Sustainable Biomass Program Launches Verified GHG Calculator 

The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has launched its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Calculator designed to support SBP Certificate Holders in accurately calculating and understanding GHG emissions across the biomass supply chain.

The GHG Calculator uses data from the SBP Data Transfer System (DTS) to provide a streamlined and reliable approach to emissions calculation. Built in line with SBP Instruction Document 6D, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), and SBP Instruction Document Japan, the tool ensures alignment with key regulatory and industry requirements.

By integrating directly with DTS exports, the Calculator reduces the need for manual data handling, minimises the risk of human error, and reduces the requirement for specialist technical expertise. Users can select whether to apply default values or use actual data, allowing comparison of the different methodologies for emissions disclosure.

The Calculator has been developed primarily for end users, but also provides value across the supply chain. Biomass producers can use it to better understand the carbon footprint of their product, traders can assess the impact of transportation, and certification bodies can support verification activities during audits.

A key feature of the tool is its ability to compare emissions calculated using default values from the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Japanese Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Feed-in Premium (FIP) schemes with those based on real world data.

The Calculator also enables analysis of emissions at different stages of the supply chain and allows, in some cases, comparison between market-based and location-based electricity emission factors.

The Calculator has undergone independent limited assurance verification by SGS, a globally recognized testing, inspection and certification body, meaning its methodology and functionality have been reviewed and no material issues were identified, providing confidence in the reliability of the results.

Carsten Huljus, SBP Chief Executive Officer, comments, “The launch of our GHG Calculator represents an important step in improving the accessibility, transparency and consistency of greenhouse gas reporting across the biomass supply chain, and reflects SBP’s ongoing commitment to being a leading, data-driven certification scheme.”