> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/principles-and-requirements.md).

# Principles & requirements

Project Developers shall demonstrate that they comply with all principles and requirements outlined in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md), and described below with a specific focus on BioCCS.

{% content-ref url="/pages/CRADNrj4mfS258PN3x7N" %}
[Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Additionality

Project Developers shall follow the additionality requirements in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#additionality) and fill out the [Rainbow Additionality Template](/rainbow-standard-documents/procedural-templates/additionality-evaluation-template.md).

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Regulatory surplus analysis" %}
**Regulatory surplus analysis** shall demonstrate that there are no regulations that require or mandate project activities. It is acceptable if regulations promote or set targets for these activities, because the resulting increase in activities shall be accounted for in the [baseline scenario](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/eligibility-and-scope.md#project-scope-1).

At the European Union level, projects automatically pass the regulatory surplus analysis, which has been conducted by the Rainbow Team. Project Developers are only required to provide a country-level regulatory surplus analysis.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Investment analysis" %}
**Investment analysis** shall be used to prove that revenue from carbon finance is necessary to make the project investment a financially viable and interesting option, and that the project would not have been viable through government support or compliance market payments alone. The investment may cover:

* The creation and launching of new **carbon capture** **sites** (i.e. greenfields)
* Expansion of capacity of existing **carbon capture** activities
* Expansion by installing new **carbon capture processes** onto existing CO<sub>2</sub> generating sites (i.e. retrofits)

Business plans shall be provided as initial proof for investment analysis. During subsequent verifications, audited financial statements shall be used to demonstrate that the initial estimates from the business plan were reasonable, and that carbon finance was used as initially described for the expected investment.

Project Developers shall use Internal Rate of Return (IRR) or Net Present Value (NPV) as financial indicators for any investment analyses.

Note that for investments in expansion, **only the additional carbon removals enabled by the expansion shall be eligible for Rainbow Carbon Credits.**
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Durability <a href="#lc9eewbyvlyk" id="lc9eewbyvlyk"></a>

### Durability threshold

The durability of carbon removal for projects certified under this methodology is **1000+ years**.

### Reversal risk assessment

The major carbon reversal risks from BioCCS is at the CO<sub>2</sub> storage site in geological formations, where fugitive CO<sub>2</sub> leaks may occur due to e.g. natural or induced seismicity, lateral migration of the CO<sub>2</sub> plume, degrading confining systems, faults and fractures at infrastructure.

Project design requirements largely reduce reversal risks by restricting the [eligible carbon storage](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/eligibility-and-scope.md#eligible-storage) to countries with established storage regulations.

In addition to storing CO<sub>2</sub> at a regulated storage site, Project Developers shall:

* prove access to storage capacity for the projected amount of CO<sub>2</sub> captured during the facility's operating lifetime through contracts with storage providers,
* prove compliance with national storage regulations (in the [Storage Plan](#lc9eewbyvlyk-1)),
* establish a post-crediting reversal monitoring plan (in the [Storage Plan](#lc9eewbyvlyk-1)),

Upon meeting the above-mentioned requirements, the risk of reversal for carbon storage in geological formations is considered negligible. There are **no further requirements to assess reversal risks** at the project-level.

All projects certified under this methodology shall contribute the default minimum 2% of their verified removal RCCs to the [Rainbow Buffer Pool](/rainbow-standard-documents/procedures-manual/rainbow-carbon-credits.md#buffer-pool), as defined in the Rainbow Standard Rules.

### Storage Plan <a href="#lc9eewbyvlyk" id="lc9eewbyvlyk"></a>

The assumption that reversal risk is negligible in geological storage relies on storage sites being **rigorously selected, characterized, and monitored,** both during operations and after site closure. As part of the validation audit, Project Developers are required to provide a **storage plan**, including but not limited to the following information:

<table><thead><tr><th width="198.1973876953125">Section of Storage Plan</th><th>Required content</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Site suitability</strong></td><td><ul><li>applicable regulations governing the geological storage site</li><li>characterization of the storage site (i.e potential storage complex and surrounding area),</li><li>assessment methods and data used to determine suitability for geological storage,</li><li>risk assessment for the potential of leakage from the storage site, including risk magnitude, timing and frequency.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Monitoring procedures</strong></td><td><ul><li>technologies used</li><li>frequency of monitoring</li><li><p>The list of monitored parameters shall at least comprise</p><ul><li>the gas flow rate,</li><li>the chemical composition of the injected CO<sub>2</sub> stream</li><li>the pressure and temperature at the injection wellhead, at the reservoir and/or along the well (where accessible)</li></ul></li><li><strong>Normal, alert and threshold values</strong> for monitored parameters procedures implemented in case the alert or threshold values are reached.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Reversal monitoring plan scope</strong></td><td><p>Plans to monitor the injection facility, the storage complex, including the CO<sub>2</sub> plume where possible, and its <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-1">surroundings</a>, covering at least the following points:</p><ul><li>changes in the actual and modeled behavior of CO<sub>2</sub>,</li><li>any irregularities,</li><li>migration and leakage of CO<sub>2</sub>,</li><li>negative effects on the surrounding environment,</li><li>structural integrity of the infrastructure,</li><li>location and extent of the area monitored</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Reversal response protocol</strong></td><td><p>Outlining actions taken if a reversal event is detected (i.e. timeline for response steps, corrective measures, documentation of any reversal events). This protocol shall be in accordance with the <a href="/pages/PFnP2GjoQlU2GAENGCg3#cancelation">Rainbow Cancelation Procedure</a> and its <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-2">Cancelation Notice</a>.</p><p><br>Project Developers shall establish an agreement with the storage operator to ensure compliance with the above mentioned requirements, if the Project Developer is not the storage provider.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Post-closure procedure</strong></td><td><p>Description of procedures and liability transfer process, in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks. This shall at least cover</p><ul><li>post-closure monitoring,</li><li>reporting and corrective measures,</li><li>conditions for liability transfer.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Liability</strong></td><td>In the case that the <strong>Project Developer is not the storage operator</strong>, the Project Developer shall provide a clear division of responsibilities and liabilities between the Project Developer and the external storage operator.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that all required information shall comply with the requirements from relevant **local or national regulations**. If such regulations do not provide specifications, it shall be based on **industry best practices or peer-reviewed scientific literature.**
{% endhint %}

## No double counting <a href="#n1iy4xaxuthk" id="n1iy4xaxuthk"></a>

Project Developers shall sign the [Rainbow MRV & Registry Terms & Conditions](/other/terms-and-contracts/terms-and-conditions-for-project-developers-mrv-+-registry.md), committing to follow the requirements outlined in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules.md), including not double using or double issuing carbon credits.

