The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published v2.1 of the SBP Standards, reinforcing sustainability safeguards, improving audit consistency, and strengthening alignment with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), whilst maintaining the scheme’s established risk‑based certification framework.

SBP Standards v2.1 build on practical experience gained from the implementation of Standards v2.0, including insights from certification audits and the application of normative interpretations and guidance. These lessons have been systematically reviewed and incorporated into the updated Standards to improve clarity, consistency, and practical implementation. The update also reflects regulatory developments and stakeholder input received during the public consultation process.

The consolidated and comprehensive standards package comprises SBP Standards 1 to 6, the Glossary, and Instruction Documents 1A and 5E, alongside updated Q&As and Normative Interpretations published on the SBP website. SBP has also published its responses to stakeholder consultation comments and an accompanying Overview of Changes, providing transparency and context on how the Standards have evolved since v2.0.

SBP Standards v2.1 will come into effect on 29 July 2026, with a transition period running until 28 October 2027. During this period, Certificate Holders will be able to prepare for implementation of the updated requirements, and incorporate the updates to their normal audit cycle. Audits against v2.1 may only be conducted once a Certification Body has formally updated its accreditation scope to include the new version.

The update is designed to strengthen and future‑proof the SBP certification scheme in an evolving regulatory and operational landscape. In particular, v2.1 reinforces alignment with EU REDIII requirements, introduces clearer safeguards for sustainable feedstock sourcing, clarifies SBP-recognised risk management pathways, including the use of Company Risk Assessments where no Regional Risk Assessment is available, and improves governance, audit consistency, and data integrity across the scheme.

Whilst the updates are targeted and substantive, the fundamentals of the SBP scheme remain unchanged. The SBP risk‑based approach continues to underpin certification, the overall structure of the Standards is retained.

Carsten Huljus, SBP Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The publication of SBP Standards v2.1 is an important milestone for the SBP certification scheme. These updates reflect extensive stakeholder input and practical experience, whilst ensuring SBP remains robustly aligned with evolving regulatory requirements such as EU REDIII. They strengthen confidence in the sustainability and integrity of biomass supply chains, whilst maintaining the risk‑based approach that underpins our scheme.”

SBP encourages Certificate Holders to begin reviewing their current practices against the updated Standards and to engage early with their Certification Bodies to plan for the transition. Supporting materials and further guidance will be made available to assist stakeholders in understanding and implementing the new requirements.

The publication of SBP Standards v2.1 demonstrates SBP’s ongoing commitment to credible, transparent, and robust sustainability certification. SBP thanks all stakeholders for their engagement throughout the consultation process and looks forward to continued collaboration as the scheme enters this next phase.

All Standards, Supporting Documents and further information:

• Standards and Glossary
• Instruction Documents
• Overview of Changes (Standards and Glossary | Instruction Document)
• Responses to Stakeholder Comments (Standards and Glossary | Instruction Document)
• Normative Interpretations
• Questions & Answers (Q&As)

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published its Annual Review 2025, charting a year defined by delivery against strategy, strengthened sustainability standards and continued growth in certified biomass markets.

The Review marks the conclusion of SBP’s 2023-2025 Strategy period and demonstrates how the scheme has responded to evolving regulations and markets, and rising expectations around sustainability, transparency and data integrity.

Key highlights from 2025 include:

• Growth in uptake and market relevance, with 405 Certificate Holders across 35 countries and 22.8 million tonnes of SBP‑certified biomass produced and sold during the year.
• Full implementation of SBP Standards (v2.0), strengthening sustainability criteria, assurance processes and regulatory alignment across global supply chains.
• Formal regulatory recognition, including confirmation of SBP’s alignment with EU REDIII requirements.
• Expanded risk and assurance capability, with new and updated Regional Risk Assessments, enhanced data systems, and continued development of tools supporting compliance with emerging regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
• Broadening relevance beyond energy, with growing engagement in industrial and bio‑based markets, including biocarbon, and early progress towards incorporating non‑woody feedstocks.

Francis Sullivan, Independent Chair of SBP, commented: “The 2025 Annual Review reflects a year focused on delivery. We have strengthened our Standards, expanded our global footprint and reinforced SBP’s role as a credible, forward‑looking certification scheme. As we close the 2023-2025 Strategy period, the progress we have made positions SBP strongly for the next phase of its development”.

Carsten Huljus, Chief Executive Officer of SBP, added: “2025 was about doing the work, including embedding strengthened Standards, supporting Certificate Holders through evolving regulations, expanding our risk assessment coverage and investing in data, transparency and usability. At the same time, we laid important foundations for future growth, ensuring SBP remains relevant across evolving biomass and bio‑based markets”.

The Annual Review also introduces the foundations of SBP’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, scheduled for implementation from 2026, which will strengthen outcome‑based reporting and support continuous improvement across climate, environmental and social dimensions.

Looking ahead, SBP has adopted a new five‑year strategy for 2026-2030, aligned with a longer‑term outlook to 2040. This approach builds on a resilient strategic foundation while ensuring the flexibility needed in an evolving regulatory and market environment.

