Augur Associates innovates with carbon credits for hemp in the EU

Augur Associates, a cannabis consulting firm, has just generated the first Carbon credits for hempcrete in the EU, an important step for the development of French industrial hemp worldwide.

Representing a step forward towards sustainable practices, these credits are developed using a comparative LCA integrating Riverse's biogenic carbon capture methodology, a French carbon standard specializing in the circular economy.

The methodology's impact extends beyond the environmental domain, contributing to various UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The impact of the Cannabis sativa L. plant in achieving these has been notably listed by independent researcher Kenzi Riboulet Zemouli (https://cannabis2030.org/) and is enumerated below:

1. Goal 6 – Water Conservation: The hemp-based carbon capture process promotes efficient water use
2. ODD 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Both in the production process and through improved thermal inertia, Augur's methodology contributes to significant energy savings.
3. SDG 8 – Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: Augur's commitment to sustainable practices fosters both sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
4. ODD 9 – Innovative and Sustainable Construction: The methodology contributes to the development of innovative and sustainable construction practices
5. SDG 11 – Resilient Cities: The use of hempcrete blocks in construction strengthens the resilience of urban areas
6. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Augur's carbon capture methodology actively contributes to fighting climate change.
7. Goal 15 – Protect, restore, and promote sustainable terrestrial ecosystems: The use of hemp-based carbon capture supports sustainable terrestrial ecosystems.

The innovative approach of’Augur Associates paves the way for a new era of nature-based carbon credits aligned with the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework. These credits boast proven and quantified 100-year permanence annually, adherence to ICVCM and QU.A.L.ITY standards, and are tangible retroactive credits, accompanied by numerous co-benefits as detailed below.

The driving force behind Augur Associates' achievement is the development of a cutting-edge methodology for BIOSYS Hemp Concrete Block and MULTICHANVRE – Vieille Matériaux, a French company specializing in carbon sequestration within hemp concrete blocks used for construction and insulation.

VERIFAVIA, a key player in environmental certification and validation, has audited and validated Augur's process, ensuring its compliance. The INIES database and the EIHA – European Industrial Hemp Association – played a key role in supporting this project, providing valuable information and research.

The Hemp Carbon Credit project was led within Augur Associates by Christophe Nourissier, Head of Sustainable Development, Nathaniel Loxley, Director of Operations, and Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy, CEO. The multiple advantages of the methodology used validate its potential to reshape the landscape of carbon credit generation and environmental management.

The author of this article, who is also the co-founder of Augur Associates, did not take part in this project.