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Assessments & Strategy
Carbon Sequestration Assessment
A Carbon Sequestration Assessment evaluates the potential to capture and store carbon through nature-based solutions (NbS) or engineered carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies — a critical component of credible net zero strategy for organisations with hard-to-abate residual emissions.
The SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard limits the use of carbon credits for net zero claims and requires organisations to neutralise residual emissions with high-quality permanent carbon removals. The Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting and IPCC AR6 Chapter 12 both emphasise the need to shift from avoidance offsets towards removal credits over time. Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard for the Global Goals certify removal projects including afforestation/reforestation (AR/ARR methodologies), soil carbon, and blue carbon. Without a structured assessment, organisations risk overestimating natural sequestration potential, relying on non-permanent credits, or misaligning their removal strategy with SBTi net zero requirements.
Our approach
A structured assessment is conducted to quantify sequestration potential across relevant nature-based and engineered pathways, evaluate permanence and certification feasibility, and integrate removal strategy with the organisation's SBTi-aligned net zero target. The assessment references IPCC AR6 removal potential estimates, VCS and Gold Standard methodologies, and the IPCC 2006 Guidelines for National GHG Inventories where land sector accounting is relevant. Outputs are designed to support credible net zero claims and long-term investment decisions.
- Identification of applicable sequestration pathways: afforestation/reforestation, soil carbon, blue carbon, BECCS, DACCS, and other CDR options
- Evaluation of land availability, operational context, and biophysical feasibility for nature-based solutions
- Estimation of carbon removal potential over defined time horizons using IPCC AR6 and project-level methodologies
- Assessment of permanence, reversibility risk, and co-benefits (biodiversity, community) per Verra VCS and Gold Standard criteria
- Review of applicable VCS, Gold Standard, or CORSIA certification methodologies and crediting requirements
- Alignment with SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard guidance on use of carbon removals versus avoidance offsets
- Integration of removal pathway into net zero roadmap, offset strategy, and residual emissions plan
Outcomes
Quantified assessment of carbon removal potential across nature-based and engineered pathways
Evaluation of permanence, certification feasibility, and co-benefit profile for shortlisted pathways
Alignment with SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard requirements for residual emission neutralisation
Informed investment decisions on carbon removal projects and crediting under VCS or Gold Standard
Credible integration of sequestration into net zero and decarbonisation strategy
Speak with an expert
The team can walk you through exactly how Carbon Sequestration Assessment applies to your organisation's context and objectives.
Get in touch