# GHG quantification

General GHG quantification rules can be found in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules.md).

Calculations of GHG emissions for the baseline and project scenarios shall follow a robust, recognized method and good practice guidance. The overall methodological approach is a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) at the project-scale, based on [ISO 14064-2:2019](#user-content-fn-1)[^1].

Mineralization projects certified under this methodology may be eligible for **removal and avoidance Rainbow Carbon Credits**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Avoidance RCCs from fossil or calcination CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;storage** are calculated using the same approach as for removals from biogenic and atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub>, and are simply assigned a different credit type (avoidance instead of removal).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Avoidance RCCs from reduced cement use** are calculated and issued according to a separate accounting mechanism, described below. This conservative approach results in double counting the project's induced emissions, and avoids the need for allocation of emissions/removals.
{% endhint %}

GHG quantification shall be completed for each monitoring period. The duration of the monitoring period is chosen by the Project Developer and may be either each [mineralization batch](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/eligibility-and-scope.md#mineralization-batch), each calendar year, another duration shorter than 1 year, or a maximum of 18 months.

This methodology shall be used in conjunction with the Rainbow modules listed below. **Modules are like mini-methodologies** that only cover a part of the project life-cycle. Combining the relevant modules for a project results in a complete picture of the required data, calculations, monitoring plans, and other information needed for a full GHG quantification.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Processing and energy use</td><td><a href="/pages/BTxxPIM3a4Nai1Wkwu2Y">/pages/BTxxPIM3a4Nai1Wkwu2Y</a></td><td><a href="/files/xqDoBuMbX7fcBqJ8AanC">/files/xqDoBuMbX7fcBqJ8AanC</a></td></tr><tr><td>Transportation</td><td><a href="/pages/VTWdCc7guKu1x0azAizi">/pages/VTWdCc7guKu1x0azAizi</a></td><td><a href="/files/XAxrYlLSh0qtvbDkKkqp">/files/XAxrYlLSh0qtvbDkKkqp</a></td></tr><tr><td>Infrastructure and machinery</td><td><a href="/pages/IwqpSqlee22qTIPti3Sl">/pages/IwqpSqlee22qTIPti3Sl</a></td><td><a href="/files/gE6Zo8o6awA0p9LnSTnF">/files/gE6Zo8o6awA0p9LnSTnF</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Functional unit <a href="#id-8422amp7fe3k" id="id-8422amp7fe3k"></a>

Two different functional units are used:

* **1 tonne of mineralized material produced** (e.g. 1 tonne of carbonated concrete, 1 tonne of carbonated aggregate...)
* **1 tonne of captured CO**<sub>**2**</sub>

Credits are issued on the basis of mineralized material production, so this may be considered the main functional unit. Captured CO<sub>2</sub> is used as a secondary functional unit for comparability across CDR technologies.

## System boundary

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>The project system boundary shall include only the activities that are additional to the business as usual (BAU) scenario.</td></tr><tr><td>The baseline scenario system boundary shall include the processes that would have occurred in the absence of the project.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
For example,

* if the project performs direct carbonation of fresh concrete during hydration, the project boundary shall not include the upstream emissions from cement production.
* if the project captures biogenic CO<sub>2</sub> flue gas from an anaerobic digestion site, the project boundary shall not include the emissions from anaerobic digestion, or the embodied emissions from the digester, because these would have occurred anyway. The project boundary shall include the embodied emissions from the CO<sub>2</sub> capture machinery added to the digester, because this was installed and used specifically for the purpose of carbon capture.
* if the project uses a portion of a concrete facility's flue gas (diverting the CO<sub>2</sub> stream, using part for mineralization, and returning the unused portion to the main flue gas stream to be emitted), the project boundary shall not include the emission of unused CO<sub>2</sub> that returns to the flue gas stream.
  {% endhint %}

A summary of the calculation approach is presented below, and detailed descriptions and equations for calculating GHGs are in the respective [Project](#letyqrgxkbuh) and [Baseline](#id-8422amp7fe3k-2) scenario sections.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Summary: Carbon storage from mineralization " %}
For **removals and avoidance from mineralization**:

* The project system boundary shall include at least the following elements where relevant and additional (i.e. beyond BAU):
  * production of any non-waste inputs and additives
  * transport of inputs to the project site (e.g. CO<sub>2</sub>, recycled concrete, alkaline feedstock...)
  * onsite energy use (electricity, fuels, heat...) related to e.g. preparation of feedstock, and the mineralization process
  * fugitive CO<sub>2</sub> leaks during CO<sub>2</sub> transport
  * carbon storage
  * see [Figure 1](#letyqrgxkbuh) below for the system boundary diagram.
* The baseline system boundary shall include:
  * any removals that would have occurred naturally from mineralization of the alkaline feedstock, and/or
  * any use-phase carbonation benefits that would have naturally occurred at greater rates had the project not altered the material or process.

Removals and avoidance from mineralization are calculated using the following high-level equations, detailed in their respective sections below.

<details>

<summary><strong>Calculations: Removals and avoidance from mineralization</strong></summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.1)}\ S\_{net}= \Sigma{S}*{baseline} - \Sigma{S}*{project} - \Sigma{E}\_{project}$$

where,

* $$S\_{net}$$ represents the net carbon storage from the project during the monitoring period, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq. This **storage may be counted as removals or avoidance**, depending on the type of CO<sub>2</sub> stored, as calculated in Eq. 2 and 3. Its sign is positive.
* $$S\_{baseline}$$ represents any baseline GHG removals from mineralization of alkaline minerals in their alternative use, representing permanent storage that would have occurred anyway in the absence of the project, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq, calculated in Eq. 7. Its sign is negative.
* $$S\_{project}$$ represents the project's gross GHG storage from mineralization, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq, calculated in Eq. 15 or 19. Its sign is negative.
* $$E\_{project}$$ represents the project's induced GHG emissions, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq, calculated in Eq. 8. Its sign is positive.

$$\textbf{(Eq.2)}\ Removal\ RCCs = S\_{net}\* F\_{bio,\ atm}$$

Where,

* $$Removal\ RCCs$$ represents the amount of **removal** Rainbow Carbon Credits to be issued during the monitoring period, from carbon storage from mineralization.
* $$S\_{net}$$ was calculated in Eq. 1.
* $$F\_{bio,\ atm}$$ represents the fraction of CO<sub>2</sub> that is biogenic or atmospheric, as described in the [Allocation of captured carbon: removals vs. avoidance](#allocation-of-captured-carbon-removals-vs.-avoidance) section

$$\textbf{(Eq.3)}\ Avoidance\ RCCs = S\_{net}\* (1-F\_{bio,\ atm})$$

Where,

* $$Avoidance\ RCCs$$ represents the amount of **avoidance** Rainbow Carbon Credits to be issued during the monitoring period, from carbon storage from mineralization.
* $$S\_{net}$$ was calculated in Eq. 1.
* $$F\_{bio,\ atm}$$ represents the fraction of CO<sub>2</sub> that is biogenic or atmospheric.

