Can NUTS2 values be used for GHG accounting on cultivation level?

Yes, NUTS2 values can be used for GHG accounting at the cultivation level, but certain conditions must be met. NUTS2 values, which represent typical GHG emissions for the cultivation of agricultural raw materials in specific territorial regions, may be applied once they have been scrutinized and approved by the European Commission through an Implementing Decision.

At present, the availability of NUTSII values is limited. Please consider the following key guidelines designed to ease the transitional burden on affected system users:

• GHG options for Eec prior to EU approval of NUTSII values: When issuing a sustainability declaration (SD), First Gathering Points or individually certified farms, must choose a valid GHG option for Eec; either default values (when available for the specific crop) or actually calculated values. In addition, they may indicate the appropriate NUTS2 regional code on the SD. If NUTS2 values are recognized by the time the Proof of Sustainability (PoS) for the final biofuel is issued, these values can be used as an alternative to actual or default values. However, please note that NUTS2 values are not direct substitutes for default values. They must be adjusted using all feedstock factors and allocation factors that are relevant for the supply chain and converted to an energy basis to ensure accurate GHG calculations.
• Transitional Use of NUTSII values: Some Member States may accept NUTS2 values that have received a positive technical assessment from the European Commission even before the official Implementing Decision is published. In such cases, the relevant national authorities, like the German BLE, may permit the use of these values provisionally. It is advised to consult with the responsible authority in the respective EU Member State for specific guidance.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the European Commission’s list of issued Implementing Decisions and recognized NUTS2 values.