INS Sustainability Assessment
INS Gap Analysis
ITALIAN NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY SCHEME · BIOFUELS & BIOLIQUIDS
Prepared by
CBQA Global Indonesia
Certification · Training · Audit · Gap Analysis
INS Gap Analysis Checklist
Based on the Italian National Sustainability Certification Scheme (INS) — implementing RED II/III sustainability criteria. 10 Requirement Areas with 58 Audit Criteria. Check items that have been implemented and documented at the assessed entity.
📋 Assessment Information — Fillable in the Field
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LEGAL BASIS: Italian National Sustainability Certification Scheme (INS) for Biofuels and Bioliquids, implementing EU Directive 2018/2001/EU (RED II) and subsequent amendments (RED III). INS verifies compliance with GHG savings thresholds, land-use criteria (no HCV/HCS/peatland conversion), social & labour standards, and mass balance requirements. This checklist adapts INS requirements across 10 requirement areas covering feedstock origin through final fuel delivery.
Area 1
1
Sustainability Policy & Governance
INS Art. 4
RED II Art. 30
A written sustainability policy is established, signed by top management, and communicated to all relevant personnel and suppliersEvidence: Sustainability policy document, communication records, signatory confirmation×3
Responsibilities and authorities for sustainability compliance are clearly assigned across all management levelsEvidence: Organizational chart with sustainability roles, job descriptions, appointment letters×2
An internal sustainability management system (or equivalent procedure) is documented and maintainedEvidence: Management system manual, procedures index, version control records×2
A dedicated budget or resource allocation is in place for sustainability compliance activitiesEvidence: Budget allocation records, resource plan for sustainability team×2
Management conducts periodic sustainability reviews (at least annually) with documented outputs and corrective actionsEvidence: Management review minutes, action plan with PIC and deadlines×2
Area 2
2
Documentation & Record Control
INS Art. 5
RED II Art. 28(2)
A document control procedure is in place covering issuance, revision, distribution, and archiving of all sustainability recordsEvidence: Document control procedure, master document list, revision log×2
All sustainability-related records (origin declarations, GHG calculations, audit reports, certificates) are retained for at least 5 yearsEvidence: Record retention policy, accessible archive of past 5 years×3
Obsolete documents are identified and prevented from unintended use at all operational pointsEvidence: Obsolete document control process, stamps/labels on superseded versions×1
Sustainability data is collected systematically (by batch or delivery lot) and traceable from feedstock origin to final productEvidence: Data collection system/software, lot tracking records, traceability log×2
Area 3
3
Feedstock Origin & Land Use Criteria
INS Art. 7–9
RED II Art. 29(1–5)
Feedstock does not originate from land with high biodiversity value (primary forest, protected areas, highly biodiverse grasslands) after January 2008Evidence: Land-use maps pre/post 2008, satellite imagery analysis, HCV/HCS assessment reports×3
Feedstock does not originate from land with high carbon stock (peatland, wetlands, continuously forested areas) converted after January 2008Evidence: Peatland maps, carbon stock assessment, conversion exclusion declarations×3
Geographic coordinates or area descriptions of all feedstock origins are documented and verifiableEvidence: GPS coordinates of supply areas, field maps, supply base register×2
For waste and residue feedstocks (Annex IX): documentation confirms classification and non-intentional cultivation/modificationEvidence: Waste/residue classification records, legal basis for classification, supply chain declarations×2
Supplier declarations of origin and land use are collected, verified, and renewed at least annually per supply pointEvidence: Signed supplier declarations, verification records, renewal schedule×2
Area 4
4
GHG Savings Calculation
INS Art. 10–12
RED II Art. 29(10), Annex V
GHG lifecycle emissions are calculated using the RED II Annex V methodology (or approved equivalent) for each fuel pathwayEvidence: GHG calculation worksheets, methodology documentation, pathway-specific calculations×3
The calculated GHG savings meet or exceed the applicable threshold (50%, 60%, or 65% depending on installation date)Evidence: GHG savings percentage per batch, threshold compliance statement, installation date records×3
