🏢CDM AMS-III.H.: Methane Recovery in Wastewater Treatment

Table of contents

• Introduction

• Need and Use for the AMS-III.H Policy

• Policy Workflow

• Policy Guide

• Available Roles

• Important Documents \& Schemas

• Token(Carbon Emissions Reduction)

• Step By Step

Introduction

AMS-III.H methodology offers a concrete roadmap for methane recovery in wastewater treatment, thereby contributing significantly to the efforts towards sustainable water management and climate change mitigation. Developed under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), this methodology encourages the substitution of aerobic wastewater or sludge treatment systems with anaerobic systems with biogas recovery and combustion. It also provides guidelines for the introduction of anaerobic sludge treatment systems with biogas recovery and combustion to wastewater treatment plants that previously lacked sludge treatment.

The increasing global concern for climate change and the pivotal role of methane in exacerbating global warming make this methodology indispensable. AMS-III.H provides comprehensive mechanisms for quantifying emissions and the impact of reduction strategies. The methodology promotes the efficient use of biogas recovery and combustion systems in wastewater treatment, which when inadequately harnessed, can lead to significant methane emissions. AMS-III.H aims to prevent these emissions and promote the use of biogas as a sustainable energy source.

AMS-III.H methodology is grounded in an integrated use of various methodological tools, designed to ensure accuracy and consistency in emission calculations. These tools, including standards for calculating baseline, project and leakage emissions from electricity consumption, make the methodology comprehensive and reliable for sustainable wastewater treatment practices.

AMS-III.H brings to the forefront the environmental impact of traditional wastewater treatment practices. By adhering to this methodology, significant reductions in methane emissions can be achieved, leading to sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Need and Use for the AMS-III.H Policy

Methane emissions from anaerobic wastewater treatment are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in developing countries. Conventional treatment systems like anaerobic lagoons release methane generated during biological decomposition. AMS-III.H serves as a vital alternative, promoting a transition towards sustainable wastewater treatment practices through methane recovery and biogas utilization.

Wastewater treatment is a significant contributor to global methane emissions. AMS-III.H methodology provides a detailed framework for wastewater treatment plants to transition towards more sustainable practices, primarily through methane recovery and biogas utilization. This not only helps in reducing methane emissions but also promotes the use of renewable energy resources, thus contributing positively to global efforts against climate change.

In the modern landscape of emission reduction initiatives, transparency and credibility are key. Guardian Platform, built on Hedera Hashgraph DLT, provides immutable and transparent record-keeping, enhancing the accountability of these initiatives. AMS-III.H, with its focus on sustainable wastewater treatment practices, enhances its environmental impact and underscores the role of innovative technology in driving a greener and more sustainable future.

Policy Workflow

Policy Guide

This policy is published to Hedera network and can either be imported via Github (.policy file) or IPSF timestamp.

Policy Timestamp:

Available Roles

• Project participant - The project participant is responsible for executing the emission reduction project. The project participant must adhere to the requirements outlined by the CDM and provide evidence of the emission reductions achieved. Upon successful verification, the project participant receives certified emission reduction (CER) tokens as an incentive for their emission reductions.

• Verification and Validation Body (VVB) - The VVB plays a critical role in independently verifying and validating the project data submitted by the project participant. They thoroughly assess the project's emission reduction potential, methodologies, and adherence to the policy guidelines. Based on their evaluation, the VVB either approves or rejects the project for registration.

• Registry (UNFCCC) - The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serves as the registry for the CDM. They oversee the multiple workflow steps involved in the project's approval, including the verification and validation process by the VVB and the endorsement by the DNA. The UNFCCC's approval is necessary for the project's successful registration and issuance of CER tokens

Important Documents & Schemas

• Project Description: Information on project participant, location, technology, configuration, crediting period etc.

• Emission Reductions Calculations: Calculate & specify baseline emissions, project emissions and leakage as per methodology equations.

• Monitoring Plan: Description of monitoring approach, parameters, frequency, QA/QC procedures etc. in line with methodology.

• Monitoring Report: Periodic monitoring report with data for parameters like methane captured, combusted etc.

Tools referenced in this methodology: 

• Tool 03- Tool to calculate project or leakage CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion

• Tool 04- Emissions from solid waste disposal sites

• Tool 05- Baseline, project and/or leakage emissions from electricity consumption and monitoring of electricity generation

• Tool 06- Project emissions from flaring

• Tool 32- Positive lists of technologies

Token(Carbon Emissions Reduction)

Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2.

Step By Step

1. Log in as the Standard Registry and import the policy either by file or through IPFS timestamp by selecting the third button at the top right.

2. To start using the policy you first have to change the status of the policy from “Draft” to “Dry Run” or “Publish”, then select the “Register” button.

3. Create a new user by clicking the “Create User” button and assign their role as Project Participant.

4. The Project Participant can now provide their name or the name they would like to see reflect when registering for this project (i.e. their organization’s name).

5. Сreate a new user again and assign their role as VVB.

6. The VVB can now provide their name or the name they would like users to see when reviewing projects (i.e. their organization’s name).

7. Log in as the SR and select the “Project Participants” or the “VVBs” tab to view the documents submitted by the Project Participant and by the VVB. The SR can approve their requests by clicking on the “Approve" button.

8. Log in as the Project Participant and create a new project by clicking on the "New Project" button. This form is used to collect information about the project, organization, and all the data needed to run the emission reduction calculations. Once all the required fields have been filled the “Create” button will turn dark blue. By selecting the “Create” button all the data will be sent to the SR for review/approval.

9. Log back in as the SR and after reviewing the document by selecting the “View Document” button, the SR can validate the project submitted by the Project Participant by clicking the “Validate” button. If the data does not satisfy the rules set by the SR, then the “Reject” button can be used.

10. Log in as the Project Participant and create a monitoring report by clicking on the “Add Report” button then fill out the monitoring report form.

11. After creating the monitoring report, the project participant assigns the VVB to verify it by navigating to the “Monitoring Reports” tab and selecting the dropdown under “Assign”.

12. Log in as the VVB and click the “Monitoring Reports” tab to review the document submitted by the Project Participant. After reviewing the monitoring report by selecting “View Document”, the VVB can select “Verify”.

13. Log in as the SR to review the monitoring report by selecting the “View Document” button in the “Monitoring Reports” tab. The SR can approve the monitoring report by selecting “Approve”. This will also trigger the minting process. You can see the minting status under “Status” change from “Minting” to “Minted”.

14. Once the minting process is completed, you can view the token amount by selecting the “Token History” tab.

15. The TrustChain can also be viewed by clicking on the “View TrustChain” button. Please note that the token amount may show “-1” when the tokens are still minting. Once the process is complete a notification will appear stating that the tokens have been minted and transferred.