B.C. carbon offsets update - Methane Management Offset Protocol
The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has introduced a draft offset protocol regarding methane from waste, and is seeking public comment on the draft. Once implemented, the protocol would form part of the legislative framework for meeting the Province’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.
The B.C. government has enacted various climate action legislation that frames B.C.’s approach to reducing emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Under the Climate Change Accountability Act, B.C. has legislated targets for reducing GHG emissions by 40% below 2007 levels by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 80% by 2050. Under the Carbon Neutral Government Regulation, the province also requires provincial public sector organizations to achieve carbon neutrality every year either through emissions reduction or purchasing of B.C. carbon offsets.
Carbon offsets are one of the mechanisms by which reduction targets can be met. Carbon offsets are tradable certificates representing the reduction or removal of GHG emissions and can be used by organizations that have an obligation or desire to offset their GHG emissions.
A B.C. offset unit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent that was either removed from the atmosphere or not released into the atmosphere as a result of direct, beyond business-as-usual action by a project proponent. For carbon offsets to be recognized as B.C. offset units, projects must meet criteria established in the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act, Greenhouse Gas Emission Control Regulation, and use an approved protocol. A protocol is a set of instructions on how to quantify GHG emission reductions from a project. The measurement, monitoring and reporting requirements for B.C.’s protocols follow International Standards Organization 14064-2 standards for Quantification, Monitoring, and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions or Removal Enhancements.
Currently, the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is seeking comments on a proposed Methane Management Offset Protocol (MMOP). The purpose of this protocol is to quantify GHG emission reductions from the management of methane emissions from organic waste. This includes organic waste diversion, landfill gas capture and the anaerobic digestion of wastewater treatment and agricultural wastes.
Potential project proponents under this protocol are facilities that emit biogas, a methane-rich gaseous fuel produced by the decomposition of organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This includes landfills and waste operation facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, pulp and paper operations and the agricultural sector.
The MMOP establishes the following:
- general eligibility requirements;
- guidance and requirements for establishing a baseline scenario;
- categorization and calculation of project sources, sinks, and reservoirs; and
- validation, verification, and monitoring requirements.
Feedback on the proposed protocol can be submitted to GHGRegulator@gov.bc.ca with the subject line “MMOP Feedback” before midnight of August 3, 2021.
An information webinar will be held on June 22, 2021 at 9 a.m. Registration link: Methane Management Protocol Webinar. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is also available to meet with interested parties upon request.
For further information, please consult a member of our DLA Piper Canada British Columbia energy sector lawyers, who will ensure that you have access to the most up-to-date information.
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