Interpretation document Nr 6 published in view of RED II
2021-07-01
The European Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (also known as RED II) has become effective from 1 July 2021. This directive supersedes Directive 2009/28/EC (also known as RED I) and Directive (EU) 2015/1513 (also known as ILUC Directive). Organisations operating within the framework of RED II shall comply with the sustainability criteria set out in Articles 29(2) to (7) and (10), the greenhouse gas emissions savings thresholds set out in Article 25(2), and the mass balance system set out in Articles 30(1) and 30(2) in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 from that date.
Better Biomass, together with several other voluntary schemes, is in the process to become recognised by the European Commission to demonstrate compliance with the aforementioned legal requirements. As part of this recognition process, Better Biomass has updated the scheme documents, particularly its Interpretation document addressing the interpretations reflecting the RED II requirements and the related conformity assessment activities. Interpretation document Nr 6 has been published on 1 July 2021 to support Better Biomass certificate holders to become ‘RED II proof’. Better Biomass certificate holders have received a communication about this, which includes an impact assessment of RED II. As Better Biomass is mainly used by organisations that collect, process, trade and / or valorise residues and waste, the impact is considered limited in most cases.
Better Biomass is close to finalise the technical assessment as part of the recognition process. The last outstanding issues will be addressed in Interpretation document Nr 7. After concluding this technical assessment, the full package of scheme documents will be submitted to the European Commission to initiate the formal recognition. In parallel, Better Biomass will initiate the formal revision procedure for NTA 8080-1:2015, NTA 8080-2:2015 and NCS 8080:2018-08 in which the last version of the Interpretation document will be integrated in these scheme documents. This integration will improve the unambiguity of the requirements and enhance the applicability of the scheme documents. The revision will also address the other sustainability aspects that are not covered by RED II as well as other applications like bio-based materials and products and cascading to support high-end valorisation options. Interested parties to join this revision process can indicate their interest by sending an e-mail to info@betterbiomass.nl.