Offset projects

We will create transparent, verifiable and secure market, where governments, businesses and individuals can trade carbon credits, biodiversity certificates or other environmental credits.
Blockchain will ensure that each credit is unique, verified and untraceable. (more…)

What if your next investment could help the planet and your portfolio? by the Eco-Tree 2025 program from World Tree it can happen. How the largest grower of Empress trees in North America , World Tree grows (more…)

The recent adoption of new standards for the UN carbon market represents a significant step for international climate cooperation. These rules finally harmonize the granting of offset credits (more…)

Brussels - The latest climate debate in Brussels has highlighted a troubling reality. The European Union's efforts to achieve its ambitious climate goals often rely on "international offsets." This strategy (more…)

Recent adoption new standards for the UN carbon market represents a significant step for international climate cooperation. These rules, under the supervision of the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, led by Martin Hession (more…)

Leading European listed companies are increasing their climate commitments. A new study by Berlin-based climate platform goodcarbon, which analyzed companies' 2023 and 2024 sustainability reports, shows (more…)

The world is at a pivotal point in the fight against climate change, which is now an integral part of news cycles. For millions of years, the global “carbon cycle” has been in balance (more…)

Carbon credits (part of carbon offset) represent a unit of emissions that the project will prevent discharge or will remove from the atmosphere. Strictly speaking, it is a tradable permit to reduce (more…)

Planet Earth is facing a climate crisis, manifested in increasingly frequent and deadly heat waves and floods, which the UN Secretary-General has called a “true climate collapse.” These extremes disproportionately affect those who (more…)

Climate change and digital innovation are shaping the future of global finance and humanity. Achieving sustainability and net zero goals, especially for companies seeking to offset emissions and remove (more…)

This one study guide details the creation and content of an open database of geographic boundaries of natural carbon offset projects. These natural climate solutions (NCS) have become an important part of strategies (more…)

The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) is a global initiative designed to improve the quality and integrity of carbon credits. Carbon credits are permits that allow companies to offset their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Companies invest in projects that reduce or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) was established under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. This article allows countries to pool and trade emission reduction units, also known as A6.4ERs (Article 6.4 Emission Reduction Units), to achieve their climate goals.  (More on unfccc.int)

Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodologies are a set of rules and guidelines that determine how to quantify, monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (more…)

This document, marked as VMD0001, version 1.2, dated November 27, 2023, entitled "ESTIMATION OF CARBON STOCKS IN THE ABOVE- AND BELOWGROUND BIOMASS IN LIVE TREE AND NON-TREE POOLS (CP-AB)", represents module for estimating carbon stocks in aboveground and belowground biomass of living trees and non-forest woody plants. It was developed within the scope of Sector 14. The original version 1.0 was developed by Avoided Deforestation Partners and Climate Focus, with authorship by Silvestrum Climate Associates, Winrock International, Carbon Decisions International and TerraCarbon. Version 1.1 was developed by Verra and version 1.2 was prepared by Verra with support from Tim Pearson.

The module allows ex ante estimate of carbon stocks in above-ground and below-ground biomass of trees and non-forest woody plants in the baseline scenario (before and after deforestation) and in the project scenario, and also ex post estimate of the change in carbon stocks in aboveground and belowground tree biomass in the project scenarioAll terms used in this module are consistent with the definitions of the VCS program. This module is applicable to all forest types and age classes.

