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Vállalkozások számára

Vállalkozások számára

Éghajlatvédelmi megoldás minden méretű vállalkozás számára

Magánszemélyek számára

Magánszemélyek számára

Támogassa a regionális erdőket egyénként

Ügyféltörténetek

Ügyféltörténetek

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Our methodology

From the carbon cycle to the ISO standard to Voluntary Emission Reduction (VER). How does the SILVACONSULT® Carbon Standard methodology work?

The forest carbon cycle

Nature-based carbon projects underlie the natural carbon cycle. In relation to the forest, this means that the CO₂ in the air is bound in organic material (C₆H₁₂O₆) through photosynthesis. This sink is in contrast to CO₂ sources (e.g. biomass decomposition), which in turn emit CO₂ into the atmosphere. The forest is both a sink and a source.

In natural forests in temperate zones, the growth and decay of tree biomass are largely balanced - which is why it is considered "neutral". If a forest is managed sustainably, the decay cycle is shortened, or the amount of decay is significantly reduced compared to natural forests. This turns the forest into a sink. By using the extracted biomass in wood products that are as long-lasting as possible, additional emissions reduction effects can be achieved.

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The systems and markets for achieving the EU climate goals

In order to achieve the international reduction targets agreed under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union and a number of countries have introduced emissions trading systems to reduce greenhouse gases.

The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)

The EU emissions trading system works according to a “cap and trade” procedure and represents the regulated CO₂ market in the EU. The most emissions-intensive companies in the EU are allocated a certain amount of emission allowances every year. If more is emitted than authorized, then you have to pay for the amount above.

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Voluntary CO₂ market

The SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard methodology is currently only used by Tree.ly in the voluntary market. In order for companies to receive credits from Tree.ly, they must submit an emissions reduction plan. In addition, companies are shown what they are allowed to communicate with the credits and what they are not. This means that higher standards are voluntarily set.

The SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard

The SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard methodology aims to promote the biological sequestration of carbon in the forest through mandatory improved management and/or mandatory non-use. The difference between the project and reference scenario determines the additional storage capacity and rewards it in credits.

Our methodology of choice

Developed by our partner SILVACONSULT® AG, the SILVACONSULT® Carbon Standard methodology, designed specifically for boreal and temperate zones, represents an industry-wide recognized standard.
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Scientifically validated

TÜV Nord confirms success in September 2022

The SILVACONSULT® Carbon Standard methodology was successfully validated by TÜV Nord in September 2022, underlining the scientific correctness and reliability of our approach. The validation confirms the feasibility of climate protection projects in the forest according to the standards of ISO 14064-2:2019.

Structure of the methodology

Reference scenario (baseline)

Basically, the reference scenario represents how greenhouse gas emissions would develop without the climate protection project to be implemented. In the SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard methodology, an upper and lower model value for the average standing tree biomass, or the standing stock per hectare [m³/ha], is calculated individually for each project. According to forest science, this model value range represents the optimal stock for the respective project area. The lower model value is calculated from a normal stock, which is determined using regionally valid yield tables, conditions from the forest growth areas, tree species, credit ratings and management methods. The upper model value is determined by multiplying the normal stock by a factor, which is determined depending on silvicultural assumptions and planning for the next 30 years, as well as a risk analysis for the project area. In projects with adapted management, the reference scenario must always be between the lower and upper model values and depends on the project type (see project types).

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Tree canopy photo

Upper model value and project scenario

The project scenario describes how greenhouse gas emissions will develop with the implementation of the climate protection project. In the SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard methodology, this depends on the current average stock of standing tree biomass [m³/ha]. Depending on whether this current average stock is between the two values or above the values, it is possible to build up or maintain stocks. The conversion factor from Vfm to tCO₂ is used to determine greenhouse gas development from the development in the forest. The values for this come from the national greenhouse gas balances and the individual tree species distribution on the project area.

Frog perspective in the tree canopies

The project types

For the project options, the current average stock per hectare is compared to the lower and upper model stocks. Depending on the situation, one of the following project types or a combination of them can be defined.

Carbon removal projects

If the current stock is at the lower or between the lower and upper model values, a carbon removal project can be determined. The forest owner can commit to building up the average stock up to a maximum of the upper model value in coordination with his forestry plans. This obligation exists for 30 years and the difference between the target supply and the current average stockpile [m³/ha] results in the planned sink performance. The actual sink performance is determined annually through the harvest report and the annual increment and issued as certified credits. An increase above the upper model value will not be rewarded as a climate protection service.
Figure carbon removal

Carbon conservation projects

If the current stock is above the upper model value or between the model values, a carbon conservation project can be specified. The forest owner chooses an obligation stock between the lower and upper model value, below which the current average reserve per hectare must not fall for 30 years. The difference between the obligation stock and the lower model value results in the sink performance. The annual harvest report and the annual increment determine whether the obligation has been met.
Figure carbon conservation

Additionality, leakage and permanence

Additionality

When implementing climate protection projects, it must be proven that the project leads to additional emissions savings and would not be implemented anyway (even without the sale of emissions credits). For example, less wood use and an extension of rotation times will increase the average supply on the project area in the long term. As part of our climate protection projects, the forest owner can either: A) Commit to maintaining a certain stock within the defined model values over the duration of the project or B) Build a target stock within a defined time within the model values. The distinction between A) “carbon conservation” and B) “carbon removal” is also made in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Photo Martin Bertsch with seedling
Photo steep forest slope

Leakage

Leakage is the shifting of greenhouse gas emissions. This occurs when emissions arise elsewhere due to the implementation of a climate protection project and emissions that should be avoided (partially) do occur. These risks exist primarily in forest or land use projects. An example of this would be if forests are cleared elsewhere due to the reforestation of pasture land because new pasture areas are needed. A general distinction is made between internal and external leakage. Tree.ly avoids internal leakage by requiring a forest owner to consider their entire forest in the project. Excluding areas is possible, but must be justified and it must be conservative with regard to the C balance. External leakage is avoided by demonstrating whether the national usage volume of the country in which the project is located is lower than the usage potential. In this case, leakage can be assumed to be zero. Otherwise, a leakage of 10% must be deducted.

Permanence and risk buffer

Emissions savings must be permanent. The permanence of our project is ensured by a defined project term of at least 30 years for commercial forests and 50 years for forest reserves. There are risks in forest projects such as wind throws, pest infestation or drought. This risk is countered by a buffer that allows 10% of the carbon credits to flow into a solidarity-based, cross-project risk pool. This compensates for damages in the event of force majeure events.

Photo Marie in the forest