Theory of Change v3.0
Welcome to the public consultation on the draft of our updated Theory of Change v3.0.
We are pleased to share the updated framework, which reflects the evolution of our certification scheme and our refreshed Strategy for 2026-2030. Your input is essential in helping us shape how SBP delivers impact across an increasingly diverse, data‑driven and sustainability‑focused global bioeconomy.
In this update, we have aligned our Theory of Change with the four Strategic Aims and five Focus Areas of the 2026-2030 Strategy, ensuring a coherent connection between our Purpose, the work we undertake, and the outcomes and impacts we seek to achieve. The updated pathways capture how our Standards, assurance processes, digital data systems and engagement mechanisms combine to drive responsible sourcing, transparency, social responsibility, and environmental protection across biomass supply chains.
Theory of Change v3.0 incorporates several significant updates, including:
- A broader scope that reflects our expansion beyond woody biomass to include agricultural residues, energy crops and other non‑woody feedstocks.
- Alignment with emerging and future markets such as industry, construction, bio‑based materials, transport fuels and carbon removals, consistent with the Strategy.
- A strengthened role for data, including enhanced traceability, geospatial capabilities and the integration of new indicators (GHG, biodiversity and social).
- The foundational role of our developing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, which will provide the evidence base for validating assumptions and driving continuous improvement.
This comprehensive revision explains how each element, from inputs and activities to outputs, outcomes and long‑term impacts, interconnects to support responsible market development and safeguard people and nature. Your feedback will be invaluable in testing our assumptions, validating our pathways and ensuring the framework accurately reflects the steps we need to take to fulfil our Purpose.
We invite you to engage in this dialogue, share your perspectives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our certification scheme. Together, we can ensure our approach remains credible, transparent and effective as biomass markets continue to evolve. Thank you for your participation and commitment to our shared Purpose.
Consultation draft
The Theory of Change v3.0 consultation draft is available below.
To assist you in reviewing the document, you may wish to consider the following questions:
- Does the updated Theory of Change provide a clear and coherent explanation of how SBP expects to deliver on its Purpose?
- Is the relationship between activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts clear and logical within each of the five impact pathways?
- Do the revised impact pathways adequately reflect SBP’s expanded scope and the strategic direction set out in the 2026-2030 Strategy?
- Are there outcomes or impacts that you believe are missing or under‑represented? If so, what should be added or strengthened?
- Does the integration of data systems (DTS, Audit Portal, GHG Calculator) and the new MEL framework provide confidence in our ability to measure and demonstrate progress?
- Does the updated Theory of Change help clarify SBP’s role in supporting responsible sourcing, climate action, biodiversity protection and social wellbeing?
How to submit feedback
Please submit all feedback to info@sbp-cert.org by Friday, 6 March.
