# Appendix ## Appendix 1: Ecoinvent inputs See the appendices of the associated GHG quantification modules for lists of ecoinvent processes used. This methodology does not introduce the use of any additional ecoinvent processes.
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Processing and energy use ecoinvent inputs/pages/BTxxPIM3a4Nai1Wkwu2Y#appendix/files/xqDoBuMbX7fcBqJ8AanC
Infrastructure and machinery ecoinvent inputs/pages/IwqpSqlee22qTIPti3Sl#appendix/files/gE6Zo8o6awA0p9LnSTnF
Transportation ecoinvent inputs/pages/VTWdCc7guKu1x0azAizi#appendix/files/XAxrYlLSh0qtvbDkKkqp
## Appendix 2: Operating procedure for Kiln Operator
Preparation of biomass * **Select Eligible Feedstock:** * Use only approved biomass types (e.g., forest waste, agricultural residues, invasive species). * Ensure biomass is classified as waste (not grown for CDR/bioenergy, not usable for valuable products). * Keep records of biomass type and source (e.g., photos, invoices, or contracts). * **Dry Biomass:** * Measure moisture content using a calibrated handheld moisture meter immediately prior to pyrolysis. * Take at least one measurement per 100 kg of feedstock, with a minimum of 10 measurements per kiln run, distributed evenly across the biomass pile covering both its surface area and depth. * Ensure mean moisture content is below the applicable threshold: ≤20% for woody biomass, or ≤15% for any other biomass or any mixture containing non-woody biomass. No individual measurement may exceed 25%. * Upload photos of each sensor reading to dMRV as proof. * **Prepare Biomass for Kiln:** * Chop or chip biomass to the appropriate size for the kiln, as specified in the project's training protocol. * If using woody prunings from multiple tree or shrub species treated as a single feedstock: remove all leaves prior to loading, and document via photo that bulk density, moisture content and particle size are consistent across species. * Document biomass preparation with photos and upload to dMRV.
Conducting pyrolysis * **Identify the Kiln** * Scan the kiln's QR code or take a photo of its unique serial number, and upload a photo of the kiln displaying its required technical features (e.g., thermocouple placement, flame-curtain design) to dMRV before starting each kiln run. * **Load Biomass:** * Load dried biomass into the kiln following training guidelines for proper feeding rates. * Before loading, photograph the full biomass pile staged for the kiln run. * Avoid overloading, which can cause a drop in pyrolysis temperature or disrupt secondary combustion. * For kilns capable of continuous production, adhere to the project-defined maximum operating duration or biochar mass per kiln run. * **Record Biomass Amount:** * Record the amount of biomass used per kiln run using one of the following approaches: * Directly weigh biomass inputs and subtract moisture using moisture content measurements; or * Use a validated feedstock-specific biomass-to-biochar conversion ratio applied to the dry biochar output. * **Monitor Pyrolysis:** * Start the kiln and confirm that temperature sensors are functioning before loading biomass. * Maintain pyrolysis temperature ≥350°C throughout the entire process, excluding the ramp-up and quenching phases. * Document the process with time-stamped, GPS-tagged photos or videos of kiln operation, including biomass feeding. * Temperature sensor readings are continuously and automatically recorded by the thermocouple. * Track and record all energy or fuel used for ignition and syngas combustion within the reactor. * **Quench Biochar:** * Rapidly quench biochar immediately after pyrolysis is complete to minimise methane emissions. * Document quenching with time-stamped photos or short videos showing the start and end time of the quenching process.
Measure and prepare biochar samples **Measure Biochar Quantity:** * Choose either the volume approach or the mass approach, consistently across all kilns for the Production Batch. * Volume approach*:* Fill standardized containers of predefined volume and record the number of containers produced per kiln run in dMRV. * Mass approach, bone dry*:* Weigh biochar before quenching using calibrated scales. Record the mass directly in dMRV. * Mass approach, post-quench*:* Weigh biochar after quenching using calibrated scales. Record the fresh mass in dMRV. Moisture content must then be measured on at least 3 separate samples per Production Batch to convert to dry mass. **Set Aside Biochar Subsamples for the Site Composite Pile:** * After each kiln run, follow the project's predefined Sampling Plan. Take several biochar samples from different spots in the pile, and add them to the Site Composite Pile. * Continue adding subsamples to this pile from every kiln run throughout the entire Production Batch duration. * Upload photos of subsamples being set aside to dMRV, including the kiln ID/QR code, Production Batch ID/QR code, date, time, and GPS location. **Take the Site Composite Sample** * This may be done by the Kiln Operator or the Kiln Supervisor * Once per Production Batch, after all kiln runs are complete, thoroughly mix the Site Composite Pile. Take subsamples and combine into the Site Composite Sample. * The remaining biochar in the Site Composite Pile may be used in an eligible permanent end use and credited.
