A new version (v2 dated 05/08/2025) of the POS template has been published in the Documentation section of the 2BSvs website, under the Biogas tab.
Please note that this POS template provided by 2BS is not mandatory; it is an example that economic operators may freely adapt to suit their needs, provided that all required information is included.
Purpose of this update: To promote harmonization with POS templates from other voluntary schemes.
A new column titled “Low ILUC risk” has been added. In line with the scope of the 2BSvs scheme, which does not cover the verification of low ILUC risk, this column must be filled in with “N/A” as a mandatory entry.
Furthermore, if the POS relates to inputs classified as cover/intermediate crops, the corresponding box must be ticked as “yes.”
Finally, the method used to declare GHG emissions related to the EEC factor must be indicated in the appropriate column (Actual values, NUTS2, or Disaggregated Default Values).
New updated documents for the 2BSXtra certification are now available. Below is a summary of the main changes and what they mean for you.
Clarification on virtual credit transfers on the next mass balance period It has been clarified that it is allowed to forward virtual credits to the next mass balance period, even if no physical stock is present. This has been updated in our standards and procedure.
Clarification on the Use of the 2BSXtra Add-on, when an entity is certified under another voluntary scheme recognised by the EC It is now clear that the add-on (2BS-ADD-02) is now accessible to any entity certified by a voluntary scheme considered equivalent to our 2BSvs scheme (i.e., entities certified under a scheme recognized by the European Commission like ISCC), provided auditors have access to the last audit report (mass balance) and hold a valid certificate from that equivalent scheme. This has been added to our standards and procedure.
Strengthened Traceability on the points of origin Additional indicators have been introduced in the 2BSXtra-STD-01 for First gathering points, in the 2BSXtra-STD-02 for processing units and traders, as well as in the 2BSxtra add-on (2BS-ADD-02) to improve controls at points of origin and of the materials they certify under 2BSXtra.
Broadening of our Scope of Use (chemical sector) We have permitted the preliminary opening toward non-food & feed markets, with a specific section and a specific condition dedicated to products already certified under 2BSvs or already used in food and feed sectors (for example, glycerin).
Two new Claims for our 2BSXtra certification ! The claims that were put in place with the help of food and feed actors (Lesieur) have been integrated to our 2BSXtra procedure (and they are pending a potential legal validation by lawyers).
List of materials for 2BSXtra A list of materials has been developed for the 2BSXtra certification (similar to the one under 2BSvs)
Updated self-declarations, sustainability declarations and checklists The formats for self-declaration, sustainability declarations have also been updated, aligned with the RED III model, and the checklists as well.
We are pleased to announce the update of our EEC + ESCA calculator!
Designed to help our customers with their sustainability certification process, this new version of the tool includes the following updates:
Emissions from neutralisation of fertiliser acidification: The emission factors were updated according to Annex C in 2025 (Renewable fuels – accreditation of certification bodies (update of implementing act)
Soil emissions from liming (aglime): The option to calculate this type of emissions was added to GHG calculator according to Implementing Regulation 2022/996 Annex VII p.1.4.2
EEC. Use of regional averages from NUTS2 reports: If economic operators wish to use these values, they may enter the GHG emission values directly into column G (EEC tab), expressed in gCO₂eq/kg of dry matter, for seeds, pesticides, and diesel used in agricultural machinery.
Reminder: In EEC tab, cell E13 must ALWAYS be filled with a value; for crops that do not require drying, please enter the same value of dry matter in the cell above E12)
We are pleased to inform you that the European Commission has officially validated the updated 2BSvs certification guidelines.
These revisions encompass procedures, standards, and checklists, aligning them with the legal requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive (Revised EU Directive 2018/201, known as RED III).
All pertinent documents for the Biofuels, Biogas and Waste & Residues supply chains will be available soon for your reference on our dedicated page.
Please note that the new documentation will apply from May 21, 2025, to all operators subject to the requirements of the RED II Directive. Only the transposition of RED III into national law will impose obligations on new operators who were previously not subject to them.
Moreover, existing 2BS certificates remain valid until their next surveillance audit: re-certification audits under RED III will take place on the usual anniversary date.
You can find here a summary of the last modifications made to our documents (procedures and audit standards).
If necessary, our team is available to assist you. Contact us by mail: contact@2bsvs.com.
In November 2023, the European Commission published the new version of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III – Directive (EU) 2023/2413). This document introduced new technical references for the bioenergy market, directly impacting the sustainability certification process.
In response to the new guidelines, 2BS worked with its Technical Committee and market experts to implement the necessary updates to its documentation. Our aim remains to offer a simple certification process that complies with current European regulations. 2BS has submitted updated documentation to the European Commission.
Driven by RED III, we have proposed a revision of our 2BS Standards (2BS-STD-01 and 2BS-STD-02) and Procedures (2BS-PRO-01 to 2BS-PRO-06).
This documentation has been reviewed by the European Commission. We will inform you once we receive official recognition from the Commission, which will be formalized by an ad hoc publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Meanwhile, we are sharing below a relatively short and straightforward list of changes affecting the certification process for each operator category in our different supply chains.
