Biofuel Producer Green Plains Renewable Energy Earns International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) from SCS Global Services

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha-based biofuel producer Green Plains Renewable Energy has qualified for recognition under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) program, based on the findings of a third-party audit conducted by SCS Global Services.  SCS found that Green Plains' biofuels production and use results in less than half (about 45%) of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with ordinary gasoline. The award of certification confirms that Green Plains is in compliance with the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive, allowing the company to export biofuel to Europe.

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To determine whether Green Plains qualified for the biofuel certification, SCS audited Green Plains' state-of-the-art Bluffton, Indiana ethanol plant and seven family-owned corn producers within 80 miles of the plant.

"We determined that Green Plains meets all of the requirements of the ISCC standard," said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice President.  "Among these requirements, Green Plains had to demonstrate that it met a minimum greenhouse gas reduction threshold of 35%.  In addition, it had to demonstrate no conversion of forestlands or grasslands since 2008, adequate protection of natural habitats, and compliance with the International Labor Organization's core conventions," Hrubes explained.

Green Plains Renewable Energy has a production capacity of approximately 740 million gallons per year from nine plants located in Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Tennessee, and Michigan. The company also produces valuable co-products such as distiller's grains used for animal feed and corn oil, often used in the production of biodiesel.

SCS Global Services (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more.  SCS provides accredited services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs.  SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. www.scsglobalservices.com  

Contact: Nick Kordesch , 510-452-8035, [email protected]

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SOURCE SCS Global Services