British Columbia Updates Greenhouse Gas Offset Policy

British Columbia has introduced a fresh approach to creating, reviewing, and maintaining greenhouse gas (GHG) offset protocols under its Offset Protocol Policy (OPP). This marks an important move to ensure that emission reduction projects meet high standards of transparency, credibility, and environmental integrity. The province aims to diversify its offset projects, connect them with its broader climate goals, and guarantee they provide permanent and verifiable benefits.

In the revised framework, B.C.’s offset protocols follow internationally recognized ISO 14064-2 standards. These standards guide the measurement, monitoring, and reporting of GHG reductions or enhancements in removal. They are intended to ensure that projects deliver results that are “real, quantifiable, verifiable, permanent, and additional” to what would have happened without the project. The OPP details the steps for identifying, prioritizing, developing, reviewing, and amending offset protocols, focusing on ongoing improvement and response to changing climate science and policies.

Currently, the province has several approved protocols that direct offset project development in key areas. The Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Protocol supports projects that permanently store captured carbon, either in geological reservoirs or through chemical processes. This protocol targets one of the most direct and lasting forms of carbon reduction, ensuring that CO₂ removed from the atmosphere remains safely stored over the long term.

The Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) covers various forestry initiatives, including afforestation, reforestation, improved forest management, and preventing the conversion of forest land to non-forest uses. These projects not only cut atmospheric carbon but also help conserve biodiversity, protect watersheds, and provide other ecosystem services.

Another approved framework, the Methane from Organic Waste Protocol, addresses one of the strongest greenhouse gases by promoting landfill gas management and anaerobic digestion. By capturing methane emissions from organic waste, these projects tackle a significant climate challenge and may also produce renewable energy.

However, the Fuel Switch Offset Protocol (FSOP), which has played a key role in cutting emissions through energy conservation, efficiency upgrades, and switching to lower-carbon fuels, is currently under review. Authorities are assessing whether credits generated under FSOP meet quality standards and effectively prevent the issuance of non-additionality credits—offsets given for reductions that might have happened even without the project. This review aims to guarantee that all offsets provide real climate benefits rather than just being accounting numbers.

To address these concerns, the provincial government has sent a bulletin to project developers and validation organizations recommending a temporary halt on the development or validation of new FSOP projects until the review concludes. This pause aims to uphold the integrity of B.C.’s offset system and avoid potential reputational or environmental risks related to low-quality credits.

Looking ahead, the province intends to prioritize the development of new protocols that support B.C.’s shift to a low-carbon economy. These may involve innovative projects in emerging sectors that align with the province’s climate goals and foster sustainable economic growth. Importantly, all new draft protocols will go through a public consultation process before receiving government approval. This ensures that stakeholders can share their views and that the resulting frameworks reflect both technical accuracy and public expectations.

The OPP also sets a schedule for regularly reviewing approved protocols to keep them in line with legislative requirements and the latest scientific standards. These reviews will be publicly announced, along with bulletins explaining why a particular protocol is undergoing review. This transparent process aims to maintain public trust and ensure that the offset program keeps delivering measurable and lasting benefits.

The revised policy framework highlights British Columbia’s dedication to high-quality carbon accounting and climate action. By following international standards, rigorously reviewing protocols, and involving the public in the development process, the province aims to enhance the credibility of its offset system and ensure that each credited tonne of emission reduction represents a real and lasting effort against climate change.