Default values (if used) correspond to the correct fuel pathway in Annex V or Annex VI; actual values are supported by primary dataEvidence: Default value selection justification, primary data collection records, lab analysis results×2
Carbon emissions from soil carbon changes (eB, eCA) are correctly calculated or excluded with documented justificationEvidence: Soil carbon change calculations, land use change analysis, IPCC/RED methodology application×2
GHG data is updated at minimum annually or when significant changes in the fuel pathway occurEvidence: Update procedure, record of annual GHG recalculations, change management log×2
Area 5
5
Mass Balance & Chain of Custody
INS Art. 13–15
RED II Art. 30(1)
A mass balance system is implemented and maintained across all supply chain links covering sustainable and non-sustainable quantitiesEvidence: Mass balance software/records, monthly balance sheets, inventory reconciliation reports×3
Sustainability attributes (GHG values, feedstock type, country of origin) are correctly transferred and preserved in mass balance transfersEvidence: Transfer documents, batch sustainability attributes, chain-of-custody certificates×3
Physical mixing of sustainable and non-sustainable material is managed under a properly documented mass balance approachEvidence: Mixing procedures, tank management records, separate metering documentation×2
Mass balance accounts are reconciled at regular intervals (monthly minimum) and discrepancies investigated and resolvedEvidence: Reconciliation reports, discrepancy log, corrective action records×2
Incoming INS-certified deliveries are verified against accompanying sustainability documents before acceptanceEvidence: Delivery verification checklist, incoming certificate register, rejection records×2
Area 6
6
Supply Chain & Supplier Management
INS Art. 16–18
RED II Art. 30(3)
All direct suppliers are identified, registered, and hold valid INS certification or equivalent recognized voluntary schemeEvidence: Supplier register with certification status, valid certificates on file, expiry monitoring system×3
Contractual sustainability requirements (land use, GHG, social standards) are included in all supplier agreementsEvidence: Supplier contracts with sustainability clauses, supplier code of conduct acknowledgments×2
Supplier performance on sustainability criteria is monitored and reviewed at least annuallyEvidence: Supplier performance review records, audit findings on suppliers, corrective action tracking×2
Procedures are in place for handling non-conforming deliveries (rejection, quarantine, escalation) and supplier non-complianceEvidence: Non-conformance procedure, NCR log, supplier improvement plans×2
A risk-based approach is applied to supply chain management, with higher scrutiny for higher-risk origins or feedstock typesEvidence: Supply chain risk assessment, risk matrix, enhanced due diligence records for high-risk suppliers×2
Area 7
7
Social & Labour Standards
INS Art. 19–21
RED II Art. 29(5–6)
Operations comply with ILO Core Labour Standards: no forced labour, no child labour, right to organize, non-discriminationEvidence: Employment contracts, age verification records, freedom of association policy, grievance mechanism×3
Workers receive fair wages at or above the legal minimum and working hours comply with national regulationsEvidence: Payroll records, wage slips, overtime records, working hours policy×2
Health and safety standards meet applicable national legal requirements; accident records are maintained and reportedEvidence: H&S compliance records, accident register, safety training records, inspection reports×2
Rights of local communities are respected: land rights, access to water/natural resources, indigenous peoples' rights (FPIC where applicable)Evidence: Community consultation records, land title documentation, FPIC evidence, grievance log×2
A functional grievance mechanism is accessible to all workers and affected communities, with documented resolution recordsEvidence: Grievance procedure, grievance register, resolution records, communication to workers×2
Area 8
8
Environmental Management
INS Art. 22–24
RED II Art. 29(3–4)
Environmental impacts of operations are assessed and documented (air, water, soil, biodiversity, waste)Evidence: Environmental impact assessment, monitoring data, permit compliance records×2
