Source: https://www.global-regulation.com/law/australia/217288/carbon-credits-%2528carbon-farming-initiativeavoided-deforestation-1.1%2529-methodology--determination-2015.html
Timestamp: 2018-06-18 11:06:31
Document Index: 590907347

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'arts\n36', 'art 4', 'art 4']

Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology Determination 2015 (Australia)
Link to law: https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00347
Dated 25 : 3 : 2015
6 Crediting period........................................................................................................................ 8
Part 2 —Avoided deforestation projects 9
7 Avoided deforestation projects................................................................................................. 9
Part 3 —Project requirements 10
Division 1 —General 10
8 Operation of this Part............................................................................................................. 10
Division 2 —Requirements relating to project area 10
9 Location.................................................................................................................................. 10
10 Project area to include eligible native forest.......................................................................... 10
11 Evidence relating to eligible native forest.............................................................................. 10
Division 3 —Requirements relating to project mechanism 11
12 Project mechanism................................................................................................................ 11
Division 4 —Restrictions on activities 11
13 No commercial harvesting.................................................................................................... 11
14 Wood for personal use, fencing and thinning....................................................................... 11
Division 5 —Other requirements 11
15 Requirement in lieu of regulatory additionality..................................................................... 11
Part 4 —Net abatement amount 13
Division 1 —Preliminary 13
16 Operation of this Part........................................................................................................... 13
17 Overview of gases accounted for in abatement calculations................................................. 13
18 Carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount................................................................. 13
19 References to factors and parameters from external sources................................................. 14
20 Use of data—pre-existing projects....................................................................................... 14
Division 2 —Stratification 14
21 Stratification of project area.................................................................................................. 14
22 Remotely-sensed imagery of project area............................................................................. 15
23 Re-stratification of carbon estimation areas.......................................................................... 15
24 Strata boundaries.................................................................................................................. 16
Division 3 —Baseline deforestation plan 16
25 Baseline deforestation plan................................................................................................... 16
Division 4 —Net abatement amount 16
Subdivision 1 —Allometric equations 16
26 Allometric equations to be validated or developed................................................................ 16
27 Validating or developing allometric equations...................................................................... 17
28 Step 1—Scope of allometry.................................................................................................. 17
29 Step 2—Determination of allometric domains...................................................................... 17
30 Step 3—Sample size............................................................................................................. 18
31 Step 4—Determination of plot design for tree selection....................................................... 18
32 Step 5—Allocation of plots for tree selection....................................................................... 18
33 Step 6—Survey and random selection of trees for destructive sampling.............................. 18
34 Step 7—Size classes............................................................................................................. 19
35 Step 8—Destructive sampling procedure............................................................................. 19
36 Step 9—Biomass analysis.................................................................................................... 20
37 Step 10—Data exploration and analysis............................................................................... 20
38 Step 11—Validation of allometric equation.......................................................................... 22
39 Procedure if allometric equation cannot be validated............................................................ 24
Subdivision 2 —Biomass survey 24
40 Determination of native forest biomass................................................................................ 24
41 Determination of root:shoot ratios........................................................................................ 24
42 Step 1—Plot design.............................................................................................................. 24
43 Step 2—Allocation of plots.................................................................................................. 24
44 Step 3—Pilot survey............................................................................................................ 25
45 Step 4—Number of plots..................................................................................................... 25
46 Step 5—Preparation of biomass survey............................................................................... 26
47 Step 6—Measurements within plots..................................................................................... 27
48 Step 7—Biomass of plots..................................................................................................... 27
49 Step 8—Edge corrections for plots crossing carbon estimation area boundaries.................. 28
50 Step 9—Validation of sample size........................................................................................ 29
Subdivision 3 —Calculation of baseline emissions 30
51 Calculating baseline emissions............................................................................................. 30
52 Baseline relevant carbon pools............................................................................................. 30
53 Step 1—Surveying requirements.......................................................................................... 30
54 Step 2—Calculating carbon stocks in carbon estimation area............................................... 30
55 Step 3—Calculating carbon stocks in carbon estimation area following clearing................. 32
56 Step 4—Calculating changes in baseline carbon stock in each carbon estimation area......... 35
57 Step 5—Calculation of emissions in each carbon estimation area in the baseline................. 36
58 Step 6—Calculating net baseline greenhouse gas emissions................................................ 37
Subdivision 4 —Calculation of project emissions and removals 38
59 Calculating project emissions and removals......................................................................... 38
60 Project relevant carbon pools................................................................................................ 38
61 Step 1—Project forest carbon stock changes in carbon estimation area resulting from disturbances 38
62 Step 2—Optional calculation of carbon stock enhancements................................................ 39
63 Step 3—Calculating project emissions................................................................................. 40
64 Step 4—Calculating total net greenhouse gas project emissions at the end of the reporting period 43
Subdivision 5 —Calculating net abatement amounts 44
65 Net abatement amount.......................................................................................................... 44
Part 5 —Reporting, record-keeping and monitoring requirements 45
Division 1 —Offsets report requirements 45
66 Operation of this Division.................................................................................................... 45
67 Requirements for first offsets report..................................................................................... 45
68 Requirements for all offsets reports...................................................................................... 45
69 Determination of certain factors and parameters................................................................... 45
Division 2 —Record-keeping requirements 46
70 Operation of this Division.................................................................................................... 46
71 Information relating to remotely-sensed imagery.................................................................. 46
Division 3 —Monitoring requirements 46
72 Operation of this Part........................................................................................................... 46
73 Monitoring for disturbance................................................................................................... 46
Division 4 —Reporting under section 77A of the Act 46
74 No division of carbon estimation area.................................................................................. 46
Schedule 1 —Partitioning of biomass 47
This is the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology Determination 2015.