Uploading proof to dMRV **Upload Required Data for Each Kiln Run:** * Kiln run proof: * Continuous temperature curves from the thermocouple sensor (automatically measured) * Photos/videos of pyrolysis, including biomass feeding and quenching. * Biomass moisture content sensor readings (photos). * Biomass type and amount used. * Biochar volume or mass produced. * Unique identification of the kiln (QR code, serial number...). * Sampling proof: * Photos of the subsample being set aside and added to the Site Composite Pile. * QR codes of biochar bags (if applicable). * End-use proof (for all biochar delivered): * Date, GPS coordinates, and address of biochar delivery and application. * Name of user/buyer and Production Batch ID. * Time-stamped, geo-located photos of biochar application or mixing. **Flag Anomalies:** * Report any known issues to the Project Developer or Kiln Supervisor, including incomplete data, unsatisfactory pyrolysis, or thermocouple failures.
## Appendix 3: Operating procedure for Kiln Supervisor
Annual site visits **Schedule Visits:** * Visit each kiln operator at least once per year. * Observe at least one kiln run per site during the visit. **Verify Compliance:** * Confirm that biomass type and moisture content are appropriate and that moisture measurements are taken correctly. * Confirm that biomass is loaded at appropriate rates without overloading the kiln. * Confirm that temperature sensors are functioning and recording continuously. * Confirm that the combustion chamber is functioning properly and mitigating methane emissions. * Confirm that quenching begins promptly after pyrolysis and is documented with time-stamped photos or video. * Check that storage conditions for biomass and biochar are appropriate (dry, protected from contamination). * Confirm that the Kiln Operator is correctly building the Site Composite Pile with subsamples from each kiln run throughout the Production Batch.
Production Batch Composite and Representative Samples **Prepare Production Batch Composite Sample:** * Collect a representative sample from the Site Composite Pile at each site from the bottom, middle, and top of the pile. * Transport the sample carefully to avoid breakage. * Keep samples from different sites separate at all times if conducting bulk density measurements (see below). **Prepare Production Batch Representative Sample:** * Combine all Site Composite Samples into one pile. * Mix and recombine subsamples from different spots in the pile. * Take the final Production Batch Representative Sample. **Send for Laboratory Analysis:** * Set aside part of the Production Batch Representative Sample for bulk density measurements if using the volume approach to measure the amount of biochar produced. * Send the Production Batch Representative Sample to an accredited laboratory for measurement of: * Organic carbon content (each Production Batch) * H/Corg ratio (and inertinite content and residual organic carbon, if using the 1000-year pathway) (each Production Batch) * Environmental pollutants (once per year, or anytime biomass feedstock changes). * Store Retention Sample: * Keep the remaining biochar in the Production Batch Composite Pile in a protected area as a retention sample for 2 years. * Upload Records: * Upload photos, dates, times, and QR codes to dMRV.
Bulk density measurements (volume approach) Measure bulk density for projects using the volume-based approach. **Prepare the sample** * Dry the Site Composite Pile described in the section above to 0% moisture content using one of the following methods: * Moisture analyser: use a laboratory-grade moisture analyser. * Oven drying: dry in a ventilated oven at ≥110°C for a minimum of 48 hours. Subtract the final mass from the initial mass to determine moisture content and confirm complete drying. **Measure Bulk Density:** * Use containers of a standard material and predefined volume. * Use calibrated scales (digital preferred; if analog, round down values). * Measure each site’s biochar separately (no mixing). * Exclude outliers (3 standard deviations from the mean). * Calculate the final bulk density of biochar in the Production Batch as the mean of all measurements minus one standard deviation. **Upload Proof:** * Upload photos of each step to dMRV.
Training and oversight **Conduct Training:** * Train Kiln Operators on: * Safety protocols for kiln operation. * Biomass preparation (drying, sizing) and moisture content measurement. * Correct biomass loading rates to maintain consistent and high temperatures. * Rapid quenching. * Biochar sampling procedures. * Use of dMRV, including photo requirements, GPS tagging, and batch upload requirements. * This may be done by the Kiln Supervisor or the Project Developer. **Site Visits:** * During and after site visits, or at any other time, flag any non-compliant kiln runs (e.g., secondary combustion failure, missing energy input records, missing data, improper sampling). * Report findings and required follow-up actions to the Project Developer. Provide findings to be included in the Project Developer's Quality Oversight Report.