Wastewater and solid waste management complies with national environmental legislation and waste treatment records are maintainedEvidence: Wastewater treatment records, waste disposal manifests, environmental permits×2
Chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, processing chemicals) are used within legal limits and application records maintainedEvidence: Chemical input records, application log, label compliance, national pesticide registry status×2
Biodiversity conservation measures are implemented where operations border or affect protected areas or high-value ecosystemsEvidence: Biodiversity management plan, buffer zone records, HCV monitoring×2
Continuous improvement targets for environmental performance are set and monitored (energy efficiency, water use, emissions reduction)Evidence: Environmental KPIs, trend analysis, annual improvement targets and results×2
Area 9
9
Reporting, Audit & Non-Conformance
INS Art. 25–27
RED II Art. 30(4–5)
Annual sustainability reports are prepared and submitted to the competent authority / certification body on scheduleEvidence: Submitted sustainability reports, acknowledgment receipts, reporting calendar×3
Internal audits covering all INS requirement areas are conducted at least annually by qualified personnelEvidence: Internal audit schedule, audit reports, auditor qualifications, CAPA tracking×3
Non-conformances from audits or complaints are formally recorded, investigated (root cause analysis), and resolved with verified CAPAEvidence: NCR register, root cause analysis reports, CAPA tracking with close-out verification×2
The operator cooperates fully with third-party verification audits by the INS certification body, including unannounced visitsEvidence: Third-party audit records, cooperation protocol, access declarations×2
Significant changes in operations, feedstock sourcing, or ownership are proactively reported to the certification bodyEvidence: Change notification records, certification body communications, certificate amendment requests×2
Area 10
10
Competence, Training & Continuous Improvement
INS Art. 28–30
RED II Art. 30(6)
Personnel responsible for sustainability tasks are identified, have documented competence requirements, and receive appropriate trainingEvidence: Training needs analysis, training records, competence matrix, qualification certificates×3
Training on INS requirements, GHG calculation methodology, and mass balance is provided to relevant staff and refreshed with regulatory updatesEvidence: INS-specific training materials, attendance records, refresher training schedule×3
A continuous improvement process is in place: performance indicators are tracked, trends analysed, and improvement actions implementedEvidence: KPI dashboard, trend analysis reports, improvement project register×2
Lessons learned from non-conformances, audits, or incidents are systematically shared across the organization and supply chainEvidence: Lessons learned register, internal communications, supplier bulletins×2
The operator monitors regulatory developments (RED amendments, national transpositions, INS scheme updates) and adapts systems proactivelyEvidence: Regulatory monitoring process, update log, system revision records triggered by regulatory changes×2
Worker and stakeholder participation in sustainability improvement initiatives is actively encouraged and documentedEvidence: Participation records, suggestion scheme, sustainability working group minutes×2
INS Gap Analysis Results
Maturity score based on the 10 INS requirement areas. Scores are weighted per area reflecting regulatory criticality under RED II/III and INS scheme requirements.
Overall Maturity Score — INS Biofuels & Bioliquids
0%
— Not Assessed —
Complete the checklist in the first tab to view the maturity assessment.
Per Requirement Area — INS
Area 1Governance0%
Area 2Documentation0%
Area 3Land Use0%
Area 4GHG Calculation0%
Area 5Mass Balance0%
Area 6Supply Chain0%
Area 7Social Standards0%
Area 8Environment0%
Area 9Audit & Report0%
Area 10Training & CI0%
○
LOW
Score < 40%
○
MEDIUM
Score 40–74%
○
HIGH
Score ≥ 75%
0/0
Items Met
of 50 criteria
INS Maturity Scale — Biofuels & Bioliquids Sustainability
0–39%
LOW
Non-Compliant / Initial
Non-Compliant / Initial
40–54%
MED-LOW
Developing
Developing
55–74%
MEDIUM
Managed
Managed
75–89%
MED-HIGH
Proactive
Proactive
90–100%
HIGH
Best Practice
Best Practice
INS has 5 maturity levels. Score ≥75% = MED-HIGH (ready for INS certification audit). Score ≥90% = HIGH (Best Practice) indicating full alignment with RED II/III and eligibility for INS certificate with minimal findings.