The SBP Annual Review 2025 is available to view and download at: https://sbp-cert.org/documents/annual-reviews/

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is pleased to announce that its Board has formally endorsed Version 2.1 of the SBP Standards, marking a significant milestone in the continuous improvement of the SBP certification scheme.

Francis Sullivan, Chair of SBP, commented: “I am pleased to confirm that v2.1 of the SBP Standards has been formally endorsed. In confirming its endorsement, the Board highlighted the robustness of the revision process and the good collaboration and engagement with stakeholders throughout, building on lessons learnt from the v2.0 revision”.

Publication and transition timeline

• Standards v2.1 will be published by the end of April 2026
• The Standards will become effective three months after the publication date
• A 15‑month transition period will support Certificate Holders and stakeholders in implementing the revised requirements

Implementation preparation underway

SBP is already progressing work to ensure a smooth transition to v2.1, including:

• Updating all relevant framework documents, including the Regional Risk Assessments (RRAs)
• Preparing updated training materials to support Certificate Holders and Certification Bodies
• Planning a webinar, to be announced shortly, to introduce stakeholders to the key changes and expectations for v2.1

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today opened the public consultation on its updated Theory of Change (ToC) v3.0, inviting interested and impacted parties from across the biomass sector and wider sustainability community to contribute their insights.

The update follows the publication of our refreshed Strategy for 2026-2030. The updated Theory of Change has been comprehensively aligned with that Strategy, ensuring a clear and coherent link between our Strategic Aims and Purpose by articulating the pathways through which SBP aims to deliver impact.

Version 3.0 further refines the causal pathways describing how our activities lead to positive outcomes and long‑term environmental and social improvement. These pathways map the relationships between our Strategic aims, inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and intended impacts, strengthening transparency and reinforcing the credibility of the our certification scheme.

The consultation will remain open until Friday, 6 March.

All interested and impacted parties are invited to review the draft and provide feedback. The consultation draft and details on how to participate can be found here.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published an updated version of the REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark. The revision follows the recent guidance statement issued by the Danish Energy Agency on 20 January 2026 regarding the interpretation of “heathlands” as a “no‑go area” under the sustainability requirements for biofuels (Ref: J no. 2026‑499).

In the guidance, the Agency confirms that heathlands overgrown with trees are not considered to be in a climax stage of development as defined in Article 29(6)(iv) of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII). As a result, heathlands that are overgrown, or in the process of becoming overgrown (where tree removal forms part of conservation management) are not considered to be in a climax state and are therefore excluded from the scope of the assessment.

The risk assessment update reflects this clarified interpretation, ensuring continued alignment between SBP’s risk assessments and national guidance.

The Agency’s clarification does not affect the outcomes of the REDIII Level B Risk Assessment for Denmark. However, Biomass Producers operating under the SBP framework are required to update their management systems to reflect the revised Level A assessment.

The updated REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Denmark is available on the SBP website here.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced the publication of the Guidance for US REDIII Level B LULUCF v1.0, marking a major milestone for SBP and the wider biomass sector.

This works presents a comprehensive, country‑wide assessment of forest carbon stocks and stock changes across the contiguous United States. Through commissioning leading international experts, SBP has published a rigorous, science‑based resource that supports robust compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII).

The Guidance provides Biomass Producers with a detailed basis for assessing historical and projected carbon stocks, helping them identify areas where carbon stocks may be at risk and determine where targeted mitigation measures are required. An accompanying carbon‑stock assessment tool further enables producers to adapt the results to their specific sourcing areas, ensuring clarity and confidence in meeting the requirements of REDIII Article 29(7) Level B.

This work arrives at a pivotal time for the sector. Following updates to US LULUCF risk classifications and the shift from Level A to Level B under REDIII, Biomass Producers sourcing from US forests will be required to meet new compliance obligations from 27 January 2026. SBP’s Guidance provides the methodological support and evidence base needed to help operators navigate this transition effectively.

The Guidance for US REDIII Level B LULUCF v1.0 and accompanying carbon‑stock assessment tool are available now on the SBP website here.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today announced the publication of its Strategy for 2026-2030, setting out a clear and ambitious roadmap for the next five years. The full Strategy and an accessible summary version are now available on the SBP website.

Building on more than a decade of progress, the Strategy outlines how SBP will uphold and advance responsible biomass sourcing in support of the global transition to a circular bioeconomy. It reaffirms SBP’s Purpose to expand the contribution of good biomass to the global bioeconomy, anchored in robust sustainability standards, independent assurance, and transparent data.

Against a backdrop of accelerating decarbonisation, evolving regulation, and rising expectations for environmental integrity and social responsibility, the Strategy continues SBP’s established Strategic Aims, strengthening their application and aligning them with an expanded scope and the emerging needs of the bioeconomy.

The four Strategic Aims for 2026-2030 are to:

• Definine good biomass through sustainability criteria
• Grow recognition and acceptance of the SBP Standards
• Support Certificate Holders to meet their climate, biodiversity and social goals
• Diversify the sources and uses of SBP‑certified material

These Aims are underpinned by five Focus Areas that will guide SBP’s work programme: standards development and regulatory compliance; certification and assurance; data capture, traceability and impact; engagement and collaboration with interested and impacted parties; and market development.

