Westervelt Renewable Energy earns SBP certification

Westervelt Renewable Energy has achieved Sustainable Biomass Partnership certification from NSF Sustainability, a division of global public health organization NSF International. SBP certification enables producers to demonstrate that the woody biomass pellets they supply for energy production meet the regulatory, including sustainability, requirements of energy producers throughout Europe.

Westervelt Renewable Energy utilizes renewable biomass to produce wood pellets, an alternative to fossil fuels used to generate electricity by utility providers worldwide.

The SBP Framework sets standards for the sustainable production and the responsible sourcing of woody biomass products, and provides a tool to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. Sustainability requirements vary across European countries, making it difficult for woody biomass product producers to demonstrate compliance. SBP certification verifies that raw material has been responsibly sourced and complies with legal, regulatory and sustainability requirements of most European power generators.

“The Sustainable Biomass Partnership Framework provides a streamlined process of compliance with European standards,” said Norman Boatwright, Manager of NSF International’s Forestry Programs. “Certifying leading North American organizations such as Westervelt Renewable Energy to the Sustainable Biomass Partnership Framework is an important and crucial part of protecting our forests and natural resources.”

"Seeking internationally-recognized certification for our renewable energy operations validates our ongoing commitment to best management practices as we seek to fulfill our land stewardship mission," said Alicia Cramer, President of Westervelt Renewable Energy. "With SBP certification, we have added another layer of affirmation that our long established forestry and sustainability practices meet the needs of both the present and the future."

Following a rigorous application process and the successful certification of Westervelt Renewable Energy, NSF International is now an SBP-approved certification body in Canada and the United States. Additionally, NSF International provided evidence that it meets SBP requirements regarding its existing accreditations and demonstrated sufficient resource and competence to manage the SBP certification program under the SBP Framework.