The document describes in detail procedures to estimate carbon stocks, which are divided into four parts:

• Part 1: Aboveground tree biomass (𝐶𝐴𝐵_𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒, 𝑖): The estimation of average carbon stock is carried out based on field measurements in fixed test plots or by point sampling with prisms, using representative random or systematic sampling. They are available two sampling options:
  • Option 1: Fixed test plots with allometric equation method: Includes determination of tree dimensions (DBH and total height), selection or development of an appropriate allometric equation for a given forest type/species group, estimation of the carbon stock for each tree, and calculation of the average carbon stock for each layer, converted to carbon dioxide equivalents.
  • Option 2: Point sampling with the allometric equation method: Similar to solid plots, it involves measuring tree dimensions, choosing an allometric equation, estimating the carbon stock for each tree at a given point, and calculating the average carbon stock for each layer, converted to carbon dioxide equivalents.
• Part 2: Belowground tree biomass (𝐶𝐵𝐵_𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒, 𝑖): The average carbon stock is estimated based on field measurements of above-ground parameters in the test plots. Root to shoot ratios are used to calculate belowground biomass from aboveground biomass. in conjunction with the allometric equation method from Part 1. They are available two options:
  • Option 1: Fixed test plots with root to shoot ratio: Includes calculation of the carbon stock in belowground biomass for each plot using the root-to-shoot ratio applied to the estimated aboveground biomass and subsequent calculation of the average carbon stock for each layer, converted into carbon dioxide equivalents.
  • Option 2: Spot sampling with root to shoot ratio: Similar to solid plots, the root-to-shoot ratio is used, applied to the estimated aboveground biomass obtained by the point sampling method, and then the average carbon stock for each layer is calculated, converted to carbon dioxide equivalents.
• Part 3: Aboveground biomass of non-forest woody plants (𝐶𝐴𝐵_𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒, 𝑖): Average carbon stocks are estimated based on previously published or default data or field measurements. Non-forest woody above-ground biomass includes trees smaller than the minimum size measured for trees, all shrubs and other non-herbaceous living vegetation. Sampling of non-forest vegetation may be carried out using destructive sampling frames and/or, where appropriate, in combination with an appropriate allometric equation for shrubs. The total average carbon stock is calculated as the sum of the average carbon stock from the sampling frame method and the allometric equation method. Available two options:
  • Option 1: Sampling frame method: Involves placing frames at randomly or systematically selected points, cutting and weighing all vegetation inside the frame, determining the wet-to-dry weight ratio on a subsample, and then estimating the average carbon stock per unit area.
  • Option 2: Allometric Equation Method: Used for shrubs, bamboo, or other types of vegetation where individuals can be clearly distinguished. It involves selecting or developing an appropriate allometric equation, estimating the carbon stock for each individual, and calculating the average carbon stock for each layer, converted to carbon dioxide equivalents.
• Part 4: Belowground biomass of non-forest woody plants (𝐶𝐵𝐵_𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒, 𝑖): The average carbon stock is estimated based on field measurements of above-ground parameters and using root to shoot ratios to estimate belowground biomass from aboveground biomass. This is followed by calculating the average carbon stock for each layer, converted into carbon dioxide equivalents.

In the section 5. DATA AND PARAMETERS details are given about the data and parameters that are available during validation and which they monitorThe parameters available for validation include, for example:

• 𝐶𝐹𝑗 (Carbon fraction): Carbon fraction of dry matter.
• D:ROW: Ratio of DBH to area radius, specific to the basal area factor of the prism used in point sampling.
• 𝑓𝑗(𝑋,𝑌): Allometric equation for species j relating measured tree variables to aboveground biomass. Emphasis is placed on selecting suitable and validated equations with a minimum of 30 measured trees and r² ≥ 0.8. The document lists preferred sources of equations and validation procedures.
• 𝑓𝑗 (vegetation parameters): An allometric equation for non-forest species linking parameters such as stem number, crown diameter, height with above-ground biomass. Emphasis is placed on the use of species-specific equations or equations for groups of species with a sufficient range of measured parameters and at least 30 individuals. Procedures for verifying and creating new equations are also presented.
• R (Root to shoot ratio): The ratio of belowground biomass to aboveground biomass, specific to a species or forest type/biome. Preferred data sources and default values for different ecological zones and aboveground biomass levels are provided.

