SCS Global Services Issues First Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels
(RSB) Certification in Northern Hemisphere to Global Clean Energy
Holdings
EMERYVILLE, Calif.,
Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/
-- SCS Global Services (SCS) announced that it has issued
Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) certification to Global
Clean Energy Holdings (GCEH), a California-based producer of non-food based
biofuels, biomass and renewable chemical feedstocks. They are the
first North American company to achieve RSB certification.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/MM63583LOGO
)
"We're happy to welcome GCEH under the RSB umbrella," said Dr.
Michael Keyes, Senior Agriculture
and Natural Resources Specialist for SCS, "GCEH is a model for how
biofuels can be produced sustainably and contribute to reducing the
carbon intensity of our fuels, while providing concrete
contributions to communities and the environment."
RSB is the most stringent of all consensus standards for
sustainable biofuel production, requiring high levels of compliance
with environmental and social criteria. SCS evaluated GCEH against
RSB's principles and criteria for agricultural sustainability,
which include strict requirements to ensure social and
environmental sustainability.
Jatropha curcas is native to the Americas and can be
grown on land unsuitable for food crops. The plant produces
an oil-rich seed best suited for use in high-quality biofuels and
oleochemicals. Located in Mexico's
Yucatan Peninsula, GCEH's Jatropha
plantations are exclusively rain fed. All properties utilize fallow
land unsuitable for subsistence or other commercial applications,
such as former cattle ranches. In order to protect local plant
species and wildlife, the company sets aside over 10% of its land
to create conservation areas and buffer zones. GCEH also offers
work and training initiatives, provides an infirmary for its
employees, and sponsors a daily hot breakfast program for local
school-children.
"The certification process included a very comprehensive review
of all our operations," said Noah
Verleun, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Manager at
GCEH, "We're proud to report that we only had to institute minor
operational adjustments to our already strong internal processes to
qualify for the comprehensive RSB sustainability
certification."
Find out more about RSB certification at
www.SCSglobalServices.com
SCS Global Services (formerly Scientific Certification
Systems) has been providing global leadership in third-party
environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing,
and standards development for nearly 30 years. Our programs span a
wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green
building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry,
retail, and more. We provide accredited services under a wide
range of internationally recognized certification programs.
SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™,
reflecting our commitment to socially and environmentally
responsible business practices.
About Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Global
Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. is an emerging renewable energy company
focused on the production of non-food based feedstocks used for the
production of biofuels, biomass and renewable chemicals. More
information regarding Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. can be
found at www.gceholdings.com.
Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels. The RSB certification
system is approved by the European Commission, as proof of
compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive or RED
(2009/28/EC). The RSB global sustainability standard
represents a consensus of over 120 organizations including farmers,
fuel refiners, regulators and NGOs, and is intended to ensure the
sustainability of biofuels production practices while streamlining
compliance for industry. More information can be found at
www.rsbservices.org.
Contact
Nick
Kordesch
+1.510.452.8035
nkordesch@SCSglobalServices.com
SOURCE SCS Global Services