Using sustainability criteria for biomass

This article explores the use of sustainability criteria for biomass as a tool to promote and safeguard sustainability of this product. Much attention is paid to the issues that sustainability criteria for biomass should consider. Among them the priority for food supply and food security, the emission reduction of green house gases (GHG) through the whole production chain, the preservation of areas of high ecological value, the protection of soil and water quality, and the requirements to the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are highlighted. In general, different issues relevant for sustainable biomass can be outlined and promoted. Their choice might depend on the purpose of using sustainability criteria, the type of biomass and the production processes that are regulated, and on specific local conditions. Variations in how the concept of sustainability is interpreted would also have much influence. Obstacles towards the use of sustainability criteria for biomass are identified. Among them, there is a difficulty to monitor and manage indirect effects of how sustainability criteria are fulfilled, and the potential conflict with the regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Even other implementation and enforcement difficulties can limit positive effects of using sustainability criteria for biomass. Further search for solutions should be encouraged. The article is primarily delimited to the environmental aspects of the concept “sustainability”, though the importance of social and economic sustainability issues, as well as their interconnection should not be undermined. Certain issues and sustainability criteria typical for sustainable biomass might correspond to sustainability requirements in the biofuel sector and in other similar industries