U.S.-FocUSed Biochar report - BioEnergy Lists

Sustainability Protocol Purpose 181. To set forth a shared vision and direction for the future of this technology among Biochar proponents to preventunintended consequences.2. To make clear to a broader stakeholder group that the pioneering efforts in biochar production are directedtoward helping people, helping the planet, and creating value.Three areas are covered in specific protocols for:• Creation of Biochar Energy• Sequestration of Carbon from Biochar Production• Production of Biochar soil amendmentsThe Sustainability Protocol lays out principles, which set goals for all participants in the lifecycle of biochar.Similar to SBA’s format, these principles are followed by baseline practices. The baseline practices are intendedto set the threshold for where sustainability begins. As more information from actual practices is gathered, it isexpected that the biochar community will go on to develop metrics for sustainability standards and indicators.These standards could ultimately serve as the criteria for third party certification. 19PrinciplesPrinciples have been developed that cover political, economic, social and environmental sustainability and integrityaspects of biomass/biochar production and use. Environmental justice, food security, community action, fairlabor and democratic operating principles are included in the political, social and economic sector.The environmental aspects addressed are comprehensive: from greenhouse gas emissions, genetically modifiedorganisms, and conservation of biodiversity to basic air, soil and water. Uses of chemicals and next-generationfeedstocks are also covered in relationship to human and ecosystem health. Life-cycle assessments are recommendedto ensure covering all aspects when assessing sustainability.The physical aspects of biochar production and use are addressed, with specific recommendations from the sectorsabove, under:• Feedstocks• Transportation• Production• Distribution• End UsePNBI recommends that the next step would entail the formation of sub-committees to address nine target areastaken from the above as well as including committee recommendations for a reference library, regulatory interfaceas well as policy, technology, funding and the human dimension.This work-in-progress shows tremendous potential for expansion and development into fully functional guidelinesand protocols for practical sustainable practices and policies options.Sustainable Biodiesel AllianceAlthough their mission is sustainable biodiesel, this non-profit organization 20 has taken a very comprehensivelook at sustainability of biomass and their example is worth examining closely, specifically their publication,18 See http://sites.google.com/site/pnwbiochar/sustainability-protocol19 Ibid.20 Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. http://www.sustainablebiodieselalliance.com/dev/48U.S.-Focused Biochar Report:Assessment of Biochar’s Benefits for the United States of America