Methodology
Generic Requirements - This is a methodology note, projects are certified under Riverse Standard Rules V6.1.
Overall Available Credits
0
tCO₂eq
Overall forecasted delivery
593578
tCO₂eq
Most used mechanism
Avoidance
Last Update
using this methodology
2
Projects
Cement, a vital binding agent in concrete, has a high carbon footprint, with 90% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from raw material extraction, processing, and the energy-intensive clinker production process. Cement production begins with limestone (CaCO3), which undergoes a transformation to lime (CaO), releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct. Additional CO2 emissions result from the combustion of fossil fuels during this process.
Efforts to reduce emissions include incorporating low-impact materials, such as blast furnace slag, into cement blends, though limited availability poses future challenges. With cement production expected to increase by 12–23% by 2050, mitigating the environmental impact of this essential industry is crucial.
Low Carbon Cement
Projects eligible under this methodology are the activities that produces or use low carbon construction materials, in substitution of traditional cement.
Project and baseline scenario for the low carbon cement methodology note.
The methodology quantifies carbon removals and GHG emissions avoided compared to baseline scenarios using the ISO 14064-2 standard. In this methodology, all projects must submit detailed life cycle assessments (LCAs) to quantify emissions accurately.
The functional unit for the LCA is 1 tonne of CEM I equivalent (ordinary vs. low carbon material) ready to use.
Baseline scenario
This scenario considers three life cycle stages:
Project scenario
This scenario considers two life cycle stages:
Because the carbon credits are of the type “avoidance” and not “removal” and issuance is done ex-post. The sequestration horizon for permanence does not need to be considered.
To demonstrate additionality, all projects must apply the regulatory surplus analysis, plus either investment or barrier analysis.
These may be financial, institutional, or technological barriers. Project Developers must demonstrate how revenue from carbon finance is necessary to allow projects to overcome these barriers. Examples of barriers include but are not limited to:
In the case of low carbon cement, projects may prove a high price gap analysis vs Portland cement, and the need to include carbon credit in the business model to find investments.
Projects must not cause substantial environmental and social damage. Environmental and social risks are managed through:
The environmental and social risks assessed for low carbon cement projects are:
Carbon leakage refers to the displacement of project activities from the project scope to areas outside the project scope, resulting in an indirect transfer of GHG emissions rather than the absolute avoidance/removal of emissions. Types of carbon leakage that must be considered for RCC issuance include:
To monitor projects and verify avoided emissions, Project Developers must submit the following on a regular basis (at least annually):
We adhere to the ISO14064-2 standard to accurately quantify GHG emissions reductions and sequestration. Our approach ensures that all calculations are transparent, consistent, and reliable.
Every project undergoes rigorous validation and recurring verification/monitoring audits by accredited Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). This process guarantees the credibility and accuracy of our projects' emissions reductions.
Overall Available Credits
0
tCO₂eq
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Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
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All projects must comply with the following eligibility criteria: Measurability, Reality, Additionality, Permanence (not applicable here, avoidance credits), No Double Counting, Co-benefits, Substitution, Environmental and Social Do No Harm, Leakage, Technology Readiness level, Target Alignments, and Minimum Impact.
Version management is handled through a system that ensures consistency and traceability of changes.
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