The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is a unique certification system designed for woody biomass used in industrial, large-scale energy production. The SBP provides assurance in line with regulatory requirements for responsible woody biomass with known climate credentials.
The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is an initiative set up by seven major European energy producers that use biomass in their power plants.
SBP aims to support a sustainable solid biomass supply chain that contributes to a low carbon economy. SBP does this through the SBP certification system.
SBP certification provides assurance that the woody biomass is sourced and produced responsibly. It allows companies to demonstrate their compliance with legal, regulatory and sustainability requirements on solid biomass. The SBP system covers certification of biomass producers, traders and energy producers that are end users of biomass products.
The SBP system accepts the assurance of responsible materials provided by FSC, PEFC or SFI certification. However, it is not intended to replace FSC or PEFC certification. Despite overlapping requirements, FSC or PEFC certification does not cover all the criteria of SBP certification - and vice versa.
The SBP was founded in 2013 as a not-for-profit organisation, owned and fully funded by its members, all of which have an interest in the use of woody biomass. Work is currently underway to transform SBP into a multi-stakeholder governed organisation.
