Certification methodologies

Permanent carbon removals

The term ‘permanent carbon removals’ refers to technologies that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and ensure its secure, long-term storage for centuries.

The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/285 sets out CRCF certification methodologies for three types of permanent carbon removals activities:

• Direct air capture with carbon storage (‘DACCS’)
• Biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage (‘BioCCS’)
• Biochar carbon removal (‘BCR’)

Future of permanent carbon removals

The Commission is considering whether to develop certification methodologies for other permanent carbon removal activities. Any activity included in the CRCF Regulation must be safe for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and also benefit society. Here are some of the pathways explored by the Commission:

• Enhanced rock weathering - finely ground rocks spread on fields to accelerate natural CO₂ removals
• Mineralisation - carbon bound into stable minerals for permanent storage or use in products
• Ocean alkalinity enhancement - alkaline materials added to seawater to increase the ocean’s capacity to absorb and store CO₂
• Direct ocean capture with carbon storage - engineered systems that extract CO₂ from seawater and store it safely long term

Carbon farming

The term ‘carbon farming’ refers to land management practices that enhance carbon sequestration - the process of capturing and storing CO₂ emissions - in forests and soils. These practices can also reduce GHG emissions from soils, while delivering additional benefits in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Here are some examples of carbon farming:

• Rewetting and restoring peatlands and wetlands to reduce carbon oxidation and increase carbon sequestration
• Agroforestry practices that integrate trees, shrubs or hedgerows within crop or grazing systems
• Soil protection measures like catch crops, cover crops, conservation tillage
• Afforestation and improved forest management respecting ecological principles for biodiversity
• Improving fertiliser use efficiency to cut nitrous oxide emissions

The certification of carbon farming practices can help farmers and foresters get result-based payments, complementing their income and supporting them in the transition towards a more resilient production system. In addition, carbon sequestration in soils and biomass enhances EU resilience by ensuring soil health, resource independence, and a reliable supply of bio-based materials. Moreover, the efforts of farmers and foresters to maintain and enhance carbon sinks - any system, natural or artificial, that absorbs more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it releases - will play an essential role in meeting the EU’s Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) targets.

Future of carbon farming

A draft Delegated Regulation, whose adoption is expected in summer 2026, will establish CRCF certification methodologies for three carbon farming activities:

• Agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils
• Rewetting and restoration of peatland and other organic soils
• Afforestation

Also, by the end of 2026, the Commission will assess whether to expand the scope of carbon farming to the reduction of livestock-related GHG emissions.

Carbon storage in products

The CRCF Regulation covers the implementation of carbon storage in products, defined as any practice or process that captures and stores CO₂ for at least 35 years in long-lasting products.

Bio-based construction products, such as timber or agricultural crops, offer significant potential for long-lasting CO₂ storage, as the carbon absorbed during plant growth remains locked within the materials throughout their use. By promoting sustainably sourced bio-based materials and advanced construction techniques, we can create energy-efficient buildings that function as carbon sinks – storing more CO₂ over their lifetime than they emit through construction and operation.

The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive allows building owners to know their carbon storage capacity on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The CRCF certification methodology for carbon storage in buildings, which is planned for publication by the end of 2026, will help building owners demonstrate the carbon-storage performance of their buildings, helping to align the construction sector with circular-bioeconomy principles. The building blocks for the forthcoming methodology are included in a dedicated technical assessment paper.