We guide you through every stage of the certification process.
ISCC EU and SURE
Certify the sustainability of your energy supply chain
Certification schemes
ISCC EU and SURE
ISCC EU and SURE are two of Europe’s leading sustainability certification schemes. Officially approved by the European Commission, they were established to independently verify that the entire bioenergy supply chain (biomass, biofuels and bioliquids) complies with the strict environmental and social criteria set by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
ISCC EU and SURE
Why they matter
In the middle of the energy transition, these certifications have become a mandatory benchmark for operators in the renewable energy sector. They ensure that the energy produced genuinely contributes to decarbonization through certified greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and the protection of biodiversity.
Without these schemes, companies can neither access regulated European Union markets nor benefit from state incentives for green energy.
ISCC EU & SURE Certifications
The differences between ISCC EU and SURE
While both schemes serve to demonstrate sustainability, they differ in their scope:
ISCC EU
International Sustainability and Carbon Certification
It is a global, comprehensive scheme applicable across the entire supply chain. It covers biofuels, bioliquids, solid and gaseous biomass fuels, as well as Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) and Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCFs). It is the benchmark standard for the regulated EU market, particularly within the transport sector.
SURE
Sustainable Biomass Program
It is specialized voluntary scheme, tailored specifically for solid and gaseous biomass intended for heating and electricity production. It simplifies administrative requirements for energy sector operators and offers mutual recognition with other schemes (such as REDcert), facilitating the management of mixed supply chains.
Target audience
Who are these certifications for?
These certifications are aimed at all players in the renewable fuel supply chain, including:
- biofuel and bioliquid producers
- solid biomass and pellet suppliers
- CHP (cogeneration) and biogas plants
- renewable feedstock traders and importers
- logistics and transport sector operators
- companies active in the circular economy
Secure your access to green energy incentives.
Verify your GHG requirements.
ISCC EU and SURE Consulting
We guide you through the certification process
Ecoloop guides you through every step of the certification journey, stripping away bureaucratic complexity and saving you time with a structured 4-step approach:
#1 Step
Gap analysis and scheme selection
We analyze your current supply chain to identify strengths and areas for improvement. We then guide you in selecting the most suitable scheme (ISCC EU or SURE) based on your target market and the type of fuel you handle.
#2 Step
System implementation and traceability
We support you in preparing all the necessary documentation and applying RED III criteria. We set up your Mass Balance model, the mandatory accounting system required to trace material sustainability throughout your business flows.
#3 Step
Training and audit preparation
We train your team on the requirements of your chosen scheme and conduct mock audits. We then stand by your side every step of the way during the official audit performed by the third-party certification body.
#4 Step
Certificate issuance and support
We manage all the paperwork for the issuance and registration of your certificate (valid for 12 months). Following this, we guarantee continuous monitoring and strategic consulting for your annual renewals and incentives access.
Are you ready to start your certification journey?
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THE ADVANTAGES
Why choose ISCC EU and SURE certification
FAQ
What is the main differenze between ISCC EU and SURE?
ISCC EU is a universal, global scheme covering all types of renewable fuels, including the transport sector (as well as the new RFNBO and RCF categories). In contrast, SURE is a vertical scheme tailored specifically to solid and gaseous biomass for heat and electricity production, offering more streamlined requirements for this particular target.
What are the minimum GHG emission reduction criteria required?
Under the RED III directive, a minimum GHG emission reduction of 70% is required for existing installations and 80% for new installations compared to the fossil fuel comparator. This calculation must be verified using standardized methodologies during the audit.
How does the Mass Balance system work and why is it necessary?
It is the regulatory-mandated traceability method. It allows sustainable and non-sustainable materials to be physically mixed (for instance, within grid systems), provided that the amount of energy sold as “green” bookeeping-wise matches the volume of sustainable feedstock injected at the beginning of the system.
Is it possible to have suppliers certified under different schemes within the same supply chain?
Yes. Thanks to the principle of mutual recognition among European Commission-approved schemes (such as SURE and REDcert), companies can build mixed supply chains by sourcing materials from suppliers using different yet equivalent certification standards.
How often does the certification need to be renewed and what does the process involve?
ISCC EU and SURE certificates are valid for 12 months. Each year, a recertification audit must be passed to verify ongoing compliance, the updating of Mass Balance records and adherence to sustainability criteria.
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