Sustainability criteria for RHI

David Norris, Business Development Policy AdviserForestry Commission Scotland

11 November 14

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Introduction

• DECC/SG will require that biomass used in RO

or RHI meets sustainability standards

• Likely to come into force in Autumn 2015

• Green House Gas Criteria

• Land criteria:

• based on sustainable forest management principles

• broadly aligns with existing UK/SG timber

procurement policy

• But transition ….

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Timber Standard

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Sustainability criteria

• Sustainability criteria for all scales of wood fuel sector

from large power stations to small scale self-suppliers

• Also covers imported biomass

• Requirement to demonstrate legality and sustainability

• Legality is already required by EU TR

• Medium term goal to fully align Timber Standard with UK

Government timber procurement policy.

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Timber procurement policy

UK Government timber procurement policy

• Category A – approved schemes – FSC, PEFC

• Category B – other equivalent evidence

Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity

• Approved scheme

• Bespoke evidence

• incl. regional risk approach.

Approved Scheme

• Approved scheme evidence is met by:

• Demonstration that timber is FSC or PEFC

• Other certification schemes may follow…

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Bespoke evidence

• Bespoke evidence is met by:

• FCS felling licence and

• FCS approved management plan or forest plan

• Purpose: to bring undermanaged woods back

into management

• For both approaches must be evidence along the

supply chain back to the forest.

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Regional risk approach

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70/30% Approach

• Approved schemes allow mixed source certification:

• At least 70% legal and sustainable

• Up to 30% legal, from a low risk country

• Bespoke evidence also follows this approach:

• At least 70% legal and sustainable

• (felling licence and management plan material)

• Up to 30% legal only (from a low risk country?)

• Mass Balance and the 70/30% rule.

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70%

30%

Fuel must be:

-Legal

-Sustainable

Fuel must be:

- Legal

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70%Fuel must be:

-Legal

-Sustainable

Approved Scheme:

-FSC Certified

or

-PEFC Certified

Bespoke Evidence:

-Felling License

and

-Forest Plan

Types

Of

Proof

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70%

30%

Material must be:

-Legal

-Sustainable

Material must be:

- Legal

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30%Material must be:

- Legal

Felling License

Types

Of

Proof

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Other material

• Legal and sustainable:

• Arboricultural arisings

• Not sustainable:

• Windblown timber

• Diseased timber

• Sawmill co-products

• Timber removed for ecological reasons (e.g. habitat

restoration).

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Summary

• Introduction of biomass sustainability criteria means wood fuel suppliers have to join BSL

• If claiming RO/RHI, must use ≥70% legal and sustainable material with balance being legal

• Introduction of bespoke evidence to promote bringing undermanaged woods back into sustainable management

• Long term goal to align biomass sustainability criteria with UK Timber Procurement Policy.

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CPET Guidance for timber growers

david.norris@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

07825 454766

www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk

www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

www.gov.uk/government/publications/timber-standard-for-heat-electricity

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324795/CPET_Growers_Guide_-_Final_Dec13.pdf

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