WSP produces methodology relating to emissions from abandoned mines | 23rd Aug 2010

The Sustainability & Energy team in our US operation, in conjunction with our client, Vessels Coal Gas, Inc., has developed a new GHG methodology for the mining industry and has had the methodology successfully validated by the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

The methodology relates to emissions reductions produced by abandoned, closed, decommissioned, or inactive coal mines. The significance of this validated methodology is its worldwide applicability and the opportunity it offers to mine owners and GHG project developers to achieve a revenue stream from the sale of credits in voluntary carbon markets from emissions reductions.

WSP developed this particular methodology for Denver based company Vessels Coal Gas, Inc. Our client acquires coal mine methane producing assets and operations in the Rocky Mountain and Appalachian coal basins.  They recognized the opportunity available to them in getting emissions reductions certified for sale in voluntary carbon markets as VERs (Verified Emissions Reductions).

GHG methodologies such as this undergo very robust and rigorous approval methods including a 'double approval process' whereby two verification consultants will review the methodology before certifying it. Our methodology is now approved and published on the VCS website under the Vessels Coal Gas name (see http://www.v-c-s.org/VMR0002.html) and is available for use by mine owners and emissions mitigation project developers across the world who seek to quantify and monetize emissions reductions from these types of coal mine projects.

The VCS Program is a global standard and program for approval of credible voluntary offsets. To be certified, VCS offsets must be beyond business-as-usual activities, be measurable, permanent, independently verified and unique. The Program is in place to standardize and provide transparency and credibility to the voluntary offset market, stimulating investment in emissions reductions and low carbon solutions. Validation of this methodology represents a notable achievement and is recognition of the quality and depth of analysis and testing that have been applied to the GHG methodology.

For further information, contact: evan.evans@wspgroup.com