(a) the stem, stump, branches, bark, seeds and foliage of a living tree; and
(b) dead matter (other than dead roots) attached to a living tree.
avoided deforestation project—see section 7.
baseline deforestation plan—see section 25.
carbon estimation area—see section 21.
CFI Mapping Guidelines means the guidelines of that name, as published from time to time, and available on the Department’s website.
clearing means the conversion, caused by people, of native forest to a land cover other than forest.
clearing buffer—see section 21.
clearing consent: where, under Commonwealth, State or Territory law, an area of land cannot be cleared without an approval issued by the appropriate authority, such an approval is a clearing consent for the area of land.
cropland has the meaning it has in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
deforestation means the direct human-induced conversion of forest, on or after 1 January 1990, to non-forest.
eligible native forest—see section 10.
exclusion area—see section 21.
forest cover—land has forest cover if the land covers at least 0.2 of a hectare and is dominated by trees that:
(b) have reached a height of at least 2 metres
grassland has the meaning it has in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
growth form means a general habit of growth of a plant determined by the direction and extent of growth, and any branching of the main-shoot axis or axes and includes: subshrub form; mallee form; shrub form; and tree form.
irregular feature—see section 22.
National Inventory System means the national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions published by the Department.
non-project tree—see section 25.
pre-existing clearing consent—see section 10.
project mechanism—see section 12.
project native forest—see section 12.
stratification means the division of the project area into strata in accordance with Division 2 of Part 4.
stratum—see section 21.
Targeted Precision—see section 45.
6 Crediting period
For the purposes of paragraphs 69(2)(b) and 70(2)(b) of the Act, the crediting period for an avoided deforestation project is the period of 15 years.
Part 2—Avoided deforestation projects
7 Avoided deforestation projects
(i) removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by sequestering carbon in trees in one or more native forests; and
(ii) avoiding emissions of greenhouse gases attributable to the clearing of one or more native forests; and
(2) A project covered by subsection (1) is an avoided deforestation project.
For paragraph 106(1)(b) of the Act, this Part sets out requirements that must be met for an avoided deforestation project to be an eligible offsets project.
Division 2—Requirements relating to project area
10 Project area to include eligible native forest
(1) The project area must include native forest:
(a) that has forest cover at the time of the application under section 22 of the Act; and
(b) for which there is clearing consent that:
(i) was issued before 1 July 2010; and
(ii) is valid at the time of the application under section 22 of the Act; and
(iii) provides that clearing is permitted for the purpose of converting the native forest to cropland or grassland; and
(iv) does not provide that clearing is permitted for the purpose of converting the native forest to plantation or settlements; and
(v) provides that the conversion of the native forest to cropland or grassland must be maintained in perpetuity; and
(vi) does not require an offset to mitigate any effect from the clearing to which it relates; and
(c) from which removal of wood for the purposes of creating timber or wood products is not authorised by law; and
(d) for which there is no permit for the collection of fuel wood.
(2) Such native forest is eligible native forest and the clearing consent is the pre-existing clearing consent for the forest.
11 Evidence relating to eligible native forest
(1) An application under section 22 of the Act for a declaration of an eligible offsets project to which this determination applies must be accompanied by evidence as provided by this section.
(2) In relation to paragraph 10(1)(a) the project proponent must provide:
(3) The project proponent must provide a copy of the pre-existing clearing consent.
Division 3—Requirements relating to project mechanism
(1) The project must be one in which the eligible native forest that is in a carbon estimation area or clearing buffer (the project native forest) is protected.
(2) In particular, the project must be one in which the project native forest:
(a) is not cleared; and
(b) is managed in order to achieve a mix of native trees, shrubs and understorey species that reflects the structure and composition of a vegetation community in:
(i) if the IBRA bioregion in which the project area is situated contains a national park, flora reserve or state forest—any such national park, flora reserve or state forest; and
(ii) otherwise—a native forest in the IBRA bioregion.
(3) To avoid doubt, if a tree monoculture can naturally occur within the IBRA bioregion in which the project area is situated, the mix of native trees can be a monoculture.
Division 4—Restrictions on activities
13 No commercial harvesting
The project must be one in which biomass is not removed from a carbon estimation area or clearing buffer for commercial purposes.
14 Wood for personal use, fencing and thinning
The project must be one in which, in carbon estimation areas and clearing buffers:
(i) wood is removed for personal use; or
(ii) wood is removed for the purposes of erecting or repairing fences;
no more than 5% of carbon stocks are removed; and
(b) if trees are thinned for the purposes of:
95% of the biomass thinned remains within the carbon estimation area or clearing buffer in which it was thinned.
Division 5—Other requirements
15 Requirement in lieu of regulatory additionality
For paragraph 106(1)(c) of the Act, this Part specifies the method for working out the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a reporting period for an avoided deforestation project that is an eligible offsets project.
17 Overview of gases accounted for in abatement calculations
The following table provides an overview of the greenhouse gas abatement and emissions that are relevant to working out the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for an avoided deforestation project.
Carbon pool or emission source
Emissions from fire—wildfire and controlled burn
Emissions from non-fire disturbances
This section sets out an outline of the method for calculating the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount.
