• The UN CDM has developed AM0025 – a methodology applicable to solid waste management projects
• AM0025, which required ASTM D6866 testing, was replaced by ACM0022
• Beta Analytic’s experience in ASTM D6866 testing will help companies with CDM projects obtain reliable results

The UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has different methodologies for specific projects. An example is the AM0025, an approved large-scale methodology on solid waste management.

The AM0025 (avoided emissions from organic waste through alternative waste treatment processes) required ASTM D6866 testing to estimate the fossil carbon percentage in emissions from waste-derived fuels such as municipal solid waste. This methodology was replaced in 2012 by ACM0022 (Large-scale Consolidated Methodology – Alternative waste treatment processes).

The ACM0022 methodology recommends ASTM D6866 testing to project participants who wish to measure the fraction of fossil carbon in the total carbon content of municipal solid waste. Version 2.0, the active version of the ACM0022 methodology, is valid from November 28, 2014.

ACM0022 is applicable to projects involving one or a combination of these waste treatment options:

• Composting process in aerobic conditions
• Gasification to produce syngas and its use
• Anaerobic digestion with biogas collection and flaring and/or its use
• Mechanical/thermal treatment process to produce refuse-derived fuel (RDF)/stabilized biomass and its use
• Incineration of fresh waste for energy generation, electricity and/or heat
• Treatment of wastewater in combination with solid waste, by co-composting or in an anaerobic digester

About the CDM

The UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of three market-based mechanisms developed to aid countries in meeting their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets as established by the Kyoto Protocol. It is the first global environmental credit scheme of its kind.

Through the CDM, industrialized countries can earn Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits via projects in developing countries. These projects must reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. Project owners can earn CERs, which can be traded and sold. One CER is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide.

Demand for the CDM and its CERs was very high in the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which ended in 2012. The demand dropped significantly in succeeding years despite the CDM’s successes.

From October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012, there were 1,747 projects registered and 1,256 projects issued with CERs. In the next reporting period, there were 2,181 projects registered and 1,779 projects issued with CERs. The drop in demand started in the 2013-2014 reporting period; there were only 208 projects registered and 575 projects issued with CERs. In the 2016-2017 reporting period, there were only 53 projects registered and 456 projects issued with CERs. [Source: 2017 annual report of the Executive Board of the CDM to the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (PDF)].

ASTM D6866 Incorporated in Regulations

• Western Climate Initiative – intergovernmental organization composed of 7 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces that aim to reduce GHG in the region
• AB32 – climate change policy in California
• EU ETS – Europe’s greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system
• US EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Beta Analytic Provides ASTM D6866 Testing for CDM Projects

ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited Beta Analytic is committed to provide UN CDM project owners with high-quality ASTM D6866 testing. The lab has opened a facility in Beijing, China, for the convenience of clients with CDM projects in the country. Owners of UN CDM projects in other parts of the world are encouraged to send their samples to Beta Analytic’s headquarters in Miami, Florida.

Last updated: August 2018