CO₂ certificates from forests in Europe

Carbon removal certificates describe one ton of_CO2 that has been removed from the atmosphere. In our projects, this happens, for example, through the growth of newly planted trees.

Carbon avoidance certificates are generated from one ton of_CO2 that was not emitted into the atmosphere. In our projects, this happens, for example, when fewer trees die as a result of climate change.

Pina Earth's projects consist mainly of carbon removal certificates and only a small proportion of carbon avoidance certificates due to the focus on introducing new trees and tree species.

Pina Earth's forest restoration projects are certified according to the ISO 14064-2 standard by TÜV NORD CERT GmbH. TÜV NORD CERT is accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to validate and verify climate protection projects.

In addition, we offer projects that are certified according to the recognized German forest climate standard of the eva foundation.

There are three main categories for nature-based solutions: Forest conservation, reforestation and improved forest management. Pina Earth's projects fall into the category of improved forest management.

Forest protection is hardly applicable in Europe, as hardly any illegal deforestation takes place.

Afforestation plays an important role in climate change. However, Europe has a high population density and there are not many areas available for effective afforestation.

Meanwhile, improved forest management is of great importance , as in Germany alone 25% of the total forest (3 million hectares) needs to be converted. The conversion of endangered pure stands into more climate-resistant, species-rich forests is therefore an urgent task that Pina Earth is focusing on.

The additionality criterion means that a project would not have been developed without the additional revenue from the carbon market. Pina Earth carefully assesses whether a project is additional and only develops projects where additionality is given. More specifically, there are three types of additionality that Pina Earth assesses:

1) Legal additionality: At the outset of Pina Earth's projects, the planned measures are not mandated by laws, regulations or ordinances. Even the scientifically required adaptation rate of 95,000 ha/year by 2050 will not be achieved through legal frameworks alone.

2) Financial additionality: The costs of implementing projects on the project areas during the crediting period exceed the income from project implementation.

3) Climate additionality: The project generates a real and measurable climate impact that is above the performance level of usual practice (reference scenario, baseline or "business-as-usual").

All of our projects are currently located in Germany, including in Thuringia, Brandenburg, Bavaria, Baden Württemberg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.

The project portfolio is constantly being expanded in order to convert forests where the need is greatest. An overview of the current project portfolio can be found on our forest dashboard.

All project areas are open to the public. We can make you an individual offer for guided project visits.

The additional CO2 storage capacity is quantified in three steps using Pina Earth's technology-based approach:
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1. A digital twin of the forest is created using forest data from the project area.

2. the planned forest conversion measures are implemented over 30 years in our forest growth simulation and compared with a reference scenario in which no forest conversion takes place

3. an external auditor, such as TÜV Nord, visits the project area and checks the project report. After successful validation and certification , the emission certificates are issued.

Pina Earth uses proven technology to precisely quantify the additional CO₂ reduction resulting from forest conversion. It incorporates current scientific models, local site data and forest inventories. Each calculation is checked and audited by independent third parties as part of the project certification process to ensure the highest quality and reliability. In addition, our projects follow recognized standards that set clear requirements for the methods and validation.

You can find more information about our concept at this link.

The prices depend on the specific project, the available volume of certificates, the geographical location, current supply and demand conditions and the standard used. The type of certificates - i.e. whether they are CO₂ removals or avoidances - also plays a role. Our aim is to set prices that are fair, in line with the market and transparent. The needs of our forests and forest owners are at the forefront of this. As you purchase CO₂ certificate directly from the project developer with Pina Earth, the majority of the money goes directly into the forest.

Pina Earth develops certified climate protection projects to make forests in Germany climate-resilient. In view of the increasing damage caused by climate change - in Germany alone, 2 million hectares are already severely damaged - monocultures need to be converted into mixed forests. To help finance this, Pina Earth quantifies the additional_{CO₂ reduction} achieved by forest conversion measures and sells this in the form of high-quality_{CO₂ certificates} to companies that can thus make a regional contribution to climate protection. The revenue from the sale goes directly to the forest owners to finance their conversion measures.

Pina Earth was founded by Dr. Gesa Biermann and Florian Fincke as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich. Dr. Gesa Bier mann holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences from LMU Munich and a Master's degree in Sustainable Resource Management from TU Munich. Florian Fincke is a full-stack software developer and has already worked in start-ups for 10 years. In addition to the founders, the Pina Earth team combines interdisciplinary expertise in forest science,_{CO₂ markets}, data science and management.

Our team will advise you in detail on the possibilities of a partnership and work with you to select a suitable project. Arrange a non-binding initial meeting to get to know your needs. After signing the contract, you will receive the decommissioning certificate for your_{CO₂ certificates} and our comprehensive communication package. We provide you with holistic support on your sustainability journey - from the choice of project to the effective communication of your climate contribution. Contact our experts to get started right away.

Companies can communicate their climate contribution publicly. Depending on the project and in consultation with Pina Earth, a Net Zero claim may also be possible. Detailed information can be found on page 4 of this Forest Climate Standard document.

Pina Earth provides comprehensive communication material for all projects to ensure safe and effective communication of the climate contribution. This includes high-resolution photos, videos and descriptions of the projects, claim advice with text modules, social media post templates, communication examples and much more.

We also offer website integrations and individual dashboards for your company. Please contact us for a quote.