• First, the project area is stratified into carbon estimation areas, clearing buffers and exclusion areas. See Division 2.
• Second, a baseline deforestation plan is developed, indicating the clearing that would have been carried out in the absence of the project. See Division 3.
• Third, the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for the reporting period is calculated. See Division 4. This calculation involves the following steps:
– First, allometric equations are developed and/or validated, in accordance with Subdivision 1.
– Then, a biomass survey is conducted in accordance with Subdivision 2. The biomass survey is used to calculate the carbon stock in the forests that would have been subject to clearing in the absence of the project.
– These equations, and the results of this survey, are then used to calculate baseline emissions in accordance with Subdivision 3. The method calculates baseline emissions by modelling the clearing and decay of the carbon stock over 100 years, from which a long term average baseline is calculated.
– Project emissions and removals are then calculated in accordance with Subdivision 4. The calculations take into account emissions from natural disturbances such as fire, and can also take into account enhancements of carbon stocks through tree growth.
– The net greenhouse gas abatement in the crediting period, as calculated at the end of reporting period , is then calculated as the difference between the net greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline from planned deforestation (as determined in accordance with Subdivision 3) and the net project carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (as determined in accordance with Subdivision 4). See Equation 39 in Subdivision 5.
– Finally, the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for reporting period , , in tonnes of CO2-e, is worked out by averaging this total abatement across the crediting period, and issuing it pro-rata. See Equations 40A and 40B of Subdivision 5.
­19 References to factors and parameters from external sources
20 Use of data—pre-existing projects
(a) the project was previously an eligible offsets project registered under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative)(Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013; and
(b) data had previously been collected in accordance with that determination; and
(c) the data was accepted by the Regulator for a previous offsets report;
the project proponent may use that data for Subdivision 3 and Subdivision 4 of Division 4.
Division 2—Stratification
21 Stratification of project area
(1) Before the submission of the first offsets report, the project area must be divided into areas, each of which is one of the following:
(b) a clearing buffer;
(c) an exclusion area.
(2) Each such area is a stratum.
(3) If the pre-existing clearing consent includes conditions that require that an area of the eligible native forest not be cleared, the strata must include clearing buffers that are sufficient to satisfy the conditions.
(4) In this determination:
carbon estimation area means an area of eligible native forest that:
(a) in the absence of the project, would have been cleared in accordance with the pre-existing clearing consent; and
(b) in which the project mechanism will be applied.
clearing buffer means an area (if any) of eligible native forest that:
(a) in the absence of the project, would have been left uncleared in order to comply with conditions of the pre-existing clearing consent; and
(b) under the project, will not be cleared.
exclusion area means an area of the project area that is neither:
(a) a clearing buffer; nor
(b) a carbon estimation area.
22 Remotely-sensed imagery of project area
(1) Remotely-sensed imagery of the project area must be acquired for the purposes of stratification and re-stratification.
(2) The remotely-sensed imagery must:
(a) be consistent with the requirements of the CFI Mapping Guidelines; and
(b) be pre-processed in order to correct for irregular features.
(3) If an irregular feature comprising more than 10% of the total area of the carbon estimation area or areas and the clearing buffer or buffers is detected:
(4) For this section, irregular feature includes the following:
(d) radiometric distortions;
23 Re-stratification of carbon estimation areas
(a) disturbance has been detected; and
(b) the disturbance has resulted in a crown cover loss of more than 5% over an area larger than 5% of the project native forest; and
24 Strata boundaries
The geographic boundaries of each stratum within the project area must be identified on a geospatial map in accordance with the CFI Mapping Guidelines.
Division 3—Baseline deforestation plan
25 Baseline deforestation plan
(1) A plan of the project area that complies with this section (the baseline deforestation plan) must be prepared before the first offsets report.
(2) The plan must identify the following:
(a) for each area of eligible native forest that would have been cleared but for the project—the land use that would have applied following the clearing;
(b) the spatial extent of each of the following:
(ii) the eligible native forest;
(iii) any part of the eligible native forest that would have been left uncleared in order to comply with conditions of the pre-existing clearing consent;
(iv) any part of the eligible native forest in relation to which clearing is not possible or practicable;
(v) each carbon estimation area;
(vi) each clearing buffer;
(vii) each proposed land use referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) any requirements, whether in accordance with the pre-existing clearing consent or otherwise, to not clear certain kinds of trees (non-project trees);
(d) an estimate of canopy cover had the authorised clearing occurred.
(3) The plan must include a map prepared in accordance with the CFI Mapping Guidelines depicting the spatial information in subsection (2).
Division 4—Net abatement amount
Subdivision 1—Allometric equations
26 Allometric equations to be validated or developed
(a) each tree species to which an allometric equation is applied; and
(b) each group of species to which an allometric equation is applied.
(a) develop and validate a new allometric equation; or
(b) validate an existing allometric equation in accordance with section 38, if:
(i) the allometric equation has been published in a peer-reviewed journal as a valid allometric equation; and
(ii) the allometric equation was developed using a dataset of more than 15 trees; and
(iii) the allometric domain is known; and
(c) validate an allometric equation developed in accordance with this determination for another avoided deforestation project.
27 Validating or developing allometric equations
Each allometric equation must be validated and developed using destructive sampling by carrying out the steps specified in this Subdivision.
28 Step 1—Scope of allometry
(1) Allometric equations developed or validated in accordance with this Subdivision apply only to the above-ground biomass of the project native forest.
