The SUstainable REsources Verification Scheme (SURE-EU)
In the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable energy future, the European Union (EU) has taken significant strides by introducing the Renewable Energy Directive recast (RED II). The Sustainable REsources Verification Scheme (SURE) is one of the voluntary verification schemes for solid and gaseous biofuels that meet the requirements of the RED II Directive. SURE-EU sets stringent criteria to ensure that biomass feedstocks meet sustainability and environmental requirements, thereby fostering responsible sourcing and production practices in the bioenergy sector.
The primary goal of the SURE-EU verification scheme is to certify the sustainability of resources involved in the production of biofuels, bio-based solid fuels, and biomass fuels. To achieve this, the scheme focuses on the entire supply chain, emphasizing the need for sustainability verification from raw material extraction to the final bioenergy product. This comprehensive approach aligns with the EU’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
It is noteworthy that the SURE-EU scheme does not recognize two leading certification schemes the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) schemes. Instead, it acknowledges a range of other voluntary certification schemes that are in line with the requirements of RED II.
Approved Voluntary Schemes and National Certification Schemes
Some of the approved schemes include:
- Biomass Biofuels voluntary scheme (2BSvs)
- Better Biomass
- Bonsucro EU
- International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU)
- KZR INiG system
- REDcert
- Red Tractor Farm Assurance Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Scheme (Red Tractor)
- Roundtable of Sustainable Biofuels EU RED (RSB EU RED)
- Round Table on Responsible Soy EU RED (RTRS EU RED)
- Scottish Quality Farm Assured Combinable Crops (SQC)
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- Sustainable Resources (SURE) voluntary scheme
- Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP)
- Austrian Agricultural Certification Scheme (AACS)
By adhering to the standards set by SURE-EU, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmentally responsible practices and contribute to the overarching goals of the EU’s renewable energy agenda.