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.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published a suite of draft documents designed to ensure compliance with the revised Directive EU/2018/2001 (REDIII). These updates reflect the latest sustainability criteria and reporting requirements, further strengthening SBP’s commitment to supporting responsible biomass sourcing and use.

Carsten Huljus, CEO of SBP commented: “These updates demonstrate SBP’s ongoing dedication to maintaining robust compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. By providing clear guidance and transparent processes, we continue to support our Certificate Holders in meeting the highest sustainability standards.”

The key updates include:

• Instruction Document EU RED: Bridging Requirements for Meeting the revised Directive EU/2023/2413  incorporates changes to sustainability criteria for forest biomass and introduces a new SBP EU RED-compliant claim.
• Instruction Document EU RED: Principles for Management of EU RED Scheme contains minor updates to references for alignment with REDIII.
• Instruction Document 6D: Methodology for the Calculation and Certification of GHG Emissions Savings for EU RED contains updates to reflect minor reference changes, revised greenhouse gas emission savings thresholds, and applicable dates.
• Compliance with the SBP Framework: Audit checklists for EU RED scheme is adjusted to align with changes in Instruction Document EU RED: Bridging Requirements for Meeting the revised Directive EU/2023/2413.
• Proof of Sustainability (PoS) for the delivery of biomass fuels includes minor updates to references to ensure compliance.

The draft documents are now available on the SBP website here. All changes are highlighted within the documents for easy identification. Final versions will be published in due course, with an effective date of 21 May 2025. Certificate Holders are encouraged to review the changes and prepare to implement any necessary adjustments to ensure continued compliance.

To help stakeholders navigate these updates, SBP will host a webinar on Thursday, 3 April. The webinar is essential for SBP Certificate Holders – especially as compliance with RED requirements is mandatory under SBP Standards (v2.0) – as well as auditors and other stakeholders interested in sustainable biomass certification. Register here.

SBP is also in the process of updating Level A risk assessments to align with the revised REDIII sustainability requirements (Article 29(6)). Our preliminary research indicates that Level A alone is unlikely to cover all sustainable harvest indicators in the countries where we currently have or are developing Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs), including Denmark, the Baltics, Canada, the US, and Vietnam.

This is primarily because some newly defined ‘no-go areas’ may not be fully protected by law in certain countries. For example, logging in primary or old-growth forests may still be legally permitted.

We expect to have further details soon. In the meantime, we strongly recommend that Certificate Holders begin preparing their management systems to operate under Level B routes to meet the updated sustainability requirements.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published three SBP Interim Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs), covering the province of Quebec, Canada, US Private Forest, and US National Forest, available here. These SBP Interim RRAs will support Certificate Holders in implementing risk mitigation measures and enable Certification Bodies to carry out certification activities until SBP-endorsed RRAs for these regions are available.

These RRAs are 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 SBP 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 experts, and public consultations conducted both by the Working Body responsible for each RRA and 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 SBP Interim RRAs provide a robust foundation for assessing and mitigating risks within the specified regions.

These SBP Interim RRAs may now be used by Biomass Producers for certification purposes. In parallel, the SBP Interim RRAs are being shared with the SBP Technical Committee for final review and recommendations for endorsement.

Once an SBP-endorsed RRA is available for a region, Certificate Holders using the SBP 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.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced the publication of two SBP Interim Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs), covering Denmark – Trees Outside Forests, and Vietnam Forest. These SBP Interim RRAs, developed in accordance with the newly published 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.

These new RRAs are 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 SBP 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 experts, and public consultations conducted both by the Working Body responsible for each RRA and 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 SBP Interim RRAs provide a robust foundation for assessing and mitigating risks within the specified regions.

These SBP Interim RRAs may now be used by Biomass Producers for certification purposes. In parallel, the SBP Interim RRAs are being shared with the SBP Technical Committee for final review and recommendations for endorsement.

Once an SBP-endorsed RRA is available for a region, Certificate Holders using the SBP 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.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced recent changes to our Board of Directors. We welcome Robin Barr as a new director representing Civil Society and say a fond farewell to Arnie Bercov, who stepped down at the end of December 2024 after completing his full term of appointment (six years) also representing Civil Society.

As with all SBP Board appointees, Robin will serve on the board in a personal capacity. We look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring, drawing on her extensive experience and expertise.

Robin is Director for Funding Indigenous-led Conservation at Nature For Justice. She brings over 20 years of international experience working with corporations and stakeholders to transform forestry, agriculture and extractive supply chains to become more responsible.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published its new working paper, which examines the Cascading Principle – a key feature of the Renewable Energy Directive 2023/2413 (REDIII) – and its integration into SBP Standard 1 (v2.0).