BioCCS projects have multiple process steps, with each step potentially operated or managed by parties other than the Project Developer. To avoid double counting, Project Developers shall provide proof, through contracts with all parties involved in the supply chain, that they are the sole owner of the RCCs associated with the storage activity, and ensure that no other party claims carbon removals associated to the activity.

Any allocation applied for co-products in the [GHG Quantification](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md) section of this methodology shall be **consistent with any other GHG accounting performed by the operator**, whether voluntary or required under applicable law. Specifically, this means that removals assigned to the BioCCS activity shall not also be deducted or claimed as avoided in a product carbon footprint, Environmental Product Declaration, or corporate GHG inventory for the primary product(s).

#### CO<sub>2</sub> Traceability

**Mass balance for non-segregated streams**

If the project CO<sub>2</sub> is mixed with CO<sub>2</sub> from other sources at any point after leaving the capture site, the CO<sub>2</sub> injected at the storage site cannot be directly linked to the BioCCS project. In the case of this so-called [**non-segregated stream scenario**](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#non-segregated-stream), Project Developers shall use contractual agreements with the transport and/or storage operators to **link a quantity of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;being injected at a storage site with an equivalent quantity of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;captured at the capture site** by the BioCCS project (minus any transport and storage losses), even if the exact physical location of the captured CO<sub>2</sub> molecules is unknown. No other CO<sub>2</sub> stored or leaving the shared system shall be linked to the same captured quantity.

Project Developers shall provide evidence, or arrange for the transport and/or storage operators to provide it, showing that all of the following mass balance rules are met:

* Each quantity of CO<sub>2</sub> entering the transport or storage system can only be counted as stored or discharged once.
* The total CO<sub>2</sub> entering any transport segment or storage site in a given period must equal the total CO<sub>2</sub> leaving or being stored at that same segment or site in the same period. Small differences are allowed to account for CO<sub>2</sub> actively in transit or undergoing storage processes at the end of the period, and for measurement uncertainty.
* Where CO<sub>2</sub> from a project is mixed with CO<sub>2</sub> from other sources, and the mixed stream is then split across more than one transport segment or storage site, Project Developers shall agree with other parties which portion of the transferred CO<sub>2</sub> is treated as coming or partially coming from the BioCCS project.
* Where CO<sub>2</sub> is transferred into a shared transport network and mixed with CO<sub>2</sub> from other sources, Project Developers do not need to track the exact transit time. Any equivalent quantity of CO<sub>2</sub> leaving the network after the project's CO<sub>2</sub> entered may be treated as the project's CO<sub>2</sub>, as long as the CO<sub>2</sub> is not assumed to have traveled against the flow direction.

{% hint style="info" %}
For example, a BioCCS project at a biogas facility captures 1,000 tCO<sub>2</sub> and injects it into a shared pipeline network already carrying CO<sub>2</sub> from two other industrial sources.

The three CO<sub>2</sub> streams mix in the pipeline. It's not possible to track exactly which molecules came from the BioCCS project.

Applying the methods to calculate transport losses, 8 tCO<sub>2</sub> associated with the project CO<sub>2</sub> was lost in transit. Under a contractual agreementt, the BioCCS project and the storage site operator agree in writing that:

* 992 tCO<sub>2</sub> injected at the storage site is attributed to the BioCCS project (1,000 t captured minus 8 t transport losses)
* That 992 tCO<sub>2</sub> is counted as permanently stored by the BioCCS project
* No other party can claim those same 992 tCO<sub>2</sub> as their stored quantity

The contract doesn't require the BioCCS project to prove its specific CO<sub>2</sub> molecules are the ones stored, just that the mass balance adds up and no double-counting occurs across all users of the shared system
{% endhint %}

## Co-benefits <a href="#id-8f3i2uvmiuhl" id="id-8f3i2uvmiuhl"></a>

Projects should support at least two **quantifiable and verifiable** environmental or social co-benefits, aligned with the [UN Sustainable Development Goals](https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/Global-Indicator-Framework-after-2024-refinement-English.pdf) (SDGs) framework. Any co-benefits claimed by the Project Developer shall be **quantified, monitored, and audited** for each verification and credit issuance.

Common co-benefits under this methodology are detailed in the table below. Project Developers may suggest and prove other co-benefits not mentioned here.

SDG 13 on Climate Action by default is not considered a co-benefit here, since it is implicitly accounted for in the issuance of carbon credits. If the project delivers climate benefits that are not accounted for in the GHG reduction quantifications, then they may be considered as co-benefits.

*Table 1 Common co-benefits that projects under this methodology may provide are detailed, including types of proof that can be used to justify each co-benefit.*

<table><thead><tr><th width="205.4730224609375">UN SDG</th><th width="345">Example</th><th>Proof</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>SDG 7.2.</strong> Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.</td><td>BioCCS projects classified as greenfield projects produce renewable bioenergy (heat, electricity, biogas), and contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy.</td><td>Energy produced (kWh), injection receipts from electricity/heat/gas network</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SDG 9.4:</strong> Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.</td><td>Retrofits and additions to existing facilities support sustainable industrialization by operating scalable, innovative carbon-negative solutions.</td><td>Project description</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SDG 11.6:</strong> Reduce adverse environmental impact of cities</td><td>By capturing flue gas from municipal solid waste management sites, BioCCS projects may capture harmful pollutants alongside CO<sub>2,</sub> thereby improving urban air quality.</td><td>Analysis and quantification of captured flue gas</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SDG 12.2:</strong> Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.</td><td>BioCCS project capturing CO<sub>2</sub> from <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-3"><strong>waste-only</strong></a> biomass ensures that no additional land or resources are required for feedstock. This approach maximizes resource efficiency, avoids competition with food production and promotes circular economy principles.</td><td>Biomass invoices and supplier contracts</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Environmental and social safeguards <a href="#id-82n4j72vjt9v" id="id-82n4j72vjt9v"></a>

Project Developers shall prove that the **project does not contribute to substantial environmental and social harms.**

Projects shall follow all national, local and European (if located in Europe) environmental and social regulations for the **capture, transport and storage of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>, and prove such compliance using, for example, permits, certifications, or licenses.

Project Developers shall comply with the following biomass sustainability requirements, and complete the [BioCCS risk assessment](#esdnh-risk-assessment) described below.

