Verra recently selected a team of experts to develop a comprehensive biochar accounting methodology under our flagship Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

Biochar — a carbon-rich solid material made from feedstock biomass subjected to high heat and limited-oxygen environments — offers compelling climate, agronomic, and environmental benefits. Because its organic carbon component is generally one to two orders of magnitude more stable than the feedstock biomass it was produced from, biochar can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation when deployed as a carbon removal strategy at a global scale.

The new methodology will recognize biochar’s climate potential. FORLIANCE, BiocharWorks, and South Pole have teamed up to review existing documentation on biochar production and certification, draft the methodology with expert input, organize public consultations, and ensure the methodology is audited and validated by a validation/verification body (VVB) in accordance with the VCS methodology approval process.

The full methodology will be posted for a 30-day public consultation in summer 2021. Thereafter, the team will incorporate public feedback and work with the selected VVB to finalize the methodology by Q4 2021. Upon publication, it will be available for use by any interested project developer. If you’d like to be added to a stakeholder list for public consultation, please email Stefan Jirka at sjirka@verra.org.