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TOP STORY
Carbon Pulse launches new Article 6 Portal
In another step towards a more comprehensive data offering, Carbon Pulse has launched a free-access Article 6 Portal tracking international carbon market developments under the Paris Agreement.
AMERICAS
RGGI emissions increase more than 7% YoY in Q4
Emissions under the US Northeast and Mid-Atlantic power sector cap-and-trade scheme rose some 7.3% year-on-year (YoY) in the final quarter of 2024, driven by an uptick in CO2 output in most of the participating states, programme data showed Monday.
RGGI Market: RGAs fluctuate amidst continued programme uncertainty, US-Canada tariff tangle
RGGI allowances (RGAs) fluctuated over the last week as uncertainty continues from not only the stalled programme review, but also the potential of tariffs between the US and Canada, market participants said.
California power sector emissions fall almost 8% YoY in 2024
California electricity sector CO2 emissions fell nearly 8% year-on-year (YoY) in 2024 to reach historic lows as the share of renewables generation grew, according to state data.
LATAM Roundup: Ecuador, Peru boost access to international markets
Both Ecuador and Peru announced measures last week that could facilitate access to international carbon markets – specifically, Article 6 and the CORSIA UN international aviation offsetting scheme.
Peru names two voluntary carbon standards to national registry
Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM) has identified two voluntary carbon market (VCM) standards and four methodologies eligible for inclusion on the national carbon registry launched last year.
Artificial wetlands hit carbon storage limit after 15 years, study finds
Constructed wetlands stop increasing the rate of their carbon capture at the 15-year milestone, challenging assumptions about their long-term climate benefits, a recent study has found.
ASIA PACIFIC
NZ coalition govt partner mulls pulling out of Paris Agreement
The leader of one of New Zealand’s coalition government parties says the country should consider pulling out of the Paris Agreement.
INTERVIEW: Australian developer cancels projects over new guidelines
Less than two months after it was finalised, issues are being raised with Australia’s environmental plantings carbon credit method, with one developer saying its technical requirements have led to them cancelling projects.
Thailand’s voluntary carbon market sees jump in prices, modest volumes
The average price of carbon credits traded under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Programme (T-VER) in the last quarter of 2024 saw a rise of about 40% from the previous quarter, according to official data released Monday.
Senior carbon trader leaves Trafigura
A senior figure at Trafigura’s carbon trading desk has left the company, Carbon Pulse has learned.
Global project developer looking to expand into Australian carbon market
A major global carbon project developer is on the hunt for a project director in Australia, saying it is looking to grow its presence in the country’s carbon market.
EMEA
Austria needs 5-7 mln tonnes of carbon removals per year to reach net zero, official says
Austria’s carbon management strategy, including public funding programmes, will not be impacted by ongoing government coalition talks and will remain in place unless laws are being changed, an official has said, outlining that the country could need as many as 7 million tonnes of carbon removals per year to achieve its climate goals.
Denmark moves to compensate CO2 tax burden on fisheries until 2030
Denmark will help its fishing industry with costs expected from a domestic CO2 levy introduced at the start of this year, according to a government release Monday.
Euro Markets: EUAs tumble 3.5% as ‘risk-off’ sentiment washes over markets
European carbon prices edged lower in early Monday trade even as energy markets forged higher, as EUAs were hit by concerns that President Donald Trump will levy new tariffs on EU exports to the US.
AVIATION
BRIEFING: Could CORSIA be the next Trump target, and what would a US exit mean?
The US’ involvement in the UN’s CORSIA aviation offsetting scheme could soon be on the new Trump administration’s radar – if it’s not already – after the CEO of a major logistics firm said he expects the country to exit the programme. But what would that look like and how are other major countries likely to respond?
VOLUNTARY
VCM Report: Credits from African soil carbon project hang in balance to further knock market confidence
Confidence in the integrity of the voluntary carbon market took another blow last week after a court ruling threatened to invalidate credits from the world’s largest soil carbon project, amid continued low prices across the sector.
UN-backed forest monitoring platform launches blue carbon reporting module
A global forest monitoring initiative has released new blue carbon reporting guidance, the organisation said last week.
