Verra updates its biochar methodology, seeks public input until Aug. 9; revised guidelines will be considered for inclusion in anticipated 2024 release of version 2.0

Verra has released an updated version (v1.1) of VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications and invites comments on this version as well as suggestions for further clarifications and additions to a future version (v2.0). Stakeholders can submit feedback on the changes or any other aspect of the methodology until August 9, 2023. To share feedback, please fill out the Public Consultation Comment Template (.xlsx) and email it to methodologies@verra.org.

VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications, v1.1 includes several minor corrections as well as clarifications of methodological procedures, pertaining to the following topics:

• Eligible feedstocks and eligible land types for soil application (Section 4)
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) sources included in the project boundary (Table 2)
• Equations for quantifying GHG emissions and removals (Section 8)
• Parameters needed for validation (Section 9)
• Procedures for reassessing the standardized activity method (Appendix 1)
• Procedures for demonstrating that feedstocks are waste biomass (Appendix 2)

Any feedback received will be considered for inclusion in VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications, v2.0. Verra expects to begin the revision process later this year with the anticipated publication of v2.0 in 2024.

All new projects and projects listed on the VCS Registry must apply VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications, v1.1 to complete validation to ensure the errata and clarifications are reflected in the project description.