Mass Balance
We develop creative, comprehensive, and sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive.
What we do
Robust Mass-Balance Systems That Allocate Certified Inputs Credibly
We design and operationalise mass-balance controls so certified inputs are accurately accounted for and allocated to outputs passing audits and meeting market claims.
mass balance
Credible Controls Across System Boundaries, Allocation, and Book-Keeping
We design and operationalise mass-balance systems so certified inputs are booked, allocated and claimed credibly. This includes defining boundaries, tolerances and loss factors, setting robust book-keeping rules, and providing simple, auditable tools (often spreadsheet-based) with operating procedures and training. The outcome is a clean, verifiable link from certified stock to product claims that passes audit.
biofuel
What We Deliver
Mass-Balance Methodology
Define system boundaries and allocation methods that meet regulatory standards.
Book-Keeping Rules
Set tailored tolerances and loss factors aligned to your processes.
Transaction Documentation
Ensure accurate sustainability declarations and claims that stand up to audits.
Excel-Based Tool
Use a simple, auditable workbook designed for your specific mass-balance needs.
Integrated Protocols
Streamline declarations and stock control with clear, practical procedures.
Standards & Frameworks
RED II/III (EU Renewable Energy Directive), UK RTFO, ISO 14064 (GHG), ISO 14040/44 (LCA), ISO/IEC 22095 (Chain of Custody), ISCC EU/ISCC PLUS, RSB, REDcert.
ISCC
Implementation support for ISCC EU/PLUS (e.g., mass balance, GHG evidence, claims) in line with scheme system documents and logos/claims rules where licensed.
RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials)
Practical alignment to RSB sustainability and chain-of-custody requirements, including claims use per RSB procedures.
EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II / RED III)
Systems and evidence aligned to EU sustainability/GHG criteria (including Annex IX); where required, we support Union Database (UDB) process setup.
UK RTFO (Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation)
Traceability, mass-balance and evidence packs prepared to meet UK transport-fuel sustainability requirements and obligated-party expectations.
CORSIA (ICAO)
Advisory on sustainability and chain-of-custody requirements for aviation fuels and how they differ from EU RED.
RFAS (Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme)
Support to meet RFAS requirements verifying renewable fuel GHG savings and feedstock provenance for UK fleets, complementary to the RTFO.
RFAS Fleet
Chain-of-custody support for fleet operators using low-carbon fuels, enabling customer GHG declarations with traceable evidence.
Motorsport sustainable-fuel initiatives
Technical support for methodology, documentation and audit-readiness where motorsport bodies are adopting certified/sustainable fuels.
Other Options We Support
FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC® Chain of Custody implementation and audit-readiness; any FSC® trademark use follows the owner’s licensing and trademark rules.
PEFC™
PEFC™ Chain of Custody alignment and, where authorised, accurate use of trademarks per PEFC™ rules.
RSPO® (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)
Support for RSPO® supply-chain models and compliant market claims/labels under RSPO® rules.
Bonsucro®
Bonsucro® Chain of Custody implementation with claims and labelling handled per Bonsucro’s® published rules.
Standards & Frameworks
ISO/IEC 22095 (Chain of Custody), RED II/III mass-balance provisions among others
Deliverables: Configured workbook, SOPs, user training, go-live support.
mass balance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mass balance, and how does it differ from identity preserved and physical segregation?
Mass balance allows mixing of certified and non‑certified material while tracking attributes through book‑keeping, whereas identity preserved and segregation require physical separation at all times. Your scheme defines the exact rules and controls for each model.
What are mass‑balance product groups, allocation rules and timeframes?
Product groups define which materials can be balanced together; allocation rules set how certified attributes are assigned to outputs; timeframes limit the period over which inputs and outputs can be reconciled. All three are specified by the scheme and must be applied consistently.
What are the core REDcert/ISCC mass‑balance requirements at site level (e.g., substrate‑specific balances, record‑keeping)?
Maintain site‑level balances per product group, keep timely and complete records of inputs/outputs, and ensure reconciliations are supported by source documents. Periodic internal checks should confirm that claims match available certified inputs.
Does the EU accept book‑and‑claim for RED compliance (and why is mass balance the prevailing model)?
For RED compliance in liquid fuels, mass balance is the accepted chain‑of‑custody model under recognised schemes. Book‑and‑claim is not used for RED compliance claims in this context.
How do co‑processing and co‑product allocation work under mass balance?
Follow scheme rules for defining product groups and allocating certified attributes to co‑products. Use the prescribed allocation method and keep auditable calculations and assumptions.
How does mass balance work for biogas/biomethane when injected into the grid?
Mass balance is applied using entry/exit records to match injected renewable gas with withdrawals. Claims depend on chain‑of‑custody integrity, scheme scope and any national gas registry interactions.
What is the role of GOs and how do they interact with RED proof‑of‑sustainability claims?
GOs evidence renewable origin for disclosure; they are distinct from RED sustainability proofs used for compliance. Avoid double claims and follow scheme/national guidance where both instruments are present.
How should product returns, rework and stock adjustments be handled within mass‑balance rules?
Record returns and rework as movements within the relevant product group and timeframe, maintaining a link to original consignments. Adjust ledgers transparently and reconcile after each change.
What typical GHG data gaps trigger non‑conformities in files supporting mass‑balance claims?
Missing supplier data, outdated defaults, and unclear allocation assumptions commonly cause findings. Source each input and document calculation methods per scheme guidance.