INTERNATIONAL
World Bank updates carbon tracking system to align with Article 6, CORSIA
The World Bank has updated its carbon tracking registry to align with international compliance frameworks, including Article 6 and CORSIA, the global aviation offset programme.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
All our nature and biodiversity articles remain free to read (no subscription required). However, we now require that all readers have a Carbon Pulse login to access this content in full. To get a login, sign up for a free trial of our news. If you’ve already had a trial, then you already have a login.
WRI calls for biodiversity markets to fund conservation
Stronger biodiversity-related markets are needed to help drive financing towards nature, as carbon markets are falling short of expectations, the head of the World Resources Institute (WRI) has said.
EU, China launch biodiversity monitoring initiative
The EU and China have launched a four-year project aimed at improving biodiversity and climate monitoring by combining artificial intelligence (AI) with ground and remote sensing data.
85% of asset owners take steps to integrate biodiversity into sustainability strategies -report
Around 65% of surveyed asset owners and managers worldwide have incorporated nature and biodiversity into their sustainability strategies, while a further 20% plan to do so, according to a report released last week.
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EVENTS
India Climate Week – Feb. 3-7, New Delhi – Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) is launching India Climate Week at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and climate action advocates to discuss carbon markets, green technologies, and India’s Net Zero path. Highlights include panel discussions on emerging climate trends, a two-day certification workshop on carbon markets by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), the launch of India SAF and EPR Alliance, and field visits to CBG and Article 6 technologies. The event will feature Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, and Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power. Register here.
Carbon Forward Asia – Mar. 4-5, Singapore – Our third annual Asian conference will once again be held in Singapore. Like at our past events, we’re excited to bring together experts from Asia Pacific to talk ASEAN markets, regional opportunities, developments in local and global carbon pricing, and all the topics you need to hear about across a stimulating two days. Register here
North American Carbon World (NACW) – Mar. 25-27, Los Angeles – The annual NACW conference addresses the most pressing issues in climate policy and carbon markets to the largest gathering of climate professionals in North America. NACW 2025 will dive into major new policies and developments that will shape and scale carbon markets and climate solutions with integrity and ambition. In addition to outstanding speakers, discussions, and insights, NACW provides premier networking opportunities with an active and engaged audience of carbon professionals. Join us for the content, community, and connections for successfully navigating the low-carbon landscape and advancing market-based climate solu
tions. www.nacwconference.com
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Job listings this week
- *Forest Carbon Sales Manager, Manulife Investment Management Timberland And Agriculture – Boston/Remote
- Carbon Analyst (6-month contract), BloombergNEF – London
- Policy Advisor (Brazil), IETA – Brazil (Remote)
*Premium listings
See all listings or post a job
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ADVERTISE WITH US
Carbon Pulse has published its 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
EMEA
New horizons – For Qatar, Article 6 mechanisms present strategic pathways to harmonize economic growth with climate commitments, argues a new paper published as part of a Middle Eastern Council on Global Affairs’ Dossier Series. The country’s resource-based economy and significant energy export sector create unique opportunities under both mechanisms. Article 6.2 offers Qatar flexibility to forge bilateral agreements that align with its economic priorities while maintaining climate integrity, according to the research. These agreements could channel investment into energy efficiency and economic diversification projects, potentially exceeding Qatar’s NDC target of 25% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 compared to business-as-usual scenarios. Meanwhile, Article 6.4, provides a standardised framework for project development and credit generation, building on Qatar’s experience with CDM projects while offering new opportunities under UNFCCC oversight, it added.
Beefed up – The climate impacts of UK beef cattle could be reduced by up to 26% with existing techniques, according to a new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. The most effective intervention is anaerobic digestion of cattle manure, which could reduce emissions by as much as 26%, the study found. Meanwhile, adopting nitrification inhibitors could reduce the carbon footprint of beef production by 7.5%, while the introduction of nitrogen-fixing leguminous white clover could lead to a 12% reduction. “We believe there is significant potential to reduce the carbon footprint of beef farming simply by adopting some or all of these interventions,” said Rothamsted’s Asma Jebari who led the study. “Our findings also underscore the importance of considering emissions beyond the farmgate, and reporting on Soil Organic Carbon when evaluating the environmental impact of farming practices.” The study was undertaken using data from Rothamsted’s North Wyke Farm Platform in Devon, which is a multi-instrumented and measured farmlet with 30 head of cattle.
