> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/7.1.-quantification-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions.md).

# 7.1. Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This is a key section of the methodology that outlines the equation for project developers to calculate **the total CO2e reduced or removed** in the project. Each project must complete the calculation individually, but the framework must be laid out in the methodology. 

The calculation **must account for all GHGs associated with a project**, **must be repeatable and verifiable**, and **must account for uncertainties**. 

* We encourage methodology developers to think about dynamic baselining (i.e. including monitored variables in the baseline emission calculation, not just the project emission calculation) so that the baseline can be recalculated at every issuance event. 

As per the [ICVCM’s CCPs](https://icvcm.org/the-core-carbon-principles/): *“The GHG emission reductions or removals from the mitigation activity shall be robustly quantified, based on conservative approaches, completeness and scientific methods”.*

***

### Quantification Equation

<figure><img src="/files/7WaReOy0V8zFnYPdJKIQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<mark style="color:$success;">**ER**</mark> = **final emission reduction or removal** calculated over the issuance period; equal to the number of carbon credits issued for that period.

<mark style="color:$success;">**BE**</mark> = the **baseline counterfactual emissions** if the project activity did not occur

<mark style="color:$success;">**PE**</mark> = the **additional increase or decrease in emissions** from the project activity

<mark style="color:$success;">**L**</mark> = **leakage**, an **increase in emissions elsewhere** from a shift in activity

<mark style="color:$success;">**U**</mark> = **uncertainty discount for conservativeness** against known and unknown uncertainties (usually a % discount)

***

### Underlying Credit Value

* The underlying credit value must equal one tonne of CO<sub>2</sub>e removed or avoided in the atmosphere.&#x20;
* Baseline approaches must be specified at the methodology level. Project-level deviations from baseline requirements are only permitted through the[ OCP's formal deviation process](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/projects/project-proposal-process#project-deviations) and require independent approval.
* Calculations for CO<sub>2</sub>e must use the most current 100-year GWP value, which is provided by the most up to date IPCC assessment report. Currently it is the 6th report, published in August 2024, found [here](https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/Global-Warming-Potential-Values%20%28August%202024%29.pdf).
* The calculation methods of the CO<sub>2</sub>e removed or abated should be aligned with ISO 14064 practices.
* This is ensured within the methodology development process. In order for a methodology to pass, the expert panel must positively attest to the statement: “If a project developer complied with this methodology, would each carbon credit produced by the project represent one tonne of CO2e avoided or removed, considering baseline assumptions, additionality evidence, leakage treatment, uncertainty, and monitoring provisions?”&#x20;

***

### Parameters

Within the quantification calculation, there will be a number of parameters. In [Section 9 (Monitoring Plan)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vqZuGb2GtZ9Bq70GDeGjPZbC2Tgjc0vK8KjIpTF21QE/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.tx8qby93kusm), the methodology must outline which variables need to be monitored for each project at each monitoring event (ideally identifying opportunities for digital MRV), and which variables are set at project proposal.

{% content-ref url="/pages/5KghkUMPdssGNoswv2xd" %}
[9. Monitoring](/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/9.-monitoring.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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