Tons of Carbon Sequestered or Emissions Avoided

Purpose

The purpose of this Performance Measure (PM) is to demonstrate the value of ecosystem resources in SNC’s service area in reducing the effects of climate change. Potential project types can include forest management, forest conservation, and reforestation projects. The carbon reductions included in this performance measure will be developed using FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) data as applied to the requirements of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).

Likely Project Categories

This PM would likely be applicable for projects in the following two categories:

  • Site Improvement/Restoration
  • Acquisition projects

Guidance on Applying this PM to Your Project

The following is a recommended approach to collecting data and reporting on this PM. If your project requires unique steps or considerations, please discuss them with your SNC project manager.

Data Collection & Analysis

Data collection methods and calculated carbon reductions will vary by project, and should conform to industry protocols such as those used by FIA. The relevant protocols are described in the “Other” section below.

Reporting

You are asked to document accepted reductions by providing:

  • A copy of the FIA methodology used to calculate total tons of carbon sequestered or carbon release avoided, and the relevant time period it is applied to; or,
  • If your project does not follow FIA guidelines, a description of the protocol used to determine estimates.

Other

For projects using FIA guidelines, the data collection, analysis and reporting for this performance measure is based on FIA’s approach to tracking carbon reductions. References for this process are available from The Climate Registry.

For projects proposing the use of other protocols, grantees should identify and describe the methodology for calculating carbon sequestered or emissions reduced. Grantees should also provide a source reference for such protocols.

Reporting does require a high level of effort for the first year. The FIA reporting and certification process requires an extensive understanding of their protocols, time to assemble required information and an audit by an independent verification agency. This process is expected to require specialized expertise to support grantees. This expertise could come from a consultant. The first-year process is expected to require 100 hours or more, while later years may require less.