CRCF recognition phase

The certification methodologies

Each methodology defines the rules for measuring, verifying and certifying a project's CO2 removals or reductions. CS methodologies are developed in compliance with Reg. EU 2024/3012.

CRCF methodologies

A general framework and four methodologies

All CRCF projects are based on a general framework and four activities recognised by Delegated Regulation C(2026) 4666 of 9 July 2026 and its annex.

CS-GEN-001CRCF
CRCF Methodology — General Framework
The common framework for every Climate Standard activity: project boundaries, activity and monitoring periods, additionality, uncertainty, buffer rules and minimum sustainability requirements.
Read the full methodology →
CS-CF1a-001CRCF
CRCF Methodology — Regenerative Agriculture (soil organic carbon)
Management practices that increase organic carbon in cultivated mineral soils, including cover crops, organic amendments, reduced tillage and longer rotations. Benefits are measured between sampling campaigns, net of management emissions.
Read the full methodology →
CS-CF1b-001CRCF
CRCF Methodology — Agroforestry
Trees and shrubs are established or maintained on agricultural land alongside crops or grazing. The benefit is carbon accumulated in field-measured woody biomass; soil carbon can be included through dedicated sampling.
Read the full methodology →
CS-CF1c-001CRCF
CRCF Methodology — Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction
N₂O emissions from agricultural soils are reduced through nitrogen management: rates, splitting, timing, placement and nitrification inhibitors. Benefits are measured against the farm reference scenario.
Read the full methodology →
CS-CF3-001CRCF
CRCF Methodology — Afforestation
New forest is established on land that was not forest, using declared species, density and spacing. Benefits are measured in above- and below-ground biomass, with a share of units allocated to the buffer reserve.
Read the full methodology →
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Can't find the right methodology for your project? Climate Standard evaluates new proposals in line with Reg. EU 2024/3012.
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CS methodologies are structured as public documentation accessible in the Climate Standard Notion directory. Each methodology includes: scope of application, reference baseline, monitoring protocol, additionality criteria and audit procedures. The links above become active as soon as the documentation is published.

Regulatory compliance

Alignment with Reg. EU 2024/3012

CS methodologies are designed to comply with the requirements of the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF). This ensures that issued credits are recognisable in CSRD reporting and in Carbon Neutrality claims under ISO 14068-1.

Additionality
Each methodology includes documented criteria to demonstrate that CO2 removals would not have occurred without the certified project.
Verifiable quantification
Monitoring and measurement protocols follow international standards verifiable by ISO 17065 accredited VVBs.
Long-term storage
Removed carbon is maintained over time through monitoring obligations and a buffer covering the risk of loss.
Sustainability
The activity meets minimum sustainability requirements and does no significant harm to other environmental objectives.

Does your project fit one of these methodologies?

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