Isometric has certified updates to the Biochar Production and Storage Protocol, the Biochar Storage in Soil Environments Module, and launched two new production modules: Biochar Production in Combustion Co-product Systems and Biochar Production in Distributed and Small-Scale Projects. These updates expand options for suppliers when designing their projects while maintaining the highest levels of scientific rigour.
Certification follows a 30-day public consultation that included feedback from buyers, suppliers, academics, and climate science researchers. Full details on the evolution of the protocol and modules—how feedback from consultation was incorporated—are available in the respective Protocol and Module changelog and public consultation summaries.
Biochar Production and Storage Protocol
Version 1.2 of the Biochar Protocol includes revisions to improve clarity and align the requirements with the latest scientific thinking. The update strengthens operational guidance for suppliers by introducing a comprehensive table of requirements structured around the key stages of the biochar lifecycle. This makes it easier for suppliers to develop robust monitoring plans and ensures greater consistency in how projects document and report their activities.
The update also streamlines how requirements are presented, helping suppliers quickly understand what is expected at both the project design stage and throughout implementation.
Protocol changelog and public consultation summary.
Biochar Storage in Soil Environments Module
Previously called the Biochar Storage in Agricultural Soils Module, v1.2 expands the module’s scope to include storage in a wider range of soil environments—including productive and amenity land such as forestry soils and recreational areas.
The update introduces additional options for biochar project designs. Suppliers may now stockpile biochar for up to 12 months before application, provided they meet robust stability requirements. Projects may also mix biochar with other organic materials, such as compost, to reduce reversal risk, and may sell biochar to third parties if they meet the requirements of a strengthened chain-of-custody framework.
The new version also includes refinements to how biochar durability is quantified—excluding reactive organic carbon from 1,000-year crediting calculations—and strengthened environmental and traceability safeguards such as particle-size restrictions and clearer guidance on transport-emissions treatment. All measurement requirements now meet or exceed World Biochar Certificate guidelines.
Module changelog and public consultation summary.
Production Modules
Isometric has introduced two new production modules, expanding the range of biochar production techniques permitted under the Biochar Production and Storage Protocol:
- Biochar Production in Combustion Co-product Systems Module—outlines requirements and procedures for projects where biochar is produced alongside energy or other co-products. Module changelog and public consultation summary.
- Biochar Production in Distributed and Small-Scale Projects Module—outlines requirements and procedures for smaller or community-scale biochar projects. Module changelog and public consultation summary.
These updates and new modules were developed in line with the Isometric Standard, through collaboration between Isometric’s in-house Science Team and reviewers from Isometric’s independent Science Network, which includes more than 300 academic experts and practitioners.