Recommendations per Maturity Level — INS Sustainability
Strategic action plan based on gap analysis results against INS requirements implementing RED II/III. Applicable to all biofuel and bioliquid operators regardless of feedstock type or supply chain position.
Level LOW · 0–39% — ACTIVE IF YOUR SCORE IS IN THIS RANGE
Non-Compliant / Initial
Condition: INS requirements largely unmet — INS certification not yet achievable
Many foundational INS sustainability criteria are absent or undocumented. Land use evidence, GHG calculations, and mass balance are not in place. Significant risk of certificate denial or suspension. Urgent corrective action across multiple requirement areas is needed before any formal certification audit.
▶ PRIORITY ACTIONS — 0–12 MONTHS
- Establish and formally sign a Sustainability Policy covering commitment to RED II/III compliance, land use exclusions, GHG targets, and social standards — distribute to all relevant staff and key suppliers
- Appoint a designated Sustainability Manager with clear authority and resources to oversee INS compliance; create a sustainability function with defined responsibilities across all supply chain roles
- Build a comprehensive Legal Register: EU RED II/III, Italian Legislative Decree transposing RED, INS scheme rules, GSE (Gestore Servizi Energetici) applicable guidelines, and national environmental/labour law
- Commission land use and carbon stock assessments for all feedstock supply areas — establish evidence of no conversion of HCV/HCS/peatland/wetlands after January 2008 (satellite imagery + on-ground verification)
- Implement an initial GHG calculation for each fuel pathway using RED II Annex V methodology — verify that GHG savings meet the applicable threshold (50%/60%/65%)
- Set up a basic mass balance system — even a spreadsheet-based approach — to track sustainable and non-sustainable quantities separately, with monthly reconciliation
- Conduct supplier mapping: identify all direct suppliers, request certificates (INS or equivalent recognized scheme), collect signed sustainability declarations for each supply origin
- Review and update employment contracts and labour records to document compliance with ILO core labour standards, fair wages, and working hours
- Create a document control system: register all sustainability documents, assign version control, establish minimum 5-year record retention policy
- Develop an emergency action plan with a timeline to achieve certification readiness within 12–18 months, including milestone checkpoints and assigned owners
▶ AREA-SPECIFIC PRIORITIES — LOW MATURITY
🛢️ GHG & Land Use (Areas 3–4)
- ›Step 1: Map all feedstock origins with GPS coordinates and obtain satellite imagery baseline for Jan 2008 land-use status
- ›Step 2: Run first GHG calculation using RED II default values where actual values unavailable — document all assumptions
- ›Step 3: Identify any supply origins that cannot immediately pass land use screening — quarantine or exclude from INS scope until verified
- ›Step 4: Engage a technical consultant for HCV/HCS assessment methodology if in-house capacity is insufficient
⚖️ Mass Balance & Supply Chain (Areas 5–6)
- ›Priority 1: Establish mass balance records immediately — track all incoming sustainable/non-sustainable volumes, even manually
- ›Priority 2: Request INS / equivalent certificates from all direct suppliers; flag uncertified suppliers as non-conforming risk
- ›Priority 3: Include sustainability clauses in all new supplier contracts — do not renew contracts without sustainability declarations
- ›Priority 4: Designate a supply chain compliance officer responsible for certificate validity monitoring and supplier communication
👥 Social & Governance (Areas 1,7)
- ›Action 1: Conduct a social compliance self-assessment against ILO core conventions — identify and remediate any non-conformances immediately
- ›Action 2: Establish a grievance mechanism accessible to all workers — it does not need to be complex at this stage; a logged register is sufficient
- ›Action 3: Ensure top management formally endorses the sustainability policy — without this, no other INS requirement can be credibly fulfilled
- ›Action 4: Allocate budget for sustainability compliance in the upcoming financial year; document the allocation formally
▶ CONSULTANT ROLE — NON-COMPLIANT CONDITION
- ①Full INS Gap Assessment (all 10 areas): Consultant maps all gaps against INS requirements, identifies critical legal risks (e.g. missing land use evidence, absent GHG calculations), and produces a prioritized remediation roadmap
- ②GHG Calculation Setup from Scratch: Consultant builds pathway-specific GHG calculation models (RED II Annex V), trains internal staff, and establishes data collection processes for primary activity data
- ③Land Use & HCV/HCS Assessment: Coordinates satellite imagery analysis and on-ground verification for all supply origins — generates exclusion maps and compliance declarations
- ④Mass Balance System Implementation: Designs and deploys a fit-for-purpose mass balance system (software or structured spreadsheet), trains users, and validates initial balances
- ⑤Documentation & Management System Build: Drafts sustainability policy, procedures for key INS areas, record retention protocols, and supplier declaration templates
- ⑥Roadmap to Certification in 18 Months: Develops a structured action plan with monthly milestones, KPIs, and escalation points to achieve INS certification readiness
⏱ Estimated Engagement: 6–12 months intensive support · Focus: legal compliance foundations + GHG + land use + mass balance system setup
Target: Achieve INS certification readiness (≥75% score) within 18 months. Remediate all critical non-conformances on land use and GHG before any formal audit. Build internal capacity to maintain compliance independently.
