Standard & Methodology
The Standard
The ORMEX STANDARD is a global GHG emissions removal and reduction standard & registry in the voluntary carbon market (VCM). It is dedicated to certifying Projects through a holistic approach that combines the implementation of regenerative practices in the agricultural sector of Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (“AFOLU”) with contributions to the improvement of Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) from the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
Faced with the challenges of climate change and its associated consequences that threaten food security, it is time to take account of the multifunctional role of agriculture.
In this battle, Agroecology- through its holistic and integrated approach- can contribute to a transition towards ecologically sustainable, economically just, viable and socially equitable food and farming systems.
Dedicated VCM standard
By implementing the ORMEX Standard, ORMEX aims to offer a dedicated VCM standard with high-quality Project Certification and verification of carbon credits for Projects addressing:
The implementation of Regenerative Activities included in the ecosystemic concept of Agroecology and leading to a removal or reduction of greenhouse gases (designated hereafter of “Carbon Positive Impact”), and
The monitoring of High-integrity Environmental, Biodiversity and Social co-benefits as part of UN's 2030 Agenda, (“SDG Impacts”).
The ORMEX STANDARD complies with the IPCC methods (IPCC. 2019) and adheres to IC-VCM Core Carbon Principles (CCPs).
The ORMEX STANDARD is defined for certifying Projects and issuing verified High-Quality Carbon Credits named V-ACORs identified as Real, Measurable, Permanent, Independently Verified, Additional and Unique.
Our Methodology
The ORMEX METHODOLOGY ensures a global threshold standard for carbon credit quality, drawing on the best science and expertise available to ensure that high-quality carbon credits efficiently mobilise finance towards urgent climate action. The methodology aims to mitigate the effects of climate change, while implementing Ecosystemic Objectives in line with agro-ecological principles.
The Methodology aims to meet the conditions of Additionality, Permanence, Measurement and Verification imposed by the ORMEX Standard.
The Methodology recognizes and promotes the use of the Nationally Determined Contribution Expert Tool (NEXT) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) by the Project Holders, to quantify the net balance of GHG emissions/reductions and storage by the category of plantation and the agricultural practices utilised.
The Methodology determines the assessment of any changes in GHG emissions/reductions (N2O, CH4, CO2) and storage in carbon pools, including: below-ground biomass (BGB), above-ground biomass (AGB), litter, dead wood and mineral soil (Soil Organic Carbon).
The ORMEX Methodology has been validated by a panel of experts and audited by a UNFCCC Auditor.
