Sustainability

Sustainable biomass for energy should be based on the following priciples:

• the rate of growth exceeds the rate of harvest;
• biodiversity is preserved;
• biomass plantations, where appropriate, are managed and contained – especially in respect of risks to biodiversity;
• functions of forests (amenity, air cleaning, watershed services, carbon sequestration and so forth) are maintained to an optimal degree;
• indigenous peoples are employed in this process to preserve the sustainability of local communities;
• use of good quality timber, intended for very long lasting wood products (furniture or construction wood), is given adequate priority over energy production; and
• indigenous peoples are not deprived from fuel wood without being provided with an energy efficient and affordable alternative.