Interconnectors at risk – The 30-year-long trend of integration and liberalization of the European electricity market is at risk as EU leaders gather for a “retreat” of informal discussions Monday at the Palais d’Egmont, in Brussels. They should pay attention to the upheaval going on in Norway, where voters are disgruntled at having to pay higher electricity prices so German ones don’t face even higher costs, due to the interconnected nature of European power markets. Average wholesale power prices in 2023-2024 were more than 50% higher in southern Norway than in the 2010-2020 period. The problem reached its zenith last week when Norway’s euro-skeptic Center Party denied its support to the EU’s fourth clean-energy package, abandoning the coalition government and setting off a leadership spiral. The center-left Labour Party will now go it alone, in the party’s first minority government in 25 years, ahead of elections set for Sep. 8. The collapse of the Norwegian government comes after growing pushback against cross-border connections, with Nordic countries increasingly feeling they are paying the cost of other countries’ energy policy. And the problem doesn’t stop in Norway, it’s pan-European, with more investment needed in regional links and focus on ensuring there is sufficient dispatchable, baseload generation, Bloomberg Opinion writes.
Transparency concerns – ClientEarth lawyers have challenged the European Commission for ditching key rules that currently allow accessing environment documents in Dec. 2024. ClientEarth has filed a formal complaint, urging the Commission to repeal the unlawful changes.
Spiralling costs – A growing number of households will be unable to insure their homes and mounting losses from natural disasters could destabilise banks, warned the EU’s top insurance regulator — the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. The annual cost of EU natural catastrophes has averaged €44.5 bln in the three years to 2023, outstripping inflation to more than double from an annual average of €17.8 bln in the previous decade, Petra Hielkema, the organisation’s chair told the FT. Hielkema is pushing the EU to fund a public-private partnership that provides reinsurance for natural catastrophe risks to lower the cost and increase the availability of insurance cover in the region. She also spoke of the rising risk of geopolitical fragmentation and the resilience of the US insurance sector.
Climate conspiracies – Russian state media and online bots have spread climate misinformation in Poland as part of a broader effort to undermine democratic institutions, DeSmog reported, citing an analysis by Poland’s military counterintelligence service. The report, covering 2004–2024, found that Russian and Belarusian actors sought to erode trust in climate science, net zero policies, and the EU’s Green Deal. Between 2022 and 2024, Russia was the main “communication creator” in Polish online discussions on green energy, with efforts to “undermine green policies, promote conspiracy theories and … attack climate activists directly,” the report said. The analysis claims Moscow spends up to $4 bln annually on disinformation campaigns.
Sovereign carbon initiatives – In a recent meeting with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport of Guinea, the Africa Sovereign Carbon Registry Foundation (ASCR Foundation) proposed to develop the Sovereign Carbon Initiatives as it did in Djibouti and in Gabon, which was to build compliance carbon scheme for polluters from the aviation and maritime industry, the foundation’s director Paul Sebastien told Carbon Pulse. The ASCR helps countries willing to develop their own carbon initiatives, he added. The foundation will strengthen cooperation with Guinea and develop such initiatives in the country while also proposing the establishment of a financing mechanism for the country’s energy and environmental transition, it said in a recent social media post.
Hesitation on heat pumps – Global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan is cautioning a possible slowdown in the heat pump market amid several challenges, including a higher proportion of aging households, inadequate insulation, higher installation and capital costs, and a shortage of skilled installers and consultants. It projects the global residential heat pump market to grow to 17 mln units by 2035 from 7.59 mln units in 2024, with revenues reaching $80.42 bln, driven by an 8.5% CAGR during the forecast period. In 2024, Europe and the US dominated the market, accounting for nearly 75% of total sales, followed by China and Japan. After strong momentum in the early 2020s however, growth has stalled in 2023 and 2024 due to an easing in gas prices, high electricity taxes, policy inconsistencies, shifting regulations, and reduced funding. Frost & Sullivan said these challenges highlight the difficulty of scaling heat pump adoption quickly enough to meet Europe’s decarbonisation targets.
