ACR outlines biochar quantification methodology
November 1, 2013 by CaliforniaCarbon.info
californiacarbon.info Newsdesk, 1 November 2013:
The American Carbon Registry (ACR) has shared additional details of the proposed biochar quantification methodology. The protocol is designed for use throughout the US but its scope of application can be extended to other countries as well, ACR stated in a webinar this week. The protocol has been jointly developed by the Climate Trust, the Prasino Group, the International Biochar Initiative, and Carbon Consulting.
The ACR also mentioned the various requirements and conditions a prospective project must meet in order to qualify to earn offset credits under this protocol. These requirements include:
- Project must comply with ACR standards, utilising a qualified and sustainable feedstock
- Project must submit a GHG emissions reduction plan for ACR verification
- The hydrogen-to-carbon organic ratio for the project must be lower than 0.7
- Protocol will be open only to soil carbon abatement projects
- Project must meet all air quality standards
- Project should have exclusive and uncontested rights to the offset credits
The crediting period for registered projects can span up to 7 years. The project will have to undergo additionality tests before being declared eligible for registration under the protocol. The additionally tests include: identification of alternate scenarios, barrier analysis, investment analysis, and common practice analysis.
Some of the additional requirements that the project must meet include: no change in land use for a period of seven years; no environmental or social impact due to diversion of residues; no depletion of soil carbon (25% of the soil carbon should be retained); and implementation of a management plan for soil harvesting improvement.
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