Generating Carbon Credits from Biochar Production

Topic

CarbonPilot seeks the shed light on the carbon credit verification and monetization process. We hope to enable biochar producers of all sizes and from all geographies to access the carbon market affordably. 

Background

CarbonPilot builds supplier-owned carbon registry and marketplace software. We tailor the product to streamline complex processes, including carbon accounting and draft life cycle assessments (LCA), monitoring and reporting, and enabling on-platform sales and inventory management of carbon credits and biochar. Whether producers seeks third party verification or not, we give them the tools to approach carbon credit buyers with full due-diligence in hand. 

Based on our experience with our existing carbon credit verification process with Puro.earth and previous experience with other registries such as Verra and Carbon Standards International, we feel equipped to provide valuable information and resources about the topic. In this presentation, we'll cover a few topics in the carbon credit generation process.

Note, the following is an abstract of the complete paper and presentation.

Abstract: Unlocking Carbon Credits for Sustainable Biochar Production

The journey to unlock carbon credits in sustainable biochar production is multifaceted, with key milestones and considerations.

Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA): TEA serves as the compass, evaluating economic outcomes. It guides decision-making, ensuring that the path chosen aligns with sustainability and profitability.

Third Party Selection: Typically, there are many intermediaries involved in this process. Biochar producers can choose to do a number of things internally or outsource them. These can include equipment manufacturers, life cycle assessment consultants, software, marketplaces, and more. 

Equipment Selection: Choosing the right equipment is pivotal. To maximize carbon credit potential, it's best to select equipment that minimizes emission losses, ensuring efficient biochar production.

Data Preparation: Telemetry and IoT (Internet of Things) play a crucial role in creating reliable data streams from equipment to a database. This data encompasses biochar production quantities, energy usage and generation, biochar testing, local land agreements, and financial aspects. 

Carbon Accounting: Carbon accounting is the heartbeat of this journey. It quantifies the carbon impact, turning data into actionable insights.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): The LCA section examines the holistic impact of biochar production, considering its environmental footprint from cradle to grave. It's a vital component in quantifying the carbon removal impact accurately.

Project Design Documentation (PDD): PDD represents the blueprint. It delineates the waste product's transformation, highlighting how it's no longer burned or left to decay but instead becomes a valuable carbon sink.

Registry Selection: Picking a Carbon Removal (CDR) registry involves estimating economic outcomes with commission rates and timelines. It's a strategic step in the journey.

Verification Body Audit: Prepare for a verification body audit, a meticulous process lasting 3-6 months. Data readiness is key, emphasizing the importance of thorough data preparation.

Carbon Credit Sales: Navigating the realm of carbon credit sales involves finding a brokerage or engaging in direct sales outreach. Keep in mind that brokerages can claim 5-25% of carbon credit revenues from producers.

Tools Available: There are many free or affordable tools out there for disposal to simplify the credit generation process, these can include TEA tools, carbon market reporting, biochar application calculators, LCA tools, and more. 

Keywords: carbon creditsMRVlife cycle assessmentCarbon AccountingTechno-Economic Analysisbiochar carbon removal