The Global Carbon Council (GCC) has released two new Nature-based Solutions (NbS) tools: the GCC Tool for Estimation of Non-CO2 GHG Emissions Resulting from Burning of Biomass Attributable to an NbS Project Activity (GCCTA001 v1.0) and the GCC Tool for Estimation of Carbon Stocks and Change in Carbon Stocks in Dead Wood and Litter in an NbS Project Activity (GCCTA008 v1.0). These tools offer scientifically sound approaches to support project developers in quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon stock changes in NbS projects. Similarly to all other GCC tools, the new tools incorporate the latest IPCC guidelines and allow for high precision in calculations and GHG emissions reporting.
Context and Importance
Accurate estimation of GHG emissions and carbon stocks is critical for the integrity and credibility of NbS projects. These precise estimations are pivotal in informing project owners’ decisions, as they provide reliable data that the owners can use to develop targeted climate project management strategies. Furthermore, they enhance the attractiveness of projects to potential funders by demonstrating measurable environmental benefits, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing financial support for sustainable initiatives. Forest fires, biomass burning, and dead organic matter significantly influence carbon fluxes in ecosystems. These new tools not only standardize estimation methods but also enhance transparency and comparability across projects. This improvement is essential for securing project funding, and driving large-scale implementation of sustainable land management practices.
Key Features of the Tools
- GCCTA001 – Estimation of Non-CO2 GHG Emissions from Biomass Burning:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Estimates non-CO2 GHG emissions (e.g., methane and nitrous oxide) from biomass burning and forest fires.
- Baseline and Project Scenarios: Applicable for ex-ante and ex-post estimation in both baseline and project scenarios.
- Conditions for Zero Emissions: Defines scenarios where non-CO2 emissions from forest fires can be considered negligible.
- Detailed Methodology: Offers step-by-step guidance on calculating emissions from site preparation, residue burning, and forest fires【13+source】.
- GCCTA008 – Estimation of Carbon Stocks in Dead Wood and Litter:
- Comprehensive Carbon Accounting: Provides methodologies for estimating carbon stocks and changes in dead wood and litter.
- Measurement-Based and Default Methods: Supports both direct measurement and conservative default factor-based methods.
- Monitoring Guidelines: Includes detailed procedures for monitoring and data collection【12+source】.
Methodology Overview
- GCCTA001: Emissions are estimated using data on biomass, fire history, and combustion factors, with stratification based on biomass variability. The tool specifies when emissions can be assumed zero, such as when forest fires do not significantly affect canopy or cause substantial mortality.
- GCCTA008: Carbon stock estimation involves stratification of project areas, measurement of dead wood and litter, and application of default values where direct measurement is not feasible. The tool outlines methods for both standing and lying dead wood, and litter, providing flexibility in approach.
Adoption and Availability
Both tools were adopted by the GCC Regulatory Committee on February 2, 2025, following a public consultation held from check with Ann for real data. They are now available for project developers aiming to enhance the standardization and accuracy of their GHG emissions and carbon stock estimations in NbS projects.
These tools represent further advancement in the field of NbS, providing a robust framework for implementing effective and scientifically grounded climate solutions. By setting updated approaches to GHG emissions estimation and carbon accounting, they are poised to play a pivotal role in the development of future NbS projects that aim at contributing to the achievement of global climate mitigation goals.
