Drax has “strengthened” its biomass sustainability policy and set up an independent advisory board to ensure the biomass the company uses to generate renewable power meets the highest standards.
In its updated policy, Drax has outlined how it will use the “latest science and best practice” and work with academic institutions and non-profit organisations to meet its core commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, protect the natural environment, support communities and carry out research and outreach.
The refined policy also details the evidence the company will gather to increase transparency on its biomass sourcing and impacts.
These include using big data and satellite images to evaluate the impact on forest cover and biodiversity in areas that supply the biomass the company uses.
The company’s new six member independent advisory board is made up of scientists, academics and forestry experts and will be chaired by the UK government’s former chief scientific adviser Sir John Beddington.
The board will provide independent advice to Drax in all areas of its biomass sourcing including procurement practises and feedstock options.
Drax said it is also committed to certification through the Sustainable Biomass Program, a globally recognised certification system designed for biomass from wood for use in energy production.
Drax group chief executive Will Gardiner said: “We’re committed to continuously raising standards in biomass sustainability, so our sourcing policies must evolve as the science develops.
“With stronger policies in place and an independent board to challenge us every step of the way, we will be setting the standard for others to follow, which is important as sustainable biomass plays an increasing role in addressing climate change.”
Sir John Beddington said: “I decided to chair the IAB because it’s vital that biomass is sourced sustainably and takes the latest scientific thinking into account.
“As the science evolves, we will make recommendations to ensure that the biomass used at Drax makes a positive contribution to our climate and the environment.”
Drax’s biomass sustainability policy draws on recommendations made by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission, in a report commissioned by the European Climate Foundation, a philanthropic foundation.
The Forest Research report recommends 15 key criteria to deliver sustainable biomass that has the best outcome for the environment.
These include favouring biomass that is associated with activities to conserve and enhance forest growth and productivity and a commitment not to take from sources that lead to deforestation.
The other independent advisory board members are Lord John Krebs, Virginia Dale, adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee, Sam Fankhauser, director of the LSE Grantham Institute, Elena Schmidt, standards director of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomass. A representative from Forest Research, the UK’s primary organisation for forest science will also join the board in an ex-officio capacity.