| dc.description.abstract | The EU has introduced the most comprehensive and advanced binding sustainability scheme of its kind anywhere in the world. The Renewable Energy Directive1 sets out sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids. For biofuels, corresponding criteria are set out in the Fuel Quality Directive2. They apply to biofuels and bioliquids produced in the EU and to imported biofuels and bioliquids. The sustainability scheme became operational on 5 December 2010, the deadline for Member States to transpose the Renewable Energy Directive. The sustainability criteria relate to greenhouse gas savings, land with high biodiversity value and land with high carbon stock. In relation to the criteria there are three elements which Member States need to ask from economic operators: these are that they submit information on the compliance with the criteria3, arrange for an adequate standard of independent auditing4, and use a mass balance system5. The mass balance system is a key element of the sustainability scheme, providing the method by which a connection is made between information or claims concerning raw materials or intermediate products and claims concerning final products. The Directives require the Commission to report by December 2010 on the operation of this method. This is the report complying with that obligation. |