Cascading introduces a structured hierarchy for the use of wood, similar to the waste hierarchy. It prioritises the use of wood in long-lived products, such as furniture and building materials, before considering options for repair, reuse, or recycling. Only when these pathways have been fully explored should woody biomass be used for energy production.

SBP Standard 1 (v2.0) incorporates cascading, creating a framework to support SBP Certificate Holders in meeting their sustainability commitments and obligations. This framework also provides a resource for legislators transposing REDIII into national law.

Chris O’Brien, SBP Carbon Project Manager, commented, “Our focus is to assure that woody biomass entering the bioenergy supply chain does so responsibly, in alignment with the cascading hierarchy. This working paper provides ideas and guidance on applying cascading principles through the SBP certification scheme, assuring sustainable resource use and supporting the transition to a circular bioeconomy.”

The working paper also offers additional insights into the practical application of Article 3 of REDIII, further enabling stakeholders to align with the Directive’s requirements.

Read the full working paper¹ here.

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Notes:

¹ This document is published as a working paper and is subject to revision and evolution over time. SBP continuously strives to improve and refine its materials and welcomes feedback from stakeholders. Comments, suggestions for changes, and proposals for clarifications or revisions are highly valued. Please contact us at: info@sbp-cert.org.

Today, the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has launched public consultations on the newly developed Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs) for US – National Forests and Vietnam.

As a result of the Standards Development Process launched in May 2020, both SBP Standards 1 and 2 were revised, thus triggering the review of all existing SBP-endorsed RRAs and initiating the development of new RRAs. The consortium of Incos Strategies and Cambium Consulting with financial support from the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities (US – National Forests) and the Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences (Vietnam) were appointed as the Working Bodies responsible for drafting the new RRAs. Those draft RRAs have now been submitted to SBP.

SBP is inviting all stakeholders to participate in the public consultations on the draft RRAs. All comments from the public consultations, alongside comments from local experts mandated by SBP, will be reviewed by the Secretariat and may lead to changes to the draft RRAs. Updated versions will then be published by SBP (expected Q1 2025) for Biomass Producers to use for certification purposes. At the same time, those versions will be shared with SBP Technical Committee for final review and recommendations for endorsement.

Stakeholders may access the documents via the links below, and are requested to submit comments, via the individual feedback platforms set up for the respective RRAs. (Note that the feedback platforms might differ between RRAs). Both consultations close on Friday, 13 December 2024.

Regional Risk Assessment	Feedback Platform
US – National Forests	Link
Vietnam*	Link

* Vietnamese version available here.

If you have any questions regarding the public consultation or the RRA development procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us at RRA@sbp-cert.org.

RRAs are a key part of SBP’s focus on identifying and managing risks associated with sustainably sourcing feedstock for biomass production. With an RRA covering an entire geographic region, and determining the risks associated with sourcing feedstock from that region, the need for individual Biomass Producers to conduct risk assessments is avoided, leading to an efficient and consistent risk assessment process. RRAs also ensure active engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders in the region.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is pleased to announce the release of its EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) add-on module within the SBP Data Transfer System (DTS). This new module, developed in collaboration with Global Traceability Solutions (GTS) and supported by our EUDR Working Group,  is specifically designed to support our Certificate Holders as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape for sustainable biomass.

The EUDR add-on module integrates seamlessly with the existing DTS platform, assisting Biomass Producers with demonstrating compliance with certain EUDR requirements. Key features include real-time data transfer capabilities, traceability of supply chains, and comprehensive record-keeping, empowering Biomass Producers to streamline data processes and supporting compliance demonstration directly through the DTS.

Carsten Huljus, SBP CEO said, “This new functionality marks an important step in our commitment to advancing sustainable biomass practices. With the EUDR add-on module, our Certificate Holders are better equipped to enhance transparency and assurance in their supply chains, bolstering their presence in the EU market and reinforcing their dedication to forest protection and sustainable biomass production.”

The EUDR add-on module also offers capabilities tailored to operators in the EU market, such as conducting risk assessments, describing risk mitigation measures, and submitting Due Diligence Statements to the EU Information System. Full functionality will be made available over the coming months, depending on the availability of the EU Information System/Deforestation Due Diligence Registry.

As a voluntary tool, it is currently available for trial at no cost to our Certificate Holders, allowing Biomass Producers sufficient time to proactively prepare for forthcoming EUDR data requests from their EU-based customers.

SBP and GTS remain committed to ongoing development of the EUDR add-on module ensuring that it evolves in line with industry needs and regulatory updates.

For further information on the EUDR add-on module, please refer to the updated DTS User Guide available on SBP’s website or contact dts@sbp-cert.org.