Teravent's peer-reviewed, IPCC AR6-aligned methodology framework defines how carbon dioxide removal is quantified, verified, and credited across all registry pathways. Every methodology is open-source, versioned, and subject to public comment.
Mangroves, seagrasses, saltmarshes, and tidal wetland carbon sequestration accounting
Net carbon removal is calculated as the change in total ecosystem carbon stock (above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, dead organic matter, and soil organic carbon) between baseline and project periods. Baseline stocks are established through pre-intervention surveys using stratified random sampling at a minimum density of 1 plot per 2 hectares.
The methodology employs the IPCC Tier 2 approach for mangroves and the Blue Carbon Initiative Standard for seagrasses and saltmarshes. Emission factors are drawn from regional datasets calibrated for the Global South, with mandatory local validation where regional defaults deviate by more than 15%.
Leakage deductions apply where mangrove restoration displaces fishing, aquaculture, or agricultural activity beyond the project boundary. Leakage zone is defined as a 5 km buffer around the project perimeter.
Solid sorbent, liquid solvent, and membrane-based direct air capture with geological or mineral storage
Net carbon removal is calculated from direct CO₂ capture mass minus all process-related emissions, including: electricity consumption (grid or dedicated supply), heat energy, sorbent or solvent manufacturing and disposal, compression, transport, and injection or mineralisation of captured CO₂.
All embedded emissions must be calculated using lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology per ISO 14044. Projects powered entirely by non-fossil energy sources may apply reduced scope 2 emissions factors, subject to additionality documentation for the energy source. Scope 3 emissions from capital equipment manufacturing must be amortised over the project lifetime.
Pyrolysis and gasification-derived biochar from biomass feedstocks applied to agricultural or restoration soils
Net CDR is calculated as: (Biomass Carbon × Biochar Yield × Stable Carbon Fraction) minus (All process emissions including feedstock transport, pyrolysis energy, and application emissions). The stable carbon fraction must be determined for each feedstock-temperature combination using the H/Corg ratio per EBC or IBI standards.
Crushed silicate or basalt rock application to agricultural soils to accelerate natural CO₂ mineralisation
CDR is quantified using the cation flux mass balance method: measuring the depletion of divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) from applied rock relative to a conservative tracer (Sr, Zr) as a proxy for weathering-driven CO₂ drawdown. Soil pH, alkalinity, and dissolved inorganic carbon in drainage water are monitored as secondary indicators.
Native species planting and natural forest regeneration on degraded, deforested, or marginal lands
Above-ground carbon is quantified using species-specific and regionally calibrated allometric equations applied to diameter at breast height (DBH) and height measurements. Below-ground biomass is estimated using root-to-shoot ratios. Soil organic carbon change is modelled using RothC or equivalent carbon model validated against regional data, with periodic core sampling for model re-calibration.
Addition of alkaline minerals or electrochemically produced alkalinity to coastal or open ocean waters to increase CO₂ uptake
CDR is quantified as the increase in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) attributable to added alkalinity, modelled using the carbonate chemistry equilibrium equations and verified against direct pCO₂ observations in the treatment zone. The methodology uses a paired-site control design to isolate the treatment signal from natural variability.
Regenerative agriculture, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and grassland restoration soil organic carbon enhancement
Soil organic carbon change is quantified using stratified soil core sampling to a depth of at least 30 cm (100 cm recommended for deep-rooted systems) combined with RothC or Century model projections for inter-sampling period interpolation. Bulk density measurements are mandatory to convert volumetric to mass-equivalent carbon stocks.
Biomass combustion or gasification with CO₂ capture and geological storage
Net CDR is calculated as the captured and stored biogenic CO₂ minus all fossil and process emissions in the supply chain: biomass growth, harvest, transport, pre-treatment, combustion or gasification, CO₂ capture efficiency losses, compression, transport, and injection. Biomass carbon neutrality must be demonstrated at the landscape scale over the project crediting period.
Integration of trees with crops or livestock on agricultural land to sequester carbon and deliver co-benefits
Above-ground carbon in trees is quantified using allometric equations. Below-ground biomass and soil carbon change are estimated using regional root-to-shoot ratios and validated RothC or ICRAF-WaNuLCAS model projections. Emissions from fertiliser use, livestock, and land preparation are deducted from gross sequestration in the net CDR calculation.
Every Teravent methodology is developed through a rigorous, transparent, and community-informed process before approval for use in the Registry.
Methodology concept submitted by a project developer, research institution, or Teravent internally. Includes literature review, quantification rationale, and boundary conditions.
Teravent's Science Advisory Board reviews the proposed methodology for scientific soundness, alignment with IPCC AR6, and feasibility of MRV implementation.
Draft methodology published for a 60-day public comment period. Comments from researchers, civil society, and project developers are reviewed and responded to transparently.
Approved draft is applied to one or more pilot projects. Monitoring data and verifier feedback are used to identify practical gaps before final approval.
Approved methodology published with version number, effective date, and full revision history. Available under Creative Commons licence for use by all Registry participants.
Choose the methodology that fits your CDR approach and begin the project registration process on the Teravent Registry.