### Biomass sustainability

The following requirements apply to all [biomass fractions](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]:

* Project Developers shall transparently report on the **mass, type and source of biomass** to the level required in regulations[^5], national guidance and relevant industrial standards.
* Project Developers shall prove that biomass complies with the requirements for different types of biomass outlined below.

<details>

<summary>Forestry waste</summary>

Eligible sources of [forestry waste](#user-content-fn-6)[^6] and downstream wood processing waste are:

* **Secondary forest:** Natural but not primary old-growth forest, may still be managed for timber
* **Managed forest:** Managed mixed-use forests that may include agroforestry, plantations or rotational logging

Forestry waste and downstream wood processing waste shall meet all of the following requirements:

* Biomass shall **not be sourced from a** [**primary forest**](#user-content-fn-7)[^7].
* Biomass shall be proven to be waste, following the [proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below.
* Biomass shall hold at least one of the following **forestry sustainability certificates**:
  * FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)⁠
  * PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)⁠
  * RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials)⁠
  * SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative)⁠
  * SBP (Sustainable Biomass Program)⁠
* Biomass shall be sourced from an area with **stable or increasing carbon stocks**. Assessment of forest carbon stocks shall be evidenced by one of the following approaches:
  * **Sourcing area assessment:** An independent third-party assessment demonstrating that the net change in forest carbon stocks within the [sourcing region ](#user-content-fn-8)[^8]has not decreased during the last five years for which data is available, compared to the average forest carbon stocks in the previous 5-year period. The assessment shall be based on public inventory data and shall include live, above-ground biomass. Deadwood pools may be included if reliable data is available.
  * **Jurisdictional assessment:** Evidence that the net LULUCF[^9] emissions of the jurisdiction, as reported to the UNFCCC, are zero or negative (i.e. a net carbon sink) over a r[olling average](#user-content-fn-10)[^10] not exceeding 10 years, using the most recently available primary data. Net emissions shall include both forest land and harvested wood products as reported within the LULUCF sector. Where biomass is sourced from jurisdictional territories exceeding 5 million km<sup>2</sup>, additional evidence that forest carbon stocks in the sourcing are not decreasing over the same period shall be provided.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Necessary tree removal</summary>

**Necessary tree removal from any forest** includes damaged trees, or trees removed for planned forest management such as preventing disease spread or wildfires.

Project Developer shall

* prove that the biomass comes from a necessary tree removal activity. Evidence includes official documentation from a competent governmental authority confirming the necessity of tree removal, stating the forest health objective (such as fire risk reduction, pest control, or disease containment), together with chain-of-custody records linking the biomass to the designated intervention area, and
* prove that the biomass is classified as **waste**, following the [proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below, and
* provide an **Ecosystem Restoration Plan** outlining all of the following:
  * the extent of tree removal, and how much biomass is left on the ground after harvesting
  * impacts on biodiversity and habitat loss
  * impacts on ecosystem carbon loss

</details>

<details>

<summary>Agro-food waste</summary>

Agro-food waste may originate from the field, or from food processing facilities. It shall be proven to be waste, following the [Proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below.

If agro-food waste originates from the field, it shall be harvested in a way that preserves soil carbon stocks and soil quality. Evidence may include national or regional regulations, policies or local residue harvesting plans, provided these include some form of monitoring and enforcement.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Municipal solid waste (MSW)</summary>

Municipal solid waste shall not be generated for the purpose of generating CO<sub>2</sub> and/or for CDR.

MSW sites shall prove sustainable management of any hazardous waste, following the applicable regulations.

The biomass shall also be proven to be waste, following the [proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Municipal sludge</summary>

Municipal sludge such as sewage sludge and biosolids shall not be generated for the purpose of generating CO<sub>2</sub> and/or for CDR.

Sites handling municipal sludge shall prove sustainable management of any hazardous waste, following the applicable regulations.

The biomass shall also be proven to be waste, following the [proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Animal waste</summary>

Animal waste such as manure and slurry shall not be generated for the purpose of generating CO<sub>2</sub> and/or for CDR.

The biomass shall also be proven to be waste, following the [proof of waste status](#proof-of-waste-status) requirements below.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Invasive species</summary>

Project Developers shall **provide proof of invasive species status** for any biomass feedstock categorized as invasive species. This may include but is not limited to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the species as invasive in the specific region, national or regional government invasive species lists or registers, regional intergovernmental lists (e.g. IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group database), or local official weed management orders.

Project Developers shall provide an **Ecosystem Restoration Plan**, outlining all of the following:

* the extent of invasive species harvesting, and how much biomass is left in the field after harvesting
* procedures to ensure only targeted invasive species are harvested
* impacts on biodiversity and habitat loss
* impacts on ecosystem carbon loss

</details>

<details>

<summary>Marginal energy crops</summary>

To avoid competition with food and feed production, marginal energy crops are defined as crops that are:

* grown on [**marginal**](#user-content-fn-11)[^11]**,** [**degraded**](#user-content-fn-12)[^12] **or contaminated land**, not suitable for food or feed production; or
* grown as a **cover crop or intermediary crop**, on agricultural land suited for food and feed production.

Project Developers shall demonstrate compliance with the following sustainability criteria:

* The classification of land as marginal, degraded or contaminated shall be recognized by a local competent authority.
* Marginal energy crops shall not be cultivated on land classified as [highly biodiverse land](#user-content-fn-13)[^13], or [high carbon stock land](#user-content-fn-14)[^14] in or after January 2008. Land use maps, land register extracts or other official documentation shall be provided as evidence.
* Marginal energy crops shall be cultivated under an agronomic **monitoring or management plan** that preserves or improves soil quality and soil carbon. Acceptable proof includes national or regional regulations, policies or local harvesting plans, provided these include some form of monitoring and enforcement.
* Cultivation of intermediary or cover crops shall comply with applicable local or regional regulations governing the cultivation of this crop type for bioenergy applications, ensuring that the crop is not the primary driver of land use and does not trigger demand for additional land. Acceptable proof includes feedstock traceability records, identifying each feedstock batch by plot of origin and delivery date. Access to feedstock sourcing history at farm level shall be made available upon request.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Primary energy crops</summary>

Primary energy crops are grown as a [main crop](#user-content-fn-15)[^15] on agricultural land that is suited for food and feed production.

This biomass type is eligible only for BioCCS projects capturing CO<sub>2</sub> from **anaerobic digestion,** and shall not exceed 15% of the total mass of the feedstock mix.

