This page last reviewed December 21, 2012

Compliance Offset Protocol Livestock Projects

Introduction

The Compliance Offset Protocol Livestock Projects provides methods to quantify and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions associated with the installation of a biogas control system (BCS) for manure management on dairy cattle and swine farms.  The protocol focuses on quantifying the change in methane emissions, but also accounts for effects on carbon dioxide emissions.

Offset Project Operators or Authorized Project Designees that install manure biogas capture and destruction technologies must use the methods contained in this protocol to quantify and report GHGs.  The protocol provides eligibility rules, methods to quantify GHG reductions, offset project-monitoring instructions, and procedures for preparing Offset Project Data Reports.  Additionally, all offset projects must submit to annual, independent verification by ARB-accredited verification bodies.  Regulatory requirements for verification of Offset Project Data Reports are provided in the Cap and Trade Regulation (Regulation).

This protocol is designed to ensure the complete, consistent, transparent, accurate, and conservative quantification of GHG emission reductions associated with a livestock digester project.  The protocol is comprised of both quantification methodologies and regulatory program requirements to develop a livestock project for generating ARB offset credits.

ARB Compliance Offset Protocol—Livestock Projects (Adopted 10/20/2011)

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