Policy Maker’s Handbook

for Measurement,
Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas
Sector

January 2022

Prepared by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
on behalf of the
Global Methane Initiative

EPA Document Number: EPA 430-B-21-002

Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas
Sector

January 2022

Prepared by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
on behalf of the
Global Methane Initiative
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Contents
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations......................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................................iii
Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................................................................iv
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Overview of MRV Basics ............................................................................................................................ 4
3. Best Practices for Project-Level MRV in the Biogas Sector .......................................................................... 9
4. Using Biogas Project MRV Data to Develop Robust National GHG Inventories ........................................... 15
5. Using Biogas Project MRV Data to Enhance Mitigation Targets in NDCs.................................................... 19
6. Summary................................................................................................................................................. 22
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix A. Helpful Resources ........................................................................................................................A-1
Appendix B. Project Type-Specific Emissions Measurement Techniques ...........................................................B-1
Appendix C. Biogas Emissions Quantification Tools and Resources.................................................................. C-1
Appendix D. Verification Best Practices ............................................................................................................D-1
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

Biogas sector agriculture (agro-residue and manure management), municipal solid waste, and municipal
wastewater sectors, collectively
BOD biological oxygen demand
CO2 carbon dioxide
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
COD chemical oxygen demand
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
FOD first order decay
GHG greenhouse gas
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
MRV measurement, reporting, and verification
NDC nationally determined contribution
NGO nongovernmental organization
QA/QC quality assurance/quality control
SDG Sustainable Development Goal
SLCP short-lived climate pollutant
SWEET Solid Waste Emissions Estimation Tool
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
WRI World Resources Institute
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Acknowledgements
This handbook was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the Global
Methane Initiative. It was developed with support from Abt Associates, Ruby Canyon Environmental, Nimmi
Damodaran, SCS Engineers, The Energy and Resources Institute, THINKcities, and Leandro Buendia.
EPA would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance in reviewing draft versions of the handbook:
• Anthy Alexiades, Matthew Harrison, and Ryan Schauland, California Air Resources Board
• Claire Cvitanovich and Kathryn Zook, United States Department of Agriculture
• Gerardo Canales Gonzalez, ImplementaSur
• Jorge Hilbert, Argentina National Institute of Agricultural Technology
• Laurel Pegorsh, Oxfam America
• Manas Puri and Luis Rincón, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
• Matthew Hamilton, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Neelam Singh, World Resources Institute
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Disclaimer
EPA prepared this handbook for educational purposes only. EPA does not endorse or support any specific
technology, service, or project mentioned in the handbook.
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Executive Summary
The agriculture, 1 municipal solid waste, and Overview of MRV
municipal wastewater sectors - collectively referred There are three components of an effective MRV
to as the biogas sector in this handbook - account for framework:
approximately one-fifth of global anthropogenic
methane emissions (GMI, 2020). Projects that • Measurement involves the tracking and
capture and use this methane, such as anaerobic documentation of data and information on GHG
digestion and landfill gas energy projects, can deliver emissions or emissions reductions from the
a range of benefits, including climate change biogas sector. The measurement of emissions,
mitigation, energy generation, and public health emissions reductions, and other information is
protection. often completed by the entity that owns or has
developed the project, or by an independent
Many governments struggle to account for emissions consultant with specific expertise in GHG
reductions from biogas projects. This has implications accounting and documentation.
for governments’ ability to fully reap the benefits of
these projects at scale (e.g., by impeding efforts to • Reporting entails the dissemination of measured
generate revenues through carbon markets, which GHG emissions and emissions reduction data
require accurate emissions reduction accounting). and information using standardized methods and
One of the barriers to effective accounting of biogas formats. Uniform data platforms and systematic
project emissions and reductions is decision-makers’ data aggregation help ensure accurate and
limited access to clear guiding principles for transparent GHG accounting.
emissions measurement, reporting, and verification • Verification is an independent assessment of
(MRV). reported GHG emissions and emissions
reductions. It is typically undertaken by an
This handbook addresses that need. It serves as a
independent, third-party verification body to
high-level resource, intended primarily for national
ensure impartial assessment.
governments, on best practices for project-level MRV
in the biogas sector (e.g., using established Effective MRV is an ongoing process that is repeated
methodologies and techniques, as well as robust throughout the life of a project, often annually.
tools and resources) to support national-level
objectives. These objectives include developing Using Biogas Project MRV Data to Develop
robust greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories; Robust National GHG Inventories
enhancing targets, policies, and actions in nationally The 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
determined contributions (NDCs) for emissions Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse
reductions; demonstrating progress toward Gas Inventories provide three tiers of methods for
sustainable development goals; and increasing estimating emissions from a particular source:
access to external funding sources to promote
economic growth. • Tier 1 methods are based on generic models and
default values. These methods result in higher
uncertainties.

1
Throughout the handbook, the agriculture sector refers to agro-residue and manure management activities

ES-1
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

• Tier 2 methods build on Tier 1 methods, but often MRV can be a valuable source of data for
include country-specific data and have lower establishing national emissions reductions baselines
uncertainties. and projections.
• Tier 3 methods use country- and facility-specific As governments develop their NDCs, they can
data and tailored models to produce estimates consider advancing efforts to mitigate biogas sector
that typically have the lowest uncertainties. methane emissions by:
Many governments use Tier 1 methods for emissions • Identifying the largest sources of anthropogenic
categories in the biogas sector, often due to limited methane emissions in the biogas sector (e.g.,
availability of country-specific data. However, using landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, livestock
these methods results in high levels of uncertainty. As operations).
described in this handbook, governments can use
data acquired through project-level MRV to advance • Establishing emissions reductions goals to reduce
beyond Tier 1 methods by: methane emissions from the biogas sector in their
NDCs.
• Refining Recovery Estimates: Governments can
• Identifying specific strategies to mitigate
use data on methane recovery from biogas
anthropogenic methane by sector and source
projects to develop nation-specific recovery rates
category (e.g., requiring methane recovery from
and improve inventories, rather than using
all new landfills). The Global Methane Initiative is
generic default values.
a source of information on best practices for
• Improving Activity Data: Governments can methane mitigation across the biogas sectors.
leverage biogas project MRV of emissions to
• Establishing protocols for measuring methane
develop better-informed estimates of activities
emissions and emissions reductions for
that contribute emissions and practices that avoid
incorporation into national communications.
them. Relying on IPCC default values for activity
data contributes a great deal of uncertainty (the • Developing a national database of emissions
guidelines provide suggested uncertainty reductions to more easily track and link project-
bounds). level data to NDC commitments.
• Developing Country-Specific Emissions Factors: • Indicating in their NDCs where the country is
Governments can use project-level MRV data to lacking the resources or capacity required to
develop country-specific emissions factors for collect data to make project-level MRV viable.
biogas sector sources.
Several countries, including Rwanda, Dominica, and
Using Biogas Project MRV Data to Enhance Uruguay, have included methane emissions
Mitigation Targets in NDCs mitigation targets in their NDCs (discussed further in
Actions in the biogas sector can play a critical role in Section 5). Project-level MRV can help demonstrate
meeting global GHG mitigation targets. The countries’ progress toward achieving these
availability of accurate and complete data is critical to quantitative targets.
the development of robust climate mitigation targets
and strategies. In the biogas sector, project-level

ES-2
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

1. Introduction
The agriculture, 2 municipal solid waste, and municipal This handbook provides information on guiding
wastewater sectors - collectively referred to as the principles for conducting emissions MRV for biogas
biogas sector in this handbook - account for sector projects. It serves as a high-level resource,
approximately one-fifth of global anthropogenic primarily for national governments, on how best
methane emissions (GMI, 2020). Cost-effective practices for project-level MRV in the biogas sector can
strategies for capturing and using this methane, be applied to support national-level objectives,
including those identified in Exhibit 1, can deliver a including developing national GHG inventories and
range of benefits, such as climate change mitigation, establishing national emissions mitigation goals.
energy generation, and public health protection (see
Exhibit 2).
Exhibit 2. Why Focus on Methane?
Despite the substantial benefits of biogas projects, The biogas sector produces emissions of several greenhouse
many governments struggle to account for the gases (GHGs) including methane, carbon dioxide (CO2), and
emissions reductions they generate. One of the nitrous oxide. Methane, a hydrocarbon, is the primary component
barriers to effective accounting of biogas project of natural gas and a very potent and important GHG. Although
emissions and reductions is decision-makers’ limited methane is emitted into the atmosphere in smaller quantities than
access to clear guiding principles for emissions CO2, its global warming potential is 28–34 times that of CO2,
resulting in methane's stronger influence on warming during its
measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). 12-year atmospheric lifetime. Unlike other GHGs, methane can
Project-level MRV is the process of measuring GHG be converted to usable energy. Methane is also an important
emissions and emissions reductions from individual precursor to tropospheric ozone, and reducing methane
projects or activities; reporting emissions and contributes to reductions in ozone-related health effects. For
reductions to government agencies, shareholders, more information, visit the Global Methane Initiative’s website at
partners, and other invested parties; and verifying www.globalmethane.org.
emissions and reductions through an independent
audit.
Exhibit 1. Example Methane Emissions Mitigation Strategies in the Biogas Sector

2
Throughout the handbook, the agriculture sector refers to agro-residue and manure management activities.

1
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

1.1 Importance of Robust Accounting for struggle to obtain the financial resources needed to
Emissions and Emissions Reductions build and operate projects sustainably.
from Biogas Projects 1.2 Addressing Barriers to Emissions
Approaches to quantifying emissions and emissions Reductions Accounting
reductions from biogas projects are often inconsistent,
incomplete, and inadequate, making it difficult for Purpose of this Handbook
governments to account for them. This can impact The handbook provides information on guiding
governments in several important ways: principles for conducting emissions MRV for biogas
sector projects. This information is intended for
• GHG inventories. It is good practice for countries to government decision-makers and the wide range of
use higher-tier methodologies to estimate GHG other stakeholders who play a role in project-level
emissions in their inventories, especially for key MRV.
categories of emissions (e.g., the largest sources).
Using higher-tier methodologies, which are based The handbook is also meant to serve as a high-level
on better-quality local data, result in lower resource for national governments on how best
uncertainties. Often, poor-quality, country-specific practices for project-level MRV in the biogas sector can
data prevents governments from advancing to be applied to support national-level objectives. In
higher-tier methods (see Section 4 for more particular, it addresses how national governments can
information). use these best practices to improve their GHG
inventories and develop enhanced mitigation goals as
• National emissions reductions targets. In 2020 and part of their NDCs.
2021, many countries prepared updated nationally
determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris This handbook is not meant to be a comprehensive
Agreement within the United Nations Framework implementation guide for conducting MRV activities.
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Limited Rather, it draws on technical guidance and tools from a
data on potential and actual emissions reductions range of protocols developed by other organizations
from the biogas sector hinder countries’ abilities to and initiatives, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on
account for these actions in their NDCs and other Climate Change (IPCC), the United States
national emissions reductions goals (see Section 5 Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) AgSTAR
for more information). Program, the California Air Resources Board, and
others identified in Appendix A. It is meant to support
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reducing decision-makers in incorporating project-level
methane emissions from the biogas sector can emissions and emissions reductions from the biogas
contribute to several United Nations’ SDGs. Poor sector into frameworks for developing GHG inventories,
accounting of emissions reductions from this sector reporting on climate mitigation efforts, and other
impairs governments’ ability to report on progress objectives. For more information on MRV activities in
toward these and other development goals they general, see the resources described in Appendix A.
have adopted.
Audience
• Carbon markets and climate finance. Securing
This handbook was developed for government
financing and funding for emissions mitigation
decision-makers, primarily at the national level.
projects requires robust accounting for emissions
However, the principles of project-level MRV presented
reductions technologies, operations, and
in this handbook can be applied at all levels of
outcomes. Without strong accounting practices,
government. The handbook provides information and
governments and other project stakeholders
resources that can be useful for a wide range of other

