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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
11:19
Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
Trade-based carbon sequestration accounting
1University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland 20688, USA. dking@cbl.umces.edu
Environmental Management
|September 30, 2004
Summary
This study introduces an accounting method to score carbon sequestration projects, ensuring fair value for CO2 offset credits. It highlights the need for standardized scoring considering time and risk in carbon trading.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Accounting
- Carbon Markets
- Natural Resource Economics
Background:
- Early voluntary carbon offset trades lack standardized valuation methods.
- Assumptions regarding the economic potential of carbon sequestration vary widely among participants.
- Existing offset credits often lack comprehensive risk and time assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an accounting method for assessing carbon sequestration investments and trades.
- To develop a standardized scoring system for CO2 emission offset credits.
- To illustrate the impact of varying assumptions on trade outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing natural resource accounting and asset valuation principles.
- Developing a "universal carbon sequestration credit scoring equation".
- Analyzing 20 early voluntary US-based CO2 offset trades.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in assumptions used by buyers, sellers, and traders in early carbon offset trades.
- Demonstrated sensitivity of trade outcomes to different scoring assumptions for carbon sequestration projects.
- Identified the critical need for accounting for time and risk in credit valuation.
Conclusions:
- A standardized credit scoring method is crucial for the integrity of carbon sequestration trading.
- The proposed method aids buyers and sellers in evaluating the true economic potential of trades.
- Accurate accounting protects the carbon market and ensures reliable offset credit valuation.
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