</details>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Summary: Reduced cement" %}
For **avoided GHGs from reduced cement**:

* The project system boundary shall include emissions from the manufacture of the *actual quantity of cement used in the concrete mix designs,* in which the carbonated materials are used.
* The baseline system boundary shall include emissions from the manufacture of the quantity of cement that would have been required to achieve the same functional performance using conventional materials or methods, *for the given concrete mix design*. This will likely represent a larger amount of cement than in the project scenario, since mineralization projects may enhance binder strength and reduce the total cement required.

Avoided GHGs from reduced cement are calculated using the equation below.

{% hint style="warning" %}
These calculations **do not account for carbon storage**, and **do not allow for allocation of induced emissions** between the mineralization removal and the avoidance/reduced product.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary><strong>Calculations - Avoidance from reduced cement</strong></summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.4)}\ E\_{project,\ cement} = E\_{project}+ (A\_{cement,\ project} \* EF\_{cement})$$

where,

* $$E\_{project,\ cement}$$ represents the total project scenario emissions from manufacturing and using cement for the monitoring period, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq. It is composed of normal cement manufacturing emissions, upstream of the project activity and which were excluded from the Storage calculations, plus the additional induced emissions due to the project mineralization activity.
* $$E\_{project}$$ represents the induced GHG emissions from the project during the verification period, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq, calculated in Eq. 8.
* $$A\_{cement,\ project}$$ represents the amount of cement used by the project in the monitoring period, in tonnes of cement.
* $$EF\_{cement}$$ represents the emission factor for cement, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq per tonne of cement. Possible sources for this emission factor are described in the [Baseline scenario](#emission-factor-of-cement) section.

$$\textbf{(Eq.5)}\ E\_{baseline, cement} = A\_{cement, baseline}\*EF\_{cement}$$

where,

* $$E\_{baseline,\ cement}$$ represents the baseline scenario emissions from manufacturing and using a functionally equivalent amount of cement for the monitoring period, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq.
* $$A\_{cement,\ baseline}$$ represents the amount of cement needed in the baseline scenario to fulfill the same function as the project-manufactured cement. This is expected to be higher than the amount needed in the project scenario, thanks to the project's improvements.
* $$EF\_{cement}$$ represents the emission factor for cement, as described in Eq. 4. The same emission factor shall be used for the project and baseline scenario.

$$\textbf{(Eq.6)}\ E\_{avoided} = E\_{baseline,\ cement} - E\_{project,\ cement}$$

where,

* $$E\_{avoided}$$ represents the avoided GHG emissions from the project scenario, in tonnes of CO$$\_2$$eq.
* $$E\_{baseline,\ cement}$$ was calculated in Equation 5.
* $$E\_{project,\ cement}$$ was calculated in Equation 4.

</details>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Allocation

### Allocation of captured carbon: removals vs. avoidance

Credits can be issued from mineralization processes that result in both

* [**CDR**](#user-content-fn-2)[^2]**/removals**, from using biogenic and atmospheric (e.g. DAC) CO<sub>2</sub>, and
* [**CCS**](#user-content-fn-3)[^3]**/avoidance**, from using fossil and calcination CO<sub>2</sub>.

The same calculation method applies to all CO<sub>2</sub> sources, they are simply assigned different credit types upon issuance (i.e. removal vs avoidance, see Eq. 2 and 3).

If the CO<sub>2</sub> stream used in the mineralization batch is **100% biogenic/atmospheric** or **100% fossil/calcination**, no allocation is needed. All carbon storage and project induced emissions are fully attributed to removal or avoidance, respectively.

If the **CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;stream is mixed**, Project Developers must determine the proportion of biogenic/atmospheric vs. fossil/calcination carbon, according to Article 39 of the[ EU ETS monitoring and reporting](#user-content-fn-4)[^4] (even for non-EU based projects), summarized here for informative purposes only:

* conservatively assume all CO<sub>2</sub> is fossil/calcination CO<sub>2</sub>, or
* use mass balance of material inputs by type, or
* use measurement method, e.g. C14 testing, or
* use other standards and analytical methods, subject to approval by Rainbow and the VVB.

The proportion of CO<sub>2</sub> types shall be used to allocate the following, which are accounted for in Eq. 2 and 3:

* **Carbon storage:** CO<sub>2</sub> flows shall assume a proportional repartition of the two CO<sub>2</sub> types in the different CO<sub>2</sub> fates (e.g. successfully carbonated CO<sub>2</sub>, inflow and outflow CO<sub>2</sub>, unsuccessfully carbonated CO<sub>2</sub> left in pore space...).
* **Induced emissions:** project emissions shall be proportionally assigned to removal or avoidance based on the share of CO<sub>2</sub> input from each source.

{% hint style="info" %}
For example, if a project:

* has a mixed CO<sub>2</sub> stream of 50% fossil CO<sub>2</sub> and 50% biogenic CO<sub>2</sub>
* measures total gross carbon storage of 100 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq
* calculates project induced emissions of 10 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq, plus 1 tonne of fugitive CO<sub>2</sub> leaked from transport

**Gross carbon storage** repartitioned proportionally:

* 50 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq from fossil CO<sub>2</sub>
* 50 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq from biogenic CO<sub>2</sub>

**Project induced emissions** repartitioned proportionally:

* 5 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq from fossil CO<sub>2</sub>
* 5 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq from biogenic CO<sub>2</sub>

**Fugitive CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;leaked** **from transport**, repartitioned proportionally:

* 0.5 tonnes fossil CO<sub>2</sub> leaked, counted as 0.5 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq (fossil CO<sub>2</sub> has a GWP of 1)
* 0.5 tonnes biogenic CO<sub>2</sub> leaked, counted as 0 tCO<sub>2</sub>eq (biogenic CO<sub>2</sub> has a GWP of 0)

This would result in

* Avoidance credits from fossil CO<sub>2</sub> mineralization = $$50-5-0.5 = 44.5\ tCO\_2eq$$
* Removal credits from biogenic CO<sub>2</sub> mineralization = $$50-5-0 = 45.0\ tCO\_2eq$$
  {% endhint %}

### Allocation between existing activities and baseline activities

When a **process is shared between the project scope and** [**BAU** ](#user-content-fn-5)[^5]**activities** (e.g. total electricity use at a site performing both cement manufacturing and mineralization), only the portion attributable to the project and additional to the baseline should be included. This allocation should follow one of the approaches below:

* Subdivide the system and isolate measurements to collect only input/output data directly relevant for the project scope (e.g. install electricity meters at the entry point of the mineralization process).
* If subdivision is not feasible, allocate shared processes based on a relevant underlying characteristic of the shared systems (e.g. by mass for jointly transported materials, by economic value for co-products with distinct markets...).

