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Evaluation of Ecological Criteria of Biofuel Certification in Germany

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  • Kirsten Selbmann

    (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Jägerallee 15, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
    Environmental Policy Research Centre (FFU), Freie Universität Berlin, Freie Ihnestrasse 22, D-14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Lydia Pforte

    (Meo Carbon Solutions, Hohenzollernring 72, D-50672 Köln, Germany)

Abstract

The share of biofuels has increased significantly over the last decade, which has lead to several negative impacts on the environment. As a solution, several governments worldwide have promoted the use of certification systems, which have been implemented and in some cases have even been established as mandatory regulations. Due to the focus of the public debate, standard-setting has mainly been limited to developing and newly industrializing countries. Hence, the issues of environmental impacts as a consequence of agricultural intensification in Germany has been given little attention, and the question whether existing biofuel certification systems sufficiently cover ecological issues remains. In order to answer this question, this study performs a benchmarking analysis of selected certification systems, whereby their ability to ensure ecological sustainability is evaluated and compared. The assessment reveals that the currently existing national ordinances, like Cross Compliance, are in many aspects insufficient to ensure sustainability. Contrarily, they often deter necessary discussions to tackle these issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsten Selbmann & Lydia Pforte, 2016. "Evaluation of Ecological Criteria of Biofuel Certification in Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:9:p:936-:d:78102
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    2. Spyridon Achinas & Johan Horjus & Vasileios Achinas & Gerrit Jan Willem Euverink, 2019. "A PESTLE Analysis of Biofuels Energy Industry in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-24, October.
    3. Rolf Meyer, 2017. "Bioeconomy Strategies: Contexts, Visions, Guiding Implementation Principles and Resulting Debates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-32, June.
    4. Piotr Gradziuk & Barbara Gradziuk & Anna Trocewicz & Błażej Jendrzejewski, 2020. "Potential of Straw for Energy Purposes in Poland—Forecasts Based on Trend and Causal Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-22, September.
    5. Stefan Majer & Simone Wurster & David Moosmann & Luana Ladu & Beike Sumfleth & Daniela Thrän, 2018. "Gaps and Research Demand for Sustainability Certification and Standardisation in a Sustainable Bio-Based Economy in the EU," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-44, July.

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