Note The below-ground biomass of the native forest in the project area is determined using root:shoot ratios as provided by section 41.
(2) The use of an allometric equation is restricted to its allometric domain as defined in section 29.
29 Step 2—Determination of allometric domains
(c) the species growth form for which the allometric equation has been or will be developed;
30 Step 3—Sample size
(1) For each allometric equation to be validated, at least 6 trees must be selected for destructive sampling, including at least one tree from each class size as defined in section 34.
(2) For each new allometric equation to be developed, at least 20 trees must be selected for destructive sampling, including at least one tree from each class size as defined in section 34.
31 Step 4—Determination of plot design for tree selection
(1) The plot design for tree selection must be determined in accordance with section 42.
(2) Enough plots must be allocated to capture at least 100 trees per species or species group represented by the allometric equation across the area mentioned in section 32.
32 Step 5—Allocation of plots for tree selection
(b) the spatial extent of each allometric domain as defined in section 29.
33 Step 6—Survey and random selection of trees for destructive sampling
(2) A plot at each waypoint must be established as provided by section 31.
(5) Enough plots to achieve the sample size prescribed in section 31 must be established.
34 Step 7—Size classes
(1) The trees mentioned in section 33 must be:
(a) a minimum range identifying the smallest variable for tree selection; and
(4) At least the first tree in each class size ranked in accordance with subsection (3) must be selected for destructive sampling in accordance with section 35.
(5) If more than one tree per class size is needed to achieve the sample size specified in section 30:
(a) trees must be selected sequentially within each size class according to the ranking in subsection (3); or
35 Step 8—Destructive sampling procedure
(1) Each sample tree selected in section 34 must be cut down at ground level.
(2) The wet weight of each sample tree must be measured.
(a) select:
(i) at least every fourth tree cut down in accordance with subsection (1) in the order of cutting; and
(ii) at least one tree from each class size mentioned in section 34; and
(b) cut each tree into its component parts.
(4) For the purposes of this section, component parts include the following:
(c) crown;
(5) If an allometric equation is to be developed for a group of species, each of the trees cut down in accordance with subsection (1) must be cut into component parts
36 Step 9—Biomass analysis
(1) For each tree cut into its component parts in accordance with section 35:
(a) estimate its dry weight by the following steps:
(i) record the wet weight of each component part (the component wet weight);
(ii) cut at least 3 representative subsamples from each component part;
(iii) for each subsample, undertake the following steps:
(A) record its wet weight immediately after being cut (the subsample wet weight);
(B) dry it in an oven with a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius until it has achieved a constant weight;
(C) record its weight after drying (the subsample dry weight );
(D) divide the subsample dry weight by the subsample wet weight (the subsample dry to wet weight ratio);
(iv) average the subsample dry to wet weight ratios of the subsamples of each component part (the component average dry to wet weight ratio);
(v) multiply the component wet weight by the component average dry to wet weight ratio (the estimated component dry weight);
(vi) sum each estimated component dry weight for each component part of the sample tree to estimate the dry weight of the sample tree; and
(b) estimate the whole tree dry to wet weight ratio of the sample tree by dividing its estimated dry weight calculated in accordance with paragraph (a) by its wet weight measured in accordance with subsection 35(2).
(b) each of the trees cut down in accordance with subsection 35(1) was not analysed in accordance with this section;
(3) If the coefficient of variation estimated in accordance with subsection (2) exceeds 15%:
(a) all measurements associated with trees not analysed in accordance with this section must be discarded; and
(b) destructive sampling for the equivalent number of sample trees discarded in accordance with paragraph (a) must be repeated in accordance with subsection 35(1); and
(4) If the coefficient of variation calculated in accordance with subsection (2) is equal to or less than 15%, the dry weight of any sample trees not analysed in accordance with this section must be estimated by multiplying the tree wet weight by the average tree dry to wet weight ratio.
37 Step 10—Data exploration and analysis
(1) The whole tree dry weight data obtained in section 36 must be compiled into a database or spreadsheet suitable for statistical analysis or importation into a statistical analysis software package.
(2) If an existing allometric equation is to be validated, Step 10.1 in this section must be skipped and Step 11 in section 38 must be completed.
(a) simple linear regression; or
(b) multiple regression; or
(a) the response variables change in a systematic way with variation in the explanatory variable; and
(7) If data is transformed, power transformations may be used.
(11) Each allometric equation developed must be verified by comparing the predictions from the corresponding allometric equation with observations of trees mentioned in subsection (1).
= weighted residual (kilograms) for tree ().
j,m = a test tree () from the data set () used to derive the allometric equation.
= observed biomass (kilograms) for tree () measured by destructive sampling.
= biomass (kilograms) for tree (j,m) predicted from the allometric equation.
= weighting factor applied to tree (j,m) calculated in accordance with Equation 2.
= weighting factor applied to tree ().
= basal area of tree () (square metres).
= a test tree () from the data set () used to derive the allometric equation.
(14) If the allometric equation satisfies subsection (13), proceed to Step 11 in section 38.
(15) If the allometric equation does not satisfy subsection (13):
(a) an existing equation must be selected in accordance with section 26 and validated using the procedure outlined in section 38; or
38 Step 11—Validation of allometric equation
(1) Each allometric equation must be validated in respect of the native forest to which the pre-existing clearing consent applies.
