What Does ISCC Stand for? Understanding Sustainability Certification
Today, simply stating that an organisation’s products or raw materials are sustainable is no longer sufficient. Customers and stakeholders expect businesses to demonstrate their sustainable practices in a more reliable manner. Since products alone cannot demonstrate an organisation’s eco-friendly practices, organisations have to seek alternative approaches.
International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is a globally recognised system that verifies sustainable and traceable supply chains. Although ISCC is not a mandatory certification for all businesses in Singapore, organisations may gain multiple advantages from achieving it.
What Is ISCC Certification?
ISCC stands for International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. It is an internationally recognised system that verifies sustainable, traceable, and responsible supply chains. ISCC covers a wide range of industries, including:
- Energy and transportation
- Retail and consumer goods
- Agriculture, food, and feed
- Chemicals and plastics
ISCC has multiple certification schemes.
They may include:
ISCC EU
ISCC EU verifies compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) for biofuels and bioenergy.
ISCC PLUS
ISCC PLUS is a voluntary certification that verifies the sustainability and traceability of bio-based, circular, and renewable feedstocks.
ISCC CORSIA
CORSIA stands for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. It is designed for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s CORSIA scheme.
ISCC CFC
The ISCC Carbon Footprint Certification (CFC) verifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to a product.
ISCC Japan FIT
This is a scheme for organisations to demonstrate that their biomass materials meet sustainability, traceability, and GHG requirements in Japan.
ISCC Canada CFR
This scheme is designed in alignment with Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), supporting access to Canada’s regulated biofuel market.
Why Is ISCC Certification Important?
Supports Traceable Supply Chains
ISCC certification requires organisations to maintain traceability throughout the supply chain.
In this way, organisations may strengthen transparency from raw materials to finished products.
Meets Growing Sustainability Expectations
In recent years, sustainability expectations of customers and stakeholders have increased. ISCC helps organisations meet their expectations by providing internationally recognised third-party verification of traceable and sustainable sourcing.
Supports ESG and Sustainability Goals
ISCC certification may help organisations strengthen their ESG practices by promoting traceable sourcing and reducing environmental impacts.
Who Should Apply for ISCC Certification?
Organisations handling, processing, or managing bio-based, circular, or renewable materials should apply for ISCC. Businesses that commonly pursue ISCC certification may include:
- Biofuel producers
- Chemical manufacturers
- Traders and distributors
- Waste processors
- Agriculture and forestry organisation
However, ISCC certification schemes and requirements may vary depending on the organisation’s processes and its role in the supply chain.
How ISCC Certification Benefits Your Business?
Builds Customer Confidence
As ISCC certification demonstrates the organisation’s sustainable practices, it may help organisations gain trust from customers and stakeholders.
Improves Market Access
Some organisations and markets require suppliers to meet certain sustainability standards. Achieving ISCC certification may help organisations meet requirements and gain access to new market opportunities.
Strengthens Brand Reputation
Organisations may enhance their reputation by positioning themselves as environmentally responsible businesses. Furthermore,
organisations may reduce the risks of reputational damage proactively by obtaining an internationally recognised third-party verification.
How To Achieve ISCC Certification
The process of ISCC certification application may be different for each organisation. However, it typically includes important steps.
Understand The Requirements
Firstly, organisations need to determine which ISCC certification scheme applies to their business.
Conduct Gap Analysis
Next, organisations should conduct a gap analysis to identify gaps between requirements and existing practices.
Implement Required Processes
After identifying gaps and areas for improvement, organisations may start implementing the requirements. It may involve preparing documentation, training staff, developing traceability systems, and implementing sustainability controls.
Complete the Certification Audit
Then, the organisation should engage a certification body (CB) and complete the certification audit. The auditor may check GHG
calculations, traceability records, and compliance with ISCC requirements depending on the scheme.
Achieve ISCC Certification with QES Consultancy
QES Consultancy helps organisations achieve ISCC certification smoothly as the application process requires careful planning, proper documentation, and a thorough understanding of the requirements. Our consultants will simplify the application process and help organisations implement ISCC requirements that align with existing operations