B.C.’s offset protocols follow ISO 14064-2 standards, ensuring projects deliver measurable, verifiable, and permanent greenhouse gas reductions.
The Fuel Switch Offset Protocol (FSOP) is under review to address risks of issuing non-additionality credits.
Development of new protocols will target projects that advance B.C.’s low-carbon transition, with public consultation before approval.
British Columbia has outlined its updated approach to developing, reviewing, and maintaining greenhouse gas offset protocols under its Offset Protocol Policy (OPP), aiming to enhance transparency and diversify projects that achieve permanent emissions reductions.
The province’s protocols adhere to ISO 14064-2 standards for quantification, monitoring, and reporting of emissions reductions or removal enhancements. The OPP details the process for identifying, prioritizing, developing, reviewing, and amending protocols, ensuring they deliver “real, quantifiable, verifiable, permanent, and additional” results.
Approved protocols include:
Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Protocol – for projects permanently storing captured carbon in geological reservoirs or through chemical transformation.
Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) – covering afforestation/reforestation, conservation or improved forest management, and avoided conversion.
Methane from Organic Waste Protocol – targeting methane reductions via landfill gas management or anaerobic digestion.
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The Fuel Switch Offset Protocol (FSOP), which supports emission cuts through energy conservation, efficiency, and fuel switching, is currently under review. Authorities are assessing whether credits generated meet high-quality standards and reduce the risk of non-additionality.
A bulletin issued to project proponents and validation bodies recommends postponing development or validation of new FSOP projects until the review concludes.
New protocol development will focus on projects aligned with B.C.’s climate objectives and low-carbon economy transition. All draft protocols will undergo public consultation before governmental approval.
Approved protocols are periodically reviewed to ensure alignment with legislative requirements and evolving scientific best practices. Any decision to review a protocol will be announced online, accompanied by a bulletin explaining the rationale.
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