Planboo specializes in biochar carbon removal across the tropics, combining innovative technology with ancient agriculture. Their platform provides farmers and landowners with essential tools, technology, and training to turn waste biomass into high quality biochar. Through their network of projects, Planboo is scaling carbon removal, promoting, soil restoration and fostering equitable distribution of carbon finance where it’s needed.
As part of our five criteria for high quality carbon credits, this qualitative self-evaluation examines the measurability and durability of their approach, respect for the environment, co-benefits, and alignment with the needs of local communities.
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Measurably sequester CO₂: Our biochar production involves transforming biomass into biochar using pyrolysis, a process that heats organic materials in the absence of oxygen, forming a stable carbon product that keeps the carbon out from the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years. We quantify the CO₂ sequestered by tracking the carbon cradle-to-grave – from the carbon content in the biomass to where it’s permanently stored in the ground. Our measurements are validated through laboratory analysis of the biochar’s carbon content and dynamic Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that are collected for each tonne removed using our technology.
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Durability and/or co-benefits: The durability of our credits is 1,000+ years as per the CSI standard, and 100+ years as per the Puro.earth standard.
The co-benefits of our projects, or should we say core-benefits… are many. While our north star is to remove carbon, our other two key metrics are biochar applied to soil and people employed.
Soil improvement: Biochar enhances soil health by increasing its water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.
Employment: Our projects create jobs in local communities, fostering economic development and sustainability.
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Are additional (wouldn’t have happened without human intervention): Our projects wouldn't occur without human intervention and the financial support of carbon credits. Without this backing, the biomass we use would be burned in the fields or left to decompose naturally, both of which would result in the release of all stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere. By converting this waste biomass into biochar, we prevent these emissions and permanently remove carbon.
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Respect land, water, and biodiversity: Biochar acts as a "superfood" for the soil. It enhances water retention, reduces soil erosion, and helps retain nutrients, which in turn reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. This leads to healthier soils and improved crop yields, while simultaneously supporting local biodiversity.
By regenerating degraded land and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, our projects have a positive impact on the broader ecosystem, encouraging biodiversity and ensuring minimal disruption to local water and land resources.
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Align with the needs of local communities: We create jobs and provide training to local farmers and workers, empowering them to become active participants in the carbon removal process. Additionally, the application of biochar to soil improves agricultural productivity, benefiting local food systems and contributing to economic resilience.
By working hand-in-hand with local communities, we ensure that the environmental and economic benefits of biochar production are shared, fostering long-term sustainability.
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Overall, Planboo's efforts appear to be promising. Their strategy of turning plant waste into biochar to sequester carbon comes with high durability and a host of co-benefits. Moreover, Planboo's commitment to respecting land, water, and biodiversity and working with local communities ensures that their efforts align with some of the most pressing needs of our time. In their holistic endeavor, Planboo not only sequesters carbon but also creates a healthier and more sustainable future for farming communities and the ecosystems they engage with.