ASIA PACIFIC
Denied – A UK journalist working in Cambodia for Mongabay has been barred from re-entering the country, the news outlet reported, in what appeared to be in retaliation for his reporting on environmental issues and his involvement in a France24 documentary critical of Cambodia’s carbon credit projects, Mongabay said. Gerald Flynn appeared in the documentary scrutinising the Southern Cardamom REDD+ project, operated by the Cambodian government in partnership with Wildlife Alliance, in the wake of a Human Rights Watch report released last year detailing abuses in the project area. Mongabay said Flynn had lived and reported in Cambodia since 2019, but was denied re-entering the country by immigration officials after trying to return from a brief trip to Thailand, who claimed he had acquired a fake visa and was “permanently banned” from returning. Mongabay said Flynn’s case is part of a broader pattern of repression against journalists and environmental activists in Cambodia.
Going Nuclear – India’s finance minister during the annual budget session announced plans to amend the nuclear liability law, which currently deters foreign investment by holding both operators and suppliers liable for incidents. The government will also allow private companies to enter nuclear power generation, previously controlled only by the state. India aims to generate 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 and develop five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033.
Also going nuclear – Indonesia plans to build nuclear power plants with a 4.3 GW capacity to shift towards cleaner energy, said president Prabowo’s adviser and brother, Hashim Djojohadikusum, according to a Reuters report. The earthquake-prone country will develop floating small modular reactors as well, aiming for operations by 2036. Hashim also said Prabowo’s government does not plan to shut all coal power plants by 2040.
Case closed – New Zealand forestry groups have dropped legal action against the government over forestry charges in its emissions trading scheme announced in 2023. In a statement, Minister of Forestry Todd McClay welcomed the decision, noting the judicial review was launched in response to the previous government’s fees of NZ$30.25/ha ($16.75/ha) per year for post-1989 forestry ETS participants, which was described as excessive. Late last year the coalition government announced a new annual payment of NZ$14.90/ha.
Carbon credit cell – City managers in Pakistan have requested the World Bank’s support in establishing a carbon credit cell within the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in order to improve Islamabad’s air quality and address smog-related issues, the Dawn reported. The civic authority also called for a World Bank partnership for a tree plantation campaign, which will help curb air pollution effectively. The bank is also expected to assist the CDA in preparing short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans to enhance the city’s environment. Poor air quality and smog have become major issues in various cities of Pakistan due to planned and unplanned development, smoke industries, shrinking green spaces, and increase in the number of vehicles to meet the demands of a growing population.
Tree planning in Sri Lanka – Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka’s largest mobile network operator has collaborated with EcoMatcher, a Hong Kong-based corporate tree planting solutions provider, to launch the country’s first tech-driven tree-planting platform. This initiative will enable individuals and businesses to contribute to reforestation and carbon offset efforts through a transparent and trackable solution, starting Jan. 2025. Through EcoMatcher businesses can plant forests, gift trees, and offset their carbon footprint with certified carbon credits while individuals can plant a minimum of five trees, and businesses can establish forests with 1,000 trees or more. Once planted, users can track their trees and monitor their impact through EcoMatcher’s platform.
You’re not alone – South Korea’s trade ministry will launch a new initiative worth 4.1 billion won ($2.8 mln) to support carbon reduction in the country’s industrial supply chain, it announced Monday. The project is being introduced in response to recent changes in international regulations, such as the new EU Batteries Regulation and digital product passport (DPP), the ministry said. Large companies in emissions-intensive industries that wish to benefit from the support programme must form a consortium with multiple small- and medium-sized companies, and each selected consortium can receive up to 3 bln won per year. The ministry will accept proposals until early March.
Biochar from tea leaves – The management consulting arm of Japan’s Shizuoka Bank has partnered with Shizuoka prefecture to launch a biochar-based carbon offset project under the domestic J-Credit programme, according to a recent company statement. Shizuoka Bank Management Consulting aims to be the first in the prefecture to receive J-Credit certification for the application of biochar to tea fields, without disclosing the project size. It plans to conduct research on the soil improvement effects of tea leaves and promote the technique in tea plantation areas across the country.
