What is the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP)?
The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is a certification scheme designed for woody biomass used in industrial, large-scale energy production. SBP has developed a certification scheme to provide assurance that woody biomass is sourced both legally and sustainably. This certification scheme allows companies in the biomass sector to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, at a minimum.
SBP Core Strategy
As biomass fulfils its potential in the transition from fossil fuels, SBP seeks to play a leadership role in support of the circular economy and the cascading principle. SBP's ambitions for growth as a feedstock sourcing standard will be guided by a commitment to continuous improvement in what SBP does and with due regard to our stakeholders’ long-term needs.
SBP's strategy for the three years to the end of 2025 is set in the context of 2030, with a clear focus on sustainability in terms of climate, nature, and social well-being. SBP's core strategy is shown diagrammatically below. It comprises a refreshed statement of Purpose, four Strategic Aims, and five Focus Areas for delivery. SBP's four Values underpin all.
About SBP Certification
Over the last three decades, voluntary social and environmental certification schemes have gained in popularity as market-based mechanisms for demonstrating the sustainable and ethical sourcing and production of a range of commodities and products. Such certification schemes are based on best practices and are globally applied across regulated and unregulated markets.
SBP is an independent, voluntary certification scheme developed to provide a formal and recognized means of demonstrating compliance with established requirements for biomass sustainability.
Key Components of the SBP Certification Scheme
Scheme Owner: SBP is the Scheme Owner and is responsible for developing and maintaining our certification scheme. This involves developing Standards, processes, and procedures that must be met for certification. SBP does not audit companies and does not make certification decisions.
Standards: SBP Standards define an organisation's specific requirements to be eligible for certification. They are based on industry best practices and regulatory requirements for the legal and sustainable sourcing of woody feedstock used in the production of biomass.
Certification Body: An independent Certification Body, accredited by an independent Accreditation Body, is responsible for conducting audits to determine if the organization seeking certification meets the requirements of SBP Standards. By extension, the Certification Body is responsible for all certification decisions, including issuance, retention, suspension, and withdrawal decisions. The Certification Body must comply with ISO 17065, ISO 19011, and SBP Standard 3 when auditing organizations seeking certification.
Accreditation Body: An Accreditation Body assesses and accredits Certification Bodies to ensure competence, impartiality, and adherence to established guidelines. Accreditation provides assurance that the certification process is conducted reliably and consistently. The Accreditation Body must comply with ISO 17011 when assessing and accrediting Certification Bodies. Certification Bodies undergo annual office accreditation and witness audits when conducting certification audits of companies.
Audit Process: The certification process involves the Certification Body conducting a systematic and thorough audit of the organization seeking certification, including on-site inspections, document reviews, and interviews to verify compliance with the standards' requirements.
Independent Auditor: The auditor responsible for conducting the audit process may be employed or contracted to the Certification Body and, having followed the audit process, will report findings, including (if necessary) the identification and grading of non-conformities and recommendations to issue, retain, suspend or withdraw a certificate. The Certification Body is responsible for ensuring that the auditor is appropriately qualified and maintains their audit qualification. In addition, the Certification Body is responsible for ensuring that the auditor has successfully passed the initial auditor training course(s) approved by SBP and that they maintain their competence according to strict criteria given in SBP Standard 3. Auditors are expected to maintain impartiality and integrity throughout the audit process, ensuring fair and unbiased assessments, following the relevant requirements of ISO 19011.
Certificate Issuance: If the organization successfully meets the requirements of our Standards, the Certification Body issues a certificate attesting to its compliance. The certificate is valid for five years and is subject to annual surveillance. After five years, the organization must be re-certified.
The relationship between a Scheme Owner, Certification Body, and Accreditation Body works as a system of checks and balances to ensure the credibility and reliability of the certification process, helping to build trust in it and the resulting certifications.
Once certified, the organization is known as a Certificate Holder and may be a Biomass Producer, Trader, or End-user.
SBP Consultancy with Peterson Indonesia
With its rigorous and well-structured certification scheme, the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) ensures that woody biomass used in large-scale energy production is sourced legally and sustainably. This transparent and independent certification process helps companies build trust and credibility while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
Peterson Indonesia is here to assist you in preparing your business for SBP certification. With extensive experience and expertise in sustainability consulting and implementation, we can guide you through every step of the certification process. Contact us now for SBP consulting services and be part of a sustainable future.
Comments