2
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

biogas sector stakeholders, including cities and other • Section 5 – Using Biogas Project MRV Data to
sub-national governments, government technical staff, Enhance Mitigation Targets in NDCs, explains how
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), project national governments can apply MRV best
developers, operators, financial institutions, and other practices to track and enhance biogas sector
private sector organizations. methane emissions reductions targets in their
NDCs.
Scope
The handbook is focused on MRV principles for the • Section 6 – Summary, provides a brief summary of
biogas sector, including the agriculture, municipal solid key points.
waste, and municipal wastewater sectors. The These are followed by a Bibliography and several
handbook is also focused on project-level activities appendices:
(i.e., practices and technologies), such as anaerobic
digesters or landfill gas projects. This handbook • Appendix A – Helpful Resources, provides links to a
intentionally does not address broader-scale MRV- range of resources, reports, and guidelines; and
related activities and systems, such as sector-wide tools related to MRV, national GHG inventories, and
Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action programs or NDCs.
national-level systems for preparing reports to the
• Appendix B – Project Type-Specific Emissions
UNFCCC.
Measurement Techniques, provides detailed
Contents of the Handbook information on methodologies for measuring
The remainder of this handbook is organized as follows: emissions from different types of biogas projects,
such as landfill gas and anaerobic digestion
• Section 2 – Overview of MRV Basics, provides projects.
information on components of MRV, benefits of
project-level MRV activities in the biogas sector • Appendix C – Biogas Emissions Quantification
(especially for national governments), and key Tools and Resources, provides additional
stakeholders in project-level MRV activities. information about calculators and models that can
be used to quantify emissions from the biogas
• Section 3 – Best Practices for Project-Level MRV in sector.
the Biogas Sector, provides details on the practical
application of best practices for project-level MRV • Appendix D – Verification Best Practices, provides
in the biogas sector. additional detail on the steps involved in conducting
verification activities for projects in the biogas
• Section 4 – Using Biogas Project MRV Data to sector.
Develop Robust National GHG Inventories,
provides examples of how governments can use
project-level MRV data to increase the accuracy
and comprehensiveness of their GHG emissions
inventories.

3
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

2. Overview of MRV Basics

This section provides a general review of the basics of the project, or by an independent consultant with
project-level MRV, including essential components of specific expertise in GHG accounting and
an MRV framework, benefits of project-level MRV for documentation. The requirements of the reporting
governments, and key stakeholders involved in project- program (discussed in Section 3) will help
level MRV. The handbook refers to two different types determine who will need to measure or monitor
of MRV—MRV of emissions and MRV of mitigation emissions or emissions reductions. For
actions (or emissions reductions); the distinction example, measuring reductions to sell as offset
between the two is discussed in Exhibit 3. This credits will likely require more third-party input and
handbook primarily discusses MRV of emissions oversight.
reductions as it focuses on project-level data.
Exhibit 4. MRV Components
Exhibit 3. MRV of Emissions and Mitigation Actions
MRV can be used in a variety of circumstances, but the nature of
the MRV activities differs depending on the context. This
handbook discusses two main types of MRV:
• MRV of Emissions seeks to understand overall emissions of
an entity over time. It is generally performed at a national,
organization, or facility level.
• MRV of Mitigation Actions (i.e., emission reductions) seeks
to understand the change in emissions resulting from a project
or policy.
Source: WRI, 2016.

2.1 What Are the Components of an Effective

MRV Framework?
As shown in Exhibit 4, the three components of an
effective MRV framework include: • Reporting entails the dissemination of measured
GHG emissions and emissions reduction data and
• Measurement is the tracking and documentation of information using standardized methods and
data and information on GHG emissions or formats. Uniform data platforms and systematic
emissions reductions from the biogas sector. This data aggregation help ensure accurate and
can involve the direct monitoring of emissions and transparent GHG accounting. Project operators
emissions reductions (e.g., using biogas flow and other reporting entities might submit their data
meters), modeling (e.g., using emissions factors to various types of organizations or reporting
and activity data to estimate emissions), or a programs, including government agencies, NGOs,
combination thereof (e.g., subtracting measured financial institutions, and shareholders, among
emissions reductions from multiple projects from others. Reporting requirements will vary depending
modeled sector-level emissions to estimate net on a range of factors. For example, some countries
total emissions reductions). require emissions data reporting for inventories and
The measurement of emissions, emissions have their own registry systems for GHG emissions
reductions, and other information is often (e.g., Mexico’s Cédula de Operación Anual,
completed by the entity that owns or has developed U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program). These

4
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

programs typically have very strict reporting based data such the capture and use of methane
requirements. from biogas projects.
Project owners and operators might participate in See Section 4 for more information on how biogas
voluntary carbon markets through organizations project MRV can support improvement of national
such as the Climate Action Reserve and Verra; GHG inventories.
emissions data clearinghouses (e.g., APX, Inc.; IHS
• Enhancing targets, policies, and actions in NDCs.
Markit); or emissions reductions partnerships with
Under the Paris Agreement, countries set national
other entities. These organizations will also typically
emissions reductions targets, known as NDCs, and
have established reporting requirements.
pursue policies, measures, and other actions to
• Verification is an independent assessment of meet them. The emissions reductions achieved
reported GHG emissions and emissions reductions. from these actions are tracked and reported
It is typically undertaken by an independent, third- publicly.
party verification body to ensure impartial
Although some countries have included specific
assessment. Verification bodies review reported
biogas sector targets in their national goals
data, calculation methods, equipment information,
(e.g., Senegal has set a target for the number of
and source documentation to ensure that GHGs
bio-digesters to be installed; IRENA, 2018), the
are reported accurately and conform to
biogas sector is often overlooked; countries
requirements of the reporting program.
typically focus on the largest emissions source
International accreditation forum bodies certify
sectors such as energy and transportation.
verification bodies to complete GHG verifications.
However, biogas sector emissions reductions can
See Appendix D for more information.
contribute substantially to national emissions
Effective MRV is an ongoing process that is repeated reductions targets; and in some countries,
throughout the life of a project, often annually. emissions from the biogas sector are rising more
rapidly than in other, larger sectors. Robust MRV
2.2 What Are the Benefits of Robust Project- activities can help demonstrate that the country has
Level MRV? met NDC targets as well as showcase the value of
Robust MRV for biogas projects can contribute to incorporating them into NDCs.
several national priorities and objectives (illustrated in
See Section 5 for more information on how project
Exhibit 5):
MRV can support enhanced national emissions
Supporting the development of robust emissions reductions target setting and commitments.
inventories. National inventories that use a Tier 1 • Demonstrating progress toward sustainable
approach (i.e., based on default values) to estimate development and other national priorities. As noted
emissions can be made more robust by above, capturing and using methane can generate
incorporating bottom-up data. 3 For example, a considerable economic and social benefits beyond
national inventory of manure management that is climate change mitigation. These benefits can be
based on the number of different types of cattle in tied to United Nations’ SDGs. Project-level MRV
the country could be adjusted to account for MRV- can provide data to track and demonstrate
progress toward these goals. Exhibit 6 illustrates an

3 Tables 2.4 and 2.5 in Chapter 2 of Volume 1 of the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas
Inventories indicate how governments can approach the inclusion of project-level or facility reported data in the measurement of
national emissions or to evaluate emissions reductions.

5
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit 5. Benefits of Project-Level MRV for National Governments

example of how methane mitigation from landfill gas As noted in Exhibit 7, there are several challenges to
projects can contribute to a wide range of SDGs. aligning project-level MRV to achieve the objectives
outlined above. The rest of this document and the
• Increasing access to external funding sources to
resources described in the appendices provide
promote economic growth. MRV helps ensure that
information to help address these challenges.
emissions reductions can be quantified, thus
enabling project developers to better demonstrate Exhibit 6. Example Linkages between Methane Mitigation
to financiers and funders the prospective and from Landfill Gas Projects and SDGs
actual mitigation benefits of their investments. For
SDG Explanation
example, the Green Climate Fund incorporates
3 - Good Health and Mitigating methane emissions from landfills
MRV policies and procedures into its structure to Well-Being results in improved air quality.
help ensure that funding recipients meet emissions 6 - Clean Water and Landfill gas projects can help prevent leachate
mitigation targets. Sanitation migration into groundwater sources.
7 - Affordable and Clean Landfill gas provides a source of clean energy.
In addition, MRV activities are fundamental to Energy
securing funding through carbon markets, whether 8 - Decent Work and Landfill gas projects can create jobs and
they are mandatory or voluntary programs. Carbon Economic Growth promote economic development.
markets and emissions trading frameworks each 12 - Ensure Sustainable This goal calls for the development of
have their own requirements for how emissions Consumption and environmentally sound disposal facilities, such
Production as sanitary landfills with landfill gas collection.
reductions should be measured, reported, and
13 - Climate Action Reducing methane emissions helps reduce
verified, but all follow basic MRV principles such as global radiative forcing.
those described in this handbook.

6
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit 7. Challenges to Aligning Project-Level MRV

2.3 Who Are the Key Stakeholders Involved
with National Objectives in Project-Level MRV Activities?
A variety of parties and entities are involved in project-
Aligning project-level MRV with national objectives can be
challenging for several reasons:
level MRV activities, as shown in Exhibit 8. Primary
stakeholders who typically communicate and interact
• Units of measurement, conversion factors, targets, with one another during the MRV process include the
benchmarks, or baseline years, may differ making it difficult
project operator or proponent, the reporting program,
to adapt for use in national inventories.
• In many countries, there is no formal mechanism for linking
and the verification bodies. Other stakeholders include
project-level data collection to national GHG inventories or financers or operators of the mitigation project, as well
NDC planning frameworks. Such institutional arrangements as any end users of mitigation results or credits
are critical for effective data sharing. (e.g., carbon offsets).
• National government agencies often do not have dedicated
resources or programs to support project-level MRV. An important objective of planning an MRV system is to
• Financial institutions and other stakeholders have variable clearly outline the lines of communication between all
requirements for the emissions data that need to be reported, parties involved. In addition, there should be clear
which makes it difficult to streamline programs at the national delineation of responsibilities and roles for each entity,
level. and the respective data and information that fall under
The resources identified in Appendix A provide information and their purview. As discussed in Section 4, these
best practices to support better alignment of project-level MRV institutional arrangements are particularly important for
and national objectives. Additionally, the Global Methane the purpose of developing robust national GHG
Initiative offers capacity-building support to countries seeking
assistance with developing robust MRV frameworks.
inventories.

Source: Based on Wilkes et al., 2017.

