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| New Certification for Biochar: Hamerkop & International Biochar Initiative |
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich substance produced from organic biomass through a process called pyrolysis.
This process involves the thermal decomposition of organic matter under low or no oxygen conditions, resulting in the formation of biochar, which has a highly porous structure and the ability to retain nutrients and water.
Importance of Biochar
Biochar has garnered significant attention due to its potential for carbon sequestration.
When organic matter decomposes naturally, it releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. However, converting it into biochar keeps the carbon in a stable form, preventing its release and allowing it to be stored for hundreds of years.
Additionally, biochar improves soil fertility and water retention, making it a valuable tool for both agriculture and climate change mitigation.
Current Legislation
The production and use of biochar are currently regulated by various standards and certifications worldwide. Key biochar certification standards include:
- Verified Carbon Standard (VCS): Managed by Verra, this standard is widely used for GHG emission reduction projects.
- Puro.earth: Focused on carbon removal technologies, including biochar, for creating marketable carbon credits.
- Carbon Standards International (CSI): An emerging standard aimed at harmonizing different methodologies and ensuring the environmental integrity of biochar projects.
- Climate Action Reserve (CAR): Offers protocols for biochar projects seeking to generate carbon credits.
- European Biochar Certificate (EBC): One of the oldest and most widely recognized standards is the European Biochar Certificate (EBC), introduced in 2015. This certificate was developed to ensure that biochar produced in Europe meets high standards of quality and sustainability. The EBC provides strict guidelines on raw materials used, production processes, and final applications of biochar. It also promotes transparency and traceability throughout the production chain.
New Certification: Hamerkop & International Biochar Initiative
On July 5, 2024, Hamerkop, an international consultancy specializing in climate finance, and the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) launched the "Manual for Carbon Removal with Biochar".
This comprehensive guide aims to direct producers, investors, and other stakeholders through the certification processes for carbon removal credits using biochar.
Objectives of the Guide
The guide offers a detailed overview of the various methodologies established by major certification standards, comparing their costs and requirements. The main objectives of the manual are:
- Provide an introduction to biochar and its current position in the voluntary carbon market.
- Guide producers and investors in choosing the most suitable carbon certification methodology for their specific projects.
- Offer practical guidelines for biochar project design, from production to final application.
- Evaluate and compare the costs involved in each certification standard.
Certification Methodologies
The manual details the differences between various certification methodologies, such as Puro.earth, VCS, CSI, and CAR.
Each has specific criteria, including eligible types of feedstock, production technologies, and final uses of biochar. For example, the Puro.earth standard requires biochar production facilities to undergo rigorous audits to ensure compliance with its environmental guidelines.
Benefits of Certification
Biochar certification not only ensures the credibility and effectiveness of carbon removal efforts but also provides a financial incentive for biochar producers.
Companies looking to offset their carbon emissions can purchase carbon removal credits generated by certified biochar projects, promoting a sustainable cycle of climate change mitigation and soil health improvement.
The Future of Biochar
According to the new Manual for Carbon Removal, discussions about biochar and its diverse applications are rapidly increasing. With concerns over rising temperatures and global GHG emission reduction targets, biochar has the potential to provide enormous benefits to the planet and create a new pathway for the circular waste economy.
Researchers are increasingly studying the physical properties of the material, and its applications may be more extensive than previously thought.
Engineers are creating roads using biochar asphalt, insulating homes with biochar-based insulation materials, and farmers are transitioning to regenerative organic agriculture with biochar-based fertilizers.
While there is still much to learn about biochar, one thing is certain: the future of biochar in the economy looks promising.
Conclusion
The new certification launched by Hamerkop and the International Biochar Initiative represents a significant advancement in the standardization and credibility of biochar projects.
By providing a detailed and comparative guide to certification methodologies, the manual helps producers and investors navigate the complexities of biochar certification, promoting more effective and sustainable carbon removal practices.
For more information and access to the manual, visit the websites of the International Biochar Initiative, Carbon Herald, or ESG News.
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