How do we ensure the quality of our carbon certificates?

In recent years, voluntary carbon markets have suffered a lack of trust for repeated scandals and poor carbon certificates entering those markets. 

In fact, low quality certificates feeding the controversy integrate none to very few quality principles that support the core ideology behind carbon markets: 1 carbon certificate should strictly equal 1 tonne of carbon dioxide removal or emissions reductions. 

At Regen Insight, a core concern is to ensure that our calculation method generates verified and scientifically rigorous carbon certificates that can be trusted. It is crucial for us to guarantee that the certificates we issue have a real environmental impact, and that farmers can sell them at a fair price that will cover the cost of their transition. 

The Regen Insight Certification Framework is compliant with the GHG Protocol, as well as the ISO 14064 norm, 2 leading industry standards, comprising various norms and principles to follow. 

To push our quality standards further on top of these compliances, we decided to follow the QU.A.L.ITY criteria proposed by the European Commission, and to integrate a robust verification protocol into our platform. Let’s dive in.

Transparent, impactful and comparable carbon certificates

The European Commission recently adopted a proposal for a “first EU-wide voluntary framework to reliably certify high-quality carbon certificates”. The goal of this framework is to guarantee a high level of transparency and integrity, to reinforce trust from stakeholders and prevent greenwashing. The proposal outlines 4 QU.A.L.ITY criteria that we thoroughly included in our certification process: 

1. QUantification: Carbon removals and reductions need to be measured accurately, using reliable methodologies.

   To that end, we developed robust calculations methods including equations derived from the latest scientific consensus:

   Our GHG emissions model is based on the latest IPCC equations for cropland. It has been verified and certified by Bureau Veritas.

   Our soil model has the highest precision (ranked tier 3) and has been audited and certified by the AMG consortium. It is capable of simulating the evolution of carbon storage in soils in a given pedoclimatic context.

2. Additionality: Carbon certificates must result from additional carbon removals or reductions, beyond what would have happened naturally without the carbon project.

   If the additionality has not been demonstrated within a specific region, further evidence must be provided through a questionnaire on the platform.

2. Long-term storage: Carbon removal measures should result in the long-term removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This means that the stored carbon should not be released back into the atmosphere over time.

   To take this risk into account, the Regen Insight Certification Framework has designed a highly conservative buffer pool mechanism: a share of the carbon certificates generated is systematically deducted from the actual carbon footprint reduction, and placed into 2 “regulator” accounts (individual and collective).

4. SustainabilITY: Carbon removal activities must preserve or contribute to sustainability objectives such as climate change adaptation, circular economy, water and marine resources, and biodiversity.

   The projects included in Regen Insight's Certification Framework aim to go beyond simple GHG reductions. They strive to maintain high standards across a wide range of indicators, including biodiversity, water management and soil health. To this end, each project is assessed according to a series of indicators defined by Regen Insight. 

   Read more about how we report on biodiversity in our methodology.

   
   

   
   

5. Unicity : Although not part of the QU.A.L.ITY criteria, we ensure that carbon certificates issued by Regen Insight are not accounted for and financed more than once.

   Regen Insight is part of a public registry (FarmVault) recording certificates for each project under a unique number. In addition, project developers are required to sign a commitment not to have their project financed through other mechanisms when entering the Regen Insight platform.

A robust verification protocol

To check the veracity of the data declared on our platform, we have developed an integrated verification protocol. It is based on a rigorous taxonomy of evidences collected:

• Remote sensing verification: We rely on advanced remote sensing algorithms to check most of the data needed for the carbon footprint calculator: crop types, yields, cover crop presence and biomass.

• Farmer’s documents: Invoices, fertilisation records, CAP declarations…

• Certified statement: The project proponent is asked to provide certifications of honour for the following data: crop residues, irrigation, cover crop biomass and yields of self-consumed crops. This condition applies only if none of the above-mentioned evidence is available.

This audit process is operated by an external ISO 14065 certified VVB (Validation and Verification Body).

Designing this thorough methodology and verification process was key for us to ensure we issue the highest quality of certificates possible.It paves the way  to create trust with corporate buyers willing to sponsor low carbon projects, and ultimately contribute to a healthy growth of Voluntary Carbon Markets.