## Appendix 4: Operating procedure for Project Developer
Project setup and kiln technology management **Define Project Scope** * Register the project as a single entity operating one or more kilns across one or more sites, within a single country, using the same kiln technology and dMRV approach. * Ensure all sites and kilns are under the oversight or data access of the Project Developer. **Select and Deploy Kiln Technology** * Use pre-approved kiln designs from Rainbow’s published list. For new designs, submit for Rainbow and VVB approval. * Verify that all kilns employ secondary combustion reactor design, where pyrolysis gases are trapped in a dedicated chimney or chamber and combusted, and are equipped with fixed, continuously-logging thermocouples placed in the same position on all kilns. * Assign a unique, permanently affixed identifier (e.g., QR code or engraved serial number) to each kiln. * Document kiln technical features (e.g., chimney design, sensor placement) in dMRV. **Define Project-Specific Criteria at Validation** * Biomass feedstock types, proof of waste or invasive species status. * Sampling and measurement protocols (e.g., H/C ratio, bulk density, methane emissions). * Training Protocol for Kiln Operators and Kiln Supervisors. * Project-specific criteria for evaluating temperature curves, including acceptable temperature ranges and durations, ramp-up period, and definition of the main pyrolysis phase. Criteria shall be designed to flag incomplete biomass drying and improper feedstock loading rates. **Select and Validate dMRV Platform** * Use pre-approved kiln designs from Rainbow’s published list. For new designs, ensure the platform meets Rainbow’s requirements and can track all of the required data points. * Submit the platform for Rainbow validation before use.
Oversight of all kiln runs **Review dMRV Data** * Check every kiln run for: * Temperature curves: pyrolysis zone maintained ≥350°C throughout (excluding ramp-up and quenching), and project-specific quality criteria met. * Biomass moisture content: mean at or below the applicable threshold (≤20% for woody biomass, ≤15% for all other biomass or mixed biomass), and no individual measurement above 25%. * Biomass and biochar amounts are broadly consistent with photographic evidence. * Quenching was performed promptly and documented with time-stamped photos or video. * Biochar volume or mass is recorded. * Sampling records confirm a subsample was set aside and added to the Site Composite Pile. * Alternatively, outsource the checking step to a dMRV provider. **Coordinate Biochar Sampling** * Ensure Kiln Supervisors combine Site Composite Samples into the Production Batch Composite Pile and send the Production Batch Representative Sample to an accredited laboratory for: * Organic carbon content (each Production Batch) * H/Corg ratio (and inertinite content and residual organic carbon, if using the 1000-year pathway) (each Production Batch) * Environmental pollutants (once per year, or anytime biomass feedstock changes). **Flag Non-Conformities** * Exclude ineligible kiln runs (e.g., incomplete data, improper pyrolysis). * Document reasons for exclusion in the Oversight Report. Note that excluded kiln runs do not count towards the Production Batch size limit. **Coordinate Methane Emission Testing** * Schedule Testing: * Conduct testing annually or whenever biomass feedstock changes. * Test three representative kiln runs (same kiln type and feedstock). * Use Accredited Providers: * Ensure testing is done by organizations accredited with ASTM D7036, ISO 17025, or approved by state/regional authorities. * Document Results: * Upload methane emission measurements, proof of calibration, and a signed measurement report to dMRV or share as a separate report with Rainbow and the VVB.
Training and support **Train Kiln Operators on:** * Safety protocols for kiln operation. * Biomass preparation (drying, sizing) and moisture content measurement. * Correct biomass loading rates to maintain consistent and high temperatures. * Rapid quenching. * Biochar sampling procedures. * Use of dMRV, including photo requirements, GPS tagging, and batch upload requirements. * This may be done by the Kiln Supervisor or the Project Developer. **Train Kiln Supervisors on:** * All topics covered in Kiln Operator training, so that Supervisors can effectively assess and support Kiln Operators during site visits. * Biochar amount measurements, including bulk density measurement procedures and moisture content measurement using oven drying or a laboratory-grade moisture analyzer. * How to adhere to the biochar sampling plan. **Upload training records to dMRV, including:** * Attendance logs. * Photos/videos of training sessions. * Test results or proof of completion. **Offer Ongoing Support:** * Provide refresher training and troubleshooting support (e.g., temperature curve analysis, flame curtain quality, moisture measurement).
Quality Oversight Report To be completed for each Production Batch. **Compile Data** * List all kiln runs and their status (eligible/ineligible). * Document the cumulative biomass used, biochar produced, and biochar applied in an eligible end use, noting any discrepancies and providing justification. * Document non-conformities (e.g., missing data, improper sampling) and remediation steps. **Include any site visit findings** * Summarize Kiln Supervisor observations from any annual site visits that took place during the time period in question, including findings on biomass handling, kiln operation, and sampling compliance. * List any non-conformities or failures to adhere to best practices identified during visits, and their remediation. **Submit to VVB** * Provide the report to the Validation and Verification Body (VVB) for audit. * Address any VVB recommendations (e.g., additional site visits, data corrections).
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