A new report aims to help bulk fuel purchasers determine the most sustainably produced biofuels, and avoid those produced using unsustainable practices.

The Biofuel Sustainability Performance Guidelines report, commissioned by the nonprofit group National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), comes at a time when government and large fleets are showing an increased interest in plant-based fuel options to boost their sustainability efforts, the NRDC stated. The report grades various biofuel production certification programs, which vary in their stringency.

"Biofuels can be a clean alternative to dirty fossil fuels, but they’re not all created equal," said Brian Siu, senior energy policy analyst at NRDC. "Some biofuels are produced in ways that endanger precious land, wildlife, and the environment. As the U.S. government and large business expand their use of biofuels, they should ensure they come from sustainable sources, and relying on the best certification systems can help them make these smart choices."

While large fuel buyers are beginning to understand the risks of poorly sourced biofuels, many are unable to determine whether their biofuels are produced sustainably. Third-party certification systems can provide this service, but vary significantly in stringency and protectiveness. A sound certification system should check each stage for impacts on water quality, soil, biodiversity, air quality, land use, and waste. It also should check for the social impacts on economic issues, human rights, food security, and workforce safety, according to NRDC.

NRDC is encouraging fuel buyers to ensure they buy from sustainable sources, and this report evaluates seven leading biofuels sustainability certification systems to help them do so. By using strong certification systems, fuel buyers then could publicly support biofuels producers that take steps to protect the environment and, ultimately, help grow a biofuels industry that provides environmental benefits, according to NRDC.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) ranked best for helping to ensure economic, environmental, and social sustainability of biofuels production practices.

The report was authored by LMI, a not-for-profit government consultancy. The NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization. The NRDC chose LMI for its impartiality and deep experience helping the federal government to study fuel logistics and risk.

To see the "Biofuel Sustainability Performance Guidelines" report and a fact sheet on the issue, visit the NRDC site.