The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the biomass industry. Founded in 2007, RSB works with stakeholders across the biomass supply chain to establish and uphold rigorous sustainability standards.
The main focus of RSB is to develop and implement credible sustainability certification systems for biomass and biofuel production. These systems cover environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, ensuring that biomass materials are produced in a responsible manner that minimises negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Key goals of RSB include promoting the use of sustainable biomass as a renewable resource, mitigating climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering social inclusivity and economic development in communities affected by biomass production.
The structure of RSB involves a diverse membership base consisting of producers, industry associations, NGOs, governments, and civil society organisations. RSB operates through various working groups and committees, each focusing on specific aspects of sustainability certification, standards development, and stakeholder engagement.
RSB plays a crucial role in sustainable finance by providing certification schemes and standards that enable investors and financial institutions to assess the sustainability credentials of biomass projects and investments. By ensuring transparency and accountability in biomass production, RSB helps to mitigate risks associated with unsustainable practices and promotes investment in environmentally and socially responsible projects.
The organisation offers practical tools and resources to support stakeholders in implementing sustainable practices. This includes guidance documents, training materials, and an online platform for certification and auditing processes. RSB also conducts research and collaborates with academic institutions to advance knowledge and best practices in sustainable biomass production.
RSB works with partners from industry, civil society, policy-makers and academia globally to advance the transition to a truly sustainable bio-based and circular economy, grounded in the RSB Principles & Criteria.