Alongside Verra’s 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 methodology, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has granted its high-integrity CCP label to two additional biochar methodologies, a significant development for the rapidly expanding biochar sector. This move signals a new level of credibility for a solution that has seen demand for its carbon credits double each of the last two years. The approved methodologies are CAR’s U.S. and Canada Biochar (Version 1.0), Isometric’s Biochar Production and Storage (Version 1.0), and Verra’s VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications (Version 1.2).

Biochar is a carbon-rich material created by heating biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, such as agricultural waste or wood, in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More. This process traps the carbon, preventing its release as a greenhouse gas for hundreds or even thousands of years when the biochar is added to soil. As such, it acts as a long-term carbon sink.

All three newly approved biochar methodologies are new to the market, with no credits issued to date. However, they show strong potential for future growth. Twenty-five projects are registered under Isometric’s methodology, anticipating the issuance of 500,000 credits by 2026. Verra’s VM0044 has three registered projects, with an expected annual issuance of 249,000 credits. Annette Nazareth, Chair of the Integrity Council, underscored the importance of this approval, stating it highlights the credibility of biochar as a climate solution and anticipates a growing number of high-integrity credits becoming available to buyers.

In addition to the biochar methodologies, the ICVCM also approved two Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodologies and one pending approval. This context reinforces the Integrity Council’s broader role in vetting various carbon market solutions. The approvals for biochar and IFM demonstrate the ongoing development and standardization of the voluntary carbon market, providing clearer guidance for project developers and buyers seeking high-quality, impactful carbon credits.

SOURCE: Integrity Council approves Biochar & Improved Forest Management methodologies