For those companies, institutions, or individuals who are either required to purchase carbon credit offsets or wish to make a positive impact through the voluntary offset market, we have the ability to source projects specific to their detailed needs. However, we are not the cheapest source of carbon offset credits as we believe in not only the sustainability of the land but also the sustainability of the surrounding community. Our projects incorporate additional elements focused on community engagement, local jobs, educational and scientific collaboration, and a clear path to permanent protection.
What is the timeframe of a project?
The project timeframe is dictated by a few variables and each project will have a specific timetable regarding any reforestation efforts. Reforestation time can be impacted by ruggedness and access of land as well as which species need to be replanted. Native and indigenous plants are used in all projects. Some projects utilize educational and volunteer labor and other projects use all paid labor. Additionally, projects can have faster timelines in climates that support robust growing cycles. Projects in the temperate zone in Costa Rica can be faster than projects in drier climates. Ultimately the project will have three phases, each with their own specific timetable.
- Reforestation Phase: This phase involves a dedicated implementation team including on the ground representation and operational staff. We partner with existing organizations, individuals, and agencies already invested within the communities that we source projects. Prior to any reforestation work starting a complete audit and timetable is confirmed by our certification partner, local landowner, CHAII, and the purchaser. Once the project scope has been verified and confirmed by all parties, reforestation work will take 1-3 years depending on the overall size and purchaser goals.
- Growth and Monitoring Phase: After the initial reforestation phase CHAII collaborates with local third party auditors and our certification partner, WildSense, to ensure additional carbon sequestration. We utilize satellite imagery, soil samples, auditory tracking and visual verification to ensure project goals are met. This phase can take 5-10 years after the initial reforestation phase depending on the overall growing climate and native species planted.
- Completion Phase: Once the project has reached maturity and met initial goals the project has been deemed completed. CHAII continues to monitor and track the conservation areas for continued compliance. Additionally, every project is covered by an insurance pool to offset future degradation of the project (i.e. through natural disasters, deforestation, etc.) This insurance will mitigate any negative impact and ensure that retired carbon credits associated with this project are intact, or covered by other credits provided by the insurance.
All three phases can take 8-12 years from initial project start date.
PURCHASER FAQs
When do I pay for credits?
You pay for the reforestation work and certification costs rather than the “credits.” However, funds are only paid as project goals are met. There are specific timelines and goals set in the contract for each project that will trigger additional payments to continue the conservation work.
When do I receive credits?
Credits are achieved as additionality is achieved. If there is a 10 year timeline on the project, think of the credits received occurring on a bell curve. Very little will come through in the first few years, more in the middle and less in the end. Once these credits are received you can use them for internal offsets, sell them on the open market or keep them for future use. Once a project has been started and a purchaser commits to fund, all credits are contractually owned by the purchaser and registered with an internationally recognized registry managed by WildSense. Once the carbon sequestration has been confirmed, credits become vested and then can be retired and used as offsets.
When do I pay for credits?
You pay for the reforestation work and certification costs rather than the “credits.” However, funds are only paid as project goals are met. There are specific timelines and goals set in the contract for each project that will trigger additional payments to continue the conservation work.
What happens if a fire destroys project acreage after reforestation?
Every project that we develop utilizes insurance to mitigate any credit loss through any future natural disaster. It is extremely rare to have the entire project area be compromised by a natural disaster but a portion of a project can be negtively impacted by unforeseen circumstances. The insurance pool will purchase additional credits on the certified international market to compensate for this loss. We pool these projects together with our main accreditation partner so we have a larger portfolio of properties to mitigate any loss.
What happens if the actual credits achieved is less than the estimated credits originally forecasted?
As project sponsors primarily pay only when certain thresholds and goals are met, it is extremely rare to have a sponsor pay more than what they would actually receive regarding carbon offsets. These payments are constantly monitored and changed as the project continues. Additionally, we conservatively estimate overall tonnage from any project, helping with any difference in estimated versus real achieved credits.
How do we know these are “real” credits?
These credits are developed and monitored per the United Nation and internationally recognized protocols. Each credit has a unique identifier and is associated with the project sponsor. Once these credits are sold, or expired, they are recorded as such.
What assurance do we have for project site permanence?
We only work with land owners that either have permanent conservation already in place or are fundamentally aligned with conservation values. Furthermore, many of our landowners are using their lands for eco-tourism activities that rely on protected areas. We only align with landowners that already have an incentive to have their lands designated as conservation lands.
Legally, we have contracts with any landowner regarding conservation easements and permanent protection through any certified carbon credit project.
Who audits and validates that work is actually getting done?
Part of the sponsor fees goes specifically to audit and monitoring of the carbon credit project. WildSense uses European space station visual satellite technology to verify progress of forest canopy and overall footprint coverage. Additionally, we have in country, on the ground, auditors that will come and conduct due diligence throughout different times in the project. These fees and scope are included int the overall budget.
Can we visit the site?
Yes! Not only can you visit these sites we encourage plan sponsors to come and participate in any capacity that seems desirable. As many of these sites are included within operating eco-tourism destinations there are accommodation and logistical support already there. Additionally, we have found that many sponsors find it highly beneficial to have their staff, partners, volunteers be an integral part of the on-the-ground work. Reach out directly for more detailed discussion of possible engagement.
How can we partner with the conservation project?
Project sponsors can partner with on the ground support, collaborative marketing support, or overall mission alignment in foundational values. While there is no requirement for companies to volunteer their staff, visit the site, or leverage for other operational needs, many companies look for ways to incorporate these projects. We are happy to customize and help identify where this makes sense.
Why do companies sponsor projects like this?
Companies sponsor projects to lock-in costs of credits with todays dollars and redeem them in later years when the estimated costs of credits would be higher. Additionally, many sponsors use these projects as marketing initiatives in the broader market to align their operational values with their customer values.