CDR Verification Framework Documentation
Docs: Pathway
Biochar
VCL
1-3
Biochar is a type of biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) that uses photosynthesis to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, and transforms biomass into char to achieve longer-term storage of biomass carbon. Here, we specifically consider biochar that is applied to agricultural fields. This pathway is VCL 1-3, meaning that current quantification capacity may be able to establish permanent carbon removal, but that for certain approaches, significant uncertainties remain.
Version history
Apr 01 2024
v1.2
Third release. Edited for consistency with other biomass-based CDR pathways. This included adding components focused on non-CO₂ biomass emissions and the production of energy co-products. These changes did not affect the VCL classification. For more details, read this blog post describing the scope of the updates.
Oct 11 2023
v1.1
Second release. Edited agricultural lime use component as detailed in this blog post. Included component in equation for net carbon removal and re-numbered components accordingly.
Apr 10 2023
v1.0
First release.
Acknowledgments
This framework has been shaped by input and feedback from external experts, including CDR companies, scientists, and other CDR ecosystem actors. Any remaining mistakes or mischaracterizations are the authors’ sole responsibility.
Scientific Expert
v1.0
Becca Neumann (University of Washington)
CDR Company
v1.0
Carba
CDR Company
v1.0
Climate Robotics
Scientific Expert
v1.0
Santanu Bakshi (Iowa State University)
CDR Company
v1.0
Takachar
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Anne Ware (NREL)
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Corinne Scown (LBNL)
Ecosystem Actor
v1.2
Erica Belmont (Carbon Direct)
MRV Company
v1.2
Matt Gammans (Isometric)
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Sarah Nordahl (LBNL)
Biochar
VCL
1-3
Biochar is a type of biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) that uses photosynthesis to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, and transforms biomass into char to achieve longer-term storage of biomass carbon. Here, we specifically consider biochar that is applied to agricultural fields. This pathway is VCL 1-3, meaning that current quantification capacity may be able to establish permanent carbon removal, but that for certain approaches, significant uncertainties remain.
Version history
Apr 01 2024
v1.2
Third release. Edited for consistency with other biomass-based CDR pathways. This included adding components focused on non-CO₂ biomass emissions and the production of energy co-products. These changes did not affect the VCL classification. For more details, read this blog post describing the scope of the updates.
Oct 11 2023
v1.1
Second release. Edited agricultural lime use component as detailed in this blog post. Included component in equation for net carbon removal and re-numbered components accordingly.
Apr 10 2023
v1.0
First release.
Acknowledgments
This framework has been shaped by input and feedback from external experts, including CDR companies, scientists, and other CDR ecosystem actors. Any remaining mistakes or mischaracterizations are the authors’ sole responsibility.
Scientific Expert
v1.0
Becca Neumann (University of Washington)
CDR Company
v1.0
Carba
CDR Company
v1.0
Climate Robotics
Scientific Expert
v1.0
Santanu Bakshi (Iowa State University)
CDR Company
v1.0
Takachar
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Anne Ware (NREL)
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Corinne Scown (LBNL)
Ecosystem Actor
v1.2
Erica Belmont (Carbon Direct)
MRV Company
v1.2
Matt Gammans (Isometric)
Scientific Expert
v1.2
Sarah Nordahl (LBNL)