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RSB is pleased to announce that new member Enviva, a leading producer of woody biomass, will partner with RSB to pilot the implementation of its new Forestry Residue Guidance — a key step toward ensuring the sustainable use of forest biomass in the energy transition.
As the world moves to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, forestry residues are increasingly being seen as a vital low-carbon resource. However, their use must be governed by rigorous sustainability safeguards to avoid unintended environmental and social impacts.
That’s where RSB’s newly developed guidance comes in: setting out how forestry residues can be sourced responsibly under the robust requirements of RSB’s sustainability framework.
RSB’s call for pilot partners earlier this year highlighted the growing demand for credible, science-based approaches to biomass use that support both decarbonisation and ecosystem resilience. This pilot with Enviva marks a critical milestone in that journey.
The pilot will take place in the southeastern United States, where Enviva sources forest biomass from regional forestry operations to produce wood pellets for use in heat and electricity generation. This real-world setting will allow RSB and Enviva to test the practical implementation of the guidance and analyse it through an independent audit scheduled for summer 2025.
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“We’re excited to work with Enviva in this important pilot,” said Amparo Arellano, Director of Standards & Certification at RSB. “Their participation provides an opportunity to apply our guidance at scale and to strengthen confidence in sustainable forestry practices for biomass energy production.”
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“RSB is providing an excellent space and platform for the discussion and implementation of innovative uses for biomaterials. As a significant producer of sustainable wood pellets with a tried and tested supply chain, Enviva is poised to support emerging technologies and uses for woody biomass to replace fossil fuels. We are delighted to be working with RSB to develop and test its forestry biomass standards and guidance,” said Justin Tait, Director for Sustainability at Enviva.
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The outcomes of this pilot will help refine RSB’s Forestry Residue Guidance, ensuring that it is both ambitious and workable in diverse forestry contexts. It will also serve as a benchmark for how other biomass producers and forestry stakeholders can align with globally recognised sustainability principles.
Stay tuned for updates on this pilot and for the announcement of additional pilot partners.
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