(a) the first reporting period in which the allometric equation is applied; and
(3) Once a biomass survey has been completed in accordance with Subdivision 2, an allometric domain must be confirmed in accordance with this section for each allometric equation to be applied.
(4) Before applying an allometric equation, the project proponent must confirm that the characteristics of the species or group of species whose biomass is to be predicted fall within a valid allometric domain as defined in section 29.
(5) For trees measured in the biomass survey, a table must be prepared listing the following:
(c) the spatial extent of the species;
(8) An estimate of the biomass contained within each sample tree mentioned in section 30 must be predicted using the allometric equation to be validated.
(10) The validity of each allometric equation for prediction must be established by comparing its predictions with observed values estimated by the destructive sampling of trees selected in accordance with sections 30 to 36.
= weighted residual in kilograms (kg) for tree ().
= a test tree from a dataset not used to derive the allometric equation.
= observed biomass (kilograms) for tree () measured through destructive sampling.
= biomass (kilograms) for tree () predicted from the allometric equation.
= weighting factor applied to tree () calculated in accordance with Equation 4.
= basal area (square metres) of tree ().
(a) the characteristics of the species or group of species, the biomass of which is to be predicted, fall within the valid domain of the allometric equation to be applied, in accordance with Step 11.1 in this section; and
39 Procedure if allometric equation cannot be validated
(a) select another equation to validate in accordance with section 26; or
(b) develop a new equation in accordance with section 26.
Subdivision 2—Biomass survey
40 Determination of native forest biomass
(a) the data collected in respect of the carbon estimation area and used for the most recent offsets report may be used; and
41 Determination of root:shoot ratios
(a) the Major Vegetation Group class in which plot (p) is located must be identified; and
42 Step 1—Plot design
(a) have a fixed orthogonal area and shape with a definite spatial boundary; and
(b) be able to be re-established for auditing purposes; and
43 Step 2—Allocation of plots
(7) For the purposes of a biomass survey, all the plots ranked from 1 until the number of plots obtained in Step 4.2 in section 45 must be surveyed.
(a) the project name [NAME]; and
(c) the plot point number [PLOT_NUM]; and
(d) the X coordinate in decimal degrees [X_VALUE]; and
44 Step 3—Pilot survey
(a) at least the first 5 plot points allocated in accordance with section 43 must be surveyed; and
(a) a biomass survey must be undertaken in accordance with sections 46 and 47.
(3) Data collected as part of the pilot survey may be used in order to determine the biomass of plots as provided by section 48.
45 Step 4—Number of plots
(1) In order to determine the final sample size required to estimate carbon stocks in each carbon estimation area, Steps 4.1 and 4.2 in this section must be completed in relation to each carbon estimation area.
(2) The data from the pilot survey undertaken in accordance with section 44 must be used when completing Step 4.1.
= coefficient of variation of pilot sample in carbon estimation area (i).
= sample standard deviation from pilot data in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= sample mean from pilot data in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= estimated number of sample plots required to meet Targeted Precision ().
= coefficient of variation in pilot data as calculated in Equation 5 (expressed as a percentage).
= two-sided students t-value, at the degree of freedom equal to (n-1) where (n) is the number of plots established in the biomass survey, for a 90% confidence level.
= allowable level of sampling error (expressed as a percentage and fixed as 10%).
46 Step 5—Preparation of biomass survey
(a) if the tree species or group of species has an associated allometric equation—the explanatory variables required to be surveyed must be identified for all allometric equations used in the project area in accordance with Subdivision 1; and
(b) if the tree species or group of species does not have an associated allometric equation—the diameter of the stem must be recorded as an explanatory variable; and
(c) each plot that must be surveyed must be identified; and
(d) a survey protocol that states the requirements and processes of the biomass survey must be developed, including for the checking and calibration of measuring equipment.
47 Step 6—Measurements within plots
(2) A plot at each waypoint must be established as provided by section 42.
(3) The explanatory variables identified in section 46 must be measured for all trees in each plot established in accordance with subsection (2).
48 Step 7—Biomass of plots
(1) The biomass of each plot surveyed as provided by section 47 must be determined in accordance with Steps 7.1 to 7.4.
(2) The measurements made in the field sample plots as provided by section 47 must be converted into above-ground biomass stock estimates for each tree, , for tree in sample plot in carbon estimation area in reporting period .
(3) For the purposes of the conversion in subsection (2), the allometric equation obtained in Subdivision 1 applicable to the species or group of species to which the tree belongs must be used.
(4) The above-ground biomass stock in survey plot () in carbon estimation area () must be determined using the following formula:
= total above-ground biomass of all trees in sample plot () in carbon estimation area () for reporting period () (tonnes of dry matter).
= above-ground biomass of tree () in sample plot () in carbon estimation area () for reporting period (r) (tonnes of biomass per tree).
j = tree (j) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) in reporting period (r).
i = carbon estimation area (i).
p = sample plot (p) in each carbon estimation area (i).
(5) The below-ground tree biomass in each plot surveyed in accordance with section 47 must be determined using the following formula:
= total below-ground tree biomass stock of trees in plot (), in carbon estimation area () for reporting period () (tonnes of dry matter).
= total above-ground tree biomass stock of trees in plot () in carbon estimation area () for reporting period () (tonnes of dry matter).
= root:shoot ratio determined in accordance with section 41 (tonnes of root biomass per tonnes of shoot biomass).
(6) The total tree biomass for each plot surveyed in accordance with section 47 must be determined using the following formula:
= total biomass stock in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of biomass).
