Gold Standard proposes new soil carbon modules, more to come

Quantum Commodity Intelligence – Switzerland-based carbon registry Gold Standard has published two additional 'activity modules' for its soil carbon methodology and says more are likely to come over the next few months, likely increasing take-up among developers.

The new modules are on zero tillage, for farming activities that do not disturb the soil mechanically through tillage, and bio-stimulants, which are substances or microorganisms that improve natural processes in the soil.

If approved, they will add to existing modules on "improved tillage" and "pulp and paper sludge based soil improvers" and thus expand the list of options for project developers.

"Multiple activity modules may be applied together in case of combination of activities being implemented," said Gold Standard, in response to questions from Quantum.

"It was a popular demand from stakeholders, including project developers, to expand the application of the framework methodology by having more activity modules applicable to other activities as well, accordingly, we are in process of developing and approving an array of modules – two of which are launched for consultation earlier this week and few more are to come in next couple of months," it said.

The Swiss standard has said its methodologies are robust, amid questions in some circles about the integrity of soil carbon credits.

"Soil organic carbon is an area where scientific research is progressing well and enough scientific evidence exists that enables us to apply dependable approaches of measurements and estimations," said the standard.

"To account for any uncertainties, the Land-use & Forests Activity Requirements – Gold Standard for the Global Goals provisions deductions that are applied over emission removals, which make it even more conservative, robust and reliable."

A consultation on the matter runs until August 4 on the Gold Standard website.