What are the QU.A.L.ITY criteria as proposed in the EU Framework for Carbon Farming?
The 4 QUALITY criteria are: quantification - additionality - long-term storage - sustainability
quantification - carbon removal activities need to be measured accurately and deliver unambiguous benefits for the climate. For carbon farming, it is the net GHG removals or emissions that must be quantified.
additionality - carbon removal activities need to go beyond existing practices such as those required by the Union or national statutory, and must take place due to the incentive effect of the certification.
long-term storage - the operators must demonstrate that the new measures undertaken aim at ensuring the long-term or permanent storage of carbon.
sustainability - any carbon removal activities must have neutral impact or generate co-benefits and thereby contribute to sustainability objectives, such as climate change adaptation and mitigation beyond net carbon sequestration benefits.
What does the Carbon Removal Certification Framework stand for?
EU's "Carbon Removal Certification Framework" or CRCF is a certification framework which contributes to the EU's climate, environmental and zero-pollution goals through certification rules such as:
- Carbon farming, such as restoring forests and soils and avoiding soil emissions, rewetting of peatlands, more efficient use of fertilizers, and other innovative farming practices;
- Industrial carbon removals, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, or direct air carbon capture and storage;
- Binding carbon in long-lasting products and materials, such as wood-based construction materials or biochar.
The proposal for the framework can be found via this link.
What is the CSRD directive?
The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) is a European regulation that requires companies to extensively report on their sustainability performance. The CSRD aims to increase transparency and provide standardized information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, enabling investors and other stakeholders to make better-informed decisions.
Under the CSRD, companies must report on their impact on the environment, employees, human rights, and anti-corruption policies. The directive applies to large enterprises and publicly listed companies, including medium-sized businesses, and is being introduced gradually starting in 2024.
This regulation mandates that companies disclose ESG information according to strict standards, such as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), contributing to better comparability and reliability of sustainability reports within the EU.