Between monitored data and parameters include, for example:

• Asp: Area of trial plots in hectares.
• N: Number of point samples.
• DBH: Trunk diameter at breast height in centimeters.
• Asf: Area of one sampling frame in square meters.
• Ar: Total area of all test plots for the allometric method of non-forest woody plants in a given layer in hectares.
• H: Total height of the tree in meters.

For each monitored parameter, data units, description, data source, description of measurement methods and procedures, monitoring/recording frequency, quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) procedures, data purpose and calculation method, as well as comments are provided.

In the section DOCUMENT HISTORY provides an overview of the document versions and changes made. Version 1.1 corrected a typographical error and version 1.2 updated the VCS methodology template and removed references to VM0007.

Summary: This module VMD0001 version 1.2 provides a detailed framework for estimating carbon stocks in above-ground and below-ground biomass of living trees and non-forest woody plants. Defines applicable conditions, estimation procedures for different biomass components with multiple measurement and calculation options, as well as a list of necessary data and parameters for validation and monitoringThe emphasis is on using appropriate and validated methods and equations, as well as on data quality assuranceThe module is intended for use in projects aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) and other projects in the field of land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF). Spring

---

Glossary of key terms

• Aboveground Biomass: The total mass of all living vegetation above ground, including the trunks, branches, leaves and reproductive organs of trees and non-grass vegetation.
• Belowground Biomass: The total weight of all living roots of vegetation.
• Carbon Stocks: The amount of carbon stored in a particular component of an ecosystem, such as above-ground and below-ground biomass. It is usually expressed in tonnes of carbon per hectare (t C ha⁻¹).
• Baseline: A scenario that represents the conditions that would exist without the implementation of an emissions reduction project. It is used as a reference point for measuring the emission reductions or carbon sequestration increases of the project.
• Project Scenario: A scenario that describes changes in carbon stocks as a result of project implementation.
• Allometric Equation: Statistical relationship between easily measurable characteristics of a tree (e.g. trunk diameter, height) and its biomass. Used to indirectly estimate biomass.
• Root-to-Shoot Ratio: The ratio of the weight of belowground biomass (roots) to the weight of aboveground biomass (shoots) of a plant. It is used to estimate belowground biomass based on an estimate of aboveground biomass.
• Fixed Area Plot: A sampling method in which an area with precisely defined boundaries is designated for measuring trees and vegetation.
• Point Sampling with Prisms: A sampling method in which the selection of trees for measurement is carried out from a certain point using a special optical device (prism), with the probability of selecting a tree being proportional to the square of its diameter.
• Sampling Frame (Sampling Frame): A physical frame (e.g. circular or square) with a defined area used to collect samples of non-herbaceous vegetation for direct weighing and biomass estimation.
• Carbon Fraction: The proportion of carbon in the dry weight of biomass. Used to convert biomass to carbon content.
• CO₂ equivalent (CO₂-e): A measure of the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂). When estimating carbon stocks, carbon is often converted to an equivalent amount of CO₂.
• Stratum (Layer): A sub-unit of a project area that has relatively homogeneous characteristics (e.g. forest type, stand age). Stratification is used to increase the accuracy of estimates.
• Validation: The process of demonstrating that the methods, data, and parameters used are appropriate and appropriate for the given conditions. In the context of allometric equations, it involves verifying their accuracy using independent data or direct measurements.
• Ex ante: A preliminary estimate or prediction made before the implementation of a project or monitoring activity.
• Ex post: An evaluation or measurement carried out after the implementation of a project or monitoring activity.

The climate crisis and ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions are forcing governments, businesses and individuals to look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. Offset projects represent an innovative approach (more…)

Carbon offsets, often seen as a way for big companies to mitigate their climate impact, could take on a new dimension. Instead of investing in foreign projects to protect forests or renewable energy sources, experts suggest channeling these funds to help low-income households. Such a solution would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improve the living conditions of those facing high energy costs.

How do carbon offsets work?

