British Columbia has released an updated approach to developing, reviewing, and maintaining greenhouse gas (GHG) offset protocols under its Offset Protocol Policy (OPP), aiming to enhance transparency, diversify eligible projects, and ensure permanent emissions reductions.

The province’s protocols comply with ISO 14064-2 standards, ensuring emissions reductions are real, measurable, verifiable, permanent, and additional. The OPP outlines the process for identifying, prioritizing, developing, and amending protocols, with all draft protocols subject to public consultation before approval.

Current Approved Protocols

· Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) – permanent carbon storage via geological reservoirs or chemical transformation.

· Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) – afforestation/reforestation, conservation, improved forest management, and avoided conversion.

· Methane from Organic Waste – methane reductions through landfill gas management or anaerobic digestion.

The Fuel Switch Offset Protocol (FSOP), covering energy efficiency, conservation, and fuel switching projects, is under review due to concerns about issuing non-additional credits. The province has advised postponing new FSOP project development or validation until the review is complete.

Future protocol development will target projects advancing B.C.’s low-carbon transition. Approved protocols will undergo periodic review to reflect legislative changes and evolving scientific best practices, with review decisions announced online alongside an explanation of the rationale.

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