SURE Certification (Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme) is a certification system that verifies the sustainability of biomass used for energy production, ensuring compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The goal is to promote environmentally responsible practices in the biomass industry by verifying that materials used in energy production are sourced, processed, and utilised in a sustainable and transparent manner. 

SURE-N-BIG partnerships 

The Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG) is a not-for-profit association focused on advancing bioenergy and bio-based products in Namibia. It promotes innovation, technology development, and expertise in bush biomass value chains. N-BiG has 159 active members, including private, public, and academic stakeholders. The organization strengthens the capacity of its members, SMEs, and farming communities to sustainably manage bush biomass and advocates for sustainable bush control to combat bush encroachment in Namibia. 

In January 2024, N-BiG was appointed as the National Supporting Body for SURE Certification, marking Namibia as the first African country to hold this role. This partnership aims to promote sustainable biomass certification, expand global market access, and foster collaboration with Certification Bodies to certify companies in the biomass value chain. 

Key Aspects of SURE Certification:  

1. Sustainability Compliance: SURE ensures that biomass producers and energy generators meet strict sustainability criteria, including greenhouse gas reduction and the protection of ecosystems. 
2. Traceability and Mass Balance: The certification system tracks biomass from its source through the entire supply chain to ensure transparency and accountability. A mass balance approach is used to ensure that biomass materials are accurately accounted for at every stage. 
3. RED Compliance: SURE certification helps businesses comply with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which mandates that renewable energy, including bioenergy, must meet sustainability standards to qualify as renewable.
4. Independent Auditing: Certified companies are audited by independent Certification Bodies (CBs) to validate compliance with SURE criteria. 
5. Publicly Accessible: Certified companies and their compliance status are available in a public database, ensuring transparency and trust in the certification process.