FAQ
Carbon Credits/ Carbon Offset to
The Art Of Carbon Balance
The Increasing Climate Emergency is the Result of Planetary Carbon Imbalance, The root cause of climate change
To correct this, carbon Emissions must be balanced with an equal amount of carbon sequestration (carbon absorpation)
A solution now exists to scientifically assess, quantify, and monitor carbon sequestration of terrestrial and marine carbon sinks
Each metric ton of science verified carbon sequestration can be uniquely tracked and used only once(!) to balance An equivalent metric ton carbon(GHG) Emitted
The carbon footprint data & the science-verified carbon sequestration data are combined into a unique data-set, called science verified carbon balance SVCB
This data-set is used to Generate the carbon balance certificate CBC
Understanding OXI-ZEN
What is Oxi-Zen?
OXI-ZEN is a unique platform to achieve Science-verified Carbon Balance.
- Carbon Sequestration of registered areas (Terrestrial & Marine) is assessed, measured and quantified by respected third parties in the global science network.
- The science-verified carbon sequestration capacity is recorded and registered on OXI-ZEN with a resolution of one (1) metric ton, representing a unique data set called GAYA.
- Science-verified carbon sequestration capacity (GAYAs) can be bought and exchanged.
- These GAYAs can be used (ONCE!) to balance a specific carbon footprint. Once used, GAYAs are marked and retired.
- Once all is verified, a Carbon Balance Certificate is generated.
We are a technology platform utilizing smart public Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to ensure that the entire process is transparent, secure, non-repudiate able and immutable.
WHAT IS UNIQUE OF YOUR OWN METHODOLOGY?
Unlike current methods used for carbon credits and carbon offsets,
Our methods are innovative and unique as follows:
- Carbon sequestration assessment is NOT done by OXI-ZEN. This is done by respected independent third parties of the global science community. Hence, there is no conflict of interest!
- Each metric ton of carbon sequestration is scientifically verified and uniquely identified as to WHERE / WHEN / HOW it was generated, and subsequently is uniquely tracked.
- There is absolutely no duplication, replication nor multiple accounting possible based on underlying smart Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
- Carbon Balancing is achieved by matching specific carbon footprint data with unique carbon sequestration data, and freezing both as a combined unique database.
- We achieve 100% data integrity through smart Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
- We achieve 100% financial transparency. 95% of the GAYA price goes to the landowners of the carbon sinks.
WHY IS OXI-ZEN'S METHODOLOGY THE MOST SCIENTIFICALLY CONSISTENT?
There is increasing consensus on the need for more efficient carbon capture. Nature-based solutions (terrestrial and marine carbon sinks) are significantly more effective than current technical carbon capture solutions such as DAC (direct air capture). Here are additional independent reports to show that OXI-ZEN's methodology and focus on science represent the highest, most secure, and scientifically consistent international standard for the global carbon market. These are a few independent reports that provide additional clarification on science nature based carbon sequestration.
- https://'www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/2?3/cea-of-worlds-biggest-carbon-credit-provider-says-he-isresigning
- https://'www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/revealed-forest-carbon-otfsets-higoest-provider-worthless-verraaoe
- https://carbonherald.com/south-pole-faces-accusations-due-to-exaggerated-carbon-offsets-claims-bloomberg/
- https://'www.cnbc.com/2023/03/21/reqgistries-in-carbon-offset-market-allowing-dubious-credits-report.htmil
WHICH PART OF THE CARBON MARKET DO YOU FALL UNDER?
Our program comes under the Nature Based Solutions segment of the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM).
WHERE DOES OXI-ZEN FIT IN THE CARBON MARKET?
IS OXI-ZEN IN THE COMPLIANCE MARKET OR IS IT A PLAYER
IN THE VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKET?
OXI-ZEN is firmly in the VCM. Within the VCM, OXI-ZEN is in the Nature Based Solutions niche.
Comparison by the category of the carbon market
| Parameter | Compliance Market | Voluntary Carbon Market | Oxi-Zen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Certification | No | No | N/a |
| Independent Verification | None | None | Yes |
| Transparency of value chain | None | None | Full |
| Use of sale proceeds | Indeterminate | Minimal flow to source | 95% to source (owner of carbon sink) |
| Additionality or removal | Mainly Additionality | Mainly Additionality, some removal | 100% removal |
| Buyers | Corporates, governments | Mainly corporates | Available to any corporate or government |
| Main carbon trading exchanges | Hundreds of players | ACX,CTX,Toucan, Xpansiv | Oxi-zen Switzerland |
Source: carboncredits.com
What is Carbon Balance?
HOW DO I CARBON BALANCE?