This allocation shall be applied at the data collection stage. Project Developers shall do this allocation outside of the GHG quantification equations, and submit allocated data into the removal and avoidance calculations (with justification/proof of work for allocation).

## Assumptions <a href="#id-8422amp7fe3k" id="id-8422amp7fe3k"></a>

1. By default, future uses (beyond the product's first life) or end-of-life treatment of the carbonated material will not lead to reversals. This assumes no significant changes in environmental conditions (e.g. pH or fire exposure) that would cause CO<sub>2</sub> release.
2. A standard transport distance of 50 km is assumed for final product (concrete and/or carbonated solid materials) delivery. Transport emissions for distances below this threshold are considered equivalent between the baseline and project scenarios, and can be excluded from the project system boundary. Transport emissions for distances above this threshold shall be included in project induced emissions calculations.
3. For directly carbonated cement (e.g. during curing or hydration/mixing), it is assumed that either no significant amount of unreacted CO<sub>2</sub> remains trapped in the pore space, or that any trapped CO<sub>2</sub> will eventually react fully with the cement matrix.
4. All carbonated material from the same mineralization batch has similar characteristics.

## Baseline scenario <a href="#id-8422amp7fe3k" id="id-8422amp7fe3k"></a>

The baseline scenario is twofold, and is detailed in following sections:

* **Removals from mineralization** that would have occurred anyway, from alternative feedstock use/management (for mineralization of solid materials such as SCMs and aggregates) and in use-stage concrete carbonation (for all technology types).
* **Avoidance from reduced cement** shall be considered for projects issuing avoidance credits from reduced cement use, thanks to improved binder strength.

### Baseline CO<sub>2</sub> storage

The baseline scenario shall account for natural mineralization from both:

* the alternate fate of **non-cement alkaline feedstock**, and
* the use-phase natural mineralization of **cement-based feedstock,** that would have occurred anyway.

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>For <strong>alkaline feedstocks other than cement</strong>, Project Developers shall assess the natural mineralization of the feedstock upon exposure to atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub>, if it hadn't been used by the project for accelerated carbonation. The extent of natural carbonation depends on the:</p><ul><li>alternative fate of alkaline feedstock</li><li>type and duration of exposure to CO<sub>2</sub></li><li>mineralogy</li><li>particle size</li></ul><p>Project Developers shall either:</p><ul><li>estimate baseline removals in alkaline feedstock using a description and proof of common practices for managing the alkaline material, mineralization models, scientific literature, or <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-6">internal experiments</a>, or</li><li>only if the feedstock is recycled concrete aggregate, opt for a default assumed carbon removal rate in the baseline scenario of <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-7">6.67 kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/m<sup>3</sup></a> of recycled concrete, in loose aggregate form.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><p>For <strong>direct use of cement as a feedstock</strong> (e.g. carbonation curing), some natural mineralization of feedstock occurs during its use-phase in concrete. If the project technology <strong>only accelerates the rate of this carbonation</strong>, rather than causing additional net carbonation gains, then the portion of mineralization that would have occurred anyway (albeit at a slower pace) shall not be credited. Project Developers shall demonstrate that the CO<sub>2</sub> mineralized by the project would not have occurred naturally without the project intervention. This may be justified by:</p><ul><li>The fundamental design or operating principles of the technology, or</li><li>Selecting an appropriate post-treatment measurement time that excludes mineralization likely to occur during early use-phase conditions, or</li><li>Modeling the expected BAU mineralization, using recognized datasets or modeling tools, or</li><li>Opting for a default assumed carbon removal rate in the baseline scenario of <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-8">125 kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq</a>/tonne of carbonated cement.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

Any natural carbon unaccounted for, that would have occurred without the intervention, shall be counted as baseline removals.

If a first screening assessment based on conservative estimates demonstrates combined baseline removals (sum of alkaline feedstock and concrete use phase) are <1% of the net project removals, then baseline removals may be set to 1%, and the Project Developer does not need to collect more precise baseline removal information. Otherwise, the Project Developer may choose to collect/model baseline removals in detail in order to prove and apply a lower baseline removal rate.

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Baseline CO<sub>2</sub> stored</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.7)}\ S\_{baseline}= S\_{mineralization feedstock}+S\_{use\ phase\ carbonation}$$

Where

* $$S\_{baseline}$$ was described in Eq 1
* $$S\_{mineralization\ feedstock}$$ represents baseline carbon storage from natural mineralization of alkaline feedstock, corresponding to the amount of feedstock used by the project in the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$S\_{use\ phase\ carbonation}$$ represents baseline removals from mineralization of cement during the concrete use-phase that are larger than the use-phase carbonation for the project material, corresponding to the amount of concrete or cement produced by the project in the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.

</details>

### Baseline induced emissions

Baseline induced emissions are **only considered for avoidance credits from avoided cement production**. In this case, baseline induced emissions shall include the emissions from producing an equivalent amount of cement to serve the same purpose (compressive strength, lifetime...) as the cement produced in the project scenario.

Emissions are calculated based on the quantity and emission intensity of cement used in the project scenario compared to the baseline. While the emission factor of cement production remains the same (since mineralization projects typically do not alter upstream or downstream cement/concrete production), the **total amount of cement needed in the concrete design mix may differ**. This is because the project may create a stronger binder, requiring less cement than conventional practices.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Quantity of cement" %}
To determine the quantity of cement avoided, Project Developers shall provide the cement usage ratio between the project and baseline scenarios for each end use of the carbonated material.

This shall be **proven using the stated concrete mix designs** used by the client using the carbonated material, demonstrating a lower cement use than otherwise used, or similar project-specific estimates (i.e. not default global replacement rates).
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Emission factor of cement" %}
Cement emission factors shall be taken from the following sources, in decreasing order of preference:

* project-specific sources, provided by the client using the carbonated material (e.g. EPDs), or
* low-carbon cement thresholds (e.g. provided by the Global Cement and Concrete Association [Low Carbon Rating](https://gccassociation.org/lcr-cement/))
* the Ecoinvent database, presented in [Appendix 1](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/appendix.md#appendix-1-ecoinvent-activities), with a 20% deduction applied for conservativeness.