Project Developers shall demonstrate compliance with the following sustainability criteria:

* To avoid competition with food and feed production, primary energy crops shall be grown on land that was in [**repeated cultivation for energy crops**](#user-content-fn-16)[^16] **for at least 20 years** prior to the project start date.
* Primary energy crops shall not be cultivated on land classified as [highly biodiverse land](#user-content-fn-13)[^13], or [high carbon stock land](#user-content-fn-14)[^14] in or after January 2008. Land use maps, land register extracts or other official documentation shall be provided as evidence.
* Primary energy crops shall be cultivated under an agronomic **monitoring or management plan** that preserves or improves soil quality and soil carbon. Acceptable proof includes national or regional regulations, policies or local harvesting plans, provided these include some form of monitoring and enforcement.

</details>

#### Proof of waste status

Biomass types categorized above as waste shall be **proven to be waste** using any one of the following three methods:

1. **Price**: if Project Developers did not pay for the biomass, or if they were paid to handle it, the biomass can be considered waste. Acceptable proof includes invoices, receipts, or contracts.
2. **Contextual analysis**: Project Developers may submit an analysis supported by reputable sources that the biomass 1) could not be used as main material products, and 2) was not grown for the purpose of CDR or bioenergy generation.
3. **Positive list of wastes**: if the biomass is included in the following list, it can be considered waste. Acceptable proof includes invoices, receipts, contracts, or photographic evidence and is required for validation:

{% columns %}
{% column %}

* sawmill residues
* sawdust
* shavings
* bark
* forestry tops and branches
* wildfire management residues
* straw
* husks
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

* corn cobs
* wood pruning from horticulture
* nut shells
* bagasse
* sugar beet pulp
* municipal solid waste
* municipal sludge and biosolids
* animal manure and slurry
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

***

<details>

<summary>🇪🇺 <strong>CRCF requirement:</strong> Biomass sustainability</summary>

In addition to meeting all requirements outlined above, Projects seeking certification under the CRCF shall also comply with the following:&#x20;

#### **RED-certified biomass**

Project shall use biomass that is compliant with the EU's [Renewable Energy Directive](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023L2413\&qid=1699364355105) (RED) III. Specifically, this means that &#x20;

* biomass shall be compliant with the sustainability requirements set out in Article 29 of the RED for the purposes referred to in Article 29, Paragraph 1 (a), (b) and (c), even if the project does not generate renewable energy that is taken into account under the RED.
* the requirements on GHG savings set out in Article 29, Paragraph 10 shall only be met if the CO<sub>2</sub> is captured at a facility producing heat, electricity or a biofuel, bioliquid or biogas. The GHG savings criteria apply to the product of the facility.&#x20;
* biomass from waste or residues from agricultural, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry residues are subject to the sustainability requirements set out in Article 29, Paragraphs 2 to 7. Other biomass types are not subject to the requirements in these paragraphs.

Compliance shall be demonstrated by certification of the biomass from&#x20;

* [voluntary schemes](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/bioenergy/voluntary-schemes_en) approved by the Commission in accordance with Article 30, Paragraph 4 of RED, or
* national schemes recognized by the Commission in accordance with Article 30, Paragraph 6 of RED, or
* schemes recognized by the competent national authority in the state where the BioCCS capture facility is located.

#### **Additional biomass sustainability requirements**

Project Developers shall also demonstrate that

* biomass is not identified as being produced from a high indirect land use change risk feedstock, as defined in the [Delegated Regulation 2019/807](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/807/oj/eng) to the RED.
* if biomass is sourced from areas designated by the national competent authority for

  conservation, including areas covered by the national restoration plan established under

  [Regulation (EU) 2024/1991](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj/eng), or in habitats that are protected, the sourcing shall be in

  accordance with the conservation and restoration objectives for those areas.

#### **CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;captured from energy production covered under RED**

If CO<sub>2</sub> is captured from an energy production process covered by the RED, Project Developers shall demonstrate that

* the national implementation of that directive applies to the operator of the energy production process and that the operator complies with this national implementation.
* the operator complies with any measures in that national implementation that ensure that woody biomass is used according to the [list of priorities](#user-content-fn-17)[^17] established in Article 3, Paragraph 3 of the RED, including any derogations introduced by Member States under Article 3, Paragraph 3 (a), if the operator benefits from a relevant support scheme for energy production.
* the operator does not receive direct financial support from Member States for the use of saw logs, veneer logs, industrial grade roundwood, stumps and roots to produce energy, in line with Article 3, Paragraph 3 (c)&#x20;

Facilities regulated under the RED undergo periodic assessment of compliance with the sustainability requirements by Member State competent authorities. This periodic assessment shall not prevent the compliance assessment conducted by the VVB for approval of credit issuance. In practice, this means that the VVB does not need to wait for the completion of an ongoing RED assessment of compliance before assessing the BioCCS project and approving credit issuance. However, if the Member State assessment results in any non-conformity with Article 29 of the RED, Project Developers shall notify Rainbow and the VVB immediately.&#x20;

#### **Voluntary compensation of biomass**

To support the regeneration of natural carbon stocks used for the generation of permanent carbon removals, Project Developers may purchase [carbon farming sequestration units](#user-content-fn-18)[^18] and report the amount in the monitoring report.&#x20;

</details>

#### **Biomass conversion efficiency**

For projects that capture CO<sub>2</sub> from a facility that primarily converts biomass to heat and/or electricity, Project Developers **shall not make operational changes that reduce the efficiency of the biomass-to-bioenergy conversion process**, i.e. requiring greater biomass consumption in favor of higher CO<sub>2</sub> generation.

Project Developers shall prove one of the following:

* The facility's [nameplate energy generation capacity](#user-content-fn-19)[^19] has not increased by more than what is needed **to power the capture process.** This shall be assessed relative to the facility's nameplate capacity either at the time it began operating, or three years prior to the start of the project's certification period.
* The facility would remain economically viable without carbon removal, if it is
  * a [newly-constructed facility](#user-content-fn-20)[^20] that became operational not more than one year before the start of the BioCCS project; or
  * a facility that previously consumed fossil fuel feedstock, either partly or entirely, and that was adjusted to increase the share of biomass in the feedstock mix not more than one year before the start of the BioCCS project.

