Methodology for Biochar Projects

Methodology for Emissions Reductions from Biochar Projects

The American Carbon Registry (ACR), a non-profit enterprise of Winrock International, welcomes feedback from its members, project proponents and other interested parties on a new Methodology for Biochar Projects. The methodology was prepared by The Climate Trust, The Prasino Group, the International Biochar Initiative, and Carbon Consulting.

Biochar is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass. The methodology quantifies and credits both the avoided emissions from combustion or decomposition of biomass in the baseline and enhanced carbon sequestration at sites where biochar is applied. In the baseline scenario, biochar feedstocks would be combusted or decompose, releasing carbon dioxide and/or methane. In the project scenario, pyrolysis physically and chemically transforms the feedstocks into a more recalcitrant form that can be applied to soil for long-term sequestration.

Under this methodology, biochar may be produced from any biomass residues from forestry and agriculture, municipal solid wastes, and other biomass-based materials approved for use under the International Biochar Initiative’s IBI Biochar Standards (2013) provided such feedstocks also meet sustainability criteria specified in the methodology.

Projects using this methodology must comply with all requirements of the ACR Standard, submit a GHG Project Plan for certification by ACR, and secure independent validation and verification by an ACR-approved third-party validation/verification body.

Please send all comments by close of business November 22, 2013 to ACR@Winrock.org.