To Carbon Balance, You Need To Have A Required Amount Of Gayas (Science-verified Carbon Capacity) To Balance A Specific Carbon Footprint By Redeeming The Gayas. In Order To Use (Redeem) A Gaya You Need To Do The Following:
- Register the Specific Carbon Footprint (SCF) you want to carbon balance (offset)
- Upload the SCF data (Production / Services / serial numbers / Reports / Analysis etc)and the net carbon footprint in metric tons.
- Select the GAYAs you want to use for balancing the SCF
- TAD utilizes the selected GAYAs and retires them permanently
- TAO generates the Carbon Balance Report & Carbon Balance Certificate
- TAD registers both and makes both available to the public
WHAT DOES THE CARBON BALANCE CERTIFICATE SHOW?
Each Carbon Balance Certificate (CBC) comes with its own ID number and unique QR code giving access to specific data in the Carbon Balance Report.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PROMOTING CARBON BALANCE?
In contrast to carbon credits, carbon balance takes a holistic approach. It's like looking at the bigger picture and realizing that we need to do more than just ‘offsetting’ our emissions. Carbon Balance focuses on actively restoring the natural carbon cycle and achieving long-term sustainability. Carbon balance emphasizes the restoration and enhancement of carbon sinks that naturally absorb carbon, such as forests, oceans, and soil, to effectively naturally capture and store carbon dioxide. It promotes sustainable practices, innovation, and a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. By recognizing, realizing and leveraging on the carbon sequestration
capacity of a natural carbon sink, significant economic value can be generated. This provides real and additional options that landowners can now include in decisions on land utilization and land management. Furthermore, new economic and financial models can be generated by leveraging on
carbon sequestration capacity of nature-based carbon sinks. Sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and positive social impact programs are transformed from Cost Centers into Revenue Centers!
SO DOES IT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE THE ONE OR THE OTHER? A CHOICE BETWEEN CARBON CREDITS OR CARBON BALANCE?
In our quest for environmental sustainability, we ultimately need to balance carbon emissions with real carbon sequestration/ absorption. Carbon credits do not lead to carbon balance. They are primarily an accounting tool with questionable real impact on climate change.
If Climate Change is the goal, the only answer is to be serious with carbon balance!
We need to embark on a path of tracking both carbon emissions and science-verified carbon sequestration. We can then ascertain what is balanced, and what remains to be balanced. The aim is to achieve science-verified carbon balance by the year 2050!
WHERE CAN I FIND AN INDEPENDENT COMPARABLE VALUATION FOR NATURE BASED SEQUESTRATION?
Follow this link for one of the most recent reports that validates the monetary value of science-backed, nature based sequestration:
https://carboncredits.com/carbon-storage-in-caribbean-seagrass-is-worth-88-billion-a-year/
Our ecosystem and impact
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE OXI-ZEN AMBASSADOR?
The OXI-ZEN Ambassadors seek to work with both Emitters and Convertors and assist in identifying and implementing strategies and solutions that mitigate negative climate change, by enhancing carbon sequestration in natural sinks (natural carbon capture methods), as well as implementing strategies and solutions that positively impact human lives through empowering neglected rural and indigenous populations, who represent the custodians of natural carbon sinks harboring 80% of the remaining biodiversity of the planet!
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE OXI-ZEN AMBASSADOR?
- We seek to commercially benefit citizens and communities through monetizing carbon sequestration capacities of nature-based carbon sinks and achieving SDG-linked goals, whilst concurrently supporting the achievement of government goals & objectives.
- We seek to provide GHG Emitters viable science-based solutions to balance their carbon footprints by offering secure, transparent ways to achieve true carbon balance. If done in the correct way, Emitters can financially leverage carbon balancing by enhancing their corporate value by offering consistent verifiable data to their clients and shareholders by linking their CRS to SDGs and ESGs.
WHO BENEFITS FROM YOUR CARBON MARKET SALE?
Our Business Model Is Unique:
- 95% of the GAYA price goes to the owners/custodians (Convertors) of the carbon sinks, is the people on the ground.
- The Convertors use the funds to execute their programs and projects. These have been recorded and are linked to the applicable SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
- The projects are periodically audited by independent third parties.
By default, the owners protect and enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of the carbon sinks by optimizing their land usage in the interest of social development, biodiversity and climate change.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY MONEY IS SUPPORTING?
The Sellers (Convertors) have clearly defined social impact and development projects, which includes the actual use of funds. These can include soil restoration, tree planting, biodiversity protection, ecotourism, rural education, rural health care, water management and others. Where possible, the programs are linked to the applicable UN SDGs. This results in each Convertor having a unique SDG profile. Independent auditors monitor and evaluate each Convertor Program at regular intervals and across pre-defined parameters to arrive at the confirmed SDGs.
