Isometric has released Version 1.1 of the Biochar Production in Distributed and Small Scale Projects Module for public consultation. The update marks a significant expansion of the module, opening it to a wider range of distributed projects by accommodating more kiln types and project structures. For the first time, distributed biochar projects will be held to the same bar for quality and rigor as industrial biochar.
Read how Isometric is approaching distributed biochar differently.
Distributed and small scale biochar production
Distributed biochar production typically takes place in rural settings where biomass feedstocks—such as agricultural or forestry residues—are abundant but industrial-scale projects are not feasible due to a lack of supporting infrastructure. Distributed projects locate pyrolysers and kilns close to where feedstocks are sourced, making use of materials that might otherwise go to waste.
These projects often deliver meaningful co-benefits to local communities and the environment. When spread on agricultural fields, biochar can increase crop health and yields, while simultaneously reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and generating a circular system where biochar is returned to the fields from where the feedstocks are sourced.
Key updates
Version 1.1 includes several significant new additions. The module now provides enhanced guidance on community engagement and benefit sharing, and introduces new requirements for emissions monitoring, feedstock sourcing, kiln safety, and Standard Operating Procedures. It also enables suppliers to leverage new technologies to automate data collection and kiln operation, and introduces provisions for facility grouping to support large-scale projects.
The module includes detailed guidance on sampling and focuses on direct measurement where possible. Where direct measurements are not operationally feasible, Isometric uses conservative discounting to ensure every credit represents a tonne of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.
Together, these additions unlock certification for a significantly wider range of distributed biochar projects. Leading distributed biochar suppliers Carboneers and Varaha are the first to sign up to issue credits under the updated module.
Berend de Haas, Founder and Director of Carboneers, said: "Registering our first distributed biochar project with Isometric has been a great experience, in which we have received exceptional support. We are proud to be the first such project under Isometric's module and look forward to delivering high-quality, fully traceable carbon credits to the market."
Ikarus Janzen, Chief Commercial Officer at Varaha, said: "Distributed biochar has enormous potential to benefit rural farming communities and remove carbon from the atmosphere, but that potential can only be realised with rigorous, accurate certification. This updated module provides a framework to scale high-quality distributed biochar projects and deliver credits that reflect real climate and community impact."
A rigorous approach to MRV
The updated module takes a scientifically rigorous approach to monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). It draws on a new generation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and technical capabilities to achieve a high level of rigor while remaining grounded in operational realities. Black Carbon—a byproduct of incomplete combustion—is explicitly accounted for, a factor other certifiers have not addressed to date.
Genevieve Hodgins, Lead Climate Scientist at Supercritical, a marketplace for high-quality carbon removal, welcomed the module's approach to quality:
"This protocol is a genuine step change from traditional artisanal standards, particularly on methane emissions monitoring. It gives buyers a credible route into distributed biochar and channels finance directly to smallholder farming communities. These are community-scale projects with real social co-benefits that corporate buyers increasingly want in their portfolios."
To support implementation on the ground, Isometric has partnered with Planboo as its preferred digital MRV partner for distributed biochar projects.
Marc Hernandez Folguera, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Planboo, said:
“I’m a big fan of the work Isometric is doing to raise the bar for carbon removal. They really know their stuff when it comes to integrity, and this new distributed biochar module is a clear example of that. We’ve partnered with them to provide the dMRV layer, ensuring every tonne of carbon removed is measured and monitored based on our years of experience.”
Version 1.1 was developed in line with the Isometric Standard, through collaboration between Isometric's in-house Science Team and reviewers from Isometric's independent Science Network, a body of more than 400 academic experts and practitioners.
Buyers, suppliers, and scientists are invited to submit comments during the 30-day public consultation period, which closes on April 16, 2026.