The above requirements do not apply if the project captures CO<sub>2</sub> from:

* waste-to-energy facilities combusting wastes or residues other than agricultural, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry residues (e.g. municipal waste incineration);
* facilities using biomass for **non-energy applications** or where heat/electricity are **not the primary outputs** (e.g., biofuel or biogas production);
* facilities using biomass as part of an **industrial chemical process** to produce a product other than heat or electricity, even if energy is also extracted.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Example**

A bioenergy plant, built in 2015, has a nameplate energy generation capacity of 50 MW, which has remained unchanged since it began operating. In 2022, the facility was retrofitted with a carbon capture unit, which requires 3 MW of energy to operate, and captures **18,000 tCO**<sub>**2**</sub>**/year**. The plant consumes 100,000 tonnes/year of woody biomass.

* **Scenario 1:** The plant’s nameplate capacity increased by 3 MW, from 50 MW (2019, three years prior to the start of the project) to 53 MW, due to an increased consumption of biomass. The capacity increase **exactly matches the energy needed to power the capture process**. No other operational changes were made.
  * ✅ **This scenario is eligible** because the increase only covers the energy demand of the capture unit.
* **Scenario 2:** The plant’s nameplate capacity increased by 6 MW, from 50 MW (2019) to 56 MW, **exceeding the 3 MW required for the capture process**. Since the increase is greater than what is needed to power the capture unit, it suggests that biomass consumption was increased not only to power the capture unit, but also to generate more CO<sub>2</sub> for capture.
  * ❌ **This scenario is ineligible** because the capacity increase goes beyond the needs of the capture process.
* **Scenario 3:** In 2025, the Project Developer installs an additional heat recovery system that improves the plant's overall thermal efficiency, allowing more CO<sub>2</sub> to be captured from the same flue gas stream. Biomass consumption remains unchanged at 100,000 tonnes/year, but the capture unit can now process a greater share of the flue gas, increasing captured CO<sub>2</sub> to 20,000 tCO<sub>2</sub>/year
  * ✅ **This scenario is eligible**. Although the operational changes increased CO<sub>2</sub> generation per unit of output, this results from an improvement in process efficiency, not from additional biomass consumption

***

A biogas plant produces biomethane through anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues. CO<sub>2</sub> is captured from the upgrading process, where it is separated from the raw biogas stream. The plant's primary output is biomethane for grid injection. In 2024, the plant increases its feedstock consumption by 20%, from 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes/year of agricultural residues, in order to produce more biomethane. As a result, more CO<sub>2</sub> is available for capture.

* ✅ **This scenario is not subject to the requirements above**. The facility's primary purpose is biomethane production, not heat or electricity generation. The additional CO2 captured is a co-product of biomethane production expansion, not the result of an operational adjustment made solely to increase CO<sub>2</sub> availability.
  {% endhint %}

### Environmental and social risk assessment <a href="#esdnh-risk-assessment" id="esdnh-risk-assessment"></a>

Project Developers shall fill in the [BioCCS risk assessment template](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/risk-assessment-template.md), to evaluate the identified environmental and social risks of projects. The identified risks include:

For biomass

* Disruption of soil health when collecting and exporting organic matter
* Deforestation from use of forestry products as feedstock
* Distant transport of feedstock inputs (>100 km)

For CCS

* Generation of hazardous liquid and solid wastes and exhaust gases during capture process
* CO<sub>2</sub> stream impurities
* CO<sub>2</sub> leakage during transport
* CO<sub>2</sub> migration or leakage to surface or near-surface at storage site
* Contamination of groundwater due to leakage of CO<sub>2</sub> from storage reservoir
* Induced seismicity

<details>

<summary>🇪🇺 <strong>CRCF requirement</strong>: Risk assessment </summary>

Project Developers seeking compliance with the EU's CRCF shall additionally evaluate and address the following risks.

#### **Climate change adaptation**

To comply with the *do-no-significant-harm to climate change adaptation* criteria, Project Developers shall identify the physical climate risks that are material to the project from those listed in Section II of Appendix A to Annex 1 of the [Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02021R2139-20260101#app_A) and perform a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment following the steps outlined in Section I of that same appendix.

#### **Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources**

Any potential risks due to the project to the good status or the good ecological potential of bodies of water, including surface water and groundwater, or to the good environmental status of marine waters. In the case that pollutants that are scrubbed from flue gases in order to reduce air pollution may be released to a body of water, the air pollution benefit and the availability of alternative discharge strategies shall be taken into consideration when evaluating the impact on water quality.&#x20;

Addressing the following [Minimum environmental and social risks](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#environmental-and-social-risk-assessment) defined in the Rainbow Standard Rules is equivalent to addressing this risk:

* Minimize pollutant discharges to water, noise and vibration&#x20;
* Avoid and/or minimize negative impacts on terrestrial and marine biodiversity and ecosystems
* Minimize water consumption and stress in the project&#x20;

#### **Circular economy, efficient use of sustainably sourced bio-based materials**

Any potential risks to the circular economy objectives from the projects, considering&#x20;

* the project leads to significant inefficiencies in the use of materials or in the direct or indirect use of natural resources such as non-renewable energy sources, raw materials, water and land at one or more stages of the life cycle of products, including in terms of durability, reparability, upgradability, reusability or recyclability of products
* the project leads to a significant increase in the generation, incineration or disposal of waste, with the exception of the incineration of non-recyclable hazardous waste
* the long-term disposal of waste may cause significant and long-term harm to the environment

#### **Pollution prevention and control**

Any potential risks to generate a significant increase in the emissions of pollutants to air, water or land from the project. Where facilities are within the scope of [Directive 2010/75/EU](#user-content-fn-21)[^21] they shall comply with all requirements arising from that Directive.&#x20;

Where facilities are not in the scope of that Directive, addressing the following [Minimum environmental and social risks](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#environmental-and-social-risk-assessment) defined in the Rainbow Standard Rules is equivalent to addressing this risk.

* Minimize pollutant emissions to air
* Minimize pollutant discharges to water, noise and vibration&#x20;
* Minimize generation of waste and release of hazardous materials, chemical pesticides and fertilizers

#### **Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems**

Any potential risks from the project to the good condition or resilience of ecosystems or to the conservation status of habitats and species, including those of Union interest or to the achievement of targets or obligations set out in national restoration plans established under [Regulation (EU) 2024/1991](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj/eng).