Other sources of emission factors may be submitted by the Project Developer, and approved by the Rainbow Certification Team and the VVB. Any emission factor must meet the data requirements outlined in the Rainbow Standard Rules, and come from traceable, transparent, unbiased, and reputable sources. A **conservative uncertainty deduction shall be applied if the value is not project-specific.**
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

Calculations from this life cycle stage are presented above in Eq. 4-6 in the [system boundary](#calculations-avoidance-from-reduced-cement) section above.

## Project scenario <a href="#letyqrgxkbuh" id="letyqrgxkbuh"></a>

An example of a typical project design and system boundary is shown in Figure 1. Each life cycle stage is detailed in the following sections.

<figure><img src="/files/XHTzwsvfSkps8zk9Bpoo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1 System diagram showing what is included and excluded in GHG quantification of the project scenario. Life cycle stages are color coded, and correspond to the sections below, where each stage is described in detail. The dashed line represents the system boundary, showing which processes' emissions are included in the GHG quantification, and which are excluded.</p></figcaption></figure>

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Total project induced emissions</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq. 8)}\ E\_{project}= E\_{CO\_2\ capture} +E\_{feedstock}+E\_{mineralization}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{project}$$ was described in Eq. 1.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ capture}$$ is calculated in Eq. 9.
* $$E\_{feedstock}$$ is calculated in Eq. 13.
* $$E\_{mineralization}$$ is calculated in Eq. 14.

</details>

### Project CO<sub>2</sub> capture

This stage includes process emissions from the CO<sub>2</sub> capture facility, CO<sub>2</sub> transport emissions, and CO<sub>2</sub> leakage during transport.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="CO2 capture" %}
Induced emissions from the CO<sub>2</sub> capture process shall only include emissions/activities that would not have occurred in the baseline.

Typically, CO<sub>2</sub> capture is done on industrial sites that are already operating and emitting CO<sub>2</sub>. In this case, emissions from the industrial site operations and embodied emissions shall not be counted towards the CO<sub>2</sub> capture. Furthermore, the CO<sub>2</sub> itself is considered a waste product, and according to the waste cutoff LCA principle, is modeled as entering the project system boundary with no environmental burden/emissions.

Processes that may be considered in this stage may include but are not limited to:

* additional **infrastructure/machinery/instruments that are required for carbon capture** (note that any pieces that contribute to less than 1% of the project gross removals may be excluded, up to a collective total of 2% of gross removals, according to the [Rainbow Standard Rules](/rainbow-standard-documents/rainbow-standard-rules/ghg-quantification.md). This can be assessed with a screening LCA using estimates, and if deemed substantial, more precise data shall be provided).
* additional **energy use required for carbon capture**: Project Developers shall isolate the amount of energy used at the site that is only for carbon capture, that is not related to the site's BAU activities.
* energy or material use from **purification and processing of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;streams**, for example through chemical (e.g. amine-based absorption) or physical treatment (cryogenic separation or membrane separation).

For infrastructure calculations and emission factors, see the [Infrastructure and machinery ](/modules/infrastructure-and-machinery.md)module. For energy use calculations and emission factors, see the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="CO2 transport" %}
Induced emissions from the transport of CO<sub>2</sub> to the mineralization site shall be included. This may include transport via truck, pipeline, ship, or other methods.

For transport calculations and emission factors, see the [Transportation ](/modules/transportation.md)module.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="CO2 leakage during transport" %}
The following three methods are recommended for measuring and reporting CO<sub>2</sub> leakage during transport, but other methods suggested by the Project Developer may be considered on a case by case basis:

* **Difference in CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;shipped/received:** Project Developers record the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> leaving the capture site, and the amount entering the mineralization process. Any difference is assumed to be CO<sub>2</sub> leaked during transport, and counted as project induced emissions.
* **Literature-based leakage rates:** Project Developers may propose conservative leakage rates from scientific literature, if they are well documented, from reputable sources, and are representative of the project-specific technology.
* **Justification that leakage is negligible**, under at least one of the following conditions:
  * it is 100% biogenic and/or atmospheric CO<sub>2,</sub> or
  * it came from a flue gas stream, where the unused flue gas is emitted anyway, or
  * transport technologies are proven to have negligible CO<sub>2</sub> leakage (e.g. pressurized insulated containers)
    {% endtab %}
    {% endtabs %}

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Project CO<sub>2</sub> capture</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq. 9)}\ E\_{CO\_2\ capture}=E\_{CO\_2\ capture\ process}+E\_{CO\_2\ capture\ infra}+E\_{CO\_2\ transport}+E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}$$

Where

* $$E\_{CO\_2\ capture}$$ represents the total project emissions from the CO<sub>2</sub> capture life cycle stage, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ capture\ process}$$ represents the emissions from any additional energy or consumable materials used in the CO<sub>2</sub> capture process, calculated using the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ capture\ infra}$$ represents the emissions from any additional infrastructure or machinery used for CO<sub>2</sub> capture, calculated using the [Infrastructure and machinery ](/modules/infrastructure-and-machinery.md)module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ transport}$$ represents the emissions from transporting CO<sub>2</sub> to the mineralization site, calculated using the [Transportation ](/modules/transportation.md)module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}$$ represents the emissions from fugitive CO<sub>2</sub> leaked during CO<sub>2</sub> transport, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq. It may be calculated using Eq 10, 11, 12, or a different approach.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 10)}\ E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}= Purchased\_{CO\_2}-Inflow\_{CO\_2}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}$$ was described in Eq. 9.
* $$Purchased\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the total mass of CO<sub>2</sub> leaving the CO<sub>2</sub> supplier and destined for the mineralization site, throughout the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$Inflow\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the mass of gaseous CO<sub>2</sub> entering the mineralization process (e.g. entering a reactor) throughout the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq. It may be calculated using Eq. 20, or provided via other operations records.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 11)}\ E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}= Purchased\_{CO\_2} \times R\_{leakage}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}$$ was described in Eq. 9.
* $$Purchased\_{CO\_2}$$ was described in Eq. 10.
* $$R\_{leakage}$$ represents the default leakage rate of the given transport mode (e.g. truck, pipeline...), for all transport modes used in project operations, in tCO<sub>2</sub> lost/tCO<sub>2</sub>, or as a fraction.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 12)}\ E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}= T\_{CO\_2} \times R\_{leakage,\ T}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{CO\_2\ transport\ leakage}$$ was described in Eq. 9.
* $$T\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the truck or ship transport segment considered, in tCO<sub>2</sub>\*km.
* $$R\_{leakage}$$ represents the default leakage rate of the given transport mode (e.g. truck, pipeline...), in tCO<sub>2</sub> lost/tCO<sub>2</sub>\*km.