7
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit 8. Key Stakeholders in Project-Level MRV in the Biogas Sector and Example Lines of Communication

8
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

3. Best Practices for Project-Level

MRV in the Biogas Sector
Emissions mitigation projects in the biogas sector (e.g., gas flow rates), how the data and information
include landfill gas recovery for solid waste; and need to be collected, how data are checked for
anaerobic digester projects for organic solid waste, accuracy, and how to aggregate and summarize the
agricultural waste, and wastewater. For each of these data to determine the GHG reductions achieved.
types of biogas projects, there are common principles Exhibit 10 presents a summary of key measurement
and best practices for measuring, reporting, and plan elements.
verifying emissions reductions. Government agencies
can use the best practices in this section to develop Exhibit 10. Key Elements of a Measurement Plan
MRV systems and plans that are tailored toward their
• An overview of the facility and operations
specific needs. These principles support the basic • Roles and responsibilities of facility personnel
requirements of any emissions accounting framework, • A description of the GHG mitigation project/activities
as identified in Exhibit 9. • GHG mitigation project measurement
- Data and parameters to be collected
Exhibit 9. Basic Requirements for Emissions - Onsite equipment used to collect data
Accounting - Data collection process
- Data management and recordkeeping
• Relevance: Needed for internal and external users, and to - Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for
determine GHG emissions reductions measurement equipment to ensure data accuracy
• Completeness: Include all possible and significant emissions • GHG emissions reductions quantification methods and
sources in both the baseline and project scenarios equations.
• Consistency: Methodology allows for year-to-year and other
comparisons
A measurement plan should be a “living” document
• Transparency: Data and clear supporting documentation are
available that is edited and updated periodically to account for
• Accuracy: Meets industry standards (typically +/-5%) and changes in the facility or project activity or emissions
uncertainties are limited as much as possible. estimation methodologies.
Source: WRI, 2016. Quantifying Emissions Reductions
Quantification Techniques
3.1 Measurement A critical first step in estimating emissions reductions is
From a bottom-up perspective, the most important establishing a business-as-usual emissions baseline. By
component of MRV is the measurement of data. This developing a baseline, governments are then able to
core component provides the basis for claiming GHG estimate project-level emissions and understand
reductions from the action(s) taken. emissions reductions more clearly. Specific factors
such as type of disposal (for manure management
Developing a Measurement Plan systems) and climate conditions, including temperature
The main activity for measurement is the collection and and humidity, could have a significant impact on the
management of appropriate data and information to baseline estimation. Emissions reductions can then be
support GHG reductions. Developing and implementing estimated before project implementation (ex-ante) or
a comprehensive measurement plan is a critical step in after project implementation has begun (ex-post). The
this process. A measurement plan provides facility following sections describe both types of quantification
personnel with a blueprint of key steps, including in general terms. More information about how these
defining what data and information need to be collected types of quantification are applied to specific types of

9
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

biogas projects (e.g., landfill gas projects) is available reporting programs require a comparison of modeled
in Appendix B. versus measured results because the estimates can
vary so greatly. In such instances, it is good practice to
Ex-Ante Quantification report the lower of the values to avoid overestimation of
Ex-ante quantification involves forecasting potential emissions reductions.
emissions or emissions reductions. These estimates
can be useful for projecting emissions reductions as Monitoring methods entail the direct measurement of
part of a feasibility assessment or project proposal. 4 methane that is destroyed and are only applicable in
Ex-ante estimates are based on modeling with ex-post scenarios. Modeling methods can be used in
assumptions and will have a significant margin of error both ex-ante and ex-post scenarios – the difference
due to the inherent uncertainty associated with being the use of estimated data versus measured data
underlying key parameters. This uncertainty could be in the models.
reduced by using historical values or sampling a subset
of the population for key parameters. For example, Using Established Methodologies and Tools
although biogas generation at a landfill cannot be Using established national- and sector-level guidance
accurately measured without a biogas collection and or specific methodologies—such as IPCC guidelines—
metering system, a first order decay (FOD) model is is considered a best practice. Appendix C provides a
useful for estimating potential methane emissions over list of several tools (such as the one described in
time. Annual waste disposal rates at a landfill are used Exhibit 11) and methodologies currently available. It is
in a FOD model, along with estimated waste decay and important to note that all guidance and quantification
per-ton methane generation rates, to forecast methane methods will need to be adjusted to specific operations
emissions. Waste disposal rates are commonly tracked of a facility.
by landfills for billing purposes and may be readily
available, especially at large landfills. IPCC lists defaults Exhibit 11. EPA's Solid Waste Emissions Estimation
for waste generated on a per-capita basis but using Tool
this data has a larger margin of error than using actual The Solid Waste Emissions Estimation Tool (SWEET) is an MS
waste placement rates at a landfill. Excel-based tool that quantifies emissions of methane, black
carbon, and other pollutants from sources in the municipal solid
Ex-Post Quantification waste sector. This tool provides emissions and emissions
Calculating emissions reductions ex-post 5 is important reductions estimates at the project-, source-, and municipality-
for accurately tracking progress in mitigation efforts. level.
Ex-post measurement is often required for formal Cities can use this information for multiple purposes, including
emissions reductions reports (e.g., under carbon establishing a baseline scenario, comparing a baseline scenario
offsets protocols). Ex-post measurement involves to as many as four alternative scenarios, analyzing specific
capturing data parameters that can be used to projects for potential emissions reductions, estimating the
contribution of activities in the waste sector to overall city
calculate the actual biogas destroyed.
emissions reductions goals, and tracking progress over time,
Modeled and measured emissions reductions can vary among other things. The tool is based on IPCC emissions
inventory methodologies.
considerably. For example, measured biogas flows may
be greater than modeled emissions due to increased For more information, see www.globalmethane.org/SWEET.
methane production from the digester or the addition of
other substrates to the digester. In some cases,

4 Ex-ante quantification is based on forecasts and modeling rather than actual measurements.
5 Ex-post quantification is based on real measurements from a project site.

10
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Recent breakthroughs in remote sensing technologies the equipment can be expensive and require more
have also demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites expertise to operate. 6
to measure methane emissions and may have the
potential to accurately measure methane emissions in On the other hand, taking gas samples monthly or
the future (Cassidy, 2021). quarterly is much more cost-effective, but would not
capture fluctuations in methane concentrations of the
Supporting Documentation biogas due to seasonal variability or project operations.
In addition to emissions reductions data, it is important
to document: While less-frequent measurements of methane
concentrations are likely to provide sufficient accuracy,
• Methodologies used to quantify emissions a recommended best practice is to install flow meters
reductions (discussed in more detail in Section 4 to provide biogas flow measurements on a continuous
and Appendix B) or cumulative basis to capture the fluctuations in
biogas recovery. Alternatively, project operators can
• GHGs included in the project’s scope
develop targeted sampling strategies that prescribe the
• Activity data and how they are measured best times of the day and season to sample based on
an analysis of continuous measurements collected over
• Baseline and any other underlying assumptions
a discrete period. GHG mitigation programs will
• Sources of uncertainty typically provide guidance or have requirements on the
• Data sources necessary measurement frequency for data.

• Any data gaps associated with the period for which Equipment Quality Control
biogas mitigation efforts are quantified. Monitoring equipment (e.g., gas flow meters, gas
concentration analyzers, other gas sampling equipment
Furthermore, any deviations to the methodology used or scales) should be maintained and calibrated
must be identified. Project operators should also following manufacturers’ recommendations to increase
demonstrate compliance with the project measurement data accuracy and reduce uncertainties. Conducting
plan for the respective time period. accuracy checks on the equipment used in project
operations is another best practice. Procedures to
GHG Emissions Reductions Quantification
complete accuracy checks vary by equipment, but the
Frequency
equipment’s accuracy is typically assessed against a
GHG emissions reductions should be quantified at least
known, standard value. Examples include a calibration
annually. During the course of a given measurement
gas for a gas concentration analyzer or comparing the
period, certain data parameters should be monitored at
gas flow meter in use at a project with another flow
a frequency that is representative of what is needed to
device to confirm accurate flow readings.
accurately determine emissions reductions, and also
be realistic for the project’s on-the-ground conditions Missing Data Substitution
and expenses. There are tradeoffs when determining Monitoring and data recording equipment will often fail
the frequency of data collection. For example, requiring or have interruptions during a monitoring period.
methane concentrations of biogas to be monitored by Frequently, GHG mitigation programs will have specific
continuous gas analyzers provides a higher level of requirements and methods to substitute for missing
accuracy of methane concentration in the biogas, but data. Without specific guidance, projects should seek
to use methods that are reasonable, supported by

6 Anaerobic digestion biogas plants, in general, require highly qualified personnel at the plant with the skills to operate
monitoring/measurement equipment.

11
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

other data during the measurement period, and are • Project proponent name and contact information
conservative in nature. IPCC Guidelines for National
• Project location
Greenhouse Gas Inventories include methods for
resolving data gaps using techniques such as overlap, • Time period (i.e., reporting period) for emissions
surrogate data, interpolation, and trend extrapolation reductions
(IPCC, 2006b). Methods used to substitute missing
• Baseline emissions and emissions reductions7
data should be noted in the measurement plan, and
any substitutions for missing data should be clearly • Proposed improvement plan (if required).
articulated.
Reporting requirements for biogas project types may
3.2 Reporting vary. For example, livestock projects frequently require
Reporting is intended to track and store GHG modeling for emissions reductions calculations in
information, and to inform interested parties. Reporting addition to measuring and metering the biogas flows
can be handled in many ways – different examples of destroyed to calculate emissions reductions. Thus,
reporting methods and structures are described below. more reference materials and data may be required.

Reporting Program Reporting Frequency and Timing

Project operators can report emissions and emissions The timing and frequency of reporting are usually
reductions data to a range of reporting program determined by the reporting program. Aligning with the
administrators, depending on the specific objectives. best practice of quantifying emissions reductions
For example, reports might be submitted to national annually, most programs require annual reporting of
government agencies, as required under national GHG monitored and quantified GHG emissions. Most
emissions reporting programs; or they might be programs also have more frequent deadlines for
reported to local governments, as required for reporting monitoring data. In other programs, the
developing municipal emissions inventories; or they monitoring data are not reported before the completion
might be reported to voluntary programs and networks of verification, when GHG emissions reductions are
(e.g., CDP, C40 Cities, Global Covenant of Mayors for reported.
Climate and Energy). Alternatively, as described in
3.3 Verification
Section 2, the data might be reported to financial
Verification is intended to provide assurance on the
institutions or carbon offset program administrators.
methodologies used to quantify mitigation actions and
The reporting requirements and mechanisms will be
the quality of data reported. It can also serve as a tool
particular to each program.
and learning process for mitigation project operators by
Reporting Content raising awareness about opportunities for continuous
The type of information that must be reported, and the improvement. While verification is a critical component
level of detail desired, will vary depending on specific of the MRV process, its costs can be considerable and
reporting programs. Reporting programs often provide should therefore be factored into decisions.
templates to ensure that all necessary information is
captured and reported consistently across many
projects. Information that is typically required includes:

7 Some reporting programs may require additional details such as emissions by GHG source, emissions by GHG, average biogas
flow, or average methane concentration.

