) and the Government of Japan.

“Our revised Standards are in force, and we are now fully focused on their implementation,” said Carsten Huljus. “We’ve made great strides in ensuring a smooth transition for Certificate Holders and demonstrating the robustness of our scheme to regulators and stakeholders alike.”

Stakeholder engagement was another key area of progress, with the successful launch of SBP’s Regional Forums, including the inaugural Asia Forum.

Looking ahead to 2025, SBP’s top priorities include:

• Full implementation of SBP Standards v2.0 ahead of the 9 November deadline.
• Defining SBP’s role in the carbon space, through the newly formed Carbon Working Group.
• Delivering value beyond certification, including EUDR compliance support and exploring opportunities for tailored services for sustainability reporting and due diligence.

“With an expanding team and renewed leadership across our governance, we are well positioned to build on the momentum of 2024,” said Carsten Huljus. “Together with our stakeholders, we are navigating change, driving innovation, and reinforcing our impact within the bioeconomy.”

The SBP Annual Review 2024 is available to download here.

SBP has today launched a public consultation on Instruction Document 1B: SBP requirements for non-woody agricultural feedstock. This consultation marks an important step in SBP’s ongoing efforts to expand its certification scope to include agricultural biomass, further strengthening sustainability proof points for all interested stakeholders.

As part of its strategy for the three-year period ending 2025, SBP recognises the potential of new feedstocks to optimise natural resources use while serving as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and other carbon-intensive materials. A recent SBP survey of certified power generators confirmed industry interest in sourcing non-woody agricultural biomass alongside woody biomass, reinforcing the need for a clear, credible certification framework.

Instruction Document 1B outlines the requirements for integrating agricultural biomass into SBP’s certification scheme. SBP is now seeking stakeholder feedback to ensure the document is robust, practical, and aligned with sustainability best practices.

We invite you to review three key documents, available here, that provide valuable context for the proposed extension of SBP certification to include agricultural biomass. These documents include:

1. Explanatory Note – this provides context and background on the development of this initiative to expand the scope of SBP certification.
2. Instruction Document 1B – this document offers specific guidance on how SBP Standard 1 applies to agricultural feedstocks and the related sustainability considerations. It provides further clarity on the criteria and indicators SBP will apply to ensure the sustainable sourcing of agricultural feedstock.
3. Terms of Reference – this document outlines the objectives, steps, and process for extending the SBP certification to agricultural biomass, and how . this extension contributes to SBP’s purpose of advancing a sustainable bioeconomy.

By reviewing these documents, stakeholders will better understand the intended framework, as well as the potential environmental, social, and economic outcomes expected from the expanded certification, helping to ensure robust stakeholder engagement and alignment.

Stakeholders are requested to share their insights via the Feedback Platform and help shape the future of sustainable biomass certification. The consultation is open until Friday, 2 May 2025.

SBP has released version 3.0 of its Cascading Principle working paper, building on valuable feedback from stakeholders. First published in November 2024, the paper examines how the Cascading Principle – a central concept in the EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) – is reflected within SBP Standard 1 (v2.0).

The latest revision brings several improvements to enhance clarity and usefulness:

• Purpose clarification: the paper’s role as a working document within SBP’s system is now more clearly stated.
• Audience definition: it specifically addresses policymakers seeking guidance on cascading use implementation and SBP stakeholders conducting risk assessments.
• Streamlined content: explanations have been refined to strengthen the comparison between cascading use and the waste hierarchy.
• Enhanced clarity: redundant text has been removed, and key messages are emphasised.
• REDIII alignment: the paper underscores cascading use as a supporting principle within Article 29.
• Visual improvements: three updated flow charts replace the previous Article 3(3) diagram, using clearer terminology.
• Positioning reinforcement: the paper remains a collection of implementation ideas rather than a formal interpretation of REDIII.

Recognising the evolving landscape of sustainability policy, SBP welcomes ongoing stakeholder input to inform future iterations of the working paper.

Read the full version 3.0 here and discover how the cascading use of wood is promoting responsible biomass use.