</details>

### Project feedstock provisioning

This life cycle stage shall include the production, processing, and transport of alkaline feedstock to be carbonated.

***

Requirements for modeling induced emissions from **feedstock production** are presented in Table 2.

*Table 2 The approach for modeling GHG emissions from various types of feedstock are presented here.*

<table><thead><tr><th width="173">Feedstock type</th><th width="185">Example</th><th>GHG quantification</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Waste, no value</strong></td><td>Recycled concrete aggregate</td><td>Feedstock enters the project system boundary with no emissions. The system boundary starts with the transport step where feedstock is diverted from its BAU use and sent to the project site, or the first non-BAU treatment step, whichever comes first.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Produced for the sole purpose of mineralization</strong></td><td>Olivine</td><td>All feedstock production/mining/sourcing emissions shall be counted towards project induced emissions.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Valuable product, but not produced for the purpose of mineralization</strong></td><td>Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for carbonation curing</td><td>Production emissions are excluded, because they would have happened anyway/would be the same in the baseline scenario. The system boundary shall only include any processing steps specifically to prepare the feedstock for mineralization.</td></tr><tr><td><a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-9"><strong>Valuable co-product</strong></a></td><td>Steel slag</td><td>A share of the production emissions shall be allocated to the co-product, preferably based on economic allocation</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

Examples of **feedstock processing/preparation for mineralization** that may be considered in this stage may include but are not limited to:

* feedstock preparation/processing to increase mineral purity (e.g. magnetic separation of iron), to increase carbonation rates
* feedstock preparation/processing to increase surface area (e.g. grinding), to increase carbonation rates
* heating, drying, wetting, to obtain optimal feedstock moisture content and diffusivity

For calculations and emission factors, see the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module.

***

**Transportation** of alkaline feedstock shall include the delivery transport from the alkaline material production source to the carbonation site. For calculations and emission factors, see the [Transportation ](/modules/transportation.md)module.

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Project feedstock provisioning</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq. 13)}\ E\_{feedstock}=E\_{feedstock\ production}+E\_{feedstock\ processing}+E\_{feedstock\ transport}$$

Where

* $$E\_{feedstock}$$ represents the total project emissions from the feedstock provisioning life cycle stage, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{feedstock\ production}$$ represents the emissions from feedstock production, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq. This may be zero if the feedstock is a waste, may share emissions allocated between a coproduct, or may fully assume emissions if it is produced for the purpose of mineralization.
* $$E\_{feedstock\ processing}$$ represents the emissions from any additional energy or mineralization materials used in feedstock processing (e.g. griding, heating...), calculated using the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{feedstock\ transport}$$ represents the emissions from transporting feedstock from its production site to the mineralization site, calculated using the [Transportation](/modules/transportation.md) module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.

</details>

### Project mineralization process

This stage includes induced emissions from the mineralization process, including energy use, input and machinery use, and transport/delivery of the carbonated material; plus any CO<sub>2</sub> leaked from the reactor. All induced emissions from the mineralization process shall be included and counted towards the project GHG quantification, because they are all by definition additional to baseline conditions and part of the mineralization project.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Energy and input use" %}
This shall include energy use (electricity, heat and fuel) for heating, maintaining temperature, and compression/maintaining pressure, to be measured directly for each reported period. These may be provided by, for example:

* measurements for the whole site, and allocated to the project if needed (e.g. site-wide electricity bills), or
* measurements for specific machinery used by the project (e.g. energy meters), or
* calculated using machinery power requirements and operation hours.

Depending on the project-specific technology, this may also include but is not limited to:

* additives to increase dissolution rates (where dissolution of metal ions is the precursor to mineralization )
* water

For energy use calculations and emission factors, see the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Infrastructure/machinery" %}
All significant embodied emissions from machinery and infrastructure directly related to the mineralization process shall be included. For infrastructure calculations and emission factors, see the [Infrastructure and machinery ](/modules/infrastructure-and-machinery.md)module.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Transport/delivery" %}
**Transport of the final product** shall be included for any transport beyond 50 km, which is [assumed ](#user-content-fn-10)[^10]to be the standard transport distance for conventional concrete and aggregates.

This is included because it cannot necessarily be assumed that the project and baseline transport is the same. Indeed, concrete is a commodity with relatively localized markets, whereas the project's innovative product may have buyers that are outside the typical radius of basic concrete transport.

For calculations and emission factors, see the [Transportation](/modules/transportation.md) module.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="CO2 leakage" %}
Project Developers shall either provide the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> leaked or vented from a mineralization reactor, or justify why this amount can be assumed to be negligible.

**Proof of the amount of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;leaked** may include but is not limited to:

* sensor measurements (actual sensor readings, or the amount of the detection threshold if the measured amount is zero)
* reactor design documents showing an allowable or target limit of CO<sub>2</sub> leakage
* any approach mentioned in Article 41-46 of the[ EU ETS monitoring and reporting](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]
* mass balance of CO<sub>2</sub> combining gas inflow-outflow and solid sample measurements, described [below](#project-co2-stored).

**Fugitive CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**&#x20;emissions may be considered negligible** if:

* it is 100% biogenic and/or atmospheric CO<sub>2,</sub> or
* it came from a flue gas stream, where the unused flue gas is emitted anyway, or
* reactor design documents show negligible (<0.5%) CO<sub>2</sub> leakage, and Project Developers prove adherence to reactor maintenance and calibration

This may be measured as CO<sub>2</sub> leaked per hour of operation, or per tonne of carbonated material produced. The allocation of carbon type (fossil/calcination vs biogenic/atmospheric) shall be determined by the process detailed in the [Allocation of captured carbon](#allocation-of-captured-carbon-removals-vs.-avoidance) section.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Project mineralization process</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.14)}\ E\_{mineralization}=E\_{mineralization \ energy}+E\_{mineralization \ infra}+E\_{transport}+E\_{CO\_2\ leak}$$

Where

* $$E\_{carbonation}$$ represents the total project emissions from the onsite carbonation life cycle stage, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq per monitoring period.
* $$E\_{mineralization\ energy}$$ represents the emissions from energy or consumable inputs used in the mineralization process, calculated using the [Processing and energy use](/modules/processing-and-energy-use.md) module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$E\_{mineralization\ infra}$$ represents the emissions from infrastructure or machinery used for mineralization (i.e. reactors), calculated using the [Infrastructure and machinery ](/modules/infrastructure-and-machinery.md)module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq per monitoring period.
* $$E\_{transport}$$ represents the emissions from transporting the carbonated material from its production site to the user, calculated using the [Transportation ](/modules/transportation.md)module, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq per monitoring period. It is only considered if the transport distance is greater than 50 km.
* $$E\_{CO\_2\ leak}$$ represents the emissions from direct CO<sub>2</sub> leakage from the reactor/mineralization site to the atmosphere, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq per monitoring period. Project Developers shall calculate this in external files, using their preferred measurement setup, and report the final value per monitoring period in the MRV.