Carbon offsets allow companies to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. Typical examples include reforestation, the protection of tropical rainforests, or the construction of wind farms. The problem is that some of these projects have faced criticism for lack of transparency or questionable results.

Potential for domestic use of offsets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have come up with the idea of redirecting funds from carbon offsets to energy efficiency for low-income households, who often live in older, poorly insulated buildings that require a lot of energy to heat or cool.

Improving energy efficiency in such homes could include:

• Wall and attic insulation
• Replacing outdated heating systems with more energy-efficient models
• Modernizing windows and doors to retain heat
• Replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient appliances

Benefits for households and the environment

Energy modifications not only reduce energy consumption, but also bring other benefits:

• Reducing energy costs: Households can save hundreds of dollars a year.
• Improving health: Better insulation and quality heating contribute to reducing the incidence of diseases associated with cold and humidity.
• Lower emissions: Less energy consumed means less demand for fossil fuels and therefore fewer carbon emissions.

For example, in the city of Nashville, where a pilot project was conducted, researchers found that simple measures like replacing windows or insulating the attic can reduce carbon emissions by hundreds of tons per year.

The path to a fairer climate

This initiative could help address climate injustice, as low-income communities are often the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, but have the least ability to adapt. Redirecting funding to local energy efficiency projects would be an investment not only in climate protection, but also in improving the quality of life of those who need it most.

Carbon offsets don’t have to be just an abstract concept to mitigate emissions in remote areas of the world. By investing in local communities and their energy efficiency, we can achieve visible results that help reduce emissions while promoting social justice. This approach could be the key to more effectively addressing climate challenges at both the global and local levels. Spring

As the impacts of climate change become more severe, more and more products and services are being marketed to travelers to help offset their own carbon footprint. Among the most common are carbon offsets – which allow individual travelers to invest in environmental projects designed to reduce carbon pollution. Common examples of projects that can be financed through the purchase of carbon offsets include afforestation and the construction of renewable energy sources.

While these purchases may seem useful, there is also much debate about whether they actually have a meaningful impact in the fight to slow and reverse climate change. At worst, carbon offset projects have been labeled a form of greenwashing that doesn't really help reduce CO2 emissions. But some experts say the benefits of purchasing offsets may outweigh the challenges critics have identified. (Mia Taylor, travelpulse.com)

What is the size of the voluntary carbon market? In an effort to limit climate change, major companies such as Microsoft, Google and Starbucks are setting ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality, and the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) is helping them achieve this.

VCM gives companies, non-profit organizations, governments and individuals the ability to buy and sell carbon offset credits. A carbon offset is a tool that represents a reduction in carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton.

To put this into perspective, to capture one tonne of CO2 emissions, you would need to plant around 50 trees in one year ¹.

Companies that are unable to meet their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets can purchase carbon offset credits by investing in environmental projects that can prevent, reduce or eliminate carbon emissions.

For example, an airline that wants to be carbon neutral can calculate how much carbon emissions it can't get rid of. They can then buy an equivalent amount of carbon offset credits by investing in a regenerative agriculture project in Brazil using VCM. The airline can thus claim carbon neutrality.

From 2022, the actual voluntary carbon market is estimated to be around $2 billion. (Jennifer L. Carboncredits.com )

In an era where climate change appears to be one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing their carbon footprint. Carbon offsetting has become a key strategy for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. This post looks at the various methods businesses are using to offset their carbon footprint, including reforestation projects, renewable energy investments and carbon capture technologies. In addition, it evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies and stimulates discussions about their impact. (Siddharth Patro, more at linkedin.com)

Carbon removal refers to the process active removal of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) from the atmosphere . Since reducing all greenhouse gas emissions at source is not possible, carbon removal is necessary to offset unavoidable emissions and limiting global warming. Removing carbon means removing CO ₂ and store it safely so it cannot contribute to global warming. Emissions saved through carbon removal activities are generally called “ negative emissions ". (More on consilium.europa.eu)