06.10.2020
Denmark finds consensus over new biomass sustainability requirements
Graanul Invest Group welcomes Denmark´s consensus over new biomass sustainability requirements
Graanul Invest Group welcomes a political agreement that sets into law new sustainability requirements for wood biomass used in Denmark. The new law, which is supported by the Danish government and a majority coalition replaces a voluntary industry agreement that has regulated sustainable biomass use since 2014. Among other things, it provides greater assurance that the biomass used is as sustainable and climate-friendly as possible.
Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Supply states that the use of biomass has contributed to phase out coal with broad support in the Danish Parliament. At present, there are not sufficient alternatives to significantly reduce consumption of wood biomass in the short term.
We welcome Danish politicians, scientists and experts’ consensus over strong sustainability criteria that help Denmark reach its climate goals with sustainable biomass, said Graanul Invest Group CEO Raul Kirjanen. “Biomass produced by Graanul Invest is fully compliant with new agreed requirements that we have been implementing in our forestry portfolio and supply chain for many years already.” Denmark leaders’ strong support for sustainable bioenergy proves again that biomass plays vital role in transition from the fossil-based economy.
“Biomass is absolutely crucial to ensure that our electricity and heat are not made from coal imported from countries we do not want to depend on,” said Morten Messerschmidt of the Danish People’s Party. “With the agreement we are able to ensure it is sustainable, and that Danes continue to have a stable supply of heat.”
The new law sets firm sustainability criteria for preserving carbon stocks and carbon sinks in source forests, and for protecting natural areas and biodiversity, among other measures. The legal requirements state that the biomass must come from legally felled trees and that felled trees must be replanted.
Graanul Invest Group´s carbon footprint is negative, our production emissions are more than three times lower then industry average and meeting certifications and audits is our daily business, said Raul Kirjanen. Forests in our group are only legally felled and we ensure that they always regenerate, added Kirjanen. “I would like to stress the importance of natural regeneration in renewing the forests besides replanting. This helps to ensure that forests are rich in biodiversity and can endure diseases and storms better. Forestry experts and scientist agree that the Baltic climate is well suited for natural regeneration and this should not be forgotten in sustainable forestry practices.”