ISCC certification (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) It has become a global reference in the evaluation and certification of sustainability and the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). ISCC offers rigorous patterns applied mainly in sectors such as biofuels, Bioplastics and Sustainable Products. Within that context, The calculation of GHG emissions plays a fundamental role, covering various methods and norms applicable to ISCC systems, ISCC Plus and Corsia.
Processed and Cálcol of non-ICC C
The calculation of GHG emissions in the ISCC system is governed by a detailed and structured methodology, that considers all productive steps, from the cultivation of raw materials to the final use of the product. This process involves several specific categories of emissions, including those from agricultural cultivation, use of fertilizers, Transport and Industrial Processing.
The ISCC methodology adopts the formula of the Red II Directive (Renewable Energy Directive II) of the European Union, Considering essential elements:
- Cultivation emissions (eec): Includes fertilizers, agricultural machines, fuels and inputs.
- Change in land use (he): Calculates impacts of land conversion to cultivation.
- Processing (ep): Covers industrial steps of conversion and transformation of raw materials.
- Transportation and distribution (etd): Evaluates emissions generated in intermediate transport and final distribution.
The results are presented in grams of CO₂ equivalent by megajoule (G Co₂EQ/MJ), facilitating the direct and objective comparison of environmental impacts between different fuels and certified products.
ICC coverage I
The ISCC I, is designed specifically to comply with European regulations, especially the Red II Directive, fundamental for the entry and marketing of biofuels in the European market. The ISCC Certificate I, requires strict compliance with environmental requirements, including compulsory GHG emissions reduction goals in relation to conventional fossil fuels.
Corn ethanol -producing companies in Brazil often seek ISCC certification to ensure access to the European market. In these cases, It is essential to prove the minimum reduction of the emissions established by the European Directive, which usually demands detailed calculations with real data and validated by independent auditors.
ISCC PLUS APPLICABILITY
Unlike ISCC I, ISCC Plus is applicable to a wide range of products that go beyond biofuels. This pattern aims to sustainable productive chains, contemplating chemicals, renewable base plastics and sustainable foods. Nonetheless, The calculation of GHG emissions is also essential in this scheme, contributing to ensure sustainability throughout productive chains.
In the context of corn ethanol, Brazilian producers have certified in ISCC Plus for specific markets that value broader sustainable practices, not only limited to traditional biofuels. One of the main points that guide Brazilian and global agriculture is to feed the world population with the least use of chemical inputs necessary., the process of calculating emissions can include not only direct steps, but also the sustainability of the inputs used and the co -products generated.
Corsia and the need for GHG counting
Or lane (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) It was created by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in order to mitigate the impact of international aviation emissions. ISCC Certification is one of the Corsia approved methodologies to account for GHG emissions associated with sustainable aviation fuels (PURE).
No brazil, The SAF sector is expanding, with projects that seek to produce fuels from different renewable sources, including corn ethanol. These projects necessarily need the rigorous accounting of GHG emissions, required by Corsia, to ensure that SAFs effectively promote significant reductions in total aviation emissions.
The ISCC methodology applied to SAF evaluates the entire production cycle and compares with traditional fossil fuel emissions (aviation kerosene), validating that SAF meets the international criteria defined by the.
Corn ethanol in Brazil and the ISCC
Brazil is an important ethanol producer, traditionally derived from sugarcane, but with significant growth in the corn segment, Especially in regions of the Midwest. ISCC certification plays a vital role in this scenario, allowing Brazilian producers to prove their environmental credentials, meeting global sustainability requirements, mainly in European and American markets.
The accounting of GHG emissions by ISCC for corn ethanol includes specific challenges, such as:
- Accuracy in the impact calculations of nitrogen fertilizers and other synthetic inputs.
- Energy efficiency in producing plants.
- Coproduct Management, especially DDGs (Dry Distillery grains with soluble), whose correct allocation of emissions is essential for the final result of the calculation.
SAF Projects in Brazil
SAF production projects in Brazil are aligned with the global aviation decarbonization strategy. Brazilian companies have explored several sustainable raw materials, including corn ethanol, In order to meet the demands of international aviation.
These projects must implement methodologies recognized by Corsia, like ISCC, that allows transparency and technical rigor in the demonstration of sustainability. The correct accounting of GHG emissions is essential to make sure that the SAFs produced actually meet international environmental standards, ensuring your global acceptance.
Macaúba and waste biofuels
Macaúba is a raw material with high sustainable potential due to its high productivity and low environmental impact, since it requires less fertilizers and can be cultivated in agroforestry systems, significantly reducing GHG emissions. Furthermore, biofuels produced from waste, as used oils, agricultural waste and residual biomass, are especially relevant in the mitigation of the carbon footprint, because they promote the circular economy, avoiding emissions arising from inappropriate disposal and making the most of renewable resources.
Conclusion The process and calculation of GHG emissions according to ISCC are key tools in the global decarbonization journey. With scope in different sectors and systems like ISCC I, ISCC Plus and Corsia, This certification enables effective management of emissions, boosting sustainability and promoting responsible business practices. Especially not Brazil, where corn ethanol and SAF projects are in full expansion, ISCC emerges as a vital solution to ensure sustainability and compliance with the most rigorous international standards.
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