The European Council has formally adopted a regulation establishing the first EU-wide certification framework for carbon removals. This marks a significant step toward standardising practices like carbon farming, permanent removals, and carbon storage to support environmental goals.
Bottom view of a growing tree seedling in a forest. AI generated picture.
This voluntary framework outlines certification requirements for three key activities:
- Carbon storage: Storing carbon in long-lasting products such as wood-based construction materials for at least 35 years.
- Carbon farming: Enhancing carbon sequestration or reducing emissions in forests and soils over a minimum of five years through practices like reforestation or wetland restoration.
- Permanent carbon removals: Capturing and storing atmospheric or biogenic carbon for centuries, using methods like direct air capture or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.
Read more: DGB’s Impact Investments, revolutionising responsible investing
Certified projects must meet stringent criteria, including demonstrable carbon benefits, additionality, long-term storage, and environmental safeguards. Independent third-party bodies will verify compliance.
The regulation also aims to build trust in the carbon market by requiring an EU-wide electronic registry to track certified units, ensuring transparency and traceability. This registry is expected to be operational four years after the regulation comes into force.
While the EU recognises that carbon removals are essential to offset residual emissions, it acknowledges that current efforts fall short. Terrestrial carbon removals are declining, and industrial-scale removals remain minimal.
The framework aims to boost the adoption of high-quality carbon removal practices across the EU, with all certified activities contributing to the EU’s environmental objectives rather than third-party targets. The regulation will take effect 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal and will apply directly in all member states.
By enhancing environmental integrity and lowering administrative burdens, the EU hopes this framework will encourage both public and private sectors to embrace sustainable carbon removal solutions.
Read more: COP29 sparks global cooperation with Article 6 deals
At DGB Group, we are dedicated to enabling businesses and individuals to take meaningful action toward offsetting their carbon footprints through transformative nature-based solutions. By prioritising ecosystem restoration and large-scale tree planting, we strive to deliver enduring environmental and socio-economic benefits. Every investment in carbon compensation with DGB helps create a more sustainable and prosperous future for our planet.
