Global Biochar C-Sink

A new pioneering standard for negative emissions based on biochar – following the EBC C-Sink

The certification of carbon sinks (C-sinks) is a crucial step in scientifically grounded climate protection strategies. While reducing emissions and phasing out fossil carbon are essential to limit global warming, only active carbon removal from the atmosphere can address the climate impact of past industrial emissions. Biochar and the associated carbon sinks are already an important and highly effective negative emission technology.

Global Biochar C-Sink – the standard


Various webinars on the Global Biochar C-Sink and important content will be organized during July and August. The details will be published shortly.

Global Biochar C-Sink – learn more


When the EBC C-Sink was published in 2020, it was not only the first certification standard for biochar C-sinks but also for all long-term geological carbon sinks. Since then, hundreds of biochar companies have certified and traded their biochar C-sinks under the EBC, giving rise to an entirely new CDR business sector. In recent years, several minor updates to the biochar standard have been published. However, the time has come for a significant overhaul, leading to the creation of the new Global Biochar C-Sink standard.

Global Biochar C-Sink sets a more robust and comprehensive framework for the creation and certification of geological and material carbon sinks. The core principles of carbon accounting are retained, but the scientific foundation has been significantly strengthened.

The permanent aromatic carbon (PAC) fraction of soil-applied biochar is now recognized as a geological carbon sink. The less persistent fraction of biochar can be employed as a temporary carbon sink to offset methane emissions. Biochar C-Sinks are monitored from the factory gate to the application site, and every C-Sink must be registered in the C-Sink Registry. Emission portfolios for biomass and biochar producers, processors, and traders are created and must be compensated. Carbon and energy efficiency are evaluated. Biochar-based materials are accounted for as temporary C-sinks.

Following an extensive stakeholder process, the new Global Biochar C-Sink standard was published in June 2024. All companies can profit and apply for the new standard from 1st July 2024 onwards.

"Global Biochar C-Sink is based on certified biochar and therefore the World Biochar Certificate (WBC) standard will be also used globally. This aspect is fundamental to ensure safety and reliability in the production and application of biochar, particularly for soil health. The sound scientific methods shaping the standard make Global Biochar C-Sink an important new cornerstone in the C-sink industry."

Lucia Brusegan, Chair of the International Biochar Initiative (IBI)

Website IBI

"EBC C-Sink has enabled the European biochar industry to successfully enter into a new C-sink economy. By introducing the concept of geological storage, Global Biochar C-Sink takes into account that today’s biochars typically include large amounts of highly stable carbon compounds that do not degrade over climate-relevant timescales."

Hansjörg Lerchenmüller, Chair of the European Biochar Industry Consortium (EBI)

Website EBI
Global Biochar C-Sink is mandatory for new producers registering under the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) or the World Biochar Certificate (WBC) for the certification of C-sinks from 1 July 2024.

With best regards,

Carbon Standards International AG

Dominic Hafner
CTO Biochar



Impressum:

Carbon Standards International AG
Ackerstrasse 117
5070 Frick, Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0) 62 552 10 90
info@carbon-standards.com

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