MRV FAQs

Know the basics of MRV to better navigate the complexity of regulations, trends, opportunities and markets.

MRV stands for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification. It is the process of measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals, as well as verifying the accuracy of these reports. MRV broadly encapsulates the multiple steps necessary to accurately quantify and report emissions reductions achieved through mitigation activities. This requires emission reduction to be monitored over a period of time to prove that a mitigation activity actually avoids or removes harmful GHG emissions. Reporting is submitted to the governing body for verification to ensure results are accurate and meet certification standards. Once certified, carbon credits can be issued.

MRV is important for forest land owners because it allows them to accurately measure and report their carbon sequestration activities in order to earn carbon credits.

Carbon credits are a way to offset greenhouse gas emissions. They can be earned by reducing or removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through activities such as afforestation and reforestation. A Carbon Credit is equal to one ton of mitigated Green-House-Gas (GHG) emissions. Credits are the legitimate token used by countries to fulfill their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement. They have monetary and derivative value through trading in international carbon markets, being purchased commercially to help offset carbon emissions produced by industries, corporations and individuals, and to support emission reduction projects in developing countries.

Forest land owners can earn carbon credits by participating in government-approved carbon sequestration activities such as afforestation and reforestation. If you are a forest land owner looking to earn carbon credits to sell, the first step is to determine if your forest land is eligible. In New Zealand, the government operates a scheme called the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) which allows forest land owners to earn carbon credits through afforestation and reforestation activities. To be eligible, your forest land must be either newly planted or regenerated with specific tree species and meet certain requirements. Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to register your forest land with the NZ ETS. You can do this by submitting an application to the Ministry for the Environment. After your forest land is registered, you will need to submit regular reports to the NZ ETS which will demonstrate your carbon sequestration activities. These reports will be verified by an independent auditor. Once your reports have been verified, you will be able to earn carbon credits. These credits can be sold on the NZ ETS or on the secondary market. It is important to note that earning carbon credits through afforestation and reforestation activities has a time horizon of several decades, and it is also important to understand that these credits are not guaranteed and their value can change depending on the market conditions and government policies. If you need assistance with any step of the process, the Total Carbon team is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the registration process, help you calculate your emissions and assist you in the sale of carbon credits. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you earn carbon credits through your forest land.

Forest land owners can sell carbon credits on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) or on the secondary market.

Generally, businesses and organizations that are responsible for emitting greenhouse gases are eligible to register for carbon credits. This includes industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy production. Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to register with an approved registry or exchange. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is the approved registry for carbon credits. You can register for the NZ ETS through the Ministry for the Environment's website. After you have registered, you will need to report your emissions to the NZ ETS on a regular basis. This will involve calculating your emissions using approved methodologies and submitting the information to the NZ ETS. Once you have reported your emissions, you can then purchase carbon credits to offset your emissions. These credits can be purchased through the NZ ETS or on the secondary market. If you need assistance with any step of the process, the Total Carbon team is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the registration process, help you calculate your emissions, and assist you in purchasing carbon credits. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business reduce its carbon footprint.

You will need to submit an application to the Ministry for the Environment and once your forest land is registered, you will need to submit regular reports to the NZ ETS.

You will need to use approved methodologies to calculate your carbon sequestration activities.

An independent auditor is a third-party professional who verifies the accuracy of your MRV reports.

The benefits include financial compensation for carbon sequestration activities, as well as the ability to offset emissions and make a positive impact on the environment.

The NZ ETS is the Government’s main tool for meeting domestic and international climate change targets. Under the legislated framework of The Climate Change Response Act 2002, the NZ ETS puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions, incentivising businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and incentivising landowners to earn credits by growing trees.

Putting a price on emissions creates a type of currency that can be traded between participants of the NZ ETS, creating the NZ ETS market. This currency is an emission unit or a New Zealand Unit (NZU). It represents one tonne of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent.

The NZ ETS places obligations on its participant based on the type of activity carried out. The Government gives eligible foresters units for carbon dioxide that is absorbed by their trees. The foresters can sell these units on the NZ ETS market or invest them.

Businesses that emit carbon dioxide have surrender obligations (legal obligations to hand over units) must buy units to cover their emissions. These units are then surrendered to the Government. The Government supplies units to the NZ ETS market each year, and sells them to emitters for cash at auction.

The price is set by supply and demand. The Climate Change Response (Emission Trading Reform) Amendment Act introduced auctioning in the NZ ETS, to align the supply of units in the scheme with New Zealand’s emission reduction targets.

The value of carbon credits can fluctuate depending on market conditions and government policies. You can check the current value on the NZ ETS or through a carbon trading platform.

The process can take several decades, as the carbon sequestration activities must be ongoing and verified over a period of time.

You will no longer be able to earn carbon credits from that land, and any credits earned in the past may be invalidated.

The risks include fluctuation in the value of carbon credits due to changes in government policies and market conditions, difficulty in accurately measuring and reporting carbon sequestration activities, and the possibility of forest land being destroyed or damaged, invalidating any credits earned.

Yes, existing forest land may be eligible for carbon credits if it meets the requirements set by the NZ ETS.

It depends on the specific use of the land and the activities that are taking place. It's best to consult with MRV experts to determine your eligibility.

Yes, degraded land that is restored to forest can be eligible for carbon credits.

Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, penalties, and the invalidation of any credits earned.

Yes, hiring a MRV consultant can be beneficial as they can guide you through the registration process, help you calculate your emissions, and assist you in purchasing carbon credits.

The registration process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your application and the availability of resources.

It depends on the specific use of the land and the activities that are taking place. It's best to consult with MRV experts to determine your eligibility.