Level MEDIUM · 40–74% — ACTIVE IF YOUR SCORE IS IN THIS RANGE
Developing / Managed
Condition: Core INS elements present but implementation is incomplete or inconsistent
Sustainability documents and systems exist but are not yet fully operational or consistently applied. GHG calculations may contain gaps in primary data; mass balance exists but reconciliation is irregular; supplier management lacks systematic coverage. Focus on standardization, data quality improvement, and closing identified gaps before certification audit.
▶ PRIORITY ACTIONS — 6–18 MONTHS
- Upgrade GHG calculations to primary data: Progressively replace default values with actual primary data (agricultural inputs, processing energy, transport distances) — this improves GHG savings margin and strengthens certification standing
- Formalize mass balance into a dedicated software system: Migrate from spreadsheets to a certified or auditable software platform; ensure all incoming/outgoing lots are recorded in real time with sustainability attributes
- Conduct comprehensive supplier audit programme: Schedule risk-based supplier audits covering the top 80% of supply volume; document findings, issue corrective action requests, and track closure
- Strengthen land use monitoring: Establish an annual satellite imagery review protocol for all supply origins; update land use exclusion maps and refresh supplier declarations on schedule
- Implement internal audit programme (all 10 INS areas): Schedule and execute annual internal audits; ensure auditors are independent of the audited function and have documented INS competence
- Formalize social compliance monitoring: Establish a structured worker interview programme, regular wage verification, and community engagement records — go beyond policy to evidence of active compliance
- Set environmental performance KPIs: Define measurable targets for energy efficiency, water consumption, waste generation, and emissions — track and report quarterly against baselines
- Develop a training matrix for all INS roles: Map required competencies per function, identify gaps, and schedule INS-specific training (especially GHG methodology and mass balance operation)
- Commission a pre-certification mock audit: Engage an experienced INS auditor to conduct a simulated certification audit against all 10 INS areas — identify residual gaps before the real audit
- Establish a regulatory monitoring process: Designate a person responsible for tracking RED III developments, INS scheme updates, and GSE guidance — ensure internal procedures are updated within 90 days of any regulatory change
▶ AREA-SPECIFIC FOCUS — MEDIUM MATURITY
📊 GHG & Documentation (Areas 2, 4)
- ›Replace default values in the highest-impact pathway steps (cultivation/agriculture, processing energy) with primary data — minimum target: ≥3 primary data points per pathway
- ›Implement a document management platform (even SharePoint/cloud-based) — enforce version control, approval workflows, and searchability
- ›Introduce annual GHG data verification by an internal reviewer before submission — create a four-eyes review step for all calculated values
- ›Document GHG uncertainty range per batch — demonstrates analytical rigour to certification body auditors
🔗 Mass Balance & Traceability (Area 5)
- ›Enable lot-level traceability in mass balance: every outgoing delivery must link back to specific incoming supply lots with full sustainability attributes
