Gather the Data

Conceptualize your project and draft and initial idea to assess the project’s financial viability. It is important to obtain a high-intensity, accurate inventory to determine “baseline” carbon levels and determine the “additionality” in both the models and in the real-world comparison. During this analysis, it is very important to take into consideration the project plan, cashflow opportunities, risk assessments, etc., to ensure the project will result in a net positive carbon benefit.

• Conduct background research on carbon standard programs and carbon offset project types to determine which program best fits your needs and desired outcome
• Identify the participants – Landowner, Consultant, or Carbon Developer
• Draft preliminary activities on how the project will enhance / maintain forest carbon
  NOTE: The more detail provided at this stage, the easier and less costly the next steps will be

Once all information and documentation has been collected, the applicant will submit a preliminary report according to the guidelines of the selected program’s methodology or standard

Obtain the Equivalent of Your ‘Building Permit’

List your project with a Carbon Standard Program. At this point project owners identify the roles and responsibilities for implementing the project and agree on the shared allocation of carbon credit revenues. 

Make it Official!

Due to the in-depth validation procedures, this step is one of the most technical and sensitive parts of the carbon project development process.  

An independent, accredited auditor will review project documents and overall design to ensure alignment with the selected carbon standard and methodology. A report will be generated and made publicly available on the chosen carbon registry’s website. At that time the project owner can address any issues in the documentation.  

Once fully validated and registered, the carbon project is considered viable and is eligible to receive carbon credits which will be issued at the end of the process. 

Make it Happen!

At this stage, the actual implementation and monitoring of the project begins as the methodology from the initial project plan is applied. It’s important to note that project implementation can begin earlier in the process. However, due to the significant resources/investment required, it is best to ensure the project is both viable and likely to be accepted prior to implementation. 

Once on-the-ground activities begin, constant and specified monitoring and documentation are required throughout the life of the project. This information will be examined and audited in the next step.  

NOTE: As you mitigate project risk throughout the implementation period, the number of credits held in the buffer pool can be reduced and thus made available for receipt by project stakeholders. 

Almost There!

A third-party auditor verifies inventory and various documentation compiled for the project. At this point, auditors will certify the occurrence of actual additionality in terms of carbon volume growth over the original number of offsets calculated (also called the “baseline”).  

You Did It! 

Congratulations! After what can take years of effort, carbon credits can now be issued and you can be paid for your efforts.  

The issuance process may vary depending on the carbon standard and/or registry under which the project was submitted.