ISCC EU

Our EU certification scheme verifies compliance with the European Union’s legal requirements for sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions savings criteria for sustainable fuels, as well as the production of electricity, heating and cooling from biomass.

These requirements are set out in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and apply to all EU Member States.

ISCC EU also covers additional ecological and social requirements that go beyond the legal requirements of RED III.

Benefits of ISCC EU

Compliance and Expertise

ISCC is the leading sustainability certification system for sustainable fuels with vast experience in the transport and energy sector.

By applying ISCC EU, business entities gain access to a variety of markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Queensland (Australia).

Alternative Feedstocks

The basis of every ISCC EU certification is the use of alternative feedstocks. These can be waste and residues, sustainably grown agricultural feedstocks, renewable electricity and sustainable forest biomass. Materials derived from alternative feedstocks can be classified into the four categories described below.

Agricultural Biomass

Sustainably grown agricultural feedstocks are the basis for ISCC EU-certified biomass. Our sustainability requirements for farms and plantations are laid out as six principles that cover environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Forest Biomass

The ISCC EU approach covers forest biomass produced from forestry, including solid biomass such as trunks and bark, and non-wood forest products. Our Sustainability Principles apply to forest biomass, ensuring that it is produced sustainably according to ISCC standards.

Waste and Residues

Under ISCC EU, waste is defined as any substance or object that the holder discards, intends to discard, or is required to discard. Residues, on the other hand, are unused and unintentionally produced byproducts of the production process.

Renewable Energy

Fuels or products whose energy comes from renewable sources other than biomass can qualify for ISCC EU Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). For example, this includes hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by solar energy.

Fuels Eligible for ISCC EU Certification

Under ISCC EU, sustainable fuels can be certified in various markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Queensland (Australia). You’ll find all our recognitions here.

Biofuels, Bioliquids and Biomass Fuels

Biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels can become ISCC EU certified.

  • Biofuels are liquid fuels derived from biomass, specifically for transportation.
  • Bioliquids are liquid fuels produced from biomass for energy purposes other than transport, such as electricity, heating, and cooling.
  • Biomass fuels are gaseous and solid fuels produced from biomass.

RFNBOs and RCFs

The ISCC EU certification approach covers Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs), for example renewable hydrogen, and Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCFs).

Markets

Recognitions

  • Recognised by the European Commission to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability and greenhouse gas emission saving criteria of the RED II
  • Recognised by the United Kingdom under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).
  • Recognised under the Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation of Queensland, Australia.

Acceptance of Other Schemes

  • All voluntary and national schemes that are formally recognised by the European Commission within the RED III framework. Please find more information here.

Further Information

References