US-based advanced renewable fuel and biochemical manufacturer and platform technology developer Gevo, Inc. has announced that it has received certification from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) for the sourcing of sustainable corn at its production facility in Luverne, Minnesota, and its production of intermediate feedstock isobutanol – a platform biochemical.
This third-party certification provides validation that Gevo’s business model works from a sustainability point of view. RSB certification demonstrates that Gevo’s production is sequestering carbon in the soil, meeting limits on the use of chemicals in the production of its bio-based feedstock, respecting water, land, labour rights, and ensuring food security.
Gevo’s RSB certification is a great moment for the bioeconomy as it demonstrates that key components of jet fuel can be produced in a way that not only dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also ensures real positive social and environmental impacts. Their innovative agricultural techniques show that with a commitment to real sustainability via RSB certification, farmers can be empowered to take a leading role in the development of a zero-carbon economy and Gevo’s recognition of the importance of using the strongest and most credible sustainability standard globally continues to help position them as an industry leader, commented Rolf Hogan, Executive Director, RSB.
Operating as Agri-Energy, Gevo’s business system in Luverne, Minnesota (MN), is unusual in that for every gallon of jet fuel and gasoline, advanced hydrocarbon products, that would be produced there, it also would produce approximately 10 pounds of protein for the food chain.
Regenerative agriculture techniques, such as precision application of fertilizers and low-till or no-till cultivation used by farmers to produce the corn, minimizes chemical usage and builds soil carbon over time.
This RSB certification complements Gevo’s existing ISCC Plus certification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification.
According to Gevo, these independent, global, multi-stakeholder organizations ensure adherence to a universal approach to a broad range of risks and ensure real sustainability and lasting solutions for decarbonizing the aviation industry and beyond — whilst addressing any possible social and environmental challenges.
