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.
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 handheld moisture sensor.
Take at least 15 measurements per kiln run, distributed evenly across the biomass pile (width and depth).
Ensure mean moisture content ≤15% and no individual measurement >25%.
Upload photos of sensor readings to dMRV as proof.
Prepare Biomass for Kiln:
Chop or chip biomass to the appropriate size for the kiln.
Document biomass preparation with photos/videos and upload to dMRV.
Conducting Pyrolysis
Load Biomass:
Load dried biomass into the kiln, following training guidelines for proper feeding rates.
Avoid overloading to prevent cooling or flame quenching.
Monitor Pyrolysis:
Start the kiln and ensure temperature sensors are functioning.
Maintain pyrolysis temperature ≥350°C for the required duration.
For open kilns, ensure a clean flame curtain (no white smoke/ash).
Document the process with time-stamped photos/videos of:
Flame quality (open kiln).
Temperature readings (automatically continuously recorded)
Kiln operation (e.g., biomass feeding, flame height).
Quench Biochar:
Rapidly quench biochar after pyrolysis to minimize methane emissions.
Document quenching with time-stamped photos/videos showing start/end times.
Record Any Energy Use:
Track energy/fuel used for ignition and methane combustion (if applicable).
Upload records to dMRV.
Set Aside Biochar Samples
Set Aside Biochar Subsamples:
After each kiln run, set aside 3 liters of biochar (1 liter from 3 spots in the pile).
Add subsamples to the Site Composite Biochar Pile for the production batch.
Measure Biochar Quantity:
Volume Approach:
Use standardized containers (e.g., 1 m³ bags) to measure biochar volume.
Record the number of containers produced per run.
Mass Approach:
Weigh biochar before or after quenching using calibrated scales.
If weighed after quenching, measure moisture content (3 samples per batch) and adjust for dry mass.
Document Sampling, upload to dMRV:
Photos of subsamples being set aside.
Annual Site Composite Sample Preparation
Prepare a representative sample for the Production Batch Composite Biochar Pile.
Grind and Mix Biochar:
Grind the Site Composite Biochar Pile to <3 mm.
Mix thoroughly by shoveling the pile three times.
Take Subsamples:
Take 15 subsamples (150 ml each) from different spots in the mixed pile.
Combine subsamples and mix again.
Take a final 1.5-liter sample for the Annual Site Composite Sample.
Document Process:
Upload photos of mixing and sampling to dMRV.
Uploading Proof to dMRV
Upload Required Data:
Kiln Run Proof:
Temperature curves (from sensors).
Photos/videos of pyrolysis (flame, biomass feeding, quenching).
Biomass moisture content measurements.
Biochar volume/mass produced.
Sampling Proof:
Photos of subsamples added to the Site Composite Biochar Pile.
QR codes of biochar bags (if used).
End-Use Proof:
GPS coordinates and photos of biochar delivery/application.
Contact information of biochar users.
Flag Anomalies:
Report any issues (e.g., incomplete data, unsatisfactory pyrolysis) to the Project Developer or Kiln Supervisor.
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:
Ensure proper biomass feeding and moisture content measurements.
Check storage conditions for biomass and biochar.
Confirm biochar sampling procedures are followed.
Bulk Density Measurements (Volume Approach)
Measure bulk density for projects using the volume-based approach.
Prepare Biochar Sample:
Collect a representative sample from the Site Composite Biochar Pile at each site.
Sample from the bottom, middle, and top of the pile.
Transport the sample carefully to avoid breakage.
Dry the Biochar:
Dry the sample in a ventilated oven (≥110°C overnight).
Measure Bulk Density:
Use standardized containers of 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 as the mean minus one standard deviation.
Upload Proof:
Upload photos of each step to dMRV.
Production Batch Composite Biochar Pile
Combine samples from all sites for lab analysis.
Combine Site Samples:
Mix all Annual Site Composite Samples into one pile.
Shovel the pile three times for homogeneity.
Take Project Representative Sample:
Take 15 subsamples (150 ml each) from the mixed pile.
Combine and mix again.
Take the final Project Representative Sample for lab analysis.
Store Retention Sample:
Keep the remaining biochar as a retention sample for 2 years.
Upload Records:
Upload photos, dates, times, and QR codes to dMRV.
Training and Oversight
Conduct Training:
Train operators on safety, biomass preparation, moisture measurement, pyrolysis, quenching, sampling, and dMRV use.
Monitor Performance:
Flag non-compliant kiln runs (e.g., incomplete data, improper pyrolysis).
Report findings to the Project Developer.
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 kilns have integrated temperature sensors and, for closed kilns, methane combustion systems.
Assign unique QR codes to each kiln.
Document kiln technical features (e.g., chimney design, sensor placement) in dMRV.
Ensure no individual kiln produces more than 1,500 m³ of biochar annually (closed kilns) or 500 m³ (open kilns).
Define Project-Specific Criteria at Validation
Biomass feedstock types and proof of waste status.
Sampling and measurement protocols (e.g., H/C ratio, bulk density, methane emissions).
Training Protocol for kiln operators.
roject-specific criteria for evaluating temperature curves. Focus on red flags (e.g., incomplete biomass drying, improper feed-in rates).
Select and Validate dMRV Platform
Ensure the platform meets Rainbow’s requirements (e.g., QR code scanning, photo uploads, GPS tracking).
Submit the platform for Rainbow validation before use.
Oversight of All Kiln Runs
Review dMRV Data
Check every kiln run for:
Temperature curves (≥350°C maintained, pre-defined project-specific temperature criteria met).
Biomass moisture content (≤15% mean, no single measurement >25%).
Biochar volume/mass produced.
Photos of pyrolysis, quenching, and sampling.
Coordinate Biochar Sampling
Ensure Kiln Supervisors prepare:
Site Composite Biochar Piles (mixed subsamples from all runs).
Annual Site Composite Samples (representative samples for bulk density).
Verify Project Representative Samples are sent to accredited labs for:
H/C ratio.
Organic carbon content.
Environmental pollutants.
Flag Non-Conformities
Exclude ineligible kiln runs (e.g., incomplete data, improper pyrolysis).
Document reasons for exclusion in the Annual Oversight Report.
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 and photos of the testing process to dMRV.
Training and Support
Train kiln operators on:
Safety protocols for kiln operation.
Biomass preparation (drying, sizing).
Moisture content measurement.
Pyrolysis and quenching.
Biochar sampling procedures.
dMRV use.
Upload training records to dMRV, including:
Attendance logs.
Photos/videos of training sessions.
Test results or proof of completion.
Offer ongoing support in the form of refreshers and troubleshooting (e.g., temperature curve analysis, moisture measurement).
Annual Oversight Report
Compile Data
List all kiln runs and their status (eligible/ineligible).
Document non-conformities (e.g., missing data, improper sampling) and remediation steps.
Include Site Visit Findings
Summarize Kiln Supervisor observations (e.g., biomass storage, kiln operation, sampling compliance).
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).
Last updated