- ›Monthly mass balance reconciliation: compare physical stocks with system balances; investigate and document any variance above threshold (e.g. 0.5%)
- ›Conduct an end-to-end mass balance walkthrough with staff annually — verify that all understand how to record and transfer sustainability attributes correctly
- ›Test mass balance data integrity for a sample month: independently recalculate from source documents and compare with system outputs
🌿 Environment & Social (Areas 7, 8)
- ›Launch a structured social compliance audit of own operations: worker interviews (at least 10% sample), payroll spot-checks, workplace inspection, grievance mechanism effectiveness test
- ›Establish a community engagement register: log all interactions with local communities, land use consultations, and any complaints received with resolution status
- ›Set baseline environmental data: measure and document current energy consumption, water withdrawal, and waste generation — these become the baseline for continuous improvement tracking
- ›Verify all operating permits (water discharge, air emissions, waste handling) are valid — create a permit renewal calendar with advance notifications
▶ CONSULTANT ROLE — MEDIUM MATURITY
- ①Detailed Gap Audit against all INS Criteria: Consultant performs a thorough review of all 10 INS areas — produces a gap matrix identifying specific deficiencies preventing certification, with severity ratings and remediation priorities
- ②GHG Model Optimization & Primary Data Collection: Supports transition from default-based to primary data–based GHG calculations; designs data collection protocols for each pathway step; validates improved GHG savings calculations
- ③Mass Balance System Upgrade: Reviews current mass balance setup, identifies weaknesses in attribute transfer or reconciliation, recommends software solutions, and supports implementation and staff training
- ④Supplier Audit Programme Design & Execution: Develops risk-based supplier audit protocol, conducts sample supplier audits, identifies systemic supply chain risks, and supports CAPA management
- ⑤Pre-Certification Mock Audit: Simulates a full INS third-party audit using official audit criteria — provides detailed findings report replicating what a certification body auditor would identify
- ⑥Certification Coordination Support: Assists in selecting and liaising with an accredited INS certification body, prepares documentation packages, coaches management for the certification audit interview, and supports CAPA closure post-audit
⏱ Estimated Engagement: 4–8 months · Focus: GHG data quality, mass balance upgrade, supplier management, pre-certification readiness
Target: Achieve INS certification within 12–18 months. Attain ≥75% maturity score (MED-HIGH). All critical and major non-conformances closed before first certification audit.
Level HIGH · 75–100% — ACTIVE IF YOUR SCORE IS IN THIS RANGE
Proactive / Best Practice
Condition: INS requirements fully met — Certified or ready for certification; focus on continuous leadership
The sustainability management system is robust, fully documented, and consistently applied across the entire supply chain. GHG calculations use primary data with narrow uncertainty ranges, mass balance is reliably maintained, and suppliers are actively managed. The focus shifts to maintaining certification, driving continuous improvement, and positioning as an industry leader in sustainable biofuels and bioliquids.