12
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Process programs include a maximum number of reporting

Verification for all biogas subsectors involves the same periods or years that one verification body can work
basic steps, summarized in Exhibit 12 (see Appendix D with a particular project; the most common time limit is
for more detail). Efforts required to complete the six consecutive time periods. This helps to ensure that
verification may be greater for livestock manure verification bodies remain free of any conflict and
management projects because of the complexity of provides opportunities for projects to be reviewed by
estimating emissions reductions ex-post using both another third party.
modeled and metered methods. The level of effort is
most affected by project-specific conditions, data
Verification Standard and Criteria
management, and the requirements of a particular Verifications should be conducted to a verification
reporting program. standard and specified criteria. The standard could be
the International Organization for Standardization
14064-3:2019 Greenhouse Gases – Part 3:
Exhibit 12. Typical Steps Involved in Verification
Specification with Guidance for the Verification and
1. Receive initial GHG data and documentation Validation of Greenhouse Gas Statements; or a
2. Conduct strategic analysis standard developed specifically for the reporting
3. Conduct risk assessment
4. Create/modify risk-based verification and sampling plan program or country such as the Clean Development
5. Review GHG data and documentation Mechanism Validation and Verification Standard for
6. Visit facility/project Project Activities, or the Verified Carbon Standard.
7. Develop clarifications or corrective actions Appendix A includes links to these and other MRV
8. Receive additional data and documentation (if needed) standards and protocols.
9. Issue verification statement
Two common criteria when conducting verifications are
materiality and level of assurance. The materiality
Third-Party Verification Bodies threshold is used to identify information that, if omitted
As a best practice, GHG data and information should
or misstated, would significantly misrepresent reported
be verified by a third-party verification body, which will
GHG emissions. Materiality thresholds vary across
ensure impartiality and reduce risks, while increasing
programs, but the UNFCCC “Standard for Applying the
the reliability of both data and any emissions offsets as
Concept of Materiality in Verification (Version 01)”
a result of mitigation efforts. In addition, the third-party
recommends a threshold of +/-5 percent of the total
verification body should be accredited to perform
reported emissions reductions [for reductions up to
verifications for that applicable sector (e.g.,
100,000 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per
accreditation by an international accreditation forum
year] (UNFCCC, 2010). To complete a positive
body for the waste sector). The third-party verification
verification, the project’s calculation of emissions
bodies are typically national or international
reductions must fall within the materiality threshold of
independent entities including, accounting firms,
the verification body’s emissions reductions calculation.
accreditation/certification firms, consulting firms, and
law firms. Accreditation of verification bodies ensures The level of assurance refers to the degree of
that they are competent in the applicable GHG sector confidence in the data reported. Levels of assurance
to which they are verifying GHG emissions. typically used are reasonable and limited, with all
carbon credit programs requiring reasonable.
Most reporting programs include conflict-of-interest
Materiality and the level of assurance should be
rules. These rules ensure that verification bodies
considered and identified before beginning verification
remain impartial and do not have any potential conflicts
activities.
with the client or project they are verifying. Many

13
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Content in the mitigation project’s lifecycle. Another approach

The verification must include more than just an would be to conduct a full verification in year one that
assessment of the emissions reductions reported. It includes an onsite inspection of the project, with less-
should, at a minimum, include an assessment of project intensive verifications conducted remotely in the
boundaries, documentation checks, onsite inspections, following years. The frequency of verification is often
a review of measurement and metering methods and dictated by the program or at the request of the project
equipment, an assessment of data collection and developer or owner.
management systems, and an independent calculation
Site Visits
of emissions reductions achieved by the project. The
The site visit component of verifications has significant
approach should be risk-based and focus on aspects of
variation among programs. Almost all programs require
the mitigation project that present a higher risk for
the project to be physically visited during its initial
error. If verification is conducted for a project that has
verification of the measurement period. After this initial
undergone verification in the past, it is a best practice
visit, requirements for when another visit needs to
to review previous verification documents to identify
occur vary widely – some programs require yearly
any issues from prior reporting periods.
(aligning with an annual verification requirement), while
Frequency others do not require any additional visits if no
While it is a best practice to report annually, verification substantive project changes (e.g., in equipment, GHG
could be every other year, every three years, or even sources, personnel) occur.
less frequently if an initial verification is conducted early

14
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

4. Using Biogas Project MRV Data

to Develop Robust National
GHG Inventories
Biogas sector MRV can provide a wealth of data that • Availability of activity data. Activity data refer to
governments can use to improve their GHG emissions information about processes that result in
inventories. This section presents several examples of emissions or removals over a certain time period
how governments can use project-level MRV data to (e.g., amount of organic waste sent to a landfill).
generate more complete and accurate emissions
• Availability of emissions factors. Emissions factors
estimates and reduce uncertainty of estimates.
are values that represent a quantity of emissions
4.1 GHG Inventory Methodologies for the per unit of activity (e.g., tons of methane emissions
per ton of organic waste landfilled).
Biogas Sector
The 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse • Choice of method. The 2006 IPCC Guidelines
Gas Inventories (published in 2006 and subsequently provide three tiers of methods for estimating
refined, most recently in 2019) provide methodologies emissions from a particular sector:
for estimating national GHG emissions and sinks. As
− Tier 1 methods are based on generic models
noted previously, the biogas sector includes municipal
and default values (e.g., for activities and
solid waste, municipal wastewater, and agriculture
emissions factors). These methods result in
emissions sources. 8 Exhibit 13 identifies associated
higher uncertainties.
2006 IPCC Guidelines for the most important sources
from a methane mitigation standpoint. − Tier 2 methods build on Tier 1 methods, but
often include country-specific data
Exhibit 13. Crosswalk of Key Biogas Sector Source (e.g., country-specific activity data), and have
Categories and 2006 IPCC Guidelines
lower uncertainties.
Source Category 2006 IPCC Guideline
− Tier 3 methods use country- and facility-specific
Solid Waste Disposal Volume 5, Chapter 3
data and tailored models to produce estimates
Manure Management Volume 4, Chapter 10 that typically have the lowest uncertainty.
Wastewater Treatment Volume 5, Chapter 6
Exhibit 14 presents an example decision tree modified
According to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, there are from the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for the solid waste
typically three key methodological considerations for sector. It illustrates a process for selecting appropriate
estimating emissions from a particular source. These tier methods based on data availability. For example, it
include the availability and sources of activity data and illustrates the need for “specific activity data on
emissions factors for each emissions source, and the historical and current waste disposal” in order to use
choice of method for estimating emissions: higher tier methods (IPCC, 2006d, page 3.7).

8 Agricultural residues that are treated with other solid waste and not burned are included in the solid waste category.

15
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit 14. Sample Decision Tree for Selecting a Method to Estimate Methane Emissions from Solid Waste Disposal Sites
(modified from IPCC, 2006d, Figure 3.1)

4.2 Leveraging Project-Level MRV to Employ Refining Recovery Estimates

Higher-Tier Methods and Enhance GHG In its Second Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC,
Inventories the Government of India identified the lack of data on
methane recovery from wastewater treatment facilities
Many governments use Tier 1 methods for emissions
as a key barrier to improving its GHG inventory
categories in the biogas sector, often due to limited
(MoEFCC, 2018). Governments can use data on
availability of country-specific data. However, using
methane recovery from biogas projects to develop
these methods results in high levels of uncertainty,
nation-specific recovery rates and improve inventories,
often +/-50 percent for biogas sector categories. Under
rather than using generic default values. For example,
the UNFCCC, countries are encouraged to use higher-
the IPCC-recommended equation for calculating
tier methodologies, especially for key categories (see
methane emissions from solid waste disposal sites
Exhibit 15).
requires the selection of a methane recovery factor
The following subsections describe opportunities for (from landfill gas collection) to subtract from the
using data acquired through project-level MRV to amount of methane generated (IPCC, 2019a,
advance from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and Tier 3 inventory Equation 3.1). In most cases, the default recovery
methods, with the goal of improving accuracy and factor is zero; however, in instances where countries
reducing uncertainty in countries’ national GHG have data on the number of disposal sites with landfill
emissions estimates. Appendix A includes a list of gas recovery, the guidelines recommend using a
resources that can be used to implement the strategies recovery efficiency rate of 20 percent. If a country were
described in this section. to collect robust MRV data on landfill gas project
recovery efficiency, it could use these data to produce
a more accurate and country-specific recovery factor.

16
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit 15. What Constitutes a Key Category?

According to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines (2006a), it is a good practice to identify and prioritize resources on developing inventories of
emissions and sinks from “key categories.” Countries are encouraged to apply higher-tier methodologies for key categories when possible;
when this is not possible, countries are encouraged to take action to improve inventory development processes toward that end. In
addition, countries are encouraged to concentrate QA/QC resources on key categories.
Every country will have a different set of key categories. Which ones are considered key depends on a range of factors, including the
overall magnitude of emissions from a category, emissions trends, and various qualitative criteria (e.g., the prominence of mitigation
technologies and practices in the category). More information on approaches to determining key categories is available in IPCC Guidelines.
In many countries, biogas sector categories are not among the largest emissions sources (although they may be large in some countries);
categories in the energy and transportation sectors, for example, are typically much larger contributors to overall emissions. However,
based on IPCC Guidelines, it is possible that a category which generates a relatively small quantity of emissions can still be considered
key. The guidelines recommend that all categories which cumulatively account for 95% of all emissions be considered key (this is called the
“level assessment” approach). In addition, if the trend in emissions from a particular category differs substantially from the trend in overall
emissions, that category can be considered key.
As such, it is possible (and common) for biogas sector categories to meet the key category threshold even if they are not typically major
sources of emissions overall. For example, methane emissions from waste disposal accounted for only 0.6% of all of India’s GHG
emissions in 2016, but the category was still considered key based on the level assessment approach (MoEFCC, 2021).

Improving Activity Data digester, instead of using the default IPCC value (which
Relying on IPCC default values for activity data is typically 0 percent).
contributes a great deal of uncertainty (the guidelines
Exhibit 16 provides an example of a national project
provide suggested uncertainty bounds). For example,
database that is used to support the development of a
in its Third Biennial Update Report, the Government of
robust emissions inventory.
Chile identified the lack of country-specific activity data
as the primary reason why its waste sector emissions
have an uncertainty of +/-70 percent (Government of Exhibit 16. EPA’s Emissions Inventory Methodology
Chile, 2018). Governments can leverage biogas project for Manure Management
MRV of emissions to develop better-informed estimates EPA uses methane emissions estimation methodologies for
of activities that contribute emissions and practices that manure management that are in accordance with IPCC (2006)
avoid them. The 2019 refinement to the 2006 IPCC methods. Data inputs include animal populations, the typical
animal mass, the proportion of total manure managed in each
Guidelines provides further guidance on incorporating type of waste management system, volatile solid production
facility-level data into national inventories, and states rates, the methane production potential of volatile solids, and
that good quality facility-specific data may be methane conversion factors. EPA also uses project-level data
considered and used by national inventory compilers. from the AgSTAR project database to estimate methane
Facility or project-level data can replace a small subset emissions from anaerobic digestion systems at livestock
of inventory data or be used to form a more significant operations in the United States. Methane production, collection,
and destruction are calculated based on information in the
portion of the inventory. For example, estimating
database, and total emissions are then added to the inventory at
emissions from manure management requires the state-level.
specifying the fraction of manure that is handled in
Source: U.S. EPA, 2020a.
management systems (see Equation 10.22 in IPCC,
2019b). Governments can use data compiled from
agriculture sector biogas project MRV to develop a Developing Country-Specific Emissions Factors
country-specific estimate of the fraction of manure for Governments can use project-level MRV data to
each animal type that is treated in an anaerobic develop country-specific emissions factors for biogas