</details>

### Project CO<sub>2</sub> storage

Carbon storage shall be determined using project-specific measurements and CO<sub>2</sub> mass balance calculations, using either:

1. **Solid sample:** Periodic measurements on a representative sample of solid carbonated material, measuring its carbon content compared to a baseline material, using [TGA ](#user-content-fn-11)[^11]or dry combustion/TCA[^12]
2. **Gas inflow-outflow:** continuous measurements of CO<sub>2</sub> gas inflow minus outflow.

Each method is described in detail below. [Cross verification](#user-content-fn-13)[^13] of carbon storage measurements with another method is encouraged but not required.

#### Solid sample

All solid sample carbon content measurement shall be conducted on:

* A carbonated sample from the project, and
* A non-carbonated control sample of the same material.

The difference in CO<sub>2</sub> content between the two, measured using [TGA ](#user-content-fn-11)[^11]or dry combustion/TCA[^12], shall be used to quantify the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> removed by the project activity.

To ensure consistency:

* Project and control samples must be collected at the same time interval after exiting the reactor (e.g. 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month).
* Both samples must be stored under identical conditions between mineralization and measurement to avoid variations due to natural ambient mineralization.

All measurements shall be performed on **at least one** [**representative sample**](#user-content-fn-14)[^14] at the following frequency:

* For each [mineralization batch](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/eligibility-and-scope.md#mineralization-batch) (with batch validity limited to 1 year), or
* At least once per quarter, or
* Every 500 tonnes CO<sub>2</sub> removed, **whichever comes first**.

Refer to the [Sampling and measurements](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/monitoring-and-sampling.md#sampling-plan) section for detailed procedures on sampling approach, frequency, and traceability.

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Project CO<sub>2</sub> storage, solid-sample</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq. 15)}\ S\_{project}= \Delta CO\_2eq\*A\_{P,\ material, MP}$$

Where,

* $$S\_{project}$$ represents total carbon storage from the project in the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$\Delta CO\_2eq$$ represents the increase in CO<sub>2</sub> storage in the carbonated material vs the baseline material, as an absolute increase of tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/t carbonated material. Calculated in Eq. 16.
* $$A\_{P,\ material,MP}$$ represents the amount of carbonated material produced by the project in the monitoring period, in tonnes of dry material.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 16)}\ \Delta CO\_2eq=CO\_2eq\_{project}-CO\_2eq\_{control}$$

Where,

* $$\Delta CO\_2eq$$ was described in Eq. 15.
* $$CO\_2eq\_{project}$$ represents the concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> equivalent in the carbonated project material, derived from measured carbonate content using an approved solid sample measurement (TGA or dry combustion), in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/t of dry material. It is calculated in equations below for each measurement method.
* $$CO\_2eq\_{control}$$ represents the concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> equivalent in the non-carbonated control material, derived from measured carbonate content using the same measurement approach as for $$CO\_2eq\_{project}$$ . It is calculated in equations below for each measurement method.

Project Developers shall use either Eq. 17 or Eq. 18 to measure project and control $$CO\_2eq$$.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 17)}\ CO\_2eq\_{project,\ TGA} = %CO\_{2, loss} \div100$$

Where,

* $$CO\_2eq\_{project,\ TGA}$$ represents the concentration of CO<sub>2</sub>eq in the material, tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/t of dry material, derived from measured carbonate content using **TGA.** The same equation shall be used for $$CO\_2eq\_{control}$$.
* $$%CO\_{2, loss}$$ represents the mass loss percentage of CO<sub>2</sub>, directly measured using TGA at 600–800 °C, in % mass loss or tCO<sub>2</sub> lost/100 t dry material. Divided by 100 to convert to t/t.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 18)}\ CO\_2eq\_{project,\ dry\ combustion} = %C\_{mass} \div 100 \times C\ to\ CO\_2$$

Where,

* $$CO\_2eq\_{project,\ dry\ combustion}$$ represents the concentration of CO<sub>2</sub>eq in the material, tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/t of dry material, derived from measured carbonate content using **dry combustion.** The same equation shall be used for $$CO\_2eq\_{control}$$.
* $$%C\_{mass}$$ represents the measured inorganic or total carbon content of the material, in % mass of carbon or t C/100 t dry material. Divided by 100 to convert to t/t.
* $$C\ to\ CO\_2$$ represents the molecular weight conversion factor between carbon and CO<sub>2</sub>, and equals 3.67.

</details>

#### Gas inflow outflow

Gas inflow-outflow measurements shall be taken continuously (at least 1x per minute) and summarized and reported daily.

Gas measurements shall use a calibrated flow metering with ±1.0% accuracy or better. Project Developers shall provide equipment calibration certificates and QA/QC procedures.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Any projects using:

1. Technology type: carbonated solid materials to add to e.g. concrete or asphalt, and
2. Measurement type: gas inflow-outflow,

shall also account for unreacted CO<sub>2</sub> trapped in pore space of the carbonated material. This shall be calculated using conversions and subtracted from carbon storage measurements, according to Eq. 22.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Calculations: Project CO<sub>2</sub> storage, gas inflow-outflow</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq. 19)}\ S\_{project}= \sum (Inflow\_{CO\_2}- Outflow\_{CO\_2}- Pore\_{CO\_2})$$

