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Measurement, Reporting, and Verification, MRV review in CDR Supplier Selection

Updated: May 25, 2023


Hello again. It's Ryan Shore, founder of Carbek, here to delve into an equally crucial aspect of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) initiatives: Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).

As we discussed in our previous blog post on CDRs, they are simply put, a product concept based on really removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The MRV system of your CDR supplier is their system of checks and balances to make sure that its really working and how well. In my view, purchasing CDR without considering the MRV process of your supplier is like acquiring an original Picasso without authentication or appraisal to ensure its authenticity and value, leaving you vulnerable to embarrassment and undermining your ability use of funds wisely. And all awkward analogies aside, if later you find you've purchased CDRs that didn't have the R at the end of the CD what have you you really accomplished? At least the buyer of the fake Picasso has a nice print on the wall.


MRV, an acronym for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification, serves as a comprehensive framework for assessing the validity and credibility of CDR projects. It entails accurate quantification and reporting of the carbon dioxide removed or reduced through these initiatives, verified by independent third-party assessments. By establishing transparent and accountable systems, MRV allows corporate purchasers to evaluate the environmental impact of CDR projects before making investment decisions. Environmental Impact

Corporate purchasers recognize their responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. Auditing MRV systems in CDR supplier selection will help provide the confidence that investments will have a genuine environmental impact. A good MRV ensures accurate quantification of carbon removal, validating that purchased CDRs genuinely contribute to emissions reductions and align with sustainability targets.

Risk Mitigation

MRV offers corporate purchasers a mechanism to mitigate risks associated with investing in CDR projects. By providing independent verification, MRV verifies the claims made by CDR suppliers, reducing the potential for greenwashing or misleading carbon accounting. Engaging with suppliers who adhere to robust MRV practices safeguards corporate reputation and ensures alignment with credible and impactful projects.


Transparency and Accountability

A solid MRV system fosters transparency and accountability in

the CDR market. Corporate purchasers gain access to reliable data and information on the carbon removal outcomes of CDR projects, enabling them to make informed decisions based on credible evidence. This transparency builds trust between purchasers and suppliers, creating a marketplace where environmental claims are backed by rigorous measurement and verification processes.


Achieving Climate Goals

To achieve ambitious climate goals, it is imperative to support CDR projects that demonstrate real, measurable, and permanent carbon removal. Robust MRV systems play a pivotal role in selecting CDR suppliers that align with these goals. By prioritizing suppliers with strong MRV practices, corporate purchasers actively contribute to the growth of reliable CDR technologies. This support encourages the development of innovative and effective carbon removal approaches, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.


In Closing

In the face of climate change, corporate purchasers have a unique opportunity to drive positive change through their investment choices. By selecting CDR suppliers with robust MRV systems in place, they ensure the integrity of their carbon removal claims and make a tangible impact on the environment. Robust MRV practices provide transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation, allowing corporate purchasers to confidently invest in CDR projects that align with their sustainability goals.


At Carbek, we understand the significance of high integrity MRV in validating our own efforts. This is why we have always relied on our University Partners to act as our third party verification. Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends to our rigorous MRV processes, ensuring that our carbon removal claims are accurate, reliable, and transparent. Together as an industry, through the implementation of reliable MRV frameworks such as those in development from groups like CarbonPlan.org, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.


Thank you for joining me on this journey, and let's continue making informed decisions that build more hope for a brighter future.


Best regards,

Ryan Shore

Founder of Carbek


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