EU Establishes Certification Framework for Carbon Removals and Soil Emission Reductions

The Council of the European Union has approved a regulation to create the first EU-wide certification framework for carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products. The voluntary framework aims to support high-quality carbon removal activities, complementing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the EU works toward climate neutrality by 2050.

Scope of Activities
The framework covers:

Permanent Carbon Removals: Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon for centuries through technologies like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
Carbon Storage in Products: Storing carbon in durable materials (e.g., wood-based construction) for at least 35 years.
Carbon Farming: Enhancing carbon sequestration in forests and soils or reducing soil emissions through practices like reforestation and peatland restoration.

Certification Criteria
Activities must meet four key criteria to qualify for certification:

Quantified Benefits: Demonstrating net carbon removal or emission reduction benefits.
Additionality: Going beyond legal requirements and relying on certification incentives.
Long-Term Storage: Ensuring minimal risk of carbon release.
Sustainability Goals: Avoiding environmental harm while delivering co-benefits.
Certified activities will undergo third-party verification to ensure compliance and credibility.

EU Registry for Certified Units
An electronic EU-wide registry will be established by 2028, providing transparency and traceability for certified units generated through approved activities.

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