▶ PRIORITY ACTIONS — ONGOING
- Maintain INS Certificate: Engage the certification body proactively; respond promptly to scheme updates; maintain surveillance audit readiness year-round with no seasonal preparation spikes
- Advance GHG performance beyond minimum thresholds: Set internal GHG savings targets exceeding regulatory minimums (e.g. 70%+ savings target); publish performance data in sustainability reports
- Deploy digital sustainability management platform: Integrate mass balance, supplier management, GHG calculations, and document control into a single digital platform — reduce manual error risk and enable real-time compliance monitoring
- Expand scope to RED III requirements proactively: Monitor RED III implementation timeline; anticipate upcoming changes (RFNBO, SAF requirements, additional feedstock restrictions) and adapt systems in advance
- Industry leadership on sustainability transparency: Publish an annual biofuel sustainability report aligned with GRI Standards or ISCC reporting framework; disclose GHG savings, land use commitments, and social performance metrics
- Supply chain development programme: Move beyond compliance auditing — actively support suppliers in improving their own INS compliance, GHG performance, and social standards through capacity building programmes
- Benchmark against other voluntary schemes: Conduct a comparative analysis against ISCC EU, REDcert², RSB — identify best practice elements not currently in INS scope that could further strengthen the sustainability system
- Innovation in GHG reduction: Invest in process improvements delivering measurable GHG reductions (precision agriculture, renewable energy in processing, optimized logistics routes) — document and verify reductions
- Stakeholder engagement excellence: Establish an annual stakeholder dialogue covering sustainability performance, emerging risks, and improvement plans — include communities, NGOs, customers, and regulators
▶ AREA-SPECIFIC FOCUS — HIGH MATURITY
📈 GHG Leadership (Area 4)
- ›Implement product carbon footprint labelling on certified biofuel deliveries — differentiate in market by demonstrating superior GHG savings
- ›Explore insetting projects: invest in on-farm carbon sequestration, reforestation, or renewable energy in your supply base — generate verifiable Scope 3 reductions
- ›Conduct pathway-level GHG optimization analysis — identify the 2–3 highest-impact pathway steps and invest specifically in reducing those emissions
- ›Publish third-party verified GHG savings data — external verification adds credibility for institutional buyers and ESG investors
🤝 Supply Chain Excellence (Areas 5, 6)
- ›Introduce supplier sustainability scorecards: rank suppliers on GHG performance, land use risk, social standards, and data quality — use scores to guide procurement decisions
- ›Launch a supplier capacity-building programme: offer training on GHG calculation, land use documentation, and social compliance — position as a premium sustainability partner
- ›Implement blockchain or IoT-enabled traceability for high-risk supply chains — real-time origin verification adds an additional layer of assurance beyond document review
- ›Conduct Tier 2 supply chain risk mapping — go beyond direct suppliers to understand sustainability risks two layers upstream
🌍 Social & ESG Leadership (Areas 7, 8)
- ›Align sustainability reporting with GRI Standards 301/302/303/305/408/409 — achieve third-party assurance of social and environmental claims
- ›Set a science-based target for Scope 1+2+3 GHG reductions aligned with 1.5°C pathway — submit to SBTi validation
- ›Implement a nature-positive strategy: beyond HCV/HCS protection, actively restore degraded habitats in supply landscapes — quantify and report biodiversity outcomes
- ›Position for CSRD compliance: align sustainability data collection with EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requirements, anticipating mandatory disclosure timelines
▶ CONSULTANT ROLE — HIGH MATURITY / BEST PRACTICE
- ①Multi-Scheme Alignment (ISCC EU / REDcert² / RSB): Gap analysis against additional recognized voluntary schemes — supports market access to multiple national markets and institutional buyers requiring scheme diversification
- ②RED III Preparedness Assessment: Detailed analysis of incoming RED III obligations (RFNBO expansion, new GHG thresholds, deforestation regulation alignment) — develops adaptation roadmap 12–24 months ahead of implementation dates
- ③Digital Transformation of Sustainability Management: Designs and implements an integrated digital platform for mass balance, GHG tracking, supplier management, and reporting — eliminates manual processes and enables real-time compliance dashboards
- ④Science-Based Target & ESG Reporting: Supports development of science-based GHG targets, alignment with GRI/CSRD disclosure frameworks, and investor-grade sustainability report preparation
- ⑤Supply Chain Sustainability Transformation: Designs and facilitates supplier capacity building programmes — from compliance audit to collaborative improvement, building a resilient and transparent supply network
- ⑥Benchmarking & Industry Leadership Positioning: Comparative analysis against sector peers and voluntary scheme leaders — identifies best-practice gaps and develops a roadmap to recognized sustainability leadership
⏱ Estimated Engagement: 3–6 months (project-based) · Focus: multi-scheme alignment, RED III preparedness, digital transformation, ESG excellence
Target: INS certificate maintained with zero major non-conformances. GHG savings ≥70%. Recognised as a transparency leader in the Italian biofuel sustainability ecosystem.
Additional Assessor Recommendations
Site-specific / operator-specific findings beyond the standard checklist
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