About SBP
The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is an independent, not-for-profit voluntary certification scheme designed to assure that biomass is sourced both legally and sustainably. We provide a robust framework for verifying compliance with sustainability criteria, legal requirements, and responsible sourcing practices across the biomass supply chain, as well as evidence-based information to support informed decision-making and responsible sourcing.
Total SBP certificates
Total number of countries
Biomass Producers
Traders
End-users
Year-to-date pellets produced/sold
Year-to-date chips produced/sold
OUR ORIGINS
Pioneering standards for a sustainable future
SBP was established in late 2013 in response to the growing demand for a means to verify compliance with emerging sustainability requirements for biomass used in large-scale energy production. It was developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving industry, civil society, and academia, and has evolved to reflect best practices and regulatory developments. We launched our first set of Standards in March 2015.
OUR STRATEGY
SBP in an evolving bioeconomy
The SBP Strategy 2026-2030 marks a pivotal moment in our journey. Building on over a decade of progress, we are setting a bold course to strengthen sustainability assurance, deepen market trust, and enable responsible growth in an evolving bioeconomy. Our focus is clear: uphold integrity, foster innovation, and deliver measurable impact across climate, biodiversity, and social dimensions.
As global demand for sustainable biomass accelerates, SBP is committed to providing the assurance, accountability, and insight needed to support this transition. Through robust standards, independent certification, and advanced data systems, we help markets grow responsibly – ensuring that sustainability is not just an ambition, but a verified reality. Together with our community, we are shaping a future where biomass contributes meaningfully to climate goals and a circular economy.
What we certify
SBP certification applies to a range of woody biomass products, including:
Wood pellets and wood chips
Biochar and biocarbon
Non-woody feedstocks used for energy or industrial applications
HOW CERTIFICATION WORKS
SBP operates a third-party certification model
- SBP develops and maintains the SBP Standards, which define the sustainability, Chain of Custody, data and greenhouse gas (GHG) requirements that organisations must meet to achieve certification.
- Independent Certification Bodies conduct audits and make certification decisions. CBs are accredited by recognised Accreditation Bodies to ISO/IEC 17065, the internationally recognised standard for organisations certifying products, processes and services. This ensures certification is delivered competently, impartially and consistently.
- Where certification includes GHG and energy data (SBP Standard 6), Certification Bodies are additionally accredited to ISO 14065, the international standard for bodies validating and verifying environmental and greenhouse gas information.
- Audits are planned and conducted in line with ISO 19011, which provides internationally accepted principles and guidance for auditing, including audit planning, auditor competence and evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Certificate Holders are subject to regular surveillance audits and must continually demonstrate conformity with applicable SBP Standards to maintain certification.
- The certification process includes document reviews, on‑site evaluations, stakeholder consultation and public reporting, providing transparency, accountability and confidence that SBP certification outcomes are credible and reliable.
Our commitment
SBP is committed to upholding the integrity of our certification scheme, supporting the responsible growth of the bioeconomy, and delivering value to all interested and impacted parties.
We do this by:
- Defining good biomass and responsible sourcing practices through robust, inclusive standard-setting
- Maintaining a rigorous and independent assurance system that builds trust and credibility
- Supporting Certificate Holders in meeting their climate, biodiversity, and social goals
- Providing verified data and insights to inform policy, investment, and sustainability reporting
- Operating as a lean, transparent, and financially resilient organisation
We are continuously strengthening:
- The scope and relevance of our Standards, including new feedstocks, geographies, and end-uses, where there is demand
- Our digital infrastructure to enhance traceability, data integrity, and user experience
- Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system to demonstrate impact and drive improvement
- Our engagement with civil society, policymakers, and rights holders across geographies
- Our strategic positioning in emerging markets and sectors, including carbon removals and bio-based materials
Through inclusive governance and evidence-based decision-making, we reaffirm our role as a catalyst for responsible biomass sourcing and a trusted partner in the global transition to a circular bioeconomy.
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