Methodologies overview

The BidCarbon Standard Scheme allows farmers and other land managers to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the land. Participants can earn carbon credits by setting up a project under an approved BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodology, which sets out the rules for undertaking and estimating abatement from the project.

The BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodologies set out the rules for undertaking a specific activity under the BidCarbon Standard Scheme to earn carbon credits. They explain how to carry out an abatement project and measure the resulting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Every type of activity will need a separate methodology that contains:

● a description of the activity

● rules for carrying out the activity, for example rules that specify how vegetation is to be established and managed, or what equipment must be used to capture gases

● instructions for determining project baselines – abatement must be measured relative to a baseline that reflects what would occur in the absence of the BidCarbon Standard Scheme project

● procedures for estimating abatement as a result of the project, and

● data collection, monitoring, reporting and record-keeping requirements.

The methodologies utilized by the BidCarbon Standard Scheme must be based on credible science and ensure that credits are only issued for genuine and additional reductions in greenhouse gases.

What is a BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodology?

The Technical Governance Committee is responsible for assessing methodologies and ensuring they align with the requirements of the BidCarbon Standard Scheme. In addition, the Committee solicits feedback from the public and seeks guidance from other technical experts.

Public consultation on methodologies also helps the BidCarbon Foundation identify whether there could be any negative social or environmental consequences as a result of crediting the activity under the BidCarbon Standard Scheme. These types of activities will be included on a “negative list” and will not be eligible for BidCarbon Standard Scheme credits.

Before a methodology can be used under the BidCarbon Standard Scheme it must be endorsed by the Committee and approved by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Once approved, methodologies are integrated into the BidCarbon Standard Scheme and their enforcement is overseen by the Board of Trustees of the BidCarbon Foundation.

How are BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodologies made?

Developing new BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodologies

Methodology developers, scientists, industry bodies and other government agencies are working with the Technical Governance Committee (TGC) to develop new BidCarbon Standard Scheme methodologies for use by land managers. The Guidelines for Submitting Methodologies outline the process for developing new methodologies.

Technical Advisory Committee, comprising technical experts and industry representatives, have been established to:

● provide advice on current scientific knowledge

● determine any requirements for additional research

● suggest areas for methodology development.