17
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

sector sources. According to the 2006 IPCC aggregating data across projects, in which case a
Guidelines, the best approach to determining government might consider creating a centralized
emissions factors involves non-invasive or non- data portal and offering incentives
disturbing measurements of high-quality emissions data (e.g., recognition) to entities that voluntarily share
from actual projects or systems representative of those their data.
in use in the country. These field results can be used to
• Analyzing the quality of the data and documenting
develop models to estimate emissions factors (Tier 3).
uncertainties. Whether using project-level MRV
This can be especially valuable when the MRV data are
data to refine methane recovery rates, activity data,
based on actual project emissions measurements. For
or emissions factors, it is essential that the data are
example, project-level monitoring of methane emissions
high quality and representative. For example, a
from anaerobic digesters used to process animal
government would not want to use project-level
manure can be used to inform country-specific
MRV data from projects located only in a specific
emissions factors for the manure management
region to develop a national emissions factor,
emissions category in a national GHG inventory (IPCC,
unless there was a justifiable reason for doing so.
2006f).
Conversely, countries with widely varying climates,
4.3 Implementation Considerations agroecosystems, and production technologies may
When examining opportunities for enhancing GHG wish to focus on region-specific emission factors.
inventories through the use of MRV data, governments Data quality guidelines and requirements are also
should be aware of several considerations: critical for ensuring effective incorporation of
project-level data into national inventories. In all
• Establishing or refining regulatory and institutional instances, governments should follow best
arrangements to facilitate data collection and practices from 2006 IPCC Guidelines for handling
sharing. Governments might establish or refine uncertainty.
legal requirements for projects or facilities to report
• Planning improvements. Governments can plan
specific data annually, particularly within sectors
MRV-based GHG inventory improvements over an
where available data are scarce. 9 In some
extended timeframe. For instance, if a government
instances, a government might already be
identifies a particular emissions source’s GHG
collecting project-level MRV data, but there may be
estimates as being highly uncertain, it can develop
a need for a formal arrangement between ministries
a plan for implementing MRV-focused efforts to
to facilitate data exchange. In other instances,
build a body of knowledge that can be used to
aggregated data might be available from third
produce more accurate estimates. For example, in
parties that will need to agree to share this
its Second Biennial Update Report, Ghana
information, in which case governments may need
identified improving its estimates of the fraction of
to develop protocols and policies for data
manure managed by different system types as a
management and security. It is also possible that
priority improvement to its inventory (Government
there is not yet a mechanism for collecting and
of Ghana, 2018).

9 For example, the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishery of Uruguay developed the National System of Livestock
Information and requires all breeders, intermediates, auction locations, and slaughter plants to register and tag livestock,
resulting in full population traceability within the country.

18
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

5. Using Biogas Project MRV Data

to Enhance Mitigation Targets in
NDCs
Biogas project MRV can help inform national mitigation Countries are encouraged to follow a coordinated
targets in NDCs and enable national governments to approach in developing their NDCs to ensure that:
better track their progress toward mitigation
commitments. This section provides information on • Comprehensive, country-specific data are used,
NDCs, how governments can use biogas sector MRV where available;
to support them, and examples of countries that have • GHG emissions inventories are inclusive of all
included methane-specific goals in their NDCs. sectors; and
5.1 What are NDCs? • Mitigation strategies target critical GHG emissions
Article 4, paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement requires sources.
that every five years each Party to the Agreement The first round of NDCs were submitted in anticipation
submit a NDC that outlines its efforts to reduce national of and shortly after the adoption of the Paris Agreement
emissions and achieve the long-term goals set forth in in 2015. Countries are asked to update their NDCs
the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015). Countries’ every five years, and many did so prior to the 2021
NDCs include several standard components, such as United Nations Glasgow Climate Change Conference.
information on the country’s current circumstances, the Additionally, the resulting agreement – The Glasgow
national GHG inventory (both emissions from sources Climate Pact – requested that countries revisit their
and removal from sinks) by sector, and a description of 2030 targets in NDCs by the end of 2022 (UNFCCC,
the specific goals and actions the country will take to 2021). NDCs will be reviewed as part of a global
reduce GHGs. The NDC may also contain technical “stocktake” of efforts toward achieving global GHG
information, such as a description of GHG-related mitigation targets, the first of which will be conducted in
reporting methodologies (UNFCCC, 2014). Exhibit 17 2023 (and every five years thereafter). By 2024,
highlights the types of information that countries are countries will be required to submit Biennial
expected to include with each goal included in their Transparency Reports to outline updated GHG
NDCs. accounting, progress toward achieving the objectives
Exhibit 17. Type of Information to Be Included for Each Goal of a NDC
(modified from UNFCCC, 2020, Figure 8)

19
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

set forth in their NDCs, climate impacts and adaptation, not in any specific mitigation strategies to reduce
and the support needed to achieve NDC goals methane in the biogas sector.
(UNFCCC, 2020).
5.3 Approaches to Including Methane in
5.2 Why Include Methane Emissions NDCs
Reductions in Updated NDCs? As governments develop their NDCs, they can
Emissions reductions proposed in the initial round of consider integrating efforts to mitigate biogas sector
NDCs would result in a warming of 2.9°C to 3.4°C methane emissions by:
above pre-industrial levels over the next century, far
from the target of 2.0°C (UNEP, 2018). Meeting the • Identifying the largest sources of anthropogenic
global climate change mitigation targets established methane emissions in the biogas sector (e.g.,
under the Paris Agreement will require additional, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural
ambitious emissions reductions from all sectors, not operations). This can be done in concert with the
only the largest-emitting sectors (e.g., transport and development of national GHG inventories (see
energy). Section 4).
• Establishing emissions reductions goals by source
Research indicates that without significant reductions in
category (targets can be a percentage reduction in
short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), such as
relation to the baseline year or a specific metric ton
methane, global temperature increases will exceed
reduction). The World Resources Institute (WRI,
2.0°C by 2100 (WRI, 2018a; Exhibit 18). As the biogas
2018b) provides several specific examples of goals
sector is responsible for approximately 20 percent of
countries might consider adopting to reduce
anthropogenic methane emissions (GMI, 2020),
methane emissions from the biogas sector in their
actions in this sector can play a critical role in meeting
NDCs.
global GHG mitigation targets. However, most of the
140 Parties that addressed methane in their first NDC • Identifying specific strategies to mitigate
included it only in their overall emissions targets, and anthropogenic methane by sector and source
category (e.g., requiring methane recovery from all

Exhibit 18. Effects of Taking Early Action on SLCPs and Long-Lived GHGs
on Global Temperatures by 2100 (WRI, 2018a)

20
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

new landfills). The Global Methane Initiative is a leveraged to collect data for the purpose of analyzing
source of information on best practices for methane mitigation pathways as well.
mitigation across the biogas sectors.
5.4 Examples of Countries that Have
• Establishing protocols for measuring methane
Included Methane Targets in Their NDCs
emissions and emissions reductions for
Several countries, including those mentioned below,
incorporation into national communications
have included methane emissions mitigation targets in
(e.g., Biennial Transparency Reports starting no
their NDCs. Project-level MRV can help demonstrate
later than 2024). Best practices described in
these countries’ progress toward achieving these
Section 3 and Section 4 and technical details
quantitative targets.
provided in Appendix B can be used to establish
rigorous frameworks for collecting project-level Rwanda
MRV data that can improve GHG inventories and Rwanda’s first NDC highlighted the need for action in
tracking of progress toward targets. the solid waste sector. This NDC described the growth
• Developing a national database of emissions in waste-related methane emissions under a business-
reductions to more easily track and link project- as-usual scenario. To help address this challenge, the
level data to NDC commitments. For example, country set a target of reducing landfill methane
Colombia has established a National Registry for emissions by approximately 600,000 tonnes CO2e by
the Reduction of GHG Emissions (RENARE) that 2030. It intends to do this by instituting regulations on
emissions reductions projects register with and landfill emissions and using landfill gas collection and
report to; RENARE data will be used to track the utilization (Government of Rwanda, 2015).
country’s progress toward Paris Agreement Dominica
commitments (Minambiente, 2021). A national Dominica’s NDC includes a goal of reducing emissions
database also helps ensure that data is in the from the solid waste sector by 78.6 percent by 2030,
correct format, and units and conversions are which it will achieve by addressing methane emissions
applied consistently. Additionally, a database could from its existing landfill. Methane generated at the
assist in the tracing and verification of the end-use landfill is currently vented. The country proposes to
of biogas derived fuels for emission reduction reduce methane emissions at the site by increasing
credits to avoid double counting. organic waste diversion and installing a flaring system
• Indicating in their NDCs where the country is (Government of Dominica, 2015).
lacking the resources or capacity required to
Uruguay
collect data to make project-level MRV viable.
Uruguay’s NDC presents both conditional and
The availability of accurate and complete data is critical unconditional methane mitigation objectives, with an
to the development of robust climate mitigation targets unconditional 57 percent reduction in methane
and strategies. In the biogas sector, project-level MRV emissions intensity per gross domestic product unit
can be a valuable source of data for establishing from base year 1990 by 2025, and a conditional
national emissions reductions baselines and 59 percent reduction. In the waste sector,
projections. unconditional objectives will be met through the
introduction of methane capture and flaring in solid
Section 4 described the importance of institutional urban waste final disposal systems. The NDC includes
arrangements for collecting and reporting MRV data to an unconditional target of disposing 60 percent of
the national government for the purpose of developing urban solid waste in landfills that capture and flare or
GHG inventories. These arrangements can be use methane by 2025 (Government of Uruguay, 2017).

21
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

6. Summary
Accounting for methane and other SLCPs is essential Historically, governments have struggled to account for
for meeting international climate change targets. emissions reductions from biogas projects, in part due
Actions in the biogas sector, which is responsible for to limited access to clear guiding principles for
20 percent of anthropogenic methane emissions, can emissions MRV. This handbook was designed to
contribute significantly to achieving these goals. address that need and provide government decision-
Project-level MRV is critical for linking bottom-up makers and other stakeholders with best practices and
steps involved in the MRV process. The appendices
emissions quantification in the biogas sector with top-
that follow provide more detailed support on MRV
down inventory methodologies. It allows governments
resources, emissions measurement techniques,
to develop more robust inventories, plan mitigation quantification tools, and verification best practices.
actions, demonstrate measurable progress toward
achieving mitigation targets and other objectives
(e.g., SDGs), and can lead to increased access to
funding for biogas projects.

22
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Bibliography
Basak, R. 2016. Monitoring, reporting, and verification Government of Chile. 2018. Chile’s Third Biennial
requirements and implementation costs for climate Update Report. Available:
change mitigation activities: Focus on Bangladesh, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/5769410_
India, Mexico, and Vietnam. CCAFS Working Paper no. Chile-BUR3-1-Chile_3BUR_English.pdf.
162. CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change,
Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS). Copenhagen, Government of Dominica. 2015. Nationally Determined
Denmark. Available: Contribution. Available:
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/756 https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDoc
61/CCAFS%20Working%20Paper%20162%20Basak uments/Dominica%20First/Commonwealth%20of%20
%20MRV%20requirements%20and%20implementatio Dominica-
n%20costs%20for%20mitigation.pdf. %20Intended%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contri
butions%20(INDC).pdf.
Cassidy, E. 2021. From Cow Manure to Landfills:
Mapping Methane Emissions in California. EarthData. Government of Ghana. 2018. Ghana’s Second Biennial
Available: Update Report. Available:
https://earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/articles/mapping- https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/gh_bur2_r
methane-in-california. ev-2.pdf.