Green hydrogen cancelled – BP has iced plans to repurpose its former Australian oil refinery outside Western Australian capital Perth into a clean energy hub, making sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and green hydrogen. The news was first broken by independent energy news website Boiling Cold in January but confirmed by the company Monday. It stated it would “adjust” the pace of development and wished for “better alignment with government policies”. The A$600 million ($368 mln) project was flagged by the company several years ago after it first announced it would shutter the Kwinana refinery, the only oil refinery in the state, in late 2020. A final investment decision (FID) was planned for this year and production by 2027. BP had been clear for some time that it needed partnership and government support for its planned green hydrogen, telling a Perth conference in late 2023 that the A$70 mln in government grants had already been crucial. A feasibility study from 2023 for the proposed clean energy hub suggested BP could produce up to 429 tonnes per day of green hydrogen under a high case scenario. It is one of many green hydrogen projects either cancelled or quietly pushed back in the past year in Australia.
CO2 cut – Australian mining explosives maker Orica said Monday it had eliminated 1 MtCO2e from its Kooragang Island site in New South Wales, the result of an Australian first deployment of tertiary abatement technology on three nitric acid plants. The NSW Net Zero Industry and Innovation Programme co-invested A$13 million ($7.99 mln) and Orica received A$25 mln from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The project may also earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). Orica has also installed this tech at its Yarwun plant in Queensland. It said it has already reduced its global emissions footprint by 43% over 2019 levels.
We will help you – India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the government will help the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to meet additional costs in meeting the EU’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulation. “We would like to support our micro and small units to meet those reporting requirements of certification. Our team will work out appropriate measures to help our industry,” he told Hindu Businessline in an interview. India has been a vocal opponent of CBAM, with the minister calling the measure “unfair and unilateral” on several occasions.
AMERICAS
Energy unleashed – The US Senate on Monday confirmed Chris Wright, CEO of oil services firm Liberty Energy, as the Secretary of Energy on a 59–38 vote, with backing from eight Democrats. A vocal critic of climate science and renewable energy policies, Wright has previously claimed there is no climate change crisis and called it “fear-mongering”. Last month, Wright said he would work “tirelessly” to implement President Doland Trump’s agenda as an “an unabashed steward for all sources of affordable, reliable and secure American energy”. That includes oil and natural gas, coal, nuclear power, and hydropower, along with wind and solar power and geothermal energy, Wright said. (AP)
Tariff shot clock – The Trump administration has reached deals with Canada and Mexico to delay tariffs on a broad range of imports from the neighbouring countries. The 25% tariffs were originally announced last week and set to go into place over the weekend. However, the implementation date has been delayed by one month after President Trump had separate phone calls with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump said in a social media post that his administration will see if an “economic deal” with nations can be structured, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Tariffs stymie free flow of oil – North American oil and gas producers did not react positively to President Donald Trump’s initially announced tariffs of up to 25% on US imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The American Petroleum Institute (API) emphasised the importance of free and fair trade in delivering affordable, reliable energy to US consumers, but committed to working with the Trump administration on full exclusions for energy. API added that US refineries rely on Canadian crude while Mexico and China remain key US export markets. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers went further in stating that the group was “deeply disappointed”, but will remain resilient and realign to thrive in a global market. Canadian energy faced a 10% tariff, which was notably lower than tariffs initially proposed on other Canadian goods at 25%.
Property prices in peril – A new report from First Street, a climate risk financial modelling firm, estimates that climate-related risks could reduce US real estate values by $1.47 trillion over the next 30 years. The study projects that climate-driven weather events will raise homeowners insurance premiums by 29.4% on average, with Texas, California, and Florida seeing the highest increases. The study also found that climate migration is expected to reshape population patterns, with 55 mln Americans likely to relocate to more climate-resilient areas such as North Dakota and Montana.
EPA exodus expected – The Trump administration has warned more than 1,100 probationary US EPA employees, many of whom were hired under the Biden administration, that they could be fired at any time, the New York Times reported. The affected staff work on climate change, pollution reduction, and environmental law enforcement, among other programmes. The US EPA is the first among other agencies asked to identify probationary employees, where workers have been directly informed of potential terminations.
