Project of labels for sustainable biofuels

Objectives

The present project aims to create a label for liquid biofuels, in agreement with both the requirements of the European Union (Directive on the promotion of use of renewable energy sources) and those of the Swiss legislation (Oimpmin/OEcobiC). This label would allow simplifying the procedure for tax exemption for biofuels producers and/or importers in Switzerland and the EU. It will set environmental, social and ethical minimum requirements ensuring the respect for workers and the environment throughout the production chain, from field to tank.

At a time when biofuels are not approved unanimously in society, this label will be a guarantee of product quality and environmental protection for users of biofuels in the EU and Switzerland. To ensure greater transparency and broad acceptability, major NGOs active in Switzerland and the EU may also be consulted in the definition of sustainability criteria.

The establishment of such a label will provide producers and importers of liquid biofuels in the EU and Switzerland an image and marketing strategy, but will also facilitate the procedure for tax exemption for both producers/importers and the regulator (EU and Switzerland at least). It is therefore a voluntary approach on the part of producers and importers wishing to put forward their position in terms of sustainability.

Definition of sustainability criteria

Sustainability criteria considered in the present label are based on three pillars, including technical, environmental and social aspects. These criteria go beyond the requirements of European Directive on the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources (EU) and the Oimpmin (CH). A particular effort will be given to the compatibility of requirements with those of other labels and certifications available or under development at the international level.

Technical criteria

For the technical aspects, the major criterion is the compliance with European standards on the quality of fuel (EN15376 for bioethanol and EN 14214 for biodiesel) and their translation to the Swiss context. The development work on the establishment of an international standard (ISO) for liquid biofuels will also be closely monitored. This label is therefore firstly a measure of technical quality of biofuels.

These technical aspects are complemented by social and environmental criteria, as listed below.

Environmental criteria

Environmental requirements are included in a perspective of performance improvement over time (especially related to technological progress and experience gained over years of practice). Therefore, when applicable, updating of criteria over time is planned. This is particularly true of the balance of greenhouse gases and energy consumption throughout the life-cycle of biofuels.

The (provisional) environmental requirements are presented below:

• greenhouse gas (GHG) balance: reduction of at least 50% of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions with respect to conventional gasoline from the first year, and of at least 60% by 2014
• global ecological impact: compliance with the criteria stated in Oimpmin/OEcobiC (CH)
• conservation of energy resources (use of renewable energy)
• minimization of life-cycle water consumption
• minimization of the effect on soil quality (monoculture)
• conservation of biodiversity (preservation of natural ecosystems and protected areas)
• minimization (and elimination if possible) of agricultural chemicals usage
• minimization (and progressive elimination) of slash and burn culture

Social criteria

Social requirements are concerned with food and energy security, integration of local communities and working conditions. The (provisional) requirements are presented below:

Local food and energy security

• priority granted to human food and animal feed regarding the utilization of land and agricultural resources
• priority granted to local energy supply
• priority granted to marginal lands

Local communities

• integration, development and involvement of local communities
• priority granted to local workers

Working conditions

• compliance with fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization
• compliance with social legislation at the place of production
• zero tolerance with child employment and slavery
• total transparency regarding the regularity of workers and employees
• setup and monitoring of health and safety policy regarding workers

It should again be stated that the environmental and social requirements listed above are only a provisional list and summary of the criteria to be established.

Organization, activities and financing principles

Organization

The organization of the label is based on four bodies, namely : the Steering Committee, the Advisory Board, Management and Stakeholders.

The Steering Committee, consisting of institutions involved in the fields of energy and/or environment, plays a political role. The Advisory Board, consisting of experts in the field of biofuels, plays a technical role. The chairmanship of the Advisory Board will be entrusted to Dr. E. Gnansounou, Chief of the Research group in Bioenergy and Energy Planning [1] (BPE) of EPFL (formerly Laboratory of Energy Systems, LASEN). The management will be entrusted to the consulting office ENERS Energy Concept [2].

The group of stakeholders finally consists of potential clients (producers and/or importers of biofuels). The latter will be subject to an annual fee to help finance the label.

Calendar

Activities and services

At this stage of the project, the modalities for implementation of activities and services are described in details.

The activities and services in the frame of the present project are listed as follows:

• evaluation : development and application of methodologies and tools
• control : verification of compliance to the requirements
• monitoring : persistence over time of compliance to the requirements

Financing principles

Financing of the label will be directly related to the organization. After a start-up phase (requiring support from institutions that will, for example, be part of the steering committee in the future), the funding should be provided by annual fees of stakeholders.