CCAC. (n.d.). Methane. Climate & Clean Air Coalition. Government of Rwanda. 2015. Intended Nationally
Available: Determined Contribution. Available:
https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/slcps/methane. https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDoc
uments/Rwanda%20First/INDC_Rwanda_Nov.2015.pdf
CCAC. 2019. The Multiple Benefits Pathway
Framework – Methodology Briefing. Climate & Clean Government of Uruguay. 2017. Nationally Determined
Air Coalition. Available: Contribution. Available:
https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/file/7028/download?tok https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDoc
en=QNv32kXl. uments/Uruguay%20First/Uruguay_First%20Nationally
%20Determined%20Contribution.pdf.
Climate Watch. 2021. Query of NDCs for references to
“methane.” Available: IPCC. 2006a. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National
https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ndc- Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 1, Chapter 4.
search?document=first_ndc&query=%22methane%22 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available:
&searchBy=query. https://www.ipcc-
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/1_Volume1/V1_4_Ch
EESI. 2013. Short Lived Climate Pollutants: Why Are 4_MethodChoice.pdf.
They Important? Environmental and Energy Study
Institute. Available: IPCC. 2006b. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National
https://www.eesi.org/files/FactSheet_SLCP_020113.pd Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 1, Chapter 5.
f. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available:
https://www.ipcc-
GMI. 2020. About Methane. Global Methane Initiative. nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/1_Volume1/V1_5_Ch
Available: 5_Timeseries.pdf.
https://www.globalmethane.org/about/methane.aspx.

23
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

IPCC. 2006c. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National IPCC. 2019c. 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC
Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 5, Chapter 2. Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories,
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available: Volume 1, Chapter 1. Intergovernmental Panel on
https://www.ipcc- Climate Change. Available: https://www.ipcc-
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/5_Volume5/V5_2_Ch nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2019rf/pdf/1_Volume1/19R_V1_
2_Waste_Data.pdf. Ch01_Introduction.pdf.
IPCC. 2006d. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National IRENA. 2018. Assessment of the Renewable Energy
Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 5, Chapter 3. Components in Nationally Determined Contributions:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available: The Methodology. International Renewable Energy
https://www.ipcc- Agency. Available: https://www.irena.org/-
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/5_Volume5/V5_3_Ch /media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2017/Nov/IREN
3_SWDS.pdf. A_NDC_methodology_2018.pdf?la=en&hash=4E6E91
73BB306CDD4295F1E7F5FB1CF477CEAAF5.
IPCC. 2006e. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National
Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 5, Chapter 6. Minambiente. 2021. RENARE, the platform to record
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available: greenhouse gas reductions in Colombia. Ministry of
https://www.ipcc- Environmental and Sustainable Development,
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/5_Volume5/V5_6_Ch Government of Columbia. Available:
6_Wastewater.pdf. https://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.php/noticias/44
97-renare-plataforma-para-registrar-reducciones-
IPCC. 2006f. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National gases-efecto-invernadero.
Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4, Chapter 10.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available: MoEFCC. 2018. India: Second Biennial Update Report
https://www.ipcc- to the United Nations Framework Convention on
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/4_Volume4/V4_10_C Climate Change. Ministry of Environment, Forest and
h10_Livestock.pdf. Climate Change, Government of India. Available:
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/INDIA%20
IPCC. 2019a. 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC SECOND%20BUR%20High%20Res.pdf.
Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories,
Volume 5, Chapter 3. Intergovernmental Panel on MoEFCC. 2021. India: Third Biennial Update Report to
Climate Change. Available: https://www.ipcc- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2019rf/pdf/5_Volume5/19R_V5_ Change. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
3_Ch03_SWDS.pdf. Change, Government of India. Available:
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/INDIA_%2
IPCC. 2019b. 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC 0BUR-3_20.02.2021_High.pdf.
Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories,
Volume 4, Chapter 10. Intergovernmental Panel on Pachauri et al. 2014. Climate Change 2014 Synthesis
Climate Change. Available: https://www.ipcc- Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2019rf/pdf/4_Volume4/19R_V4_ Available:
Ch10_Livestock.pdf. https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/SYR_
AR5_FINAL_full.pdf.

24
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

UNEP. 2018. Emissions Gap Report 2018. United U.S. EPA. 2020a. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas
Nations Environment Programme. Available: Emissions and Sinks 1990–2018. United States
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.1182 Environmental Protection Agency. Available:
2/26895/EGR2018_FullReport_EN.pdf?isAllowed=y&se https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-
quence=1. greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2018.
UNFCCC. 2008. Report of the Conference of the U.S. EPA. 2020b. Overview of Greenhouse Gases.
Parties on its thirteenth session, held in Bali from 3 to United States Environmental Protection Agency.
15 December 2007. Addendum. Part Two: Action Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-
taken by the Conference of the Parties at its thirteenth greenhouse-gases.
session. United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change: Available: Wilkes, A., A. Reisinger, E. Wollenberg, and S. van Dijk.
https://unfccc.int/documents/5079. 2017. Measurement, Reporting and Verification of
Livestock GHG Emissions by Developing Countries in
UNFCCC. 2010. Standard for Applying the Concept of the UNFCCC: Current Practices and Opportunities for
Materiality in Verifications (Version 01). United Nations Improvement. CCAFS Report No. 17. Available:
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Available: www.ccafs.cgiar.org.
https://ji.unfccc.int/Ref/Documents/Materiality.pdf.
WRI. 2016. MRV 101: Understanding Measurement,
UNFCCC. 2014. Handbook on Measurement, Reporting, and Verification of Climate Change
Reporting and Verification for Developing Country Mitigation. World Resources Institute. Available:
Parties. United Nations Framework Convention on https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-
Climate Change. Available: public/MRV_101_0.pdf?_ga=2.35539809.1522233951
https://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/annex_i_natcom .1559164559-2009947254.1557184251.
_/application/pdf/non-annex_i_mrv_handbook.pdf.
WRI. 2018a. 3 Charts Explain One of the Most
UNFCCC. 2015. Paris Agreement. United Nations Overlooked Opportunities to Address Climate Change
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Available: and Poverty. World Resources Institute. Available:
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris- https://www.wri.org/blog/2018/10/3-charts-explain-
agreement/the-paris-agreement. one-most-overlooked-opportunities-address-climate-
change-and-poverty.
UNFCCC. 2020. Reference Manual for the Enhanced
Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement: WRI. 2018b. Strengthening Nationally Determined
Understanding the Enhanced Transparency Framework Contributions to Catalyze Actions that Reduce Short-
and Its linkages to Nationally Determined Contribution Lived Climate Pollutants. World Resources Institute.
Accounting. United Nations Framework Convention on Available: https://www.wri.org/publications/reducing-
Climate Change. Available: SLCPs?downloaded=true.
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/ETFRefere
nceManual.pdf.
UNFCCC. 2021. Glasgow Climate Pact. United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Available:
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/cma2021_
L16_adv.pdf

25
 Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Appendix A. Helpful Resources

Exhibit A.1. MRV Resources
Title Organization Date Audience Description Link
Handbook on UNFCCC 2014 Climate change This handbook provides detailed information https://unfccc.int/files/national_report
Measurement, Reporting practitioners and instructions on the obligations a country s/annex_i_natcom_/application/pdf/n
and Verification for has on MRV, including timing and content on-annex_i_mrv_handbook.pdf
Developing Country requirements for communications per
Parties UNFCCC policy. It includes a template for
reporting, instructions for seeking technical
support, and many graphics on how MRV
components fit together.
MRV Platform for Global Research Alliance for n.d. Policymakers; climate This website includes a variety of resources https://www.agmrv.org/
Agriculture Agricultural Greenhouse Gases; the change practitioners for MRV in the agricultural sector, including
CGIAR Research Program on Climate case studies, databases, technical tools,
Change, Agriculture and Food guidance, and academic journal articles.
Security; Unique Forestry and Land
Use; and the New Zealand
Government
RALI GHG MRV United States Agency for International 2019 National inventory This report is a step-by-step guide for using https://www.climatelinks.org/resourc
Harmonization Framework Development compilers; mitigation the top-down and bottom-up “Harmonization es/rali-ghg-mrv-harmonization-
activity implementers; Framework” for conducting GHG accounting, framework
other climate change determining GHG mitigation efforts, and
practitioners implementing MRV practices.
Initial Monitoring and Green Climate Fund 2015 National policymakers This document documents a decision from a https://www.greenclimate.fund/docu
Accountability Framework and practitioners Green Climate Fund Board meeting and ments/20182/76153/DECISION_B.1
for Accredited Entities spells out rules for keeping Accredited 1_10_-
Entities (which support Parties’ efforts) in _Initial_monitoring_and_accountabili
compliance with monitoring and reporting ty_framework_for_accredited_entitie
their GHG emissions. s.pdf/b06dddfc-2d18-4675-9d2f-
d3e81de6ba99

A-1
Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Title Organization Date Audience Description Link

MRV 101: Understanding WRI 2016 National policymaker; This report introduces three approaches to https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3
Measurement, Reporting, practitioners; NGOs MRV for GHG mitigation efforts, including fs-public/MRV_101_0.pdf
and Verification of Climate methodology and data requirements.
Change Mitigation
“MRV In Practice” – First Climate Consulting and 2018 National and sub- This report offers advice for developing and https://www.transparency-
Connecting Bottom-Up UN Development Programme national policymakers in refining MRV systems, based on UNFCCC partnership.net/system/files/docume
and Top-Down least-developed requirements. nt/GH_New%20Climate_MRV%20in
Approaches for countries and small %20Practice_2018.pdf
Developing National MRV island nations;
Systems for NDCs development
organizations; research
institutions; NGOs;
consultants
Partnership on Deutsche Gesellschaft für 2018 National policymakers This report explains the benefits of MRV to https://www.international-climate-
Transparency in the Paris Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) countries, such as tracking progress toward initiative.com/fileadmin/Dokumente/2
Agreement: National on behalf of the Federal Ministry for SDGs, public engagement, and access to 018/180917_Information_Matters_N
Benefits of Climate the Environment, Nature Conservation funding. ational_benefits_of_climate_reportin
Reporting and Nuclear Safety (Federal Republic g.pdf
of Germany)
Measurement, Reporting Climate Change, Agriculture and Food 2017 National policymakers This brief makes recommendations for https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/h
and Verification of Security, Global Research Alliance in developing countries improving MRV methods for emissions in the andle/10568/89335/CCAFS_Report1
Livestock GHG Emissions Food and Food and Agriculture livestock sector. 7.pdf
by Developing Countries Organization of the United Nations,
in the UNFCCC with support from the New Zealand
government, the United States Agency
for International Development, and the
World Bank
Reference Document on The TRANSfer project is implemented 2014 Policymakers; climate This report describes approaches for MRV in http://transferproject.org/wp-
Measurement, Reporting by GIZ and financed by the change practitioners; the transportation sector and includes case content/uploads/2014/10/Reference-
and Verification in the International Climate Initiative of the transportation experts studies. Document_Transport-MRV_final.pdf
Transport Sector German Ministry for the Environment,
Nature Conservation, Building and
Nuclear Safety