Where,

* $$S\_{project}$$ represents total carbon storage from the project, summed over the monitoring period, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq.
* $$Inflow\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the daily recorded mass of gaseous CO<sub>2</sub> entering the carbonation process (e.g. entering a reactor), in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq, calculated in Eq. 20.
* $$Outflow\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the daily recorded mass of gaseous CO<sub>2</sub> exiting the carbonation process (e.g. exiting a reactor), in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq, calculated in Eq. 20.
* $$Pore\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the unreacted CO<sub>2</sub> stuck in pore space of the carbonated material, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq, calculated in Eq. 21. **It shall only be included for projects that carbonate solid materials** (e.g. carbonating SCMs to add to concrete).

$$\textbf{(Eq. 20)}\ Flow\_{CO\_2,\ i}= V\_{CO\_2,\ i}\*C\_{CO\_2,\ i}$$

Where,

* $$Flow\_{CO\_2\ i}$$ represents the flow of CO<sub>2</sub> for $$i$$ types of CO<sub>2</sub>, either inflow or outflow from the carbonation process, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/day.
* $$V\_{CO\_2,\ i}$$ represents the volume of CO<sub>2</sub> inflow or outflow of the carbonation process, at standard temperature and pressure, in m<sup>3</sup> of gas/day.
* $$C\_{CO\_2,\ i}$$ represents the [**weighted average**](#user-content-fn-15)[^15] **daily concentration** of CO<sub>2</sub> inflow or outflow of the carbonation process, at standard temperature and pressure, in tCO<sub>2</sub>/m<sup>3</sup> of gas.

$$\textbf{(Eq. 21)}\ Pore\_{CO\_2} = \frac{p}{RT} \times \epsilon \times y\_{CO\_2} \times \frac{M\_{CO\_2}}{\rho\_{bulk}} \times A\_{P,\ material,\ daily}$$

* $$Pore\_{CO\_2}$$ represents CO<sub>2</sub> trapped in pore space in the carbonated material, in tCO<sub>2</sub>eq/t carbonated material. **This term is only required for projects carbonating solid materials, to add to e.g. concrete or asphalt**.
* $$\frac{p}{RT}$$ represents the molar concentration of an ideal gas (in this case, CO<sub>2</sub>), in mol/m<sup>3</sup>. Under standard conditions, the terms would be total gas pressure ($$p= 101325\ Pa$$ ), temperature ( $$T=298\ K$$), and the ideal gas constant ( $$R=8.3145J/ (mol\*K)$$), for a total term value of 40.89 mol/m<sup>3</sup>.
* $$\epsilon$$ represents the gas void fraction of the material (i.e. fraction of volume per m<sup>3</sup> that is pore space), unitless. This value may be measured, or estimated using secondary literature for well-defined, common, homogeneous alkaline feedstocks.
* $$y\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the molar fraction of CO<sub>2</sub> in the pore gas, measured via gas analysis or conservatively assumed, unitless. It can conservatively be assumed to equal 1 (100% CO<sub>2</sub> atmosphere).
* $$M\_{CO\_2}$$ represents the molar mass of CO<sub>2</sub>, which equals 0.000044 t/mol.
* $$ho\_{bulk}$$ represents the bulk density of the dry carbonated material, measured or estimated using secondary sources, in kg/m<sup>3</sup>.
* $$A\_{P,\ material,\ daily}$$ represents the amount of carbonated material produced by the project per day, in tonnes of dry material.

</details>

## Data sources

The required **primary data** for GHG quantification from all projects, regardless of measurement approach, are presented in Table 3. Required primary data for projects using solid-sample carbon storage measurements are in Table 4, and for projects using gaseous inflow-outflow are in Table 5. These data shall be provided for each monitoring period, unless specified otherwise, and made publicly available.

*Table 3 Summary of primary data needed from **all projects** and their source. Asterisks (\*) indicate which data are only required for initial project certification and GHG quantification, and do **not** need to be monitored and updated during verification. Two asterisks (\*\*) indicate which data are only necessary if the project is eligible for avoidance credits from reduced cement use.*

<table><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th width="226.6328125">Parameter</th><th width="166.80078125">Unit</th><th width="188.828125">Source</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Amount of CO<sub>2</sub> leaving CO<sub>2</sub> capture facility</td><td>t CO<sub>2</sub> per monitoring period</td><td>Operations records, sales contracts, invoices</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Repartition of CO<sub>2</sub> types purchased, entering mineralization facility</td><td>fraction</td><td>Operations records, sales contracts, invoices</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Transport distance or amount of fuel, and transport mode, for CO<sub>2</sub> delivery</td><td>tonne*km, or kg fuel, or L fuel</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Amount and type of infrastructure/machinery used for CO<sub>2</sub> capture<strong>*</strong></td><td>kg, tonne, or m3; and material type</td><td>Technical design documents</td></tr><tr><td>Feedstock provisioning</td><td>Amount and type of alkaline feedstock used</td><td>tonne/monitoring period</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Feedstock provisioning</td><td>Transport distance or amount of fuel, and transport mode, for alkaline feedstock delivery</td><td>tonne*km, or kg fuel, or L fuel</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Mineralization process</td><td>Amount and type of infrastructure/machinery used for mineralization<strong>*</strong></td><td>kg, tonne, or m3; and material type</td><td>Technical design documents</td></tr><tr><td>Baseline CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Baseline removal calculations from alkaline feedstock mineralization</td><td>kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/tonne feedstock</td><td>Models, calculations</td></tr><tr><td>Baseline CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Baseline and project concrete use phase carbonation calculations</td><td>kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/tonne concrete</td><td>Models, calculations</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Energy and/or material use from CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>kg, liter, kWh, MWh, GWh, m3; and material type</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> capture</td><td>Energy and/or material use from CO<sub>2</sub> purification</td><td>kg, liter, kWh, MWh, GWh, m3; and material type</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Feedstock provisioning</td><td>Energy and/or material use from alkaline feedstock processing</td><td>kg, liter, kWh, MWh, GWh, m3; and material type</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Mineralization process</td><td>Energy and/or material use from mineralization</td><td>kg, liter, kWh, MWh, GWh, m3; and material type</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Transport distance or amount of fuel, and transport mode, for carbonated material delivery (if distance >50 km)</td><td>tonne*km, or kg fuel, or L fuel</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Amount of carbonated material produced in the monitoring period</td><td>tonne</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Avoidance: Project induced emissions</td><td>Amount cement needed in project scenario<strong>**</strong></td><td>kg cement used/monitoring period</td><td>Operations records</td></tr><tr><td>Avoidance: Baseline induced emissions</td><td>Amount cement needed in baseline scenario<strong>**</strong></td><td>kg cement equivalent calculated/ monitoring period</td><td>Cement mix designs, statements from clients, mandatory concrete mixes</td></tr><tr><td>Avoidance: Project and Baseline induced emissions</td><td>Cement mix design and emission factor for avoided cement<strong>**</strong></td><td>kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/tonne cement</td><td>Project-specific sources (e.g. EPDs), low-carbon cement thresholds (e.g. provided by the Global Cement and Concrete Association <a href="https://gccassociation.org/lcr-cement/">Low Carbon Rating</a>), or Ecoinvent</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