Please note that the changes listed below will apply from May 21, 2025, to all operators subject to the requirements of the RED II Directive. Only the transposition of RED III into national law will impose obligations on new operators who were previously not subject to them.
Please note that existing 2BS certificates remain valid until their next surveillance audit: re-certification audits under RED III will take place on the usual anniversary date.
1. Certification Bodies’ responsibilities and audit implications
Union Database (UDB): Once the platform is operational, auditors must verify the accuracy and completeness of data entered in the European Commission’s UDB or national databases (Revised RED EU/2018/2001 (RED III) – article 31a; 2BS PRO02 – section 9.1.10).
For now, auditors must check that economic operators have an active private space in the UDB.
More information on the UDB will be shared in the future.
2. Updates for First Gathering Points in the Biofuels and Bioliquids supply chain
Land sustainability: “Old-growth forests” and “heathlands” have been included in the definition of non-sustainable plots. Specific definitions have also been added.
For French operators using the 2BS Mapping Tool, these new categories have no impact as they were already included in the “non-sustainable” category. Operators outside of France will need to demonstrate land sustainability according to these new criteria.
GHG Calculation – ECCR Factor (Carbon Capture and Replacement): GHG reductions related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) only apply to CO₂ from biomass that replaces fossil CO₂ in the production of goods and services, and only for products made before January 1, 2036.
3. Updates for Processing units in the Biofuels and Bioliquids supply chain
GHG Savings Thresholds: Higher GHG saving thresholds are now required for biomass fuels used in facilities commissioned from 2023 onwards for the production of heat, cooling, and electricity. In some cases, producers must demonstrate higher savings. Refer to the chart below to determine the threshold applicable to your case.
Certification Criteria: Certification is now mandatory for new operators: facilities producing gaseous biomass fuels with an average biomethane output above 200 m³ methane equivalent/hour (adjusted if biogas is a mix of methane and other gases) must be certified under RED III. This applies after RED III is transposed into national law by each Member State.
5. Updates for Biomass Boiler installations
Certification Criteria: Certification is now mandatory for new operators: solid biomass fuels used in facilities producing electricity, heating, or cooling with a total rated thermal input ≥ 7.5 MW must be certified under RED III. This applies after RED III is transposed into national law by each Member State.
6. Updates for Waste and Residues supply chain
Definition of “Point of Origin”: The point of origin of municipal waste is now defined as the first collector (municipality or private company). This clarification may affect certification requirements.
Reminder: GHG emissions include all transport steps from the point of origin to the final interface.
Definition of Waste Treatment Processes at First Gathering Points: Better recognition of waste treatment processes such as sorting, sedimentation, filtration, shredding, grinding, hygienization, and unpacking – all considered GHG emission-free treatments. This broadens acceptable processes and may affect emission calculations.
Clarification on Landfill Gas: Its point of origin is the non-hazardous waste landfill or the wastewater treatment plant.
The final validation of the updated documents is still pending from the European Commission. The current text is indicative and will be fully implemented according to the deadlines set. Once validated, our website will be updated.
You can find the updated documentation for each supply chain on our Documents page.
2BS sustainability certification was recently recognised by the European Commission regarding its co-processing procedures.
This represents an extension to the scope of 2BS certification. Thanks to the development of a specific procedure, you are now able to integrate the co-processing method into your production process via our certification process.
With this extension, you can combine renewable materials with fossil ones in the same process, while complying with RED II requirements.
To help you better understand this new certification, we prepared a webinar dedicated to the 2BSvs – co-processing documentation.
The webinar’s presentation and replay are now available. Click below to check it out!
The 2BSvs-Biofuels certification enables all players in the biofuel production and distribution supply chain to market their products in the European Union as “sustainable”.
Our certification 2BSvs-Biogas enables all biogas and biomethane supply chain players to value their products in the European Union under the “sustainable” label.
The 2BSvs - Wood Energy certification enables wood-fired heating and power generation installations to demonstrate their compliance with the sustainability criteria established by European regulations.
Value your sustainable products on the Food and Feed markets! This certification is designed to meet sustainability requirements from these industries in a precise and accessible way.
To build a secure environment for the certification process, 2BS offers a range of training courses to qualify players from the market, auditors and certification bodies, according to our specifications.
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) aims to promote the use of energy produced from renewable sources, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in European countries.
2BSvs certification is based on the sustainability criteria defined by RED II and is recognised by the European Commission within the framework of this directive.
2BS – Biomass, Biofuel Sustainability is a non-profit association dedicated to providing sustainable players access to the European market.
Initially dedicated to the biofuels industry (working with cooperatives, traders and industrial players), 2BS has since broadened its scope to include certifications for other sectors, notably biogas, as well as food and feed.
We propose several tools to help you with your certification process.
2BS both owns and recognises tools that support you on land sustainability verification and greenhouse gas emissions calculation. 2BS-developed platforms are of free access to our customers.
