What is a Blue PoS?
The Blue Proof of Sustainability (Blue PoS), commonly used in the ISCC system, is an important document in the biomethane market. Once certification is complete and production has started, the Blue PoS can be used to pass on the sustainability criteria together with emissions, energy quality and production conditions along the entire value chain.
Mandatory information in a PoS
A PoS must always contain the following information:
- Unique identifier for each PoS
- Date of issuance of the PoS
- Supplier information
- Recipient information
- Date of dispatch of the sustainable material
- Quantity of the sustainable material
- Emissions associated with the sustainable material
Supplier information
The supplier information should include the name and address of the supplier. In addition, the certification scheme and the certificate number must be clearly stated on the PoS.
Recipient information
As with the supplier information, the name and address of the recipient should be stated on the PoS. The additional information such as certification scheme and certificate number is not required here.
Quantity of the sustainable material
The quantity of the sustainable material should be stated with correct units. For biomethane, the units kWh or MWh are usually used. It is recommended to state explicitly whether the gross calorific value (Hs) or the net calorific value (Hi) is meant. If, on the other hand, feedstock is delivered for production, the unit may be tonnes.
Emissions associated with the sustainable material
The following emission categories must be considered:
- Eec: Emissions from the cultivation of agricultural feedstock, e.g. maize silage
- El: Emissions from land use change
- Ep: Emissions during the production of biogas and biomethane
- Etd: Emissions from transport and distribution
- Esca: Emission savings from soil carbon accumulation through improved agricultural management practices and through the use of manure
- Eccr: Emission savings from carbon capture and replacement
- Eccs: Emission savings from carbon capture and storage
- Eu: Emissions from fuel use
Conclusion
The Blue PoS is very similar to the REDcert and SURE PoS. The template can be adapted as long as the core information listed above is included.