Verra, a key organization in voluntary carbon markets, has announced the registration of its first 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 project under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. The project, titled Project Reignite: Turning Farm Waste into Climate Action (ID 4679), is based in Odisha, India. It was developed by Together for Restoration and involves rural farmers converting agricultural waste into biochar instead of burning it. The biochar is then used as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More, improving soil health while storing carbon long-term.

The project uses the VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization, version 1.1, to measure carbon emissions reductions from biochar production and application. This methodology allows for the issuance of carbon credits, which provide financial backing to maintain and expand the project.

Verra is currently revising the VM0044 methodology to expand its scope and improve its usability, with a public consultation set to take place soon. This effort is part of Verra’s ongoing work to enhance carbon removal initiatives.

Biochar, created by heating organic material in low-oxygen environments, can store carbon for centuries. If scaled globally, biochar could remove over 1 billion tons of CO2 annually by 2050, making it a promising solution in addressing climate change. Verra’s registration marks an important milestone in leveraging biochar for large-scale carbon removal.

LEARN MORE: Verra Announces First Biochar Project Under Verified Carbon Standard Program