One of the main reasons that Article 6.4 SD Tool requirement exists is to minimize the negative project outcomes. The official document introduces the 11 elements of risk assessment in environmental and social safeguard requirements.
Carbon credit project developers are asked to develop a mitigation plan for the identified potential negative impacts and implement a monitoring process for the project outcome measurement. In today’s post, we will talk about the environmental safeguards that are beyond greenhouse gas reduction/removal.
For environmental safeguards, the carbon credit developers are asked to look into 3 elements: Energy, “Air, Land and Water”, and Natural Resources. Here are some brief introductions on the environmental safeguards. The project will
1. Not negatively affect the availability or reliability of the energy supply for other users
2. Avoid releasing pollutants into the air, water, and land with control mitigation practices.
3. Demonstrate the measurement is in place to ensure the protection of soil, land use, groundwater, etc.
4. Response accordingly if the level of pollution exceeds what is legally permitted.
5. Adopt culturally sensitive sustainable resource management practices with local communities.