Addressing the following [Minimum environmental and social risks](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#environmental-and-social-risk-assessment) defined in the Rainbow Standard Rules is equivalent to addressing this risk. Note that any potential risk to targets or obligations in national restoration plans shall be addressed separately.&#x20;

* &#x20;Avoid and/or minimize negative impacts on terrestrial and marine biodiversity and ecosystems
* Protect the habitats of rare, threatened, and endangered species, including areas needed for habitat connectivity
* Do not convert natural forests, grasslands, wetlands, or high conservation value habitats
* Minimize soil degradation and soil erosion
* Minimize water consumption and stress in the project

</details>

Project Developers shall assign a likelihood and severity score of each risk, and provide an explanation of their choices. The VVB and Rainbow’s Certification team shall evaluate the assessment and may recommend changes to the assigned scores.

Any identified material risk (defined as issues with a risk score of moderate or higher) shall be subject to a [Risk Mitigation Plan](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#environmental-and-social-risk-assessment), which outlines how Project Developers will mitigate, monitor, report, and if necessary, compensate for any environmental and/or social harms.

Additional proof may be required for certain high risk environmental and social problems.

The Project Developer, the Rainbow Certification Team, or the VVB may suggest additional risks to be considered for a specific project.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that the **life-cycle GHG reduction calculations account for the climate change impacts of most environmental risks**. Nonetheless, Project Developers shall transparently describe any substantial and sensitive GHG emission risks in the risk evaluation template.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
All risk assessments must also address the [Minimum environmental and social risks ](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#environmental-and-social-risk-assessment)defined in the Rainbow Standard Rules.
{% endhint %}

## Leakage <a href="#lc9eewbyvlyk" id="lc9eewbyvlyk"></a>

According to the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/principles-and-requirements.md#leakage), carbon removal projects shall minimize leakage, where carbon-emitting activities are displaced or shifted outside of the project boundary.

Project Developers shall assess and, if identified to be material, quantify the leakage caused by the BioCCS project. This shall be done by first identifying the alternative fate of biomass, and then assessing the leakage risks from the following identified leakage sources:

1. Counterfactual carbon storage
2. Diversion of biomass
3. Indirect land use change
4. Diversion of bioenergy and biomaterial

Biomass-related leakage requirements (leakage sources 1-3) apply to the following [biomass fractions](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]:

* Greenfield:
  * Biomass fraction allocated to CO<sub>2</sub> generation
  * Parasitic load biomass fraction
* Retrofit:
  * Baseline biomass fraction (if used for parasitic load)
  * Additional biomass fraction

Any leakage GHG emissions are calculated according to the [Leakage emissions](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#leakage-emissions) section and deducted from the project GHG quantification.

The **leakage assessment is valid for 5 years**, provided the biomass type and [sourcing region](#user-content-fn-22)[^22] remain unchanged. After 5 years, upon verification, a new leakage assessment shall be conducted for the project with updated context and proof.

The Project Developer is responsible for reporting any significant change in biomass type or sourcing region in their monitoring report **at each verification**. Where such a change is identified, a reassessment of leakage impacts is required, even if the project's 5-year leakage assessment is still valid.

### Alternative fate of biomass

Project Developers shall evaluate the most likely alternative use/s of the biomass in order to assess leakage risks associated with **the counterfactual carbon storage and the diversion of biomass**. The assessment shall be transparent and conservative.

Alternative uses of the biomass include but are not limited to:

{% columns %}
{% column %}

* incineration
* energy combustion
* left on field / in forest
* animal bedding
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

* animal feed
* mulching
* landfill
* other (specified by Project Developers)
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

Proof shall be provided and may include signed statements from the biomass provider, historical records from the biomass provider, regional statistics or reputable reporting.

A short list of likely alternative uses may be provided for descriptive purposes, but for the purpose of further analysis, one single alternative use shall be proposed.

### Counterfactual carbon storage

The climate benefit of a BioCCS project, i.e. the actual removal of CO<sub>2</sub> from the atmosphere, only occurs when the carbon in the biomass feedstock would have been released to the atmosphere in the absence of the project. In other words, for the period that carbon would have remained stored in the biomass in its alternative use/counterfactual scenario, any project CO<sub>2</sub> permanently stored represents CO<sub>2</sub> that would not yet have been emitted.

The timing of this release depends on the type of biomass and its alternative fate. It can be rapid, where the counterfactual involves fast decay or combustion, or it can span decades, as with woody biomass in cool or dry environments.

Although these decay timescales are negligible relative to the 1,000+ year durability of BioCCS carbon removal, **only the removal of biogenic CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;otherwise released in the near-term is additional and can be credited**. This ensures that the project delivers a near-term benefit for climate change mitigation.

The assessment of counterfactual carbon storage is informed by the biomass's alternative fate scenario:

* No baseline carbon storage is considered for feedstock whose alternative fate fully releases its carbon in the near-term. This includes
  * incineration
  * energy combustion
  * necessary tree removal under a wildfire mitigation program.
* For all other alternative fate scenarios, counterfactual carbon storage is assumed to be non-negligible and shall be quantified according to the [Counterfactual carbon storage](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#counterfactual-carbon-storage) section in the GHG Quantification.

### Diversion of biomass

BioCCS projects capture CO<sub>2</sub> from sustainable biomass, a scarce resource, that may otherwise have been used elsewhere. Demand from the project's activity risks displacing biomass from an existing use, forcing other actors to use high-emission alternatives.

Leakage from the diversion of biomass feedstock can be assumed to be **negligible** if Project Developers can demonstrate one of the following cases:

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="366.44677734375">Description</th><th>Proof</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>The project is a retrofit and the biomass feedstock consumed by the project did not change in quantity compared to the business-as-usual scenario over the last 3 years prior to retrofitting.</td><td>Calculation of the <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-23">baseline consumption rate</a></td></tr><tr><td>The feedstock is agricultural or forestry waste that would have been burnt on the field or elsewhere.</td><td>Historic proof of disposal from feedstock supplier (e.g. contract with disposal or end-use sites)</td></tr><tr><td>The feedstock is whole trees from <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-24">necessary tree removal</a> and is unsuitable for bioenergy or material production.</td><td><p>Justification and proof of</p><ul><li>necessary tree removal</li><li>unsuitability for bioenergy and material production</li></ul><p>Historic proof of disposal from feedstock supplier (e.g. contract with disposal or end-use sites)</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

If none of the cases can be demonstrated, leakage from the diversion of biomass shall be quantified for each feedstock type and source according to the rules set out in the [Diversion of biomass](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#biomass-diversion) section of the GHG Quantification and deducted from the total GHG removals of the project.

