Navigating Sustainable Fuels Certification: What is ISCC?

The ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a worldwide sustainability certification system that encompasses all types of sustainable feedstocks, such as agricultural and forestry biomass, bio-based and circular materials, and renewable resources. Achieving certification under the ISCC standard ensures a completely transparent and deforestation-free supply chain, while also safeguarding land with high biodiversity and significant carbon stock. The ISCC standard adheres to human, labor, and land rights, as well as best management practices. Additionally, ISCC offers the methodology, rules, and guidelines necessary for calculating and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.

Third-party certification under the ISCC system offers proof of compliance with the European biofuels market requirements as outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD). The ISCC system is applicable to all types of biomass-based fuels, covering the entire supply chain from farmers producing raw materials to industrial production facilities.

ISCC certification is globally utilized by businesses to market biomass and biofuels within the EU. Approved under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), it enables companies to meet the necessary sustainability requirements, allowing them to sell their products in Europe.

Steps to Certification:

1. Scoping and Project Initiation

• The client submits an application and requests a quote for services to a Certification Body (CB).

  
  

2. On-Site Audit

• The client provides the CB with documentation for review prior to the on-site audit.

• An auditor conducts an on-site audit of the client's operations.

• CB provides the client with a report detailing findings on compliance with the ISCC standard.

  
  

3. Corrective Actions

• The client addresses any necessary corrective actions.

• CB reviews the audit report and the corrective action documentation.

  
  

4. Final Certification Decision

• The CB makes a certification determination and informs ISCC if approved.

• Upon successful ISCC certification, the client is issued a certificate and listed on the ISCC website.

For assistance in preparing for a certification audit and developing the necessary internal processes and procedures to successfully achieve and maintain your certification, please contact us!