= total above-ground tree biomass stock of trees in plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of dry matter).
= total below-ground tree biomass stock of trees in plot (p), in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of dry matter).
49 Step 8—Edge corrections for plots crossing carbon estimation area boundaries
50 Step 9—Validation of sample size
= standard error of the biomass survey in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r).
= standard deviation of the primary biomass survey data in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of dry matter).
= number of sample plots in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r).
= Targeted Precision error limit of the primary biomass survey for a carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r).
= two-sided students t-value, at the degree of freedom equal to (n-1) where (n) is the number of plots established in the biomass survey in each carbon estimation area, for a 90% confidence level.
(5) The final value of TPi,r must be less than or equal to 10%.
(6) If TPi,r is greater than 10%, additional plots must be surveyed consistently with the requirements of this Subdivision until the Targeted Precision is less than or equal to 10%.
Subdivision 3—Calculation of baseline emissions
51 Calculating baseline emissions
52 Baseline relevant carbon pools
53 Step 1—Surveying requirements
Data must be collected in accordance with Subdivision 2.
54 Step 2—Calculating carbon stocks in carbon estimation area
= mean carbon stock in all pools in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
= total biomass stock of trees in sample plot (p) of carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of dry matter) as calculated in section 48.
= area of sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (hectares).
= 0.5, being the fraction of carbon in biomass.
= buffer representing the proportion of non-project tree biomass within carbon estimation area (i)as calculated using Equation 13.
= number of sample plots (n) measured in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r).
Note 1 The factor represents the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon dioxideto the molecular weight of carbon.
Note 2 Equation 12 is also used to calculate the mean carbon stocks in carbon estimation areas for each reporting period in which a biomass survey is undertaken.
(2) If the baseline deforestation plan provides that a kind of tree in the project area must not be cleared, the project proponent may:
(i) set the biomass of that kind of tree to zero;
(ii) not include that kind of tree in the results of any biomass survey; or
(b) calculate a non-project tree buffer for each carbon estimation area using data collected in the first reporting period, in accordance with Equation 13.
= buffer representing the proportion of non-project tree biomass within carbon estimation area (i) in the first reporting period (r=1) estimated from in-field measurements as provided by Subdivision 2 and expressed as a decimal.
= total biomass stock of trees in sample plot (p) of carbon estimation area (i) for the first reporting period (r = 1) (tonnes of biomass).
= total biomass stock of non-project trees in sample plot (p) of carbon estimation area (i) for the first reporting period (r = 1) (tonnes of biomass) calculated by completing Equation 14.
(3) If, after proceeding in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) in relation to a particular kind of tree, the project proponent subsequently wishes to include that kind of tree in a biomass survey the project proponent must, using data from the first biomass survey:
(a) calculate the biomass for the kind of tree in accordance with Subdivision 1 and Subdivision 2; and
(b) recalculate the non-project tree buffer in accordance with Equation 13.
(5) For all kinds of tree the biomass for which was not set to zero under subsection (2), the total biomass for those trees in each plot must be calculated using the following formula using data collected in the first reporting period:
= total biomass of non-project trees in sample plot (p), in carbon estimation area (i) in the first reporting period (r=1) (tonnes of biomass).
= above-ground biomass of trees that may not be cleared under baseline deforestation plan (j) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) in the first reporting period (r=1) (tonnes of biomass per tree).
RSR = root:shoot ratio determined in accordance with section 41 (tonnes of root biomass per tonne of shoot biomass).
55 Step 3—Calculating carbon stocks in carbon estimation area following clearing
(1) The long-term average carbon stocks in each carbon estimation area if clearing had been carried out in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan must be calculated in accordance with this section.
(2) The long-term average mean carbon stocks in all pools in each carbon estimation area if clearing had been carried out in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan must be calculated using the following formula:
= baseline (B) long term average mean carbon stock in all pools in carbon estimation area (i) following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
= long term average biomass stock of trees in sample plot (p) of carbon estimation area (i) following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan (tonnes of biomass) calculated in accordance with Equation 20.
= fraction of carbon in biomass, set at 0.5 as consistent with the National Inventory System.
= number of sample plots measured in carbon estimation area (i) in the first reporting period (r=1).
Note The factor represents the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon dioxideto the molecular weight of carbon.
(3) Steps 3.1.1 to 3.1.5 must be completed in order to determine the 100 year average biomass stock in the sample plots following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan.
= biomass in the debris pool following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= biomass stock in all pools within plot (p) prior to clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan in carbon estimation area (i) for the first reporting period (r=1) (tonnes of dry matter) as calculated in accordance with Equation 9.
= biomass of tree component (k) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) as determined for each tree component (k) (tonnes of biomass).
k = tree component (stem, branch, bark, leaves, coarse roots, fine roots).
= biomass in the debris pool following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan in sample plot (p), in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= the value given by subsection (8).
(8) In relation to QFk,p,i the biomass fraction for each tree component is the following:
(a) QFstem,p,i is the biomass fraction of stems for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
(b) QFbranch,p,i is the biomass fraction of branches for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
(c) QFbark,p,i is the biomass fraction of bark for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
(d) QFleaves,p,i is the biomass fraction of leaves for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
(e) QFcoarse_roots,p,i is the biomass fraction of coarse roots for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
(f) QFfine_roots,p,i is the biomass fraction of fine roots for Major Vegetation Group of plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i);
= biomass residue post burning event, of tree component (k) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of dry matter).