*Table 4 Summary of primary data needed from projects using **solid-sample** CO*<sub>*2*</sub>*&#x20;storage measurements, and their source. Project Developers shall provide only one of the two data sources listed.*

<table><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th width="258">Parameter</th><th width="215.07421875">Unit</th><th>Source</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>TGA: Carbon storage in project and control materials</td><td>mass loss percentage of CO<sub>2</sub></td><td>Laboratory measurements</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Dry combustion: Carbon storage in project and control materials</td><td>% mass of carbon or t C/100 t dry material</td><td>Laboratory measurements</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

*Table 5 Summary of primary data needed from projects using **gas inflow-outflow** CO*<sub>*2*</sub>*&#x20;storage measurements, and their source.*

<table><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th width="283.78125">Parameter</th><th width="176.09375">Unit</th><th>Source</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Volumetric flow of CO<sub>2</sub> inflow and outflow</td><td>m<sup>3</sup> of gas/day</td><td>Primary measurements, sensors</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> inflow and outflow</td><td>t CO<sub>2</sub>/m<sup>3</sup> gas</td><td>Primary measurements, sensors</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td><span class="math">\epsilon</span> gas void fraction of the material (<em>if carbonating solid materials)</em></td><td>fraction of volume per m<sup>3</sup></td><td>Measured or estimated using secondary sources</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td><span class="math">y_{CO_2}</span> molar fraction of CO<sub>2</sub> in the pore gas (<em>if carbonating solid materials)</em></td><td>unitless</td><td>Gas analysis or conservatively assumed to equal 1</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td><span class="math">ho_{bulk}</span> bulk density of the dry carbonated material (<em>if carbonating solid materials)</em></td><td>kg/m<sup>3</sup></td><td>Measured or estimated using secondary sources</td></tr><tr><td>CO<sub>2</sub> storage</td><td>Amount of carbonated material produced daily</td><td>tonne</td><td>Operations records</td></tr></tbody></table>

The ecoinvent database version 3.12 (hereafter referred to as ecoinvent) shall be the main source of emission factors unless otherwise specified. Ecoinvent is preferred because it is traceable, reliable, and well-recognized. The ecoinvent processes selected are detailed in [Appendix 1](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/appendix.md#appendix-1-ecoinvent-activities).

## Uncertainty assessment

An uncertainty assessment is presented below for all aspects of GHG quantification set **at the methodology level**. The findings from this assessment are then applied **at the project level**, where project-specific GHG quantification also undergoes an uncertainty assessment.

The **overall project GHG quantification uncertainty** is determined by qualitatively combining both the methodology-level and project-specific uncertainties for each identified source of uncertainty.

The following [assumptions](#id-8422amp7fe3k-1) have low uncertainty:

* Baseline delivery of concrete or aggregates is 50 km.
* Directly carbonated cement will have no CO<sub>2</sub> trapped in pore space.

The following [assumptions](#id-8422amp7fe3k-1) have moderate uncertainty:

* Future uses or end-of-life treatment of the carbonated material will not lead to reversals.
* All carbonated material from the same mineralization batch has similar characteristics.

The **baseline scenario selection** at the methodology level has low uncertainty, because it requires a project-specific assessment of the specific amount and type. The specific circumstances, amount and type of baseline material must be proven by the Project Developer, and their uncertainty shall be assessed at the project level. The amount of expected, counterfactual baseline removals has high uncertainty, but must be selected conservatively according to the [baseline scope](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/eligibility-and-scope.md#baseline-scope) requirements.

The **equations** have low uncertainty, because they consist of straightforward conversions. No **models** are used in this methodology. **Secondary data** include default baseline mineralization rates for a selection of alkaline feedstocks, which shall be applied conservatively, according to the [baseline scope](/methodologies/mineralization-of-alkaline-materials-ex-situ/eligibility-and-scope.md#baseline-scope) requirements.

The uncertainty at the module level is estimated to be low. This translates to an **expected discount factor of at least 3%** for projects using this module.

[^1]: ISO 14064-2:2019. Greenhouse gases — Part 2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification, monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emission reductions or removal enhancements.

[^2]: carbon dioxide removal

[^3]: carbon capture and storage

[^4]: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 of 19 December 2018 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012. [URL](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018R2066-20240701).

[^5]: business as usual

[^6]: accepted only with satisfactory documentation, transparency and published data

[^7]: Håkan Stripple, Christer Ljungkrantz, Tomas Gustafsson, Ronny Andersson, 2018. CO<sub>2</sub> uptake in cement containing products: Background and calculation models for IPCC implementation (No. B 2309), ISBN: 978-91-88787-89-7. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. [URL](https://cembureau.eu/media/p02hmc2l/ivl-report-CO%3Csub%3E2%3C/sub%3E-uptake-in-cement-containing-products-isbn-number-b2309.pdf). Page 25.

    Initial result of 10 kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/m<sup>3</sup> concrete block at end of life. Converted to kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq/m<sup>3</sup> loose recycled concrete aggregate assuming densities of 2.4 t/m<sup>3</sup> solid concrete block density, and 1.6 t/m<sup>3</sup> loose recycled concrete aggregate bulk density.

[^8]: Andersson, R., Fridh, K., Stripple, H., Häglund, M., 2013. Calculating CO2 Uptake for Existing Concrete Structures during and after Service Life. Environ. Sci. Technol. 47, 11625–11633. <https://doi.org/10.1021/es401775w>

[^9]: i.e. if the feedstock is a valuable co-product of a process with a different main product, but where the co-product is typically sold and used

[^10]: based on expert opinion and stakeholder advice

[^11]: Thermogravimetric analysis

[^12]: Total carbon analysis

[^13]: e.g. both solid and gaseous methods, or frequent in-house solid sample analysis via acid digestion

[^14]: A representative sample is a portion of carbonated material that accurately reflects the carbonation batch and production output during the relevant time period, capturing any temporal or random variation. Best practice is to create this sample as a composite of multiple sub-samples taken from different points in the batch.

[^15]: i.e. the concentration is averaged across all measurement intervals, weighted by the volume of gas measured at each interval, to reflect its relative contribution to the total flow.


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