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 paper here.
