Chapter 9.2.1 Strategic approaches

Develop a sustainable biomass strategy

Develop the data collection and a strategy for the sustainable use of biomass in materials and energy production.

International
UK Govt
Scottish Govt
Local Authorities
Emissions reduction
Behaviour change

Biomass is supposed to replace less sustainable materials in construction, plastics in almost every application and fossil fuels in electricity generation. While we need to use more timber in construction, substituting concrete and steel, we need a strategy for sustainable biomass to ensure that increased demands for biomass do not result in habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, and decisions are based on sound carbon accounting.

On use of biomass in energy production, the Scottish Government recently consulted on a draft bioenergy policy statement.  Encouragingly, the first principle it states is that “use of biomass must comply with stringent sustainability criteria (including land criteria and greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria) … Biomass use should also be independently monitored and verified to ensure best practice and the highest standards are upheld.”

Biomass is a key, often overlooked, part of the circular economy – and the Scottish Government should commit to setting sustainable biomass targets when data becomes available.

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Version 1.0: September 2023

The contents of this document will be updated on a regular basis.