The Strategy also outlines SBP’s commitment to aligning with emerging global sustainability frameworks, implementing its Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, enhancing engagement with civil society and rights holders, and supporting responsible market growth across diverse geographies, feedstocks and end‑uses.

Francis Sullivan, Independent Chair of the SBP Board, said: “This Strategy marks a pivotal moment for SBP. As the world doubles down on climate ambition and the bioeconomy evolves, credibility and integrity are more important than ever. Our 2026-2030 Strategy strengthens SBP’s role as a trusted, science‑based certification scheme, one that supports responsible sourcing, empowers our Certificate Holders, and provides the transparency and assurance that markets and society expect. With this Strategy, we are signalling our readiness to lead with integrity, innovation and impact.”

The Strategy commits SBP to continued delivery of high‑quality sustainability assurance, expansion into relevant new markets and biomass types where credible certification is needed, and investment in data systems that support transparency, traceability, regulatory compliance, and evidence‑based decision‑making.

The full Strategy 2026–2030 and the summary version can be downloaded here.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has today published the final REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for Canada Forest (covering provinces AB, BC, NB, NS, QC), Denmark Forest, Estonia Forest, Latvia Forest, Lithuania Forest, and Vietnam Forest. The final REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for US National Forest and US Private Forest were published on 7 November and 19 December respectively.

You can access the final REDIII Level A Risk Assessments here.

With these publications, SBP has completed REDIII Level A Risk Assessments for seven of the regions covered by our Regional Risk Assessments, demonstrating our proactive approach in supporting Biomass Producers’ compliance with the EU’s updated Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413) (REDIII).

Specifically, the REDIII Level A Risk Assessments assist in establishing management systems that meet the REDIII sustainability criteria. As an independent document, the REDIII Level A Risk Assessment replaces Annex 6 (REDII Level A Risk Assessment) in the SBP-endorsed Regional Risk Assessments for Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Forest, and in the Interim Regional Risk Assessments for Canada Forest (provinces AB, BC, NB, NS, QC), and Vietnam Forest.

Several risk designations included in the draft documents have changed in the final versions. Please review the Summary of Changes section in each Risk Assessment to identify these updates. Certificate Holders have six months to update their Supply Base Evaluations accordingly.

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is pleased to announce the publication of the SBP-endorsed Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for US Private Forest, alongside the final REDIII Level A Risk Assessment. These tools are central to SBP’s commitment to identifying and managing risks associated with sustainably sourcing feedstock for biomass production.

RRAs deliver an efficient and consistent approach to risk assessment by covering entire regions, removing the need for individual Biomass Producers to conduct separate assessments. They also ensure stakeholder engagement and support effective risk mitigation. The REDIII Level A Risk Assessment enables Biomass Producers to demonstrate compliance with mandatory EU RED requirements.

Biomass Producers utilising the RRA for US Private Forest and REDIII Level A Risk Assessment, as well as Certification Bodies responsible for verifying these assessments, should take note of the following information.

On 26 January 2025, the United States notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, effective 26 January 2026. As a result, the risk classification for Indicator 3.1.1 (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF)) within the SBP RRA for US Private Forest will change from low to specified risk on 27 January 2026. Simultaneously, the REDIII Risk Assessment conclusion will shift from Level A to Level B. Until that date, the current classifications remain in place. For a complete review of changes, please refer to the Summary of Changes section in the REDIII Level A Risk Assessment.

Therefore, from 27 January 2026, Operators must comply with Route C of Indicator 3.1.1 and Level B of Article 29(7)(b) of REDIII, requiring additional steps to determine historical and future carbon stocks within sourcing areas. Guidance for these steps is provided in Annex D of SBP Instruction Document EU RED v2.0.

To support compliance, SBP is conducting an expert assessment of carbon stocks and stock changes across the 48 contiguous US states, including historical data and limited future projections. The assessment is progressing as planned, and SBP intends to publish the guidance documents early next year, prior to the implementation of the changes. However, Operators should begin preparing their management systems to include controls to ensure compliance with the above Indicators and Articles.

For more information and access to the published assessments, visit:
https://sbp-cert.org/documents/normative-documents/version-2/risk-assessments/

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is pleased to announce that SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification provider, has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to provide SBP certification services. This accreditation marks an important milestone in expanding the network of trusted Certification Bodies that support SBP’s role in promoting sustainable biomass supply chains globally.

SBP certification assures that biomass used across multiple sectors meets rigorous sustainability and legality requirements, often going beyond regulatory compliance, and contributes to global commitments on climate action, biodiversity, and social responsibility.

Carsten Huljus, SBP CEO, commented, “We are delighted to add SGS to our list of SBP-approved Certification Bodies. Their expertise and global reach will strengthen SBP’s ability to deliver credible and consistent certification services, helping stakeholders meet sustainability objectives with confidence.”

With this accreditation, SGS joins a select group of Certification Bodies authorised to issue SBP certificates, reinforcing SBP’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement in biomass sustainability.