Methodology for Measurement-Based Quantification of GHG Emissions and Reductions in Livestock Production

The proposed methodology establishes an integrated Tier 3, measurement-based quantification framework for livestock production systems. It directly measures GHG-related environmental parameters inside the livestock housing environment (“Animal Zone”)—including CH₄, NH₃ (with conservative conversion to NH₃-derived N₂O), CO₂, ventilation/airflow proxies, temperature, humidity, and pressure—at defined intervals and converts these observations into GHG emissions and reductions through a standardized, auditable algorithm. The methodology is intended to be:

• Cross-species: applicable to cattle (beef and dairy), swine, and poultry (broilers and layers).
• Cross-system: applicable to mechanically ventilated barns, naturally ventilated barns, semi-housed/open barns, and manure/bedding composting sheds.
• Vendor-neutral: compatible with any sensor system that meets minimum accuracy, calibration, and QA/QC requirements; no proprietary hardware is required.

• The methodology idea note was submitted by AmaterZ Inc. (external) and is currently at “Step 1: Methodology Idea Note” of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (PDF).
• Stakeholders interested in collaborating during methodology development or developing projects that this methodology might enable are encouraged to contact methodologies@verra.org. Please include the Methodology Development ID# in the subject line.