Projects that capture methane from landfills, livestock manure and industrial sources. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO₂.
Why methane matters
Methane traps far more heat than CO₂ over a 20-year period, so each tonne of methane captured and destroyed has a large climate effect. Sources include landfills, where organic waste decomposes without oxygen; manure lagoons on livestock farms; and leaks or vented gas from oil and gas operations.
What the project does
Capture projects collect the methane and either flare it, which converts it to CO₂ with much less warming effect, or use it to generate electricity or heat. Credits reflect the methane destroyed compared with what would have been released without the project.
Regulation and additionality
In many places landfill gas capture is already required by law. Projects must show that they go beyond what regulation requires. Methane leak detection and repair projects face their own measurement questions, because leaks are intermittent and hard to quantify.
Questions to ask before you rely on these credits
- Is the methane capture above any legal requirement in that jurisdiction?
- How is the amount of methane destroyed measured, and how often?
- Does the project report leaks or escapes transparently?