Version history
This page describes the changes in the Biochar application to soils module.
Because this module is considered the V2.0 of the Rainbow BECCS and Biochar V1.0 methodology, the table below also includes changes from the Rainbow BECCS and Biochar V1.0 methodology that are covered in other modules (e.g. Biomass feedstock).
Restructure sections: added Baseline Scope, renamed Eligible technologies to Eligibility and scope, renamed Eligibility criteria to Principles & requirements, moved Monitoring Plan to Principles & requirements
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Remove TRL, move Substitution criteria requirements to Baseline Scope section
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
New Certification Scope section with requirements for crediting and monitoring period, project updates with methodology revisions, and site audits.
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Remove limits on number of co-benefits, and require quantification and monitoring of all co-benefits
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Environmental and social risk mitigation plan required for moderate or higher risks, instead of high risk
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Remove project-level reversal risk assessment requirements
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Remove ex-ante validation section
Align with Standard Rules V7 requirements
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Change GHG quantification from ecoinvent v3.11 to v3.12 (average change of 0.04±0.2% decrease in total net removals)
Using more recent version of database
January 2026
V2.2 to V2.3
Specify residual organic carbon measurements needed for 1000-year removal claims
Provide clearer and more comprehensive instructions
July 2025
V2.2
Re-introduce 100-year carbon degradation model equations based on soil temperature
Aligning with common biochar modeling practices.
March 2025
V2.1
Changed pollutant requirements from European Biochar Certificate (EBC) thresholds to World Biochar Certificate (WBC) thresholds
Adding more projects outside Europe, more reasonable and feasible to hold them to worldwide best standards, not European
March 2025
V2.1
Added equations for calculation GHG reductions
Increased transparency.
September 2024
V2.0
Aligned terminology with ISO 14064-2:2019
Improved consistency with the voluntary carbon market. LCA principles still apply.
September 2024
V2.0
Added risk assessment template for environmental and social do no harm
Provide more detailed and prescriptive assessment framework, clearer instructions for project developers.
September 2024
V2.0
Removed text for sections that are the same for all methodologies:
Measurability
Real
Additionality
Technology readiness level
Minimum impact
Independently verified
Repeated text from the Standard Rules.
September 2024
V2.0
Added Monitoring Plan section
Alignment with Rainbow Standard Rules V6.
September 2024
V2.0
Remove Rebound Effect and Independently Validated criteria
Alignment with Rainbow Standard Rules V6.
September 2024
V2.0
Added uncertainty assessment section
Alignment with Rainbow Standard Rules V6.
September 2024
V2.0
Infrastructure and machinery quantification expanded and specified, simple option added
Simplification, results not sensitive to impacts
September 2024
V2.0
New Leakage requirements
More rigorous eligibility criteria, and clear requirements and instructions for Project Developers
September 2024
V2.0
Allow option for 1000 year removals, measurement of random reflectance
Updated research
September 2024
V2.0
Added verification of end use reports
Increased rigor to ensure biochar is used as claimed
September 2024
V2.0
Added precise sampling requirements
Provide Project Developers with clear expectations, ensure representative sampling
September 2024
V2.0
Allow option to monitor data and quantify GHGs per production batch
Facilitate data collection and reporting for Project Developers
September 2024
V2.0
Biomass feedstock shall only be waste and biomass cultivated from sustainable production is not allowed
Increased stringency, following best practice and scientific recommendations
September 2024
V2.0
Last updated