In addition to its work on low-carbon certification and the funding of its projects by companies enthusiastic about voluntary carbon offsetting, Carbonapp has obtained its first carbon certificates through a foreign label.
Founded in Helsinki in 2019, Puro.earth is both an international certification label and a platform for buying and selling carbon certificates. With 5 certification methods, this organisation issues CO2 Removal Certificates, also called CORCs, based on the same principle as carbon credits. For each certificate, it is ensured that one tonne of CO2eq has been absorbed and stored in a product with a negative carbon balance.
These methods have a strong potential on the carbon market, in particular the "Wooden building elements" method, which plays a central role in Carbonapp's projects. Based on the carbon storage provided by trees, this methodology seeks to promote the long-term carbon capture provided by buildings made of bio-based materials. Where trees and other woody elements ensure storage over a variable period of time, European regulations require buildings to have a minimum lifespan of 50 years, which often extends well beyond that. By using wood elements for construction or creating bio-based insulation, the carbon sink will last for several decades.
The sustainable aspect of these materials, the shortening of logistic chains, the supply of natural resources... This sector deserves to be supported and promoted. This is Carbonapp's commitment. Obtaining carbon certificates will enable the industry's players to both develop their business and better meet the growing demand for wood building materials and bio-based insulation. The success of Igloo Cellulose's certification provides a perfect example.
Founded in Canada over 40 years ago, Igloo France Cellulose provides carbon-negative biobased cellulose fibre insulation (CFI) made 90% from recycled paper. This product is suitable for both construction and renovation projects, for industrial, public and residential buildings. In a single year, almost 31,400 tonnes of insulation were installed and now insulate 39,000 homes, using environmentally friendly raw materials while removing CO2 from the atmosphere. But the co-benefits do not stop there.
The use of newspapers as the main ingredient for insulation reduces the amount of waste as well as water and energy consumption during the manufacturing process. It also avoids the use and manufacture of more environmentally damaging insulants such as polystyrene or mineral wool.
With 1.04 tonnes of CO2eq sustainably stored for each tonne of insulation, almost 32,600 CORCs have been issued and are now available for sale from Carbonapp. Thanks to the CORC revenue, the Igloo company will be able to invest in new machines and develop its newspaper recovery strategy through voluntary collection points, particularly from private individuals. Other certificates are currently awaiting audit at Igloo Canada and James, a French manufacturer of wooden buildings.
Article written by Axelle Rimpot