The Absolute Carbon Standard
The Absolute Carbon Standard (ACS) is a framework for quantifying and certifying carbon removal processes and low-carbon products. It establishes consistent rules for measuring carbon flows, evaluating project outcomes, and verifying results. ACS applies a consistent, net zero-aligned accounting structure across different technologies and project types to enable comparability and alignment with carbon cycle science and net-zero goals.
Projects certified under ACS must demonstrate how carbon is measured, how risks are managed, and how outcomes are independently verified.
How ACS Quantifies Carbon
ACS uses the Anthropogenic Emissions Model developed by Absolute Climate to quantify how carbon moves through human systems. Rather than focusing only on isolated project activities, AEM evaluates the broader carbon flows associated with that activity to comprehensively assess its net impact on the climate.
AEM tracks five core flows or “fluxes”: capture, storage, extraction, use/reuse, and release. Considering these flows together allows all types of projects to quantify their impact based on the net change they create in atmospheric carbon.
What ACS Can Certify
ACS’s accounting framework allows for assessments of carbon outcomes across two primary types of mitigation activities.
Upon successful, third-party verification, NEPs can issue carbon removal credits for general use, whereas LCPs can issue environmental attribute certificates (EACs). EACs can be purchased and used by companies that buy conventional versions of the underlying commodity to make corresponding emissions claims.
Modules and Methodologies
ACS provides a core accounting framework that can be applied across different project types. For specific technologies or activities, the framework is implemented through modules and methodologies that define how carbon flows are measured, monitored, and verified for a particular pathway. Modules are developed for specific inputs or processes, and methodologies are composed of multiple modules that reflect the relevant activities for a specific technology or project.
Methodologies may be developed for a range of project types, including direct air capture systems, biomass carbon removal and storage, and low-carbon materials. This structure allows the framework to consider technology- or project-specific nuances and be applied consistently while supporting new technologies as they emerge.
What Certification Under ACS Means
Projects certified under ACS follow a consistent framework for quantifying carbon outcomes and undergo independent validation and verification. Certified outcomes may then be issued as certificates and tracked through Absolute’s registry partners. Certification confirms that:
- Carbon flows have been quantified using ACS, AEM, and any relevant modules
- Monitoring and reporting requirements are in place
- Risks related to carbon storage and reversal are addressed
- Project outcomes have been independently verified
Certification Process
Projects seeking certification under ACS follow a structured process designed to ensure consistent evaluation.
- Methodology selection or development: The project applies an existing ACS methodology or works with Absolute to develop one for its pathway.
- Project validation: The project completes documentation regarding its design, and an independent third party reviews the project design and accounting approach.
- Monitoring and verification: Projects implement, monitor, and report on their activities, and an independent third party verifies the outcomes.
- Credit issuance: Certified outcomes are issued as carbon credits or EACs, and their trade and/or retirement is tracked through partner registries.
Absolute Climate, associated validation and verification bodies, and partner registries work closely with project developers and one another at each step of the process to ensure the utmost rigor and efficiency in carbon flux assessment.
If you would like to learn more about how ACS would apply to your particular carbon project, please reach out to us at hello@absoluteclimate.com.
