Scottish Government Policy
Biomass for energy, when sustainably procured, provides an effective low carbon fuel, contributing to the delivery of the Scottish Government's climate change and renewable energy targets.
Scottish Government policy on biomass follows that for other timber and timber products and is set out in that Annex.
Advice on woodfuel types and specifications can be found at
http://www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/
Forthcoming issues
The EU has developed criteria for sustainability standards to cover biomass for heat and electricity. It has also consulted on whether any proposed sustainability criteria should be voluntary or legally binding. The SG's position on the EU consultation is that biomass for energy from post consumer waste and other biodegradable waste fractions should not be included in a formal sustainability scheme, as this could not be achieved with any form of certainty without incurring excessive costs. For biomass sourced from virgin timber, current Scottish government policy is considered appropriate.
The Forestry Commission and the Scottish Government are now contributing to work on requirements for sustainability in biomass in the UK through a Department of Energy and Climate Change sustainability working group.
Contact Details
Rebecca Carr
Renewables & Sustainable Development Advisor
Forestry Commission Scotland
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel: 0131 314 6398 / 07717 618650
Email: rebecca.carr@forestry.gsi.gov.uk