Working with People to Power Artisan MRV

Matt Rickard - COO @ Biochar Life
BiocharLife
Published in
4 min readApr 25, 2024

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In the fight against climate change, biochar has emerged as a promising carbon removal technology. This ancient practice, now revived with modern techniques, involves converting agricultural waste into a stable form of carbon, known as biochar, which can be used to enrich soil and sequester carbon for centuries. As biochar gains recognition globally for its environmental benefits, the importance of verifiable, sustainable production practices becomes paramount.

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At Biochar Life, we focus on empowering smallholder farmers by integrating traditional, artisanal methods with innovative technologies. These farmers are at the heart of our operations, turning local biomass into valuable biochar through environmentally friendly processes. However, ensuring the integrity and efficacy of these biochar projects demands more than just traditional methods; it requires a comprehensive approach to monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV). These processes are critical not just for maintaining quality and safety standards, but also for validating the environmental benefits each project claims. This is where our innovative solution, Digital & People-Powered MRV Plus (dpMRV+), comes into play.

Setting New Standards

Biochar Life’s dpMRV+ system sets a new benchmark in the MRV landscape by combining the latest in digital technology with the deep, local knowledge of our dedicated teams.

Here’s a glimpse into how our MRV and dpMRV+ system enhances each phase of biochar production:

Pre-Pyrolysis Engagement: Our training teams provide comprehensive guidance to farmers, ensuring that the biochar production starts on the right foot with optimal conditions. This includes meticulous checks like biomass moisture monitoring and kiln calibration to meet production specifications.

Monitoring During Pyrolysis: The core of our verification happens here. We not only track the quantity of biochar produced but also conduct spot checks on kiln temperatures and capture real-time visual data to ensure consistent quality and adherence to safety standards.

Post-Pyrolysis Quality Assurance: After production, our verification extends to testing the biochar’s conductivity, visually documenting its application, and conducting random audits. These steps confirm the biochar’s quality and its readiness for market or use in enhancing soil fertility.

As the Global Head of Data Integrity & Technology at Biochar Life, I am proud to say that our Digital & People-Powered MRV Plus (dpMRV+) represents our commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on expertise. This innovative approach ensures that every step of biochar production is monitored with the utmost precision, fostering trust and transparency with our partners. At Biochar Life, we don’t just meet industry standards — we set them, providing our clients with the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sustainability strategies. — Mona Singh, Global head of Data Integrity & Technology @ Biochar Life

Expanding Verification with Enhanced and Advanced Services

Building on our core services, dpMRV+ introduces additional layers of assurance for stakeholders:

Enhanced Transparency with Real-time Monitoring: Techniques like short video streaming of the pyrolysis process and continuous temperature monitoring provide stakeholders with a closer, more transparent view of biochar production.

Advanced Emissions Management: We repeated monitoring CH4 and other emissions to mitigate environmental impacts, aligning with global sustainability goals and providing peace of mind for eco-conscious consumers and investors.

Biochar Life’s advanced MRV offerings

Building Trust Through Transparency and Innovation

In today’s environmentally conscious market, buyers demand not only sustainability but also transparency and reliability from their carbon removal solutions. Biochar Life’s Digital & People-Powered MRV Plus (dpMRV+) addresses these needs by offering unprecedented insight and oversight into every stage of biochar production. Our enhanced and advanced verification services equip buyers with the critical data and confidence needed to make informed decisions and investments.

By partnering with us, you gain access to a verification system that goes beyond traditional practices, offering continuous monitoring, detailed reporting, and real-time adjustments. This level of scrutiny ensures that every batch of biochar produced under our watch meets the highest standards of quality and environmental integrity. Our commitment to these principles helps build a foundation of trust and reliability with our buyers, facilitating stronger, more sustainable relationships.

As the biochar industry grows, and as regulatory frameworks evolve, the value of rigorous MRV processes like dpMRV+ will only increase. Consider Biochar Life as your partner in sustainability — together, we can achieve impactful environmental goals and drive positive change in agricultural practices worldwide.

Don’t just take our word for it — see the difference that our dpMRV+ can make. Contact us today to learn more about how our enhanced verification services can provide the assurance and quality you require for your carbon removal investments: hello@biochar.life

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Matt Rickard - COO @ Biochar Life
BiocharLife

Social entrepreneur, podcaster, writer, film-maker, rugby nut, dog lover - living in the north of Thailand