= biomass of tree component (k) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) as determined for each tree component in Step 3.1.2 in this section (tonnes of biomass).
BF = 0.25, being the fraction of biomass burnt as a result of fire.
BEk = burn efficiency for tree component (k) (see Schedule 1 for tree component burn efficiencies).
UF = 0.75, being the fraction of biomass unburnt as a result of fire.
= Long term (lt), 100 year, average biomass of tree component (k) in sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= biomass residue post burning event, of tree component (k), in sample plot (p), in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of dry matter).
= decay rate for tree component (k) in sample plot (p), as determined in Schedule 1.
= the Yth year for each year of decay in the 100 year modelling period where Y = 1 to 100.
long term average biomass for sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= 100 year average biomass of tree component (k) for sample plot (p) in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
56 Step 4—Calculating changes in baseline carbon stock in each carbon estimation area
The change in baseline carbon stocks during the crediting period as a result of the implementation of the baseline deforestation plan must be calculated in the first reporting period using the parameters obtained in Step 2.1 in section 54 and Step 3 in subsection 55(2) and the following formula:
= mean carbon stock changes in all pools in the baseline within carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
= mean carbon stock in all pools within carbon estimation area (i) in carbon estimation area (i) for the first reporting period (r = 1) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare) calculated in Equation 12.
= mean carbon stock in all pools in the baseline at end of crediting period in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare) calculated in Equation 15.
57 Step 5—Calculation of emissions in each carbon estimation area in the baseline
(1) The methane and nitrous oxide emissions released as a result of the burning of biomass following clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan must be accounted for in accordance with this section.
= biomass within the debris pool from clearing in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
= area of carbon estimation area (i) (hectares).
= mean carbon stock in all pools in the baseline in the carbon estimation area (i) for the first reporting period (r = 1) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare) calculated in Equation 12.
CF = 0.5, being the carbon fraction of biomass.
Note The factor is the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon to carbon dioxide.
= methane emissions due to fire events in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= nitrous oxide emissions due to fire events in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= biomass within the debris pool from forest conversion activities in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass).
CF = 0.5, being the carbon mass fraction of vegetation.
= emission factor for methane ( in tonnes element in species / tonnes element in fuel burnt, as given by the National Inventory Report.
= emission factor for nitrous oxide ( in tonnes element in species / tonnes element in fuel burnt, as given by the National Inventory Report.
= Global warming potential for methane ( (tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of methane) as given by the NGER Regulations.
= Global warming potential for nitrous oxide ( (tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of methane) as given by the NGER Regulations.
M = factor to convert elemental mass of gas species (g) to molecular mass, as accessed from table 7.22 of the National Inventory Report, 2010: Volume 2.
= baseline (B) greenhouse gas emissions due to biomass burning in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= methane emissions due to biomass burning, as determined in accordance with Equation 23, in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent).
= nitrous oxide emissions due to biomass burning, as determined in accordance with Equation 24, in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
EB,i = baseline (B) greenhouse gas emissions as a result of clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan within carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
58 Step 6—Calculating net baseline greenhouse gas emissions
= net greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline from clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= baseline (B) mean carbon stock changes in all pools in the carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) during the crediting period.
= baseline (B) greenhouse gas emissions as a result of clearing in accordance with the baseline deforestation plan within carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
Subdivision 4—Calculation of project emissions and removals
59 Calculating project emissions and removals
60 Project relevant carbon pools
(a) above-ground tree biomass; and
(d) the burning of biomass from fires.
61 Step 1—Project forest carbon stock changes in carbon estimation area resulting from disturbances
(1) When an area of degradation or natural disturbance has been re-stratified into a new carbon estimation area as required by section 23, the biomass stocks of that area must be:
(a) calculated by resurveying the new carbon estimation area in accordance with Subdivision 2; or
(b) set to zero.
= mean carbon stock changes in all pools as a result of degradation or natural disturbance in carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
= mean carbon stock in all pools ()in carbon estimation area (i) as reported in the preceding offsets report.For the first offsets report following disturbance, carbon estimation area (i) means the original (not re-stratified) carbon estimation area.
= mean carbon stock in all pools measured in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
ΔCDEG,i,r = net project carbon stock changes in all pools as a result of degradation or natural disturbance, in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
SDEG,i = area of delineated degradation or natural disturbance event in the carbon estimation area (i) (hectares).
= mean carbon stock changes in all pools from the degradation or natural disturbance event, in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare).
62 Step 2—Optional calculation of carbon stock enhancements
(1) Project carbon stock enhancements may be accounted for in accordance with this section.
(3) The survey must:
(a) meet the requirements of Subdivision 2; and
= net carbon stock changes as a result of forest carbon stock enhancement in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= mean carbon stock in all pools ( ) as reported at the time of the preceding offsets report in carbon estimation area (i).
= area of carbon estimation area (i) in which carbon stock enhancements are being undertaken and monitored (hectares).
63 Step 3—Calculating project emissions
= biomass burned from fire type (ft) in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of biomass).
Sburn,i,r = area burned in carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (hectares).
= fuel load of carbon estimation area (i) (tonnes of biomass per hectare) (specified in table 7.17 of the National Inventory Report, 2010: Volume 2).
= burn efficiency for either controlled burning or wildfires (specified in table 7.19 of the National Inventory Report, 2010: Volume 2).
ft = fire type (ft), either wildfire or controlled burn.
