Certification
Currently, the global feedstock market does not differentiate between sustainable and non-sustainable production.
Therewith there are no incentives for a sustainable production. Requirement for the compliance of sustainability criteria is important to correct this market failure. The differentiation between sustainable and non-sustainable production can only occur through certification. Up to now there is no certification system covering relevant sustainability criteria and GHG issues. Such a system is only effective if it is internationally oriented and if it considers not only the use of biomass for biofuels purposes.
Today, there are various and differently developed certification systems, most of them approaching specific feedstocks. However, none of the existing systems cover all required sustainability requirements. There are no practical experiences with the implementation of appropriate systems.
There is concern that the coexistence of different systems may result in multiple use of particular certificates, implementation of double and multiple certifications. Thus the credibility and effectiveness may be affected and higher costs generated.
Taking account this background, the pilot project for certification of biomass and biofuel supported by BMELV/FNR was initiated. It develops a meta-system on already existing certification schemes.