Paper details

Title:

On the Standardization of Biomass/Biofuels Terminology and Certification - A Taxonomy/Partonomy Ontological Approach

Author(s):

Batzias, F.A., Siontorou, C.G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The growing range of certification and standard-setting schemes developed to cover the biomass-to­biofuels market under the sustainability framework has resulted in a significant degree of complexity that restricts the applicability and the effectiveness of these schemes. While some experts believe that an increasing number of certification initiatives would just lead to beneficial competition, resulting in constant improvement in standards and standard application, others point out that further proliferation of standards without a standardized terminology might lead to loss of control and opportunity for meaningful participation, and substantial confusion among stakeholders. Albeit, the authors argue that there may be a way to capitalise on these synergies by integrating the products into one (meta)standard-setting system built on an ontological platform. This paper presents a methodological framework for biomass/biofuels certification based on a cross-sectoral alignment ontology that (i) provides standardised terminology across related and/or allied domains (engineering, ecological, environmental, social, economic, etc.), (ii) assists knowledge transfer and (iii) facilitates interoperability. The ontological platform developed focuses on the disclosure of common principles, terms and concepts as the basis to develop an effective and efficient standard-setting scheme, which could be equitably and transparently applied to products derived from a wide range of natural resources.

Keywords:

certification issues, environmental impact, quality, quality standards, sustainability, sustainability criteria

Topic:

Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability

Subtopic:

Sustainability assessment and criteria

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

VP5.2.20

Pages:

2623 - 2632

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP5.2.20

Price:

FREE