= greenhouse gas emissions due to fire events in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= methane emissions due to fire events in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= nitrous oxide emissions due to fire events in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= 0.5, being the carbon mass fraction in vegetation.
= emission factor for methane (, in tonnes element in species per tonnes element in fuel burnt, as given by the National Inventory Report.
= emission factor for nitrous oxide (, in tonnes element in species per tonnes element in fuel burnt, as given by the National Inventory Report.
= Global warming potential for nitrous oxide ( (tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of methane) as given bythe NGER Regulations.
= factor to convert elemental mass of gas species g to molecular mass (as given by table 7.22 of the National Inventory Report, 2010: Volume 2).
= 0.011, being the nitrogen to carbon ratio in biomass.
Step 3.2—Determine emissions from fossil fuel combustion
= net emissions of fuel consumption in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= emissions of greenhouse gas (g) from consumption of fuel type (a) for carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
g = greenhouse gas type: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O).
Step 3.3—Calculating emissions for fossil fuel types
= the quantity of fossil fuel type (a) consumed in carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (kilolitres).
= energy content factor of fossil fuel type (a) (gigajoules per kilolitre) determined in Schedule 1, Part 4 of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.
= emission factor for each gas type (g) for fossil fuel type (a) (kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per gigajoule) determined in Schedule 1, Part 4 of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.
= project (Pr) greenhouse gas emissions, for carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= emissions from fossil fuel combustion in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r) calculated in accordance with Equation 35 (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= nitrous dioxide and methane emissions due to biomass burnt due to fires in carbon estimation area (i) for reporting period (r), calculated in accordance with Equation 34 (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
64 Step 4—Calculating total net greenhouse gas project emissions at the end of the reporting period
(1) The total net greenhouse gas project emissions for each carbon estimation area at the end of the reporting period must be calculated using the following formula:
= project (Pr) emissions (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) in the project area calculated at the end of the current reporting period (r).
= net project carbon stock change as a result of any degradation events in the project area in carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (calculated in accordance with Equation 29) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= emissions within the project area in carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (calculated in accordance with Equation 37) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= net carbon stock change as a result of forest growth and sequestration during the project in areas projected to be deforested in the baseline in carbon estimation area (i) during reporting period (r) (calculated in accordance with Equation 30) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
r = current reporting period (r).
r-1 = previous reporting period (r-1).
(2) In subsection (1), is equal to zero (0) for the first reporting period (r=1).
Subdivision 5—Calculating net abatement amounts
65 Net abatement amount
(1) The carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for the project for the reporting period must be calculated in accordance with this Subdivision.
(2) The net greenhouse gas abatement in the crediting period, as calculated at the end of reporting period (r), must be calculated in accordance with the following formula:
= net greenhouse gas abatement for the crediting period calculated at the end of current reporting period (r) (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= net greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline from planned deforestation (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) as determined in accordance with Subdivision 3
= net project carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) as determined in accordance with Subdivision 4.
(3) The project proponent must calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for each offsets report:
(a) for the first reporting period under this determination – in accordance with Equation 40A; and
(b) for subsequent reporting periods – in accordance with Equation 40B.
Equation 40B
= carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for the current reporting period r (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= net greenhouse gas abatement for the crediting period calculated at the end of the current reporting period (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).
= carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount () for each previous reporting period () (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) since project commencement (that is, not including the current reporting period).
= net greenhouse gas abatement already credited to projects under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative)(Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013 determined in accordance with subsection (4) (Equation 41).
= number of years since project commencement.
= number of years in the current reporting period (years).
Note 1 Only projects that were registered and credited under Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013 will have a non-zero value for .
Note 2 The number 15 represents the length of the crediting period.
(4) Project proponents must calculate the abatement already credited under Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013.
= net greenhouse gas abatement already credited to projects under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013.
= the total number of Australian carbon credit units issued for the project in accordance with the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Avoided Deforestation) Methodology Determination 2013.
Note 1 0.95 is a constant which accounts for a risk of reversal buffer of 5%.
Note 2 Credits are not adjusted to account for any relinquished credits associated with adopting a 25-year permanence period.
66 Operation of this Division
For paragraph 106(3)(a) of the Act, this Division sets out information that must be included in an offsets project report about an avoided deforestation project that is an eligible offsets project.
67 Requirements for first offsets report
(a) the baseline deforestation plan; and
(b) evidence of the mix of species mentioned in subsection 12(2); and
(c) the map referred to in section 24; and
(d) the information specified in section 68.
68 Requirements for all offsets reports
If a carbon estimation area is re-stratified in accordance with section 23, the next offsets report that is submitted to the Regulator must include the map referred to in section 24, amended to show the new strata boundaries.
For paragraph 106(3)(c) of the Act, this Division sets out record-keeping requirements for an avoided deforestation project that is an eligible offsets project.
71 Information relating to remotely-sensed imagery
Records must be kept in relation to each of the requirements for remotely-sensed imagery set out in section 22.
72 Operation of this Part
For paragraph 106(3)(d) of the Act, this Division sets out requirements to monitor an avoided deforestation project that is an eligible offsets project.
73 Monitoring for disturbance
(b) comply with the requirements in section 22.
74 No division of carbon estimation area
Schedule 1—Partitioning of biomass
Biomass fraction to stems (fraction)
Biomass fraction to branches (fraction)
Biomass fraction to bark (fraction)
Biomass fraction to leaves (fraction)