Baselines

The carbon offset potential of any activity must be calculated relative to the baseline. The baseline describes the current status of carbon stocks or emissions and expected changes in the absence of the project - the so called 'business as usual' scenario. Reductions in emissions relative to the baseline may be claimed as carbon offsets.

The construction of a baseline must be clearly described giving the source of all information and a justification of any assumptions used.

Sequestration

Carbon stocks in existing vegetation and expected changes in land use. Current carbon stocks should be estimated through biomass surveys or using data in the literature. The expected change in land use should take account of prevailing socio-economic pressures in the region.

Conservation

The expected rate of deforestation and the resulting carbon emissions. Setting baselines for forest conservation will require data on the carbon density of existing forest vegetation and an analysis of regional land use trends.

Substitution

The current carbon intensity of production (e.g. volume CO2 emitted per kWh electricity generated) and the expected changes in this intensity (e.g. expected improvement in efficiency to meet national standards).

More information on baselines can be viewed via the links page.