European Commission recognizes ISCC as one of the first systems to certify sustainable biomass and bioenergy
Cologne, Brussels, July 20, 2011:
European Commission recognizes ISCC as one of the first systems to certify sustainable biomass and bioenergy
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is one of the first systems for the certification of sustainable biomass and liquid bioenergy (fuel and electricity) which is recognized by the European Commission in Brussels. As a result ISCC can be established as a proof for sustainable biomass on a worldwide basis. The EU stipulates in a directive the use of sustainable biomass for biofuels and liquid biomass.
ISCC is an international, well proven certification system for sustainability and greenhouse gas emission savings that can be applied for all kinds of biomass and bioenergy. It was elaborated and tested in a pilot phase involving more than 250 stakeholders from Europe, America and Southeast Asia. Since early 2010, ISCC is in regular operation. ISCC was recognized by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) in January 2010 as the world’s first certification system. The ISCC system sets rules and procedures for certification, which require minimum greenhouse gas emission savings, sustainable cultivation practices and the protection of natural habitats. The production of biomass on species-rich areas, high-carbon soils and peat bogs is prohibited under ISCC certification. Furthermore, areas with high conservation value are also excluded. Hence, the ISCC logo ensures an environmentally friendly production of the biomass. In addition, the system also takes into account social sustainability. ISCC thereby helps to anchor environmental and social standards in worldwide production.
„We are pleased to be recognized by the European Commission. We hope that this will also be a driver for many companies from the food-, animal feed- and chemicals industry to start biomass certification on a voluntary basis. Biomass certification for energy purposes can only be a starting point of preventing further nature destruction and reducing greenhouse gas emissions”, comments Norbert Schmitz, managing director of the ISCC System GmbH.
ISCC certification
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is an international, state-controlled and well proven certification system for sustainable biomass and bioenergy (fuel and electricity), which was recognized by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) in January 2010 and by the European Commission in July 2011. Thus, ISCC can be applied in all 27 EU-countries to demonstrate sustainability in the bioenergy sector and additionally on a voluntary basis for food, feed as well as for applications in the chemical industry. ISCC has developed a transparent and well-proven procedure to ensure the protection of natural habitats and to guarantee environmental and social sustainability in agricultural production. Furthermore, minimum savings of greenhouse gas emissions are covered.
So far, ISCC is used by more than 700 enterprises in 45 countries. The certification is done by independent auditors from officially recognized certification bodies. ISCC was developed within an open stakeholder process together with associations, corporations, research institutions and NGOs. The members of the ISCC association include companies such as ADM, Cargill, Bunge, BASF, Bayer and Danone, associations like European Bioplastics, Bundesverband Bioenergie, Canola Council of Canada as well as research institutions and non-governmental organizations like the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the WWF.
ISCC is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection via the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR).
Media Contacts:
Dr. Norbert Schmitz
Managing Director ISCC System GmbH
Weissenburgstr. 53, 50670 Cologne
Phone: +49 221 972 7232
Email: schmitz(at)iscc-system.org
Ingeborg Trampe
Trampe communication
Kastanienallee 71, 10435 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 44 01 05 09
Mobile: +49 173 311 3675
Mail: Ingeborg(at)trampe-communication.de