### Indirect land-use change

Indirect land use change can occur when land that was previously used to produce food or feed is converted to produce biomass for bioenergy. As the demand for food and feed still needs to be met, this can lead to agricultural land being extended into areas with high carbon stocks, such as forests, wetlands and peatlands, causing additional emissions.

Projects that use any fraction of biomass input that derives from oil palm plantations and soybean cultivation are ineligible due to the [high risk of indirect land-use change](#user-content-fn-25)[^25] (iLUC) associated to this feedstock type.

Project Developers shall quantify iLUC leakage emissions following the rules in the [Indirect land use change](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#indirect-land-use-change-emissions) section of the GHG Quantification, where required by the table below.

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th width="194.016357421875">Biomass type</th><th>iLUC risk</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Forestry waste</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Necessary tree removal</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Agro-food waste</td><td><p>Mitigated, if Project Developers can demonstrate one of the following:</p><ul><li>they did not pay for the biomass, or</li><li>they were paid to handle the biomass, or</li><li>residue sales do not exceed 50% of the feedstock supplier's revenues, evidenced by assessing the <strong>relative income of the feedstock supplier from residue sales</strong> to the BioCCS project using farm records or analysis of <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-26">secondary data</a>.</li></ul><p>If not, <strong>quantify iLUC leakage</strong>.</p></td></tr><tr><td>Municipal solid waste</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Municipal sludge</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Animal waste</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Invasive species</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Marginal energy crops</td><td>Mitigated through compliance with sustainability criteria.</td></tr><tr><td>Primary energy crops</td><td>Quantify iLUC leakage.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Diversion of bioenergy and biomaterial

The assessment of leakage from the diversion of bioenergy and biomaterial depends on the chosen baseline scenario, and shall be quantified according to the rules set out in the [Diversion of Bioenergy and biomaterial](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#diversion-of-bioenergy-and-biomaterial) section in the GHG Quantification:

* For **greenfield** BioCCS facilities, no leakage due to diversion of bioenergy and biomaterial is considered because there are no such outputs in the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.
* For **retrofits/ additions on top of existing sites** that:
  * produce an equivalent or increased amount of bioenergy or biomaterial (e.g. through improvement of efficiency), there is no diversion of bioenergy/biomaterial leakage.
  * produce and export less energy or material than the BAU, and that reduction is directly linked to the retrofitting of the facility (e.g. reduced energy export due to high internal energy consumption of the CCS equipment), leakage shall be quantified for the displaced provisioning of the marginal energy or material.

## Monitoring <a href="#snhouoxhyrzi" id="snhouoxhyrzi"></a>

Monitoring Plans for this module shall include, but are not limited to, tracking of the following information **for each monitoring period**:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Segregated CO2 streams" %}
**For** [**segregated streams**](#user-content-fn-27)[^27]:

Biomass assessment

* [Environmental and Social Safeguards: Biomass sustainability](#biomass-sustainability)

Carbon storage measurements

* amount of CO<sub>2</sub> injected at the storage site
  * mass or volumetric flow, density and concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> in injected stream
* amount of CO<sub>2</sub> captured at the capture site
  * mass or volumetric flow, density and concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> of captured stream
* amount of ineligible CO<sub>2</sub> captured at the capture site, if applicable
  * amount of [associated CO<sub>2</sub>](#user-content-fn-28)[^28]
  * amount of [CO<sub>2</sub> from a mixed stream](#user-content-fn-29)[^29]

GHG quantification

* emissions associated with [CO<sub>2</sub> generation](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#generation-of-co2), if applicable
* amount and type of fuel, energy, chemicals and other inputs used by the capture process
  * [parasitic load biomass](#user-content-fn-30)[^30] and associated emissions, if applicable
* emissions associated with CO<sub>2</sub> transport
  * for transportation via pipeline networks, per segment:
    * amount and type of fuel or energy used by the pipeline network
  * for transportation via road, rail or ship, per segment:
    * distance traveled, weight of CO<sub>2</sub> transported and type of vehicle, or
    * amount and type of fuel consumed, type of vehicle and number of trips
* amount and type of fuel or energy used at storage site
* embodied emissions from infrastructure and machinery at capture, transport and storage stage
* amount of [associated CO<sub>2</sub>](#user-content-fn-31)[^31] captured and stored, if applicable

Proof of delivery

* contractual agreement with storage site operator confirming the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> injected, proof of injection.

Co-benefits
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Non-segregated CO2 streams" %}
**For** [**non-segregated streams**](#user-content-fn-32)[^32]**:**

Biomass assessment

* [Environmental and Social Safeguards: Biomass sustainability](#biomass-sustainability)

Carbon storage measurements

* amount of CO<sub>2</sub> captured at the capture site
  * mass or volumetric flow, density and concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> of captured stream
* amount of ineligible CO<sub>2</sub> captured at the capture site, if applicable
  * amount of [associated CO<sub>2</sub>](#user-content-fn-28)[^28]
  * amount of [CO<sub>2</sub> from a mixed stream](#user-content-fn-29)[^29]
* fraction of eligible biogenic CO<sub>2</sub> sent for permanent carbon storage and not used for other purposes (i.e. utilization)
* amount of CO<sub>2</sub> lost during the transport stage
* amount of CO<sub>2</sub> lost during the storage stage

GHG quantification

* emissions associated with [CO<sub>2</sub> generation](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#generation-of-co2), if applicable
* amount and type of fuel, energy, chemicals and other inputs used by the capture process
  * [parasitic load biomass](#user-content-fn-30)[^30] and associated emissions, if applicable
* emissions associated with CO<sub>2</sub> transport
  * for transportation via pipeline networks, per segment:
    * amount and type of fuel or energy used by the pipeline network
  * for transportation via road, rail or ship, per segment:
    * distance traveled, weight of CO<sub>2</sub> transported and type of vehicle, or
    * amount and type of fuel consumed, type of vehicle and number of trips
* amount and type of fuel or energy used at storage site
* embodied emissions from infrastructure and machinery at capture, transport and storage stage
* amount of [associated CO<sub>2</sub>](#user-content-fn-31)[^31] captured and stored, if applicable

Proof of delivery

* contractual agreement with transport and/or storage operators, linking an amount of CO<sub>2</sub> injected at a storage site to an equivalent amount of CO<sub>2</sub> captured at the capture site (minus any losses), proof of injection.

