Carbon Market FAQ

Carbon Credit Certification Guide

What Are Carbon Credits?

Carbon credits represent a quantified amount of greenhouse gas emissions — typically one tonne of CO₂ equivalent — that has been reduced, avoided, or sequestered. These credits can be sold or traded in carbon markets to help organisations meet climate targets.

Why Certify Carbon Credits?

Certification provides independent verification that claimed carbon savings are real, measurable, permanent, and additional to what would have happened otherwise. This assurance is essential for credibility and to enable trading on voluntary or regulated carbon markets.

Step 1: Understand the Carbon Market Types

  • Compliance Markets — Regulated by governments (e.g., UK Emissions Trading Scheme) where businesses must meet emissions caps.

  • Voluntary Markets — Companies and individuals buy credits to offset emissions voluntarily.

Hemp carbon credits typically enter voluntary markets, but compliance options may grow.

Step 2: Measure Your Carbon Sequestration

  • Use recognised measurement protocols to estimate the amount of carbon your hemp crop sequesters, including biomass and soil carbon changes.

  • Engage qualified experts or use tools provided by carbon certification bodies.

  • Maintain detailed records of cultivation practices, land use, and soil tests.

Step 3: Choose a Certification Standard

Select an independent body that certifies carbon projects and issues credits. Popular standards include:

BHA supports growers in selecting appropriate standards and preparing applications.

Step 4: Develop and Register Your Carbon Project

  • Prepare a Project Design Document (PDD) outlining your hemp carbon farming practices, measurement methods, and expected carbon savings.

  • Submit the PDD to your chosen certification body for validation.

Step 5: Verification and Validation

  • An independent third-party verifier assesses your project for accuracy, adherence to protocols, and additionality (the carbon savings wouldn’t have happened without your project).

  • On approval, your project is validated and can be listed on a carbon registry.

Step 6: Issue and Sell Carbon Credits

  • Once validated, carbon credits can be issued corresponding to your measured carbon sequestration.

  • Credits can be sold via carbon marketplaces or brokers.

  • Maintain ongoing monitoring and reporting to renew certification annually or per contract.

Best Practices for Carbon Farming with Hemp

Maximising carbon capture through hemp cultivation requires adopting effective farming techniques that promote plant growth, enhance soil health, and ensure accurate carbon measurement. Here are key best practices to help farmers and growers contribute meaningfully to carbon markets and sustainable agriculture:

1. Choose High Biomass Varieties

Select hemp cultivars bred for fast growth and high biomass yield. These varieties capture more CO₂ by producing greater plant mass above and below ground, increasing both carbon sequestration and valuable fibre production.

2. Optimise Planting and Crop Rotation

  • Use optimal planting densities and sowing dates adapted to your region to maximise growth and carbon uptake.

  • Incorporate hemp into crop rotations with legumes or cover crops to improve soil nitrogen levels and structure, enhancing soil organic carbon.

3. Implement Sustainable Soil Management

  • Minimise soil disturbance by adopting reduced tillage or no-till practices.

  • Apply organic amendments like compost or biochar to boost soil fertility and carbon storage capacity.

  • Manage irrigation efficiently to support healthy plant growth without wasting water.

4. Monitor and Measure Carbon Sequestration

  • Use recognised protocols to measure above-ground biomass and soil organic carbon changes accurately.

  • Engage accredited soil testing services to monitor soil carbon stocks over time.

  • Maintain detailed records of farming practices, inputs and harvest yields for certification purposes.

5. Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

  • Maintain buffer zones and encourage beneficial insects and wildlife to create resilient agro-ecosystems.

  • Avoid harmful pesticides and herbicides to preserve soil microbial life vital for carbon cycling.