A-2
 Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit A.2. Resources for GHG Inventories and NDCs

Title Organization Description Link
2006 IPCC Guidelines for National IPCC The IPCC provides guidelines for developing national GHG inventories, https://www.ipcc-
GHG Inventories with specific volumes by sector, including the agricultural and waste nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/index.htm
sectors. l
2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC IPCC The IPCC provides guidelines for developing national GHG inventories, https://www.ipcc-
Guidelines for National GHG with specific volumes by sector, including the agricultural and waste nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2019rf/index.html
Inventories sectors.
IPCC Inventory Software IPCC This software helps users conduct GHG inventories according to IPCC https://www.ipcc-
methods. It includes Tier 1 (i.e., simpler) methods for all sectors; and nggip.iges.or.jp/software/index.html
Tier 2 (i.e., more complex) methods for energy, industrial processes,
waste, and agriculture.
Livestock Activity Data Guidance Food and Agriculture Organization This document provides information to help countries improve the https://ccacoalition.org/en/resources/liv
(L-ADG): Methods and Guidance on of the United Nations, and Global accuracy of livestock emissions estimates in national GHG inventories estock-activity-data-guidance-l-adg
Compilation of Activity Data for Tier 2 Research Alliance on Agricultural and enables them to measure and report progress toward their NDCs.
Livestock GHG inventories Greenhouse Gases
National GHG Inventory Capacity EPA Climate Change Division This webpage provides templates and technical assistance tools for https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/tool
Building Toolkit download to help countries develop GHG inventory systems that are kit-building-national-ghg-inventory-
consistent with IPCC and UNFCCC guidelines. systems
Agriculture and Land Use National Colorado State University The ALU software is a tool for GHG inventory of the Agriculture, Forestry https://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (ALU) and Other Land Use sector and is applicable at national and project alusoftware/home
Software levels. The software is based on the methods in the IPCC National GHG
Inventory Guidelines, for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 methods. The software is
also designed to support an evaluation of mitigation potentials in this
sector, including emissions from livestock manure management.
Opportunities for Increasing Ambition Climate and Clean Air Coalition This document provides guidance on identifying, prioritizing, and https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/resourc
of NDCs through Integrated Air incorporating SLCP mitigation measures into updated NDCs, including es/opportunities-increasing-ambition-
Pollution and Climate Change methane. nationally-determined-contributions-
Planning through-integrated
Strengthening Nationally Determined WRI This document provides guidance and examples to support incorporation https://www.wri.org/publications/reducin
Contributions to Catalyze Actions that of SLCPs, including methane, into NDCs. g-SLCPs?downloaded=true
Reduce Short-Lived Climate
Pollutants

A-3
 Policy Maker’s Handbook for Measurement,
Reporting, and Verification in the Biogas Sector

Exhibit A.3. MRV Protocols and Standards

Title Organization Description Link
Climate Action Reserve Climate Action This website provides downloadable protocols and links to technical resources for GHG http://www.climateactionreserve.org/how/pro
Protocols Reserve emissions reductions projects in various sectors, landfills, waste digestion, and agriculture. tocols/
They are intended for use by project developers to generate emissions reductions projects
and credits.
California Air Resources California Air This website provides methods to quantify and report GHG emission reductions associated Livestock Projects | California Air Resources
Board Compliance Offset Resources Board with the installation of a biogas control system (BCS) for manure management on dairy cattle Board
Protocols: Livestock Project and swine farms. The focus of the protocol is on the quantification of the change in methane
emissions, while accounting for effects on carbon dioxide emissions.
The Climate Registry The Climate This website offers general reporting and verification protocol and emissions factors, as well https://www.theclimateregistry.org/tools-
Protocol Registry as some sector-specific resources. It is intended for companies that voluntarily report their resources/reporting-protocols/general-
GHG emissions. reporting-protocol
Gold Standard: Agriculture Gold Standard This webpage includes a few different step-by-step GHG methodologies for the agricultural https://www.goldstandard.org/resources/agri
Methodologies sector. They are intended for use by project developers to generate emissions reductions culture-requirements
projects and credits.
Gold Standard: Energy Gold Standard This webpage includes a few different step-by-step GHG methodologies for the energy https://www.goldstandard.org/resources/ener
Methodologies sector. They are intended for use by project developers to generate emissions reductions gy-requirements
projects and credits.
Gold Standard: Forest Gold Standard This webpage includes a methodology for the forestry sector. They are intended for use by https://www.goldstandard.org/resources/affor
Methodologies project developers to generate emissions reductions projects and credits. estation-reforestation-requirements
Greenhouse Gas Protocol Greenhouse Gas This report offers a standardized process for conducting MRV for efforts resulting from https://ghgprotocol.org/policy-and-action-
Policy and Action Standard Protocol government policies related to GHG emissions reduction. It is written for policymakers and standard
policy analysts who are evaluating government actions.
Carbon Accounting: American Carbon This website provides downloadable protocols and links to technical resources for GHG https://americancarbonregistry.org/carbon-
Standards and Registry emissions reductions projects in various sectors, including those for landfill gas. They are accounting/standards-methodologies
Methodologies intended for use by project developers to generate emissions reductions projects and credits.
Verified Carbon Standard Verra This website provides downloadable protocols and links to technical resources for GHG https://verra.org/methodologies/
Methodologies emissions reductions projects in various sectors, including the waste and agriculture sectors.
They are intended for use by project developers to generate emissions reductions projects
and credits.

A-4
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Appendix B. Project Type-Specific Emissions Measurement Techniques

Emissions that are estimated or forecast before project implementation are referred to as ex-ante estimates, and
emissions measured or calculated after project implementation are referred to as ex-post measurements. While ex-
ante emissions reductions are always modeled, ex-post measurements can be conducted by monitoring on site
with equipment and by modeling using information about the project. This appendix describes ex-ante and ex-post
methods used in the following biogas sector project types:
1. Landfill gas capture and utilization projects (Section B.1)
2. Organic waste diversion and methane avoidance (Section B.2)
3. Livestock waste diversion to anaerobic digesters (Section B.3)
4. Municipal wastewater biogas (Section B.4).
This appendix provides a list of tools and resources to assist in quantifying emissions based on the techniques
described below.

B.1 Landfill Gas Capture and Utilization Projects

Ex-Ante Estimates of Emissions Reductions
A first order decay (FOD) model is used to estimate biogas production at a solid waste disposal site on an ex-ante
basis (Exhibit B.1), and to estimate biogas emissions that could be avoided either from the displacement of waste
or potential biogas destruction
Exhibit B.1. FOD Model Inputs
(discussed in Section B.2). For biogas
destruction, estimates of biogas
production from a FOD model often are
significantly different than the actual
biogas collected and destroyed. The
primary cause of these significant
variations is usually the inability of
default input parameters used in a FOD
model to account for site-specific
conditions affecting methane generation
and emissions, which vary with changes
to system design and efficiency, climatic
conditions, and waste amounts and
composition.
Important data parameters for a FOD
model include:
• Annual mass of total waste sent to
(or diverted from) landfills
• Waste composition (percentages
and types of organic waste)

B-1
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

• Climatic conditions (wet climates promote faster waste decay and rates of biogas production than dry climates)
• Whether the landfill has an active landfill gas collection system (for calculating the baseline scenario)
• Managed or unmanaged landfills (e.g., open dump). 10
Availability of these data can vary widely between countries based on typical waste management practices. If the
total waste disposed of and the waste management type are not available, these parameters can be estimated
based on IPCC default factors. Waste composition data may be available from local or regional waste composition
studies. Otherwise, IPCC defaults can be used (see Volume 5, Chapter 2 of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, 2006c,
2019a). For example, IPCC lists default values of waste generation and methods of disposal in Asia (see Table 2.1
in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, 2006c, 2019a). However, it is good practice that countries use site-specific data for
municipal solid waste generation, composition, and management practices to determine GHG emissions. Some
municipalities may require the reporting of waste disposal at landfills in their jurisdiction.

Quantifying Ex-Post Emissions Reductions

Once a biogas mitigation effort is in place through a landfill gas collection and destruction system, quantifying
emissions reductions involves measuring the following components:
• Total volume of biogas sent to a destruction device (flare, engine, boiler, etc.) via a biogas flow meter
• Temperature and pressure readings of the biogas (unless the flow meter internally corrects for these
parameters)
• Methane composition (continuous, weekly, monthly, or quarterly measurements)
• Additional energy needed to support project activities
• A programmable logic controller that automatically records data points at specified intervals.
Emissions reductions quantification requires estimating or calculating the following:
• Destruction efficiency of the combustion device (flare, engine, boiler, etc.)
• Modeled biogas generation rates to estimate the amount of uncollected biogas
• Percent oxidation in soil of the uncollected methane
• Actual amount of biogas collected and destroyed before project implementation and/or estimated amount of
biogas recovery required by regulations.
The destruction efficiency of the biogas destruction device could also be measured; however, default destruction
efficiencies are sufficiently accurate and are generally accepted by mitigation programs.

B.2 Organic Waste Diversion and Methane Avoidance

Ex-Ante Estimates of Emissions Avoided
Estimating emissions avoided from waste displacement uses the same FOD model used to estimate the ex-ante
solid waste biogas potential discussed in Section B.1. The key difference is that because the waste is not disposed

10 Open dumps with shallow waste depths and limited cover produce significantly less biogas. Managed landfills can reduce
methane emissions by promoting oxidation in cover soils, and collecting and combusting biogas.

B-2
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

of in the landfill but sent to a composting operation or digester, it is not possible to measure the biogas that would
have been produced in the absence of a mitigation project. Instead, a FOD model estimates biogas mitigation
potential based on methane generation from the annual amounts of waste not sent to a landfill during the
monitored period. Refer to Section B.1 for estimating the biogas mitigation potential for solid waste disposal in
landfills.

Ex-Post Quantification of Emissions Avoided

Estimating emissions avoided from waste diversion involves measuring the following key parameters:
• Total weight of waste diverted from a landfill to an anaerobic digester facility
• Composition of diverted waste
• Energy required to operate the diversion project facility
• If indirect emissions reductions from the use of diverted materials for manufacturing or energy production are
being considered, estimate emissions factors per tonne of utilized materials
• Amount of biogas destroyed at the landfill that waste was diverted from if it employs a gas collection and
control system.
The quantification of emissions reductions from diverting waste from disposal also requires employing the
emissions estimation tools used for ex-ante estimates of biogas that would have been produced by organic wastes.
It is important to note that biogas abatement from waste diversion is significantly lower at landfills already
employing gas collection systems because the baseline scenario assumes biogas mitigation is already occurring.

