The Hackgut Winter GmbH, as part of the Wintergroup, specializes in the production and marketing of high-quality wood chips. We produce sustainable wood chips from regional wood resources as well as waste and residues, which are used for heat supply, energy generation, and industrial applications. Through efficient production processes and close cooperation with our partners, we ensure reliable delivery and high quality. Our focus is on environmental friendliness and sustainable resource utilization.
Since the end of 2023, we have been certified according to the SURE-EU system and thus demonstrably comply with the criteria of the EU Directive RED II.
This certification signals that our company promotes and supports sustainable practices, and places value on environmental protection and social responsibility.
We are committed to adhering to strict standards and standing up for the promotion of sustainability.
What is the SURE certification?
SURE stands for Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme. It is a voluntary certification system for companies active in the biogas and biomass market. The system ensures sustainable production of the biomass used, which is utilized for electricity or heat generation, and is recognized EU-wide.
Our successful certification proves that we comply with the sustainability criteria of the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
SURE is a certification system recognized and audited by the EU Commission and ensures high quality and transparency in sustainability certification.
Why is the SURE certification important?
As the share of bioenergy in meeting our energy needs will increase significantly in the future, it is important to be able to ensure that the biomass used for this purpose has been produced sustainably. For this reason, the EU member states have agreed on criteria that must be met in the future by all economic operators using biomass or biogas for electricity and heat generation. In Austria, these criteria must be proven via certification with a system recognized by the EU Commission, such as SURE.
The SURE system verifies the sustainable production and use of forestry biomass, agricultural raw materials, and waste and residues for electricity and heat generation.
Who is affected by the SURE certification?
The SURE certification affects companies in the fields of biogas, solid biomass, and renewable raw materials.
The RED II applies to plants that generate electricity or heat/cold from biomass under the obligation to provide evidence, provided their thermal input exceeds 20 MW for solid biomass or 2 MW for gaseous biomass.
Since the entire supply chain is checked – from the origin to processing – supplying companies, like us, must also be appropriately certified.
SURE therefore addresses the following economic operators:
- Producers of agricultural and forestry biomass
- First collectors of agricultural or forestry biomass
- Originating companies of biomass waste and residues
- Collection points for waste and residues that are fed into the processing chain
- Conversion plants of any kind
- Suppliers of biomass (raw materials and biomass fuels)
The requirements of the SURE certification
A prerequisite for certification is a valid system contract with SURE.
The conformity of our processes with the requirements of the SURE system is checked once a year by an authorized certification body. After a successful on-site audit, the certificate is issued, which is valid for 1 year.
The traceability of the biomass used is ensured by a mass balance system.
Advantages of a SURE certification
By implementing a management system according to the requirements of SURE, the efficiency and quality of our production processes are increased. Aspects such as planning, organization, implementation, and monitoring, all of which contribute to ensuring smooth and high-quality production, are taken into account.
The use of certified biofuels contributes actively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By providing this certified biomass, we demonstrate our commitment to climate-friendly energy supply and make a positive contribution to climate change.
Compared to conventional products, sustainably certified products have a clear market advantage, which strengthens positioning in the market and effects differentiation from the competition. Certification also ensures compliance; legal obligations are consistently implemented and strictly monitored.
Learn more about our history here: https://wintergroup.com/die-wintergroup/firmengeschichte/
