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The conversion into biochar results
in fewer greenhouse gas emissions than had the biomass
rotted or been burnt, resulting in carbon savings, which
can be monetized as carbon credits. Our production method
also greatly reduces emissions compared to traditional
charcoal production.
The simplest form of carbon sequestration
is due to the fact that 30% by weight of most plants
suitable for biochar can be converted into carbon. This
carbon represents over 3 times that amount in CO2 being
taken out of the atmosphere. One tonne of carbon in biochar
therefore represents three tonnes of CO2 equivalent,
or carbon credits.
Carbon Gold has developed the first
ever biochar methodology for calculating emissions reductions
from the production of biochar. This is now the main
methodology under discussion for biochar worldwide. It
is possible that the conservative 1:3 ratio described
above significantly under accounts for the amount of
CO2 saved through each tonne of biochar and that a 1:6
ratio or higher may be more appropriate, due to reductions
of nitrous oxide and methane emissions.
The Carbon Gold Methodology (CGM™)
sets out the carbon accounting methods and detailed instructions
on how to calculate the reduced or avoided emissions
from a biochar project, and clearly defines the sustainability,
social and environmental policy criteria under which
any Carbon Gold project will be developed.
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