The audit process

Our multi-layered audit process, supported by independent third-party accreditation and certification, ongoing monitoring, robust training, and clear procedures for addressing non-conformities and complaints, ensures the integrity and credibility of our certification scheme.

Our processes embed industry best practices in assurance as defined by the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems, and our commitment to rigorous third-party verification ensures that our certification scheme remains a trusted marker of sustainability and responsible biomass sourcing.

This comprehensive framework provides stakeholders with confidence in biomass products carrying the SBP claim, reinforcing the scheme’s role in advancing sustainability and responsible resource management.

Third-party independence Our certification scheme employs a comprehensive third-party audit system conducted by independent, accredited Certification Bodies (CBs). These CBs are not affiliated with SBP or the entities seeking certification, ensuring an unbiased assessment. To further solidify its credibility, we partner with an independent Accreditation Body to accredit and oversee these CBs. The accreditation process complies with international standards, including ISO/IEC 17065:2012, ensuring that CBs meet stringent requirements for competence, impartiality, and consistency.

Ongoing monitoring and oversight Accredited CBs are subject to continuous monitoring and oversight by the Accreditation Body. This includes annual office audits, surveillance and reassessment, and witness assessments conducted during actual certification audits. These measures guarantee that CBs consistently adhere to the SBP certification scheme requirements and ISO standards. Non-compliance by a CB triggers immediate corrective actions, with sanctions ranging from suspension to withdrawal of accreditation for unresolved issues. This rigorous oversight framework upholds the integrity of the certification process. 

Auditor expertise and accountability We require that CBs employ qualified auditors who meet the highest professional standards. SBP Standard 3 (v2.0) outlines strict requirements for auditor qualifications, training, and ongoing monitoring. To support this, we have developed an official training course for auditors. The course covers topics about the biomass sector, SBP history and purpose, the SBP normative framework, the Data Transfer System (including GHG calculations), and additional requirements tailored for different markets, such as EU RED. The training is delivered as a blended course, combining recorded online webinars available on the SBP online training portal with live sessions conducted either remotely or in-person.

Additionally, we convene bi-annual SBP Certification Body Forums where various technical topics are discussed, experiences benchmarked, and interpretations provided. When standards change or calibration needs arise, we organise additional sessions on the relevant topics. The SBP Secretariat also provides technical support to CBs and the Accreditation Body to explain requirements, if necessary.

Comprehensive audit requirements Our audit process is both comprehensive and transparent. CBs must verify conformance with all applicable SBP Standards, including requirements for responsible sourcing, Chain of Custody, and sustainability criteria. Organisations seeking SBP certification must sign a contract with their CB, clearly indicating the obligation to comply with all CB terms and conditions, including corrective actions for minor non-conformities identified before a certificate is issued (if major non-conformities have been identified, a certificate may only be issued once corrective action has been taken).

Auditors perform evaluations of adequate and appropriate samples of sites and records, as well as interviews with stakeholders, to verify that management systems are effective and consistent. This includes visiting physical sites to observe the implementation of applicable  systems and, if necessary, any risk mitigation measures. SBP Standard 3 defines the frequency of audits, requiring at least one surveillance audit annually and a total of at least four surveillance evaluations within a certificate’s five-year duration. Major non-conformities result in immediate suspension or withdrawal of certificates if not resolved within 90 days. If five major non-conformities are identified during a surveillance or re-evaluation, the certificate is immediately suspended. Minor non-conformities, which have limited impact and are not systematic, must be corrected within one year.

Peer review To ensure the quality and consistency of audit reports and certification decisions, we  have established a CB Peer Review Process. This process facilitates the ongoing improvement and alignment of practices within and across CBs.

Addressing complaints and ensuring transparency We take complaints seriously and have a structured procedure to address them transparently and robustly. The process applies to complaints about SBP activities, CBs, or Certificate Holders. It encourages resolution through discussion, negotiation, or mediation, with formal procedures as a last resort.

Complaints about CBs or Certificate Holders are initially directed to the CB. If unresolved, our formal procedure is enacted, with cases handled by the SBP Secretariat or a contractor, depending on the nature of the complaint. The SBP CEO provides a response within 60 days of receipt. Summaries of investigations may be published on the SBP website if all parties agree. Dissatisfied parties can utilise the SBP appeals procedure.