Consolidated Methodology for Manure Management

Manure management projects reduce GHG emissions by replacing or improving existing manure management systems, typically anaerobic systems without methane capture. Verra is considering the following revisions:

• Consolidate the CDM methodologies AM0073, AMS‑III.D, and ACM0010 into a VCS standalone methodology.
• Include alternatives for aerobic manure treatment, such as composting
• Include additives for manure treatment
• Introduce updates to improve the accuracy and conservativeness of GHG emission reduction quantification, such as:
  • Incorporating an uncertainty assessment
  • Revising the calculation of GHG emission reductions from methane destruction to reflect the methane conversion factor (MCF) of the baseline system
  • Developing a formula-based approach for estimating MCF based on weather conditions and retention time, rather than relying solely on IPCC default values
  • Assessing the accuracy and relevance of N₂O emission reduction calculations within the total emissions reduction estimate
  • Aligning the de minimis requirements with VCS Standard v5.0
  • Including default emission factors

Verra is looking for support should the development of this new methodology proceed. Please contact methodologies@verra.org and indicate your specific level(s) of interest. Please include the Methodology Development ID# M0443 in the subject line.

• Funders – stakeholders interested in providing funding to cover costs associated with developing the proposed methodology
• Technical Contributors – stakeholders interested in providing professional expertise (in-kind or as a paid consultant) to help draft or prepare content for the methodology
• Independent Expert Reviewers – stakeholders interested in serving as an independent expert reviewer once the draft methodology is ready (see Section 3.5: Independent Expert Review of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (PDF)
• General interest – Stakeholders interested in developing projects that this methodology might enable are encouraged to reach out and share their estimates and plans for future project development. This helps Verra to better understand the demand for this proposed new methodology.

• Verra is leading the development of this methodology. It is currently at “Step 1.7: Verra conducts a feasibility assessment” of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (PDF).