International standards for guaranteeing that biofuels originate from environmentally sustainable sources moved a step closer yesterday after the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) released draft guidelines.
The draft criteria, called Version Zero, set out 12 standards that biofuel producers must adhere to if they are to label their fuels as sustainable, including compliance with local laws, provision of evidence their fuel delivers reductions in carbon emissions compared with fossil fuels and does not adversely impact food supplies, and the adoption of measures to limit impacts on biodiversity, soil quality and water supplies.
The standards were developed by the RSB's steering board, which includes representatives from green groups, oil companies and the UN Environment Programme, and drew on input from more than 300 experts.
The standards will now be open to consultation until February next year with the RSB hoping to finalise the standards soon after.
"With all of the mixed messages we hear about biofuels, there is a clear need for a standard that can differentiate the good from the bad," said Dr. Claude Martin, formerly director-general of WWF, and current chair of the RSB.
Questions will remain about how the standards are to be enforced, but they are likely to be welcomed by green groups and politicians who have repeatedly argued that sustainability criteria are essential to ensure that demand for energy crops does not contribute to deforestation and food shortages.
Environmental groups claim more must be done to regulate palm oil production in the region 10 Oct 2008
Certificates registered by plantation firm assure wholesale buyers that product has met strict sustainability criteria 19 Sep 2008Renewable Fuels Agency report shows progress is being made to improve biofuel's green credentials, but many high profile firms are still uncertain whether their fuel meets sustainability standards 07 Oct 2008
And we're not even sure where much of it comes from 08 Aug 2008Developing countries warn EU that any restrictions on biofuel imports designed to improve sustainability could lead to a complaint to the World Trade Organisation 07 Nov 2008
Survey of public sector IT managers reveals deep concern over ability to deliver on carbon-neutral targets 03 Jul 2009
Fresh funding will provide new wave energy research equipment and support research 03 Jul 2009
EPA hints it could soon raise efficiency bar for routers, modems and storage systems 03 Jul 2009
More news
From record-breaking solar panels to the International Renewable Energy Agency's new home, we round up the top stories from the past week 03 Jul 2009
Well, I hope they got a no win, no fee deal. I don't like being cynical (it's more of a congenital thing)... 03 Jul 2009
Recycling waste heat is nothing new, so why has the computer industry not kept up? 01 Jul 2009 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
