Sustainable biofuel

Sustainable biofuel is biofuel produced in a sustainable manner. It is not based on petroleum or other fossil fuels. It includes not using plants that are used for food stuff to produce the fuel thus disrupting the world's food supply. Low-carbon fuel standard In 2008, the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels released its proposed standards for sustainable biofuels. This includes 12 principles: "Biofuel production shall follow international treaties and national laws regarding such things as air quality, water resources, agricultural practices, labor conditions, and more. Biofuels projects shall be designed and operated in participatory processes that involve all relevant stakeholders in planning and monitoring. Biofuels shall significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to fossil fuels. The principle seeks to establish a standard methodology for comparing greenhouse gases (GHG) benefits. Biofuel production shall not violate human rights or labor rights, and shall ensure decent work and the well-being of workers. Biofuel production shall contribute to the social and economic development of local, rural and indigenous peoples and communities. Biofuel production shall not impair food security. Biofuel production shall avoid negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and areas of high conservation value. Biofuel production shall promote practices that improve soil health and minimize degradation. Surface and groundwater use will be optimized and contamination or depletion of water resources minimized. Air pollution shall be minimized along the supply chain. Biofuels shall be produced in the most cost-effective way, with a commitment to improve production efficiency and social and environmental performance in all stages of the biofuel value chain. Biofuel production shall not violate land rights". Several countries and regions have introduced policies or adopted standards to promote sustainable biofuels production and use, most prominently the European Union and the United States.

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