Demonstrating Biomass Sustainability

Abstract

Current UK and EU regulations governing biomass sustainability and existing biomass certification schemes, do not fully address all potential negative impacts that may occur from using biomass supply chains in the US south; insufficient evidence is collected to ensure that the impact of forest derived biomass is either positive or neutral.
Data monitoring tools and technologies are available to track sustainability trends at a catchment area level and from individual harvesting sites. More detailed analysis, monitoring and collection of data is required to fully demonstrate the sustainability of biomass supply chains and genuinely contribute to emissions reduction targets.
Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) has been identified as an important tool for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction; it forms a substantial component of IPCC modelling pathways for achieving climate change targets. It is also endorsed by the committee on climate change (CCC) in the UK as being an integral part of the UK’s future energy generation portfolio. If BECCS is to be a substantial component of future energy generation in the UK, then improved sustainability requirements and more detailed evidence collection should be an integral part of any financial support mechanism to ensure a positive or neutral impact in the forest.
The use of biomass, in the form of wood pellets or any other forest derived feedstocks, has been challenged as unsustainable and leading to negative carbon and environmental impacts. Common challenges to the sustainability of wood pellet use include: deforestation; damage to sensitive sites and biodiversity; long-term loss of forest carbon; displacement of solid wood product markets; and changes in forest management practice leading to lower rates of carbon sequestration and storage.
A literature review has been carried out to identify the most relevant sustainability challenges for biomass use within the scope of this research. A process of gap analysis, against existing regulations and auditing standards, and consultation with biomass and forest industry experts, has been used to identify gaps in the current process of demonstrating biomass sustainability and to identify specific areas that require additional data and evidence. A case study was then used to test various tools and methodologies to address these gaps and identify suitable evidence. This showed that multiple options are available to improve biomass sustainability reporting and evidence gathering processes.