Gold Standard Launches Biochar Methodology for 200-Year Carbon Removal

Gold Standard has introduced its first biochar carbon dioxide removal methodology, establishing requirements for projects to generate carbon removal credits representing storage expected to last at least 200 years. Announced on 3 November 2026, the Production and Application for the Removal of Carbon via Biochar (PARC) methodology covers projects ranging from small-scale agricultural kilns to industrial production facilities. The framework introduces three compliance tracks, with monitoring requirements adjusted to production scale while maintaining consistent carbon accounting and environmental safeguards.

 

Biochar is produced by heating sustainably sourced biomass under low-oxygen conditions through pyrolysis or gasification. The resulting carbon-rich material can be stored in soils, construction materials or dedicated underground facilities. PARC calculates credits based on the carbon expected to remain stored after 200 years, with 1,000-year durability claims permitted only when supported by additional analysis of biochar's carbon structure. Unlike methodologies that also account for avoided emissions, PARC credits only carbon dioxide removals.

 

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The methodology establishes three production categories. Distributed projects using manual or semi-manual kilns processing less than one tonne of dry biomass daily fall under Track 1, while mechanized facilities processing between one and 15 tonnes daily qualify for Track 2. Industrial facilities exceeding 15 tonnes daily fall under Track 3 and must meet stricter requirements, including continuous emissions monitoring and laboratory testing. Small-scale activities under Track 1 are limited to 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually per activity or voluntary project activity.

 

Before issuing credits, projects must deduct emissions associated with biomass sourcing, production, transportation, and application, along with leakage, uncertainty, and reversal-risk adjustments. They must demonstrate that at least five tonnes of CO2 are stored for every tonne of activity-related emissions. The methodology also requires sustainably sourced biomass and includes safeguards preventing carbon finance from diverting feedstocks from existing uses or damaging ecosystems.

 

Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard, said, "PARC is designed to open a route for more producers to participate, from distributed kiln networks to industrial facilities." The methodology also incorporates accounting principles aligned with Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement and provides additionality provisions for eligible small-scale projects in least developed countries and small island developing states. Its introduction establishes a new certification pathway for biochar developers seeking to generate durable carbon removal credits under Gold Standard.

 

Source: Gold Standard