🌍 CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs): Securing a Sustainable Future
At Biochar Farmer, our mission to combat climate change is reflected in our commitment to issuing high-quality CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs). Each CORC represents a tangible step towards long-term carbon sequestration, with the permanence of our biochar exceeding 100 years.
🔬 The Science Behind CORCs
Transforming Carbon into a Lasting Solution
Biochar Production: Our biochar is created through the pyrolysis of sustainably sourced biomass, transforming it into a stable form of carbon that can endure in soil for centuries.
Carbon Sequestration: Each metric ton of our biochar can store an estimated 3.081 metric tons of CO2 equivalent-a significant contribution to global carbon offsetting.
📈 Our Journey Towards Climate Resilience
Innovative Practices, Tangible Results
Pilot Plant: Our pilot plant, located in Wiltshire, UK, is at the forefront of sustainable biochar production, designed to produce 1,764 metric tons of high-quality biochar annually.
Sustainability: With zero emissions from biomass cultivation and minimal impact from transport and production, our biochar production process is a beacon of environmental responsibility.
🧮 How CORCs are Calculated: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine the Production Volume 🏭
We start by measuring the total eligible production volume of biochar. For our calculation, this volume is 1,764 metric tonnes.
Why it matters: This figure sets the foundation for all subsequent calculations by establishing the baseline amount of biochar produced.
Step 2: Calculate the Dry Weight of Biochar ⚖️
After accounting for the moisture content, we calculate the dry metric tonnes of biochar, resulting in 1,411.2 dry metric tonnes.
Why it matters: Dry weight is crucial because it determines the actual amount of biochar available for carbon sequestration, free from water content.
Step 3: Analyze the Organic Carbon Content (C_org) 🌿
The organic carbon content (C_org) of the biochar is determined, which in our case is 91.5% by weight.
Why it matters: The higher the organic carbon content, the greater the potential for carbon sequestration in the biochar.
Step 4: Apply the Time Horizon (TH) 🕰️
We use a time horizon of 100 years to assess how long the biochar will remain stable and effective in sequestering carbon.
Why it matters: The time horizon helps estimate the long-term effectiveness of the biochar in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Step 5: Consider Soil Temperature (Ts) 🌡️
The average soil temperature where the biochar will be applied is considered, set at 14.9°C.
Why it matters: Soil temperature impacts the permanence of biochar, influencing how long it will store carbon without degrading.
Step 6: Calculate the Molar H/C_org Ratio ⚛️
The ratio of hydrogen to organic carbon (Molar H/C_org) in the biochar is 0.19.
Why it matters: This ratio is crucial for determining the stability and durability of the carbon stored in the biochar.
Step 7: Determine the Permanence Factor (F_pTH,Ts) 🔒
Based on the time horizon and soil temperature, the permanence factor for the biochar is 91.83%.
Why it matters: This factor reflects the likelihood that the carbon will remain sequestered over the chosen time horizon.
Step 8: Calculate Carbon Stored (E_stored) 🌲
The amount of carbon stored in the biochar is calculated to be 3.081 mt CO2 eq / mt biochar (dry).
Why it matters: This is the core metric that shows how much CO2 can potentially be removed from the atmosphere by the biochar.
Step 9: Account for GHG Emissions 🚛🏭
We account for all greenhouse gas emissions across the biochar's lifecycle:
- Biomass supply and transportation: 0.030 mt CO2 eq / mt biochar (dry)
- Production process: 0.042 mt CO2 eq / mt biochar (dry)
- Final use and distribution: 0.068 mt CO2 eq / mt biochar (dry)
Why it matters: These emissions must be subtracted from the total carbon stored to get the net sequestration figure.
Step 10: Calculate the CORC Factor 📜
Finally, we derive the CORC factor by subtracting the total emissions from the stored carbon, resulting in 2.940 mt CO2 eq / mt biochar (dry).
Why it matters: The CORC factor represents the net carbon sequestration potential, which determines the number of Carbon Removal Certificates issued.
Step 11: Total Number of CORCs 🗂️
By multiplying the CORC factor by the total eligible production volume, we calculate the total number of CORCs issued, which in this case is 4,149.57 CORCs.
Why it matters: This final step quantifies the overall impact of the biochar production on carbon removal, highlighting the contribution of your process to climate action.
📊 A Closer Look at the Numbers
The Essence of Our Biochar
Organic Carbon Content: Our biochar boasts an impressive 91.50% organic carbon content, reflecting its high capacity for carbon storage.
Impact: Each metric ton of biochar produced can store 3.081 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, with a net sequestration rate of 2.940 metric tons after accounting for minimal emissions during production, transport, and distribution.
🌱 The CORC Factor
Net Carbon Sequestration Over 100 Years
CORC Generation: Annually, our efforts result in the generation of 4,144 Certified Carbon Dioxide Removal Credits (CORCs)-each representing our contribution to the global carbon offset market.
Long-Term Impact: The permanence of our biochar in the soil ensures that these CORCs are a reliable and lasting solution to carbon dioxide accumulation.
🚀 Why This Matters
More Than Just Carbon Sequestration
Soil Health: Biochar not only locks away carbon but also improves soil health, enhancing agricultural productivity and turning waste into a valuable resource.
Sustainability: The use of biochar in soil enriches it and provides a multifaceted solution to environmental degradation, contributing to a sustainable future.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Scaling for Greater Impact
Future Plans: As we scale our operations, the potential for significant environmental impact grows exponentially. With every metric ton of biochar produced, we move closer to a sustainable future.
Legacy: Together, we are crafting a legacy of resilience and responsibility-one handful of biochar at a time.
🌐 Get Involved
Join Us on Our Mission
Connect: Become part of the solution. Whether through supporting our initiatives or implementing biochar in your agricultural practices, you can make a difference.
Learn More: Discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future by exploring the benefits of CORCs and biochar.