SAN FRANCISCO --- Meeting in San Francisco for its annual conference, the National Biodiesel Board unveiled a formalized list of principles to guide the industry on issues of sustainability.

The national trade association's Sustainability Task Force had developed and passed the principles to "demonstrate the industry's commitment to climate change mitigation, human rights, food security, and respect for natural resources," the group said in a press release.

"We are already providing a very sustainable fuel, and these principles are another way we're ensuring that as our industry grows it continues to increase quality of life, safeguard the environment, and strengthen economies," said Emily Landsburg, chair of the Sustainability Task Force. "Biodiesel improves air quality, it's renewable and it's creating green-collar jobs in our communities. The NBB is committed to keeping biodiesel on the cutting-edge of sustainability."

The principles are as follows:

1. Biodiesel production shall follow all applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which it is produced.

2. Biodiesel projects shall be developed and operated under appropriate, transparent, and participatory processes that involve all relevant stakeholders.

3. Biodiesel shall contribute to climate change mitigation by significantly reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions as compared to fossil fuels. Producers shall strive to continuously improve that reduction.

4. Biodiesel production shall support human rights and labor rights, and shall ensure safe and decent working conditions.

5. Biodiesel production shall contribute to the social and economic development of local communities.

6. Biodiesel production shall strive to improve food security.

7. Throughout the supply chain, the biodiesel industry shall implement management systems that maintain and strive to improve biodiversity, areas of High Conservation Value, and the quality of natural resources such as soil, air, and water.

8. Biodiesel production shall respect natural resource rights, such as land and water rights.

9. All participants throughout biodiesel supply chain shall be dedicated to the ideal of continuous improvement. Members shall, through ongoing efforts, make advancements in the economic, social and environmental performance of the industry.