Wildfire aid conditions – A group of Republican lawmakers have requested in a letter that congressional appropriators include conditions on federal disaster aid for California’s Los Angeles wildfires. The letter, led by Rep. Jeff Crank (R), was sent to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders and proposes repealing California’s Clean Air Act waivers, arguing that the state’s budget priorities have emphasised zero-emission vehicle mandates over wildfire prevention. The letter cites California’s $2 bln budget deficit and its planned $9.2 bln investment in EV initiatives over seven years, compared to $2.6 bln allocated for wildfire management. The letter further contends that federal aid should be contingent on prioritising public safety.
Spokane studies waste – Spokane, Washington, is considering a $650,000 study by CarbonQuest, a carbon capture company, to assess the feasibility of implementing the technology at its waste-to-energy facility. The facility, the only one of its kind in the state, faces potential costs of $2.5 mln to $8 mln annually starting in 2027 under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. If approved, the study will evaluate carbon capture viability, design options, and potential CO2 disposal or commercial use. (Waste Today Magazine)
EPA heads wildfire cleanup – The US EPA is conducting its largest-ever wildfire hazardous waste cleanup in response to the Los Angeles County wildfires, the agency announced today. The EPA has completed reconnaissance at over 6,000 properties and removed 80 EVs and bulk energy storage systems deemed hazardous. With more than 1,000 personnel in the field, EPA is coordinating with federal, state, and local entities to expedite cleanup efforts, including hazardous material removal as part of Phase 1. This work, directed by a recent executive order from US President Trump, will be followed by Phase 2 debris removal, led by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
US Treasury withdrawal – The US Treasury Department announced on Jan. 30 that it is withdrawing from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), a global body focused on addressing climate-related risks in the financial system. The decision was communicated by the Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office in a formal notification to the NGFS. The announcement follows recent executive orders (EO) signed by President Trump rescinding a number of climate-related policies from the previous Biden administration, with the Treasury stating that its withdrawal is “one part of implementing President Trump’s EO Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements and Unleashing American Energy”.
Georgia powers up – Georgia Power, the largest electric utility in Georgia, has filed its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Georgia Public Service Commission, outlining strategies to meet rising energy demand and support economic growth. The plan includes investments in power generation, grid infrastructure, and customer programmes, with projected electrical load growth of 8,200 MW by 2030. Key proposals include extending the operation of nuclear and fossil fuel plants, expanding renewable energy with 4,000 MW of new resources by 2035, and increasing battery storage capacity. The IRP also seeks to extend the operation of coal-fired plants Bowen and Scherer to at least 2035, after originally planning to retire the plants by 2028.
ConEd seeks rate hikes – Consolidated Edison (ConEd), one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US, has proposed raising customer rates by 11.4% for electricity and 13.3% for gas beginning on Jan. 1 2026, affecting its 3.4 mln electric and 1.1 mln gas customers in New York City and Westchester County. The request, filed with the state’s utility regulator, begins a regulatory review process involving negotiations with the Department of Public Service staff, New York City officials, consumer advocates, and environmental groups. Any rate increase requires approval from the Public Service Commission before taking effect. (E&E News)
The ‘AR’ in circular economy – An Argentine biogas recovery and electricity generation project (VCS 4554) at a 3,000-animal-capacity feedlot in the province of Buenos Aires is reportedly “one step away” from becoming the first feedlot in the country to obtain certification under Verra’s VCS standard (La Nacion). According to Verra’s website, the BiodeS project has requested registration. The feedlot’s estimated annual emissions reductions come to over 14,000 tCO2e. There is already concrete demand for these credits, according to project head Cecilio de Souza: orders have been placed by airlines, large metalworking industries, the automotive sector, and oil companies, he said.
