Carbon Working Group

Remit

The Carbon Working Group (CWG) has been formed to clarify expectations and develop guidance on questions relating to carbon and greenhouse gases. The membership of the CWG was invited to join based on their expertise in the field of forest carbon and/or greenhouse gas. The Terms of Reference have been written to allow flexibility in membership, allowing new experts to be brought in as the focus of the group changes. This allows for agricultural carbon specialists to be brought in and others to leave, for example.

The Group is chaired by a member of the SBP Secretariat, who presents specific technical questions and papers for review and improvement. The output of the Group is still subject to review by governance and advisory bodies in the SBP structure as appropriate, such as the Standards Committee and Technical Committee.

Workstreams

At present the CWG is focused on developing guidance for Standard 1 indicators 3.2.1 (stable or increasing forest area carbon stocks), 3.2.3 (High conservation value and high carbon stock) and 3.3.1 (cascading use of wood). Other subjects due for discussion include the bioenergy industry’s expectations in regards data for Bio-Energy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) and carbon stock change in agricultural systems.

The Group’s work will play a crucial role in ensuring robust, science-based approaches to carbon accounting across our certification scheme. Stay tuned for further updates as its work progresses.

For more information, please contact our Carbon Project Manager, Chris O’Brien.