Summary
Details
- Global
The PEFC RED certification is intended for participants across the forest biomass value chain, including companies that process, trade, export, or use biomass for energy production.
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Background
The PEFC RED certification scheme was developed in response to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which establishes binding targets for renewable energy use and sets sustainability criteria for bioenergy. Since its initial adoption in 2009, the directive has been revised to strengthen environmental safeguards and increase renewable energy targets. The most recent update, RED III, raises the EU’s overall renewable energy ambition for 2030 and reinforces requirements related to emissions savings and sustainable sourcing. PEFC—an international non-profit organisation that oversees forest certification systems—adapted its existing framework to align with these regulatory requirements, creating the RED certification module as a recognised compliance pathway.
Assessment and reporting
PEFC RED certification combines verification processes with structured data handling requirements across the biomass supply chain.
At its core, the scheme requires organisations to implement systems that enable:
Traceability of forest biomass from origin through to energy production
Verification of sustainability criteria, including sourcing practices and compliance with RED rules
Collection and transmission of GHG emissions data between supply chain actors
Due diligence procedures to assess and document supplier compliance
These elements are subject to independent third-party audits, where certification bodies evaluate whether the organisation’s systems, documentation, and controls meet PEFC RED requirements.
A key feature of the assessment framework is the use of risk-based approaches. For example, Level A risk assessments can demonstrate that national or regional systems already meet RED sustainability criteria, while additional verification steps are required where such evidence is not available.
Current status
PEFC RED is an operational certification scheme recognised under the EU Renewable Energy Directive framework. It has been updated to reflect the transition from RED II to RED III, including revised sustainability criteria and enhanced documentation requirements. Elements of earlier RED II implementation—particularly those related to land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF)—remain applicable where regulatory provisions have not changed, allowing continuity for existing certified organisations. The scheme continues to be used internationally as a mechanism for demonstrating compliance with EU biomass sustainability rules and supporting cross-border trade in certified biomass.
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