VOLUNTARY
Cooling credits – The Global Carbon Council (GCC) has launched a new methodology to reward energy efficiency in centralised cooling systems. The new methodology is called Energy Efficiency Measures in Existing Centralized Cooling Systems (GCCM006) and is aimed at reducing emissions from cooling systems prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa region. The new methodology offers a framework to replace, retrofit, or modify existing systems with newer, innovative technologies — bringing needed change to the cooling sector while enabling project owners to earn carbon credits. Supported measures include replacement of chillers, condensers, pumps, and other components with more efficient technologies, and optimizing coolant circulation rates in both cooling and condenser networks to match demand and reduce energy use. Read more here.
CO2-rich concrete – German startup NeoCarbon has made its first batch of industry-grade concrete using CO2 sequestered from direct air capture (DAC) technology. NeoCarbon can can use waste heat from industrial plants to improve the efficiency of its CO2 capture process, and ultimately aims to scale a DAC module capable of capturing 62.5 t/y of CO2. Alongside its partner Carbonaide, NeoCarbon plans to generate removal credits in 2025. The cement and concrete industries account for around 8% of global CO2 emissions. NeoCarbon says its low-carbon concrete process results in a 50% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional cement making. (The Chemical Engineer)
Cookstove corrections – Verra has issued a series of corrections and clarifications Feb. 3 related to its cookstove methodology, known as VM0050 Energy Efficiency and Fuel-Switching Measures in Cookstoves. Originally released last year, VM0050 aims to quantify emission reductions for projects that improve the energy efficiency of cookstoves or implements fuel-switching. The latest update includes eight clarifications related to monitoring and measurement requirements, stove condition characterization, and other quantification guidance. The registry also included a correction that changes the frequence of follow-up baseline surveys from two years to five years.
AVIATION
Boarding priority – ICAO on Monday opened the reassessment process for standards approved for Phase 1 to seek eligibility for Phase 2 (2027-29). Between Feb. 3 to Mar. 3, 2025, these programmes can apply for review by the Technical Advisory Body (TAB), which will evaluate their eligibility to supply CORSIA-Eligible Emissions Units for the scheme’s first ‘mandatory’ period. ICAO added that the application window for Phase 1 has now closed, and that new applicants can apply for Phase 2 eligibility from early 2026.
SAF supply – Airline Norwegian and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplier Moeve have signed a contract for the supply of SAF from Moeve’s La Rábida Energy Park (Huelva) in Spain, where it produces the fuel from used cooking oils. Moeve already supplies SAF at Spain’s main airports and Moeve’s SAF was used by Norwegian to operate on key routes from Las Palmas airport in Spain to Norway, Sweden, and Demark in November and December last year. SAF can reduce CO2 emissions throughout its lifecycle by up to 90% compared to traditional kerosene. Moeve is building a new plant with partners with a flexible production capacity of 0.5 mln tonnes of SAF and renewable diesel that will form part of the largest second-generation biofuels complex in southern Europe when it starts operating in 2026.
SCIENCE & TECH
Alternative – Biochar can be a more efficient, sustainable catalyst for water purification, according to a study published in Biochar Today. The research found that modified biochar – potentially a cheaper, environmentally friendly alternative for wastewater treatment – can create persistent free radicals that effectively break down harmful pollutants like aniline.
AND FINALLY…
To the moon, Allbirds! – Allbirds is launching the M0.0NSHOT Zero this week, the world’s first net-zero carbon shoe. This limited-edition high-top footwear, with only 500 pairs available, features carbon-negative regenerative merino wool sourced from New Zealand’s Lake Hawea Station and has a net carbon footprint of 0.0kg CO₂e, achieved without carbon offsets. Unveiled at the Global Fashion Summit in June 2023 and later named one of Time Magazine’s best inventions for 2024, the M0.0NSHOT Zero challenges traditional sustainable design by maximising the use of this wool to lower its carbon footprint, with a monolithic aesthetic. Allbirds has also open-sourced a toolkit detailing the sustainable materials and methods used in the shoe’s production to encourage broader industry adoption. The brand sees this launch as a major step in sustainable footwear innovation, with hopes of inspiring further climate-conscious design in the fashion industry. The M0.0NSHOT Zero will be available in select cities, starting in New York and London on Feb. 6, followed by Dubai on Feb. 7, Seoul on Apr. 1, and Tokyo in spring 2025. Each pair is individually numbered to mark this milestone in sustainable footwear.
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