Public comments on the CSBP Draft Standard are now available.
Thank you to all those who submitted comments on the Draft Standard for Sustainable Production of Biomass for Bioenergy. Download full set of comments received here. CSBP anticipates issuing a Provisional Standard for field testing in April, 2010.
The Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP) is a multi-stakeholder organization established in 2007 to develop comprehensive voluntary sustainability standards for the production of biomass and its conversion to bioenergy. CSBP intends for its Standard to serve as the foundation for an independent third-party certification program, which will set the emerging bioenergy industry on a course of continuous improvement. The CSBP enjoys participation from growers, environmental and social interests and all sectors of the industry (click here for member list). All members support the goals and objectives of the program. CSBP is developing a comprehensive program that will include education and training components as well as support for the auditing and compliance process. CSBP also is designing a balanced and effective governance structure for the implementation and management of the program.
Overview of the CSBP Draft Standard for Biomass Production
Download the Complete Draft Standard (PDF)
Why a Sustainability Standard Will Be of Value to Biomass Producers (PDF)
OVERVIEW OF THE CSBP DRAFT STANDARD FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION
The CSBP intends for its Draft Standard to be cost effective enough to be widely implemented, while assuring truly sustainable production of biomass.
Feedstocks included: The CSBP Standard applies to biomass produced from non-food sources, including:
• Dedicated fuel crops
• Crop residues
• Purpose-grown wood
• Forestry residues
• Native vegetation
Issues Addressed: The CSBP Standard addresses the full complement of sustainability issues through principles, criteria, and indicators applicable to both agriculture and silviculture. The key categories of criteria include:
Climate Change: The Standard requires significant improvements in greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to conventional fuels, based on widely-accepted lifecycle analysis.
Biological Diversity: The Standard promotes conservation and, where possible, enhancement of biological diversity. The Standard prohibits conversion of lands of high priority for meeting conservation goals, and will limit use of potentially invasive feedstock species.
Water Quality and Quantity: The Standard promotes protection and enhancement of surface and ground water quality, as well as prevents their depletion.
Soil quality: The Standard promotes protection of soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and carbon content.
Socio-Economic Well-Being: The Standard promotes rural development as well as strict compliance with all human rights and labor protections laws.
Integrated Resources Management Planning: Effective management planning to ensure continuous improvement is the foundation of sustainable biomass production for both farms and forests.