Our certificate

First, we calculated how much bamboo can be grown on our plantation. An estimate was also made of the expected amount of bamboo to be harvested.

Bamboo stores CO2 in the plant itself as well as in the soil. Hence, we calculated the amount of CO2 present in the ground before and after bamboo planting. This allowed us to determine how much CO2 our bamboo plants can store in the soil. CO2 storage in the ground is re-measured every 4 years to monitor if the actual storage aligns with the calculation.

We also assessed the condition of the plantation before we began planting bamboo. We determined how much CO2 was already stored in the ground due to the previous vegetation. A systemic approach requires subtracting the previous carbon storage potential from the storage potential of our bamboo plantation.

Bamboo is currently growing on our plantation, but what happens to the bamboo? Once the bamboo plants mature (which varies depending on the bamboo species), typically after 4 to 5 years, we can start annual harvesting. This is one of the unique characteristics bamboo has compared to trees. A bamboo plant has a long lifespan, and we can harvest them every year for up to 100 years. From the harvested bamboo, we can create bamboo products. Only the long-term CO2 storage, such as in construction materials, is considered. When the time comes, we calculate how much CO2 remains stored in the bamboo products we have created.

Nothing is overlooked in the certification process. We also calculated how much CO2 is locally emitted to maintain the plantation. This includes harvesting mature bamboo, transporting employees to and from the bamboo plantation, and maintaining the plantation. We minimize the use of heavy agricultural machinery and involve only local residents in the project. The cultivation of bamboo plants is also carried out by us with the assistance of the local population, keeping emissions to a minimum and providing local employment.

We have done everything in our power not to issue more credits than is actually possible. It is possible that a future harvest may be disappointing or that less bamboo grows than estimated. To account for this, a risk percentage is considered. ONCRA mandates this consideration to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.