Co-benefits
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

Monitoring Plans for this methodology shall also include, **at least once every 5 years**:

* updated leakage assessment and quantification of leakage emissions, if applicable (see [Leakage](#lc9eewbyvlyk-2))
* updated economic value of CO<sub>2</sub> and primary product or service of facility, if applicable (see [CO<sub>2</sub> generation](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#generation-of-co2))

Monitoring Plans shall include the following information for each monitored parameter:

* monitoring frequency
* emission sources and sinks
* data source
* measurement methods/procedures, and their accuracy and calibration
* quality assessment or quality control procedures
* responsible party for collecting and archiving data

[^1]: often defined as *active/maximum monitoring area,* usually upon to 1 km around maximum CO2 plume extension.

[^2]: The Project Developer must submit a **Cancelation Notice** to notify Rainbow within **30 calendar days** of becoming aware of the reversal event.

[^3]: Classified as waste according to the [Biomass sustainability](#biomass-sustainability) section.

[^4]: An accounting construct to delineate which fraction of biomass is used for what purpose:

    * baseline vs additional biomass (retrofit)
    * biomass allocated to CO<sub>2</sub> generation vs allocated to bioenergy generation vs parasitic load (greenfield)

    Further information in the [Biomass fractions](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/eligibility-and-scope.md#biomass-fractions) section.

[^5]: e.g. the [Renewable Energy Directive](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018L2001-20240716#art_29) reporting in the EU

[^6]: collected directly from forest land

[^7]: Primary forest is defined as a forest that has never been logged and has developed following natural disturbances and under natural processes, regardless of its age.

[^8]: A continuous geographic area from which biomass is harvested, with similar ecological characteristics (e.g. species composition and biodiversity) as defined by the relevant regional authorities. Definition from Carbon Direct's Guide to Sustainable Biomass Sourcing (2025). [URL](https://www.carbon-direct.com/research-and-reports/2025-guide-to-sustainable-biomass-sourcing)

[^9]: Land-use, land-use change and forestry: A sector of national greenhouse gas inventories, as reported to the UNFCCC, that accounts for carbon stock changes and GHG emissions and removals resulting from land use and land management activities. A net negative LULUCF value indicates that the land sector is functioning as a net carbon sink

[^10]: An average calculated using the most recently available data over a defined period (here, 10 years).

[^11]: The definition of marginal land varies depending on the geography and economy.\
    Marginality is generally determined by two main dimensions:

    * biophysical constraints, such as low fertility, poor drainage, shallowness, salinity, steepness of terrain or unfavorable climatic conditions
    * socio-economic constraints, such as the absence of markets, difficult accessibility, restrictive land tenure, small holdings, poor infrastructure or unfavorable output/input ratios

[^12]: Degraded land is land that, for a significant period of time, has either been significantly salinated or presented significant low organic matter and has been severely degraded.

    Definition of "severely degraded land" from the EU's RED, [URL](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018L2001-20240716#anx_V)

[^13]: * Primary/old-growth forests
    * Species-rich forests identified as highly biodiverse
    * Legally protected nature areas or areas protecting endangered species
    * Natural or species-rich highly biodiverse grassland
    * Heathland

    as identified by the relevant competent authority

[^14]: wetlands, peatlands and forests.

[^15]: *Main crop* as opposed to *intermediary* or *cover crop*. This includes energy crops grown as part of a crop rotation practice.

[^16]: for example energy crops grown as part of a crop rotation.

[^17]: (a)  wood-based products;

    (b)  extending the service life of wood-based products;

    (c)  re-use;

    (d)  recycling;

    (e)  bioenergy;

    (f)  disposal.

[^18]: Temporary carbon credits issued under the carbon farming branch of the CRCF that certify the removal and storage of CO2 through land-based activities such as soil carbon sequestration, agroforestry, and peatland rewetting.

[^19]: The *nameplate energy generation capacity* is the maximum theoretical (power) output of a facility, determined by the operator and registered with authorities. The actual output can be different.

[^20]: This could be a

    * greenfield facility, or
    * a retrofit facility if it can be demonstrated that the biomass conversion and carbon capture were not co-designed

    see [Baseline CO2 generating activity](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/eligibility-and-scope.md#baseline-co2-generating-activity) for more details.

[^21]: Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial and livestock rearing emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control), [URL](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02010L0075-20240804)

[^22]: A continuous geographic area from which biomass is harvested, with similar ecological characteristics (e.g. species composition and biodiversity) as defined by the relevant regional authorities. Definition from Carbon Direct's Guide to Sustainable Biomass Sourcing (2025). [URL](https://www.carbon-direct.com/research-and-reports/2025-guide-to-sustainable-biomass-sourcing)\
    \
    A change in supplier alone does not constitute a change in source.

[^23]: biomass feedstock consumed in the 3 years prior to retrofitting, calculated following [Calculation: additional biomass](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#calculation-additional-biomass)

[^24]: damaged trees, or trees removed for planned forest management such as preventing disease spread or fires

[^25]: A crop whose production area has expanded significantly into land with high carbon stock (i.e. forests, wetlands, or peatland).

    This means that

    * More than 10% of the crop's global production area has expanded into high-carbon-stock land since 2008, and
    * that expansion is happening at an average rate of more than 1% per year.

    This definition is adopted from the EU's RED II Delegated Regulation 2019/807, [URL](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/807/oj/eng).

[^26]: e.g. regional market prices and agricultural statistics

[^27]: Project's captured CO<sub>2</sub> that is at all times transported and injected separately from other CO<sub>2</sub> streams.

[^28]: Fossil CO<sub>2</sub> generated by the capture process

[^29]: This includes:

    * **CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;streams generated and captured together**: a stream of mixed fossil and biogenic CO2, generated from feedstock that includes a share of fossil-based material, or
    * **CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;streams generated separately, and captured together:** the co-capture of the project CO2 stream and one or more CO2 streams from project-unrelated sources at the same capture facility. This includes fossil CO2, biogenic CO2 from sustainable (zero-rated) biomass and biogenic CO2 from unsustainable (non-zero-rated) biomass.

[^30]: The biomass that is converted at the facility to provide energy consumed by the capture unit, see [Internal energy and parasitic load](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#internal-energy-and-parasitic-load).

[^31]: Fossil CO<sub>2</sub> generated by the capture process. See [Storage of associated CO<sub>2</sub>](/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/ghg-quantification.md#storage-of-associated-co2)

[^32]: Project's captured CO<sub>2</sub> that is mixed with other CO<sub>2</sub> streams for any transport or injection step.


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/methodologies/biogenic-carbon-capture-and-storage-bioccs/principles-and-requirements.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.