Neustark provides a solution to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere by storing it in recycled concrete. For this solution, neustark has established the world’s first Gold Standard-approved methodology which is fully dedicated to tech-based carbon removal.

What’s special about this methodology

Neustark’s solution removes CO₂ from the atmosphere permanently by storing it in recycled concrete. Each credit under the Gold Standard-approved methodology represents the net removal of one ton of CO₂. Avoidance credits cannot and will not be generated under this methodology. Further, under this methodology, the use of fossil CO₂ or CO₂ from dedicated energy crops is not allowed. It solely focuses on air-captured CO₂ and biogenic CO₂ from waste biomass. The effective amount of CO₂ mineralized in recycled concrete is measured via flow meters, enabling full transparency about the process. Economical additionality is assured as carbon credit revenue is the only source of income financing the whole value chain.

By establishing the first Gold Standard methodology for tech-based carbon removal, neustark is raising the global bar for credibility and transparency in tech-based carbon removal. The certification sets the foundation for neustark’s high-quality carbon removal service, which is as per now commercially available.

We are proud to be the first ever tech-solution to establish a Gold Standard methodology for carbon removals. To join the Gold Standard’s portfolio of solutions with highest levels of environmental integrity is a true honor.

Johannes Tiefenthaler Co-founder & co-CEO neustark

Gold Standard: the industry’s most trusted certification

Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs as a best practice standard to ensure that carbon reduction projects feature the highest levels of environmental integrity and contribute to sustainable development. Gold Standard for the Global Goals allows climate and development initiatives to quantify, certify and maximize their impacts toward climate security and sustainable development. Gold Standard sets a higher standard for a climate secure world.

What enabled neustark’s methodology to become the first-ever tech-based carbon dioxide removal solution to join our methodology portfolio was its environmental integrity, permanence and measurability of the solution. We expect these high-impact credits to be sought after by companies looking to take responsibility for their climate impact by financing carbon sequestration efforts that also deliver progress toward Sustainable Development Goals like SDG 9 — Innovation + Infrastructure and SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Vikash Talyan Technical Director — Standards and New Programmes Gold Standard

The certification process

Neustark submitted the first methodology concept in summer of 2020. The concept was then further developed into a full methodology which first went through several rounds of external expert reviews, internal Gold Standard reviews and by the end of 2021 passed a public stakeholder consultation. The final methodology was published on March 7th in the Gold Standard methodology register.

While Gold Standard continues to nurture community service projects and broaden its portfolio for nature-based solutions, this new methodology marks Gold Standard’s entry into recognizing tech-based carbon removals, with neustark being the first company to earn methodology approval. Important criteria for the portfolio selection include the recognition of limited land availability, indigenous people’s rights and land tenure, as well as avoiding the use of fossil fuels.