B.3 Livestock Waste Diversion to Anaerobic Digesters

Ex-Ante Estimates of Emissions Reductions
Similar to solid waste, calculating ex-ante biogas emissions from livestock waste management uses modeling to
estimate biogas emissions that could be avoided either from biogas destruction on site or avoided biogas
production from removing solids in the waste stream, or both activities implemented together (a solid separator
located before or after a covered lagoon that collects and destroys biogas are two separate activities avoiding
biogas emissions).
Volume 4, Chapter 10 of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines (2006f, 2019b) includes the equation consistently used by
many GHG reduction programs to estimate methane emissions from manure management. Important data
parameters for this model include:
• Type and number of livestock whose waste is managed in the manure system (e.g., for a dairy farm, milking
cows, dry cows, heifers, calves, bulls)
• Methane conversion factor for the manure treatment system
• Fraction of manure from each livestock category managed in the treatment system
• Animal weight (measured or default)
• Volatile solid excretion (default or testing)
• Maximum methane-producing capacity of each livestock type (default typically)

B-3
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

• Average ambient temperature

• Other manure management practices already occurring before project initiation (i.e., baseline).

Ex-Post Quantification of Emissions Reductions

Ex-post emissions at a biogas destruction project can be determined by modeling using the same parameters
discussed above or by measuring the actual biogas destruction from an anaerobic digester. In most cases, the
more conservative of the two emissions reductions values is taken as the end result. This check is necessary
because diverting waste to an anaerobic digester can artificially increase methane production that would have not
occurred in the baseline scenario. For example, a project in a cold location that sends waste to a heated digester
in the winter is a significantly different situation than if that same waste were sent to an uncovered anaerobic
lagoon in freezing conditions.
For the modeled portion of this comparison, the parameters noted above would also need to be measured. In
addition, any project emissions from the combustion of the biogas (e.g., uncombusted methane, venting events,
and emissions from fossil fuels/electricity) would need to be subtracted from the modeled emissions.
For the measured emissions reductions, the following items would need to be monitored:
• Biogas flow
• Methane concentration of biogas (continuous, weekly, monthly, or quarterly measurements)
• Destruction efficiency of devices (typically default values or based on site-specific testing)
• Destruction device operability (to ensure destruction of biogas)
• Venting events
• Consumption of fossil fuels and electricity due to project activities.

B.4 Municipal Wastewater Biogas

The main GHGs from wastewater treatment are methane and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide emissions evolve from
the nitrification/de-nitrification cycle and is outside the scope of this discussion. Biogas is generated in anaerobic
environments and in the disposal of wastewater in large bodies of water or aerobic environments that do not
produce significant amounts of biogas.
The decision tree in Exhibit B.2, which was adapted from IPCC and simplified to highlight significant potential
sources of methane generation, can be used to classify regional treatment systems on a granular basis (see Figure
6.1 in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, 2006e). This decision tree can be used to target the largest potential biogas
emissions sources in the wastewater sector. If the wastewater treatment system under consideration falls into one
of the four final categories, it is likely a target for biogas mitigation. One exception would be an anaerobic reactor
already collecting and destroying biogas.
The largest emissions avoidance potential is likely from anaerobic lagoons, industrial wastewater treated on site,
and uncollected methane from anaerobic reactors. Consideration should also be given to abatement efforts that
can be easily implemented (e.g., collecting venting methane from an anaerobic reactor is a proven technology and
can be used to produce energy), as this would be a much easier target for abatement opposed to developing a
collection system in a rural area.

B-4
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Exhibit B.2. Ex-Ante Decision Tree for Targeting Significant Biogas Emissions Sources from Municipal Wastewater (adapted
from IPCC, 2006e, Figure 6.1)

Reactor
Anaerobic
Collected
Treatment
Lagoon
Domestic/
Industrial
Wastewater Domestic;
Latrine, Septic
Tank
Uncollected Treated On Site
Industrial: Onsite
Plant

Ex-Ante Estimates of Emissions Reductions

One advantage of biogas mitigation from wastewater is that ex-ante emissions avoidance can be estimated entirely
from default emissions factors and assumptions. Population estimates can be used if population data are not
available. Centralized treatment plants discharge treated water in many ways, and information on these plants may
be available if they report to an oversight body. Many wastewater treatment plants use the five-day biological
oxygen demand (BOD5) test to measure organics in untreated and treated wastewater. BOD5 is also important for
estimating biogas generation from anaerobic conditions or for calculating the effectiveness of a mitigation effort.
Wastewater treatment and discharge systems vary widely across regions and demographics. Some assumptions
need to be made when estimating ex-ante biogas generation. An important consideration is estimating the fraction
of the population that is urbanized compared to rural communities. Densely populated regions will likely have some
form of centralized treatment for public health reasons, whereas rural regions are likely to have inexpensive forms
of disposal (see Volume 5, Chapter 6 in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, 2006e).
Key parameters for estimating biogas potential include:
• Type of wastewater treatment system
• Volume of wastewater received
• BOD/chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements of incoming wastewater
• Total population served by the treatment system
• Annual per-capita protein consumption
• Fraction of wastewater from industry.
Several additional default factors are used in conjunction with the above list to estimate biogas production from
wastewater.

B-5
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Ex-Post Quantification of Emissions Reductions

Ex-post avoided emissions are calculated using BOD5 or COD5 tests of incoming and treated wastewater in
conjunction with biogas sent to a destruction device(s). The BOD5 test is a common measurement in municipal
wastewater supplies, while the COD5 test is a common measurement at industrial facilities that treat wastewater on
site. To estimate avoided emissions, either the BOD5 or COD5 measurement of wastewater before and after a
mitigation technology should be used. Subtracting the values and multiplying the result by the volume of
wastewater treated will provide a rough estimate of avoided emissions. Uncombusted methane should also be
accounted for.
Key parameters for measuring emissions reductions include:
• BOD/COD measurements of incoming wastewater
• Volume of incoming wastewater
• BOD/COD measurements of treated wastewater sent to effluent ponds
• Volume of treated wastewater sent to effluent ponds
• Any leaks from the biogas collection treatment system
• Flow meter measuring the total volume of biogas sent to a destruction device (e.g., flare, engine, boiler)
• Temperature and pressure readings of biogas (unless the flow meter internally corrects for these)
• Methane composition (either continuous, weekly, monthly, or quarterly measurements)
• Additional energy needed to support project activities
• Programmable logic controller that automatically records data points at specified intervals.

B-6
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Appendix C. Biogas Emissions Quantification Tools and Resources

Exhibit C.1 provides information about several emissions quantification tools and resources for biogas sector
projects.
Exhibit C.1. Biogas Project Emissions Quantification Tools and Resources
Title Developer Description Sector Link
Solid Waste EPA Downloadable MS Excel tool that estimates Municipal https://www.globalmethane.org/SWEE
Emissions GHG emissions reductions for municipal solid waste T
Estimation Tool solid waste projects. Helpful for city
(SWEET) employees responsible for tracking climate
Version 3.1 impacts of waste activities.
Dairy Digester California Air Downloadable MS Excel tool to estimate Livestock https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade
Research and Resources greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions Sector /auctionproceeds/cdfa_ddrdp_finalcalc
Development Board and selected co-benefits of each proposed ulatortool_2-3-
Program (DDRDP) project type for the DDRDP 20_v2.xlsx?_ga=2.217485142.112818
Benefits Calculator 3007.1623187107-
Tool 1260972321.1614799065
Anaerobic EPA This tool allows users to perform rapid Municipal https://www.globalmethane.org/resourc
Digestion screening-level assessments of potential solid waste es/details.aspx?resourceid=5170
Screening Tool emissions reductions and biogas generation Agriculture
benefits of anaerobic digesters. Wastewater
Landfill Gas Project EPA This simple MS Excel-based calculator Municipal https://www.waste.ccacoalition.org/doc
Screening Tool estimates landfill gas emissions based on a solid waste ument/landfill-gas-project-screening-
limited number of data inputs. tool-version-2
Waste Reduction EPA This downloadable software program Municipal https://www.epa.gov/warm
Model (WARM) calculates changes in GHG emissions from solid waste
various waste management practices. Its
intended users are solid waste planners and
supporting organizations responsible for
tracking and reporting GHG emissions.
IPCC Waste Model IPCC This spreadsheet tool calculates methane Municipal https://www.ipcc-
emissions from solid waste disposal, for use solid waste nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/5_Vo
by individuals conducting the analysis. lume5/IPCC_Waste_Model.xls
Climate Action Climate Action This tool assists individuals conducting Agriculture Available on request:
Reserve Livestock Reserve verification of GHG emissions reductions of http://www.climateactionreserve.org/ho
Calculation Tool livestock projects (U.S.-based projects w/protocols/us-livestock/
only).
Biogas Wastewater EPA and the This downloadable MS Excel tool calculates Wastewater https://www.globalmethane.org/tools-
Assessment World Bank biogas production from waste-to-energy resources/resource_details.aspx?r=19
Technology Tool Group projects and the GHG emissions reductions 13
(BioWATT) from using biogas-generated electricity.

C-1
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Appendix D. Verification Best Practices

Exhibit D.1 provides an illustration of the steps involved in the emissions reductions verification process, and
Exhibit D.2 provides brief descriptions of each of these steps.

Exhibit D.1. Verification Process Illustration

Receive Initial
GHG Data and
Documentation

Issue Verification VB Strategic

Statement Analysis

No

Clarification or Receive
Yes Additional Data VB Risk
Corrective Actions
Needed? and Assessment
Documentation

Visit Review GHG Create/Modify Risk-

Data and Based Verification
Facility/Project
Documentation and Sampling Plan

VB = Verification Body

D-1
 Project-Level Measurement, Reporting, and
Verification in the Biogas Sector: A Handbook
for Governments

Exhibit D.2. Verification Process Activities

Verification Activity Description
Receive initial GHG data and After initiating the verification, the project proponent or facility submits GHG data and documentation to the
documentation verification body, as required by the applicable program. This could include information on the baseline
emissions scenario, measured data, equipment information, QA/QC documentation, or other supporting
information.
Verification body strategic The verification body conducts an analysis of the project or facility regarding the criteria, scope, and
analysis complexity of the verification. The verification body also considers the project or facility’s organization,
management, and communication structure. The strategic analysis helps to inform the more detailed risk
assessment.
Verification body risk assessment The verification body identifies areas related to GHG emissions or other requirements of the applicable
program that pose risk to reported GHG emissions or mitigations. The areas are reviewed for each type of
risk (inherent, control, detection) and a discussion of why the risk exists is completed. All areas of risk must
be addressed to complete the verification.
Create/modify risk-based A verification plan and a sampling plan are developed based on the risk assessment and strategic analysis.
verification plan and sampling The verification plan is standard across different projects and facilities. The sampling plan will vary from
plan project to project based on specific requirements of the applicable program, as well as the risk associated
with GHG data and documentation.
Review GHG data and The verification body reviews all provided GHG data and documentation and documents this review.
documentation
Visit facility/project If required, the verification body will visit the project or facility to review GHG sources, measurement
equipment, and data-recording equipment; and interview personnel.
Clarifications or corrective actions The verification body will provide findings to the project or facility as a result of its review. Depending on the
nature of the findings (material versus non-material), some errors will need to be corrected to complete the
verification while others could potentially be ignored.
Receive additional data and The project or facility will provide the verification body data and documentation to address the findings.
documentation (if needed)
Risk assessment revision and Based on the new data and documentation, the verification body will reassess the risk assessment and
sampling plan modification (if modify the sampling plan (e.g., one area of the data had errors, which led the verification body to increase
needed) sampling and re-review the area). This additional review could lead to novel findings.
Issue verification statement Once all findings are closed out, the verification body will complete its verification process and issue a
verification statement. The statement will note the criteria and scope of the verification, as well as the
confirmed emissions value.

D-2