“I recently heard that the Puro standard limits crediting periods to 10 years. Is this true? My project economics depend on longer-term credit generation!”

– Hopelessly Timebound

Dear Hopelessly Timebound,

Thanks for the question. This is a common misconception and can be confusing when trying to determine the lifespan of a biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More carbon project. Fortunately, I can help clarify why crediting periods exist, how renewals work, and how they apply to the Puro standard.

Why do crediting periods exist?

Crediting periods establish how often a project must be reassessed to confirm it continues to meet the requirements of its methodology and standard. At the start of a project and again at the end of each crediting period this process is called a Validation, which involves an on-site inspection along with a detailed review of the Project Design Document and Lifecycle Assessment.

Between Validations projects undergo Verifications after each reporting period. Verifications are typically desk-based reviews of monitoring reports and greenhouse gas statements that determine how many credits should be issued for each reporting period.

Because methodologies evolve over time, crediting periods also ensure projects operate under the rules in place at the time of Validation while setting a clear point when updated requirements will apply. This provides structure and predictability for project developers while enabling registries to update their methodologies and standards to keep up with evolving science.

How it works under Puro

Puro’s methodology defines a 10-year crediting period, with the option to renew twice. In total, that gives you up to 30 years of crediting potential, provided you remain compliant with evolving methodological updates that may occur during each crediting period.

Each renewal requires a Production Facility Audit and compliance with the then-current methodology. Keep in mind that updates to the methodology may make future eligibility more stringent. However, once a crediting period is approved, the project remains covered under those terms for its full duration (10-years), even if rules change mid-period.

Comparisons with other registries

Other registries set different terms. For example, Isometric defines a 5-year crediting period with unlimited renewals while Climate Action Reserve sets a 10-year crediting period with two renewals, same as Puro. You should always review the specific methodology and standard of the registry you’re considering, and it’s wise to discuss potential future updates to the methodology with your registry contact to understand where eligibility criteria may change.

Sources:

• Puro Biochar Methodology v2.0: Section 2.2.2 (pg 14)
• Isometric Standard v1.7.6: Section 3.4 Project Crediting
• Climate Action Reserve US and Canada Biochar Protocol v1.0: Section 3.3 Project Crediting Period (pg 8)

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