WOULD A COMPANY LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, BP OR SHELL, BUY THE OXI-ZEN GAYA?
If Any Emitter, In This Example Shell Or Bp, Is Looking For Credits In The VCM, They Will Definitely Consider Oxi-ZEN.
Here Are Some Basic Points To Consider As A Co2 Emitter:
- Do I want a typical carbon certificate to use as a carbon credit, or do I want a GAYA, i.e. science verified carbon sequestration capacity?
- I can use GAYAs to balance specific carbon footprints with science-verified carbon sequestration.
- The Carbon Balance Certificate has a unique QR code that links to the Carbon Balance Report with all relevant science data, carbon footprint data, SDGs, and use of funds.
- Through the QR code, the company CRS can be verified, SDGs impacted, and ESG requirements met.
The above 4 points cannot be achieved with conventional carbon credits.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL BUYER PROFILE?
You want to reduce and balance your residual carbon footprint. With OXI-ZEN you also have the opportunity to optimally link your CSR with target SDGs, allowing you to leverage this in your corporate communications, while also meeting your ESG criteria.
Here are some basic points to consider as a Buyer:
- Do I want a typical carbon certificate to use as a carbon credit, or do | want a GAYA, i.e. science verified carbon sequestration capacity?
- I can use GAYAs to balance specific carbon footprints with science-verified carbon sequestration
- The Carbon Balance Certificate has a unique QR code that links to the Carbon Balance Report with all relevant science data, carbon footprint data, SDGs, and use of funds.
- Through the QR code, the company CRS can be verified, SDGs impacted and ESG requirements met.
Our projects
WHAT IS THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN?
Our carbon sinks are from various countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Asia.
DO THE CARBON PROJECTS HOLD/HAVE REGISTRATION IDs?
Yes, each carbon sink has a unique ID and is registered and monitored. The programs (projects) are defined by the owners (Convertors) and can be viewed in detail on our website, and later through the new TAO registry. The TAO registry is currently a private network which will be publicly accessible
by Q4 2023.
WHY ARE THE OXI-ZEN PROJECTS NOT LISTED ON VERRA OR OTHER CARBON REGISTRIES LIKE GOLD STANDARD AND REDD+?
While OXI-ZEN depends on independent third-party science-based verification organizations, these registries haven't been shown to meet the same standards, with the quality of their claims increasingly coming into question. All of OXI-ZEN's scientific data has been scientifically generated through leading independent third parties using the latest peer-reviewed methodologies and can be independently verified through the RESTOR/ETHZ network, which includes NASA, ESA, and other respected science agencies by way of additional links through RESTOR. Thus, OXI-ZEN chooses to stand apart from these registries to highlight the stark differences and our emphasis on independent scientific verification.
HOW DO | INVEST IN CARBON PROJECTS?
Buyers of OXI-ZEN's science-verified carbon sequestration (GAYAs) do not invest directly in projects.
They select Convertors (authenticated and verified Sellers) whose programs and projects are linked to desired SDGs, generating a unique SDG profile. Thus it is easy for a Buyer to select Convertors whose SDG profiles offer a good match to their specific CSR and ESG requirements.
By the financial transparency offered, Buyers can ascertain that 95% of the price goes to the Convertors, how the funds are utilized and which SDGs are impacted.
WHAT IS THE TARGET SELLING PRICE?
Our prices are linked to the EU-ETS. Each carbon sink has a unique price, depending on the specific SDG programs and biodiversity impact by the owners of the carbon sinks (Convertors).
Supply and demand will equally affect the price.
GAYA
What is the GAYA?
One (1) Gaya Represents Precisely One (1) Metric Ton Of Science-verified Carbon Sequestration (SVCS) Achieved Over A Precise 365 Day Period (Year).
- Using the same scientific methodologies as the UN IPCC (UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), we arrive at carbon sequestration of terrestrial carbon sinks which is based on the most current satellite data and the latest scientific algorithms.
- The science-based sequestration value is obtained from an independent third-party science network RESTOR, (linked to the Swiss Federal Technical University ETHZ).
- We apply a conservative correction factor to account for different biomes and correct "margins of error” to arrive at the science verified carbon sequestration (SVCS) with a resolution of one (1) metric ton over a given 365 day period (year).
- Each one (1) metric ton is subsequently assigned a unique geo-coordinate within the carbon sink,
- The unique data-set is recorded and secured under the name GAYA, as a non-fungible token,
- « GAYAs can be bought and exchanged, however, a GAYA can be used only ONCE (!) to balance a carbon footprint,
- Once used, the GAYA is marked and retired,
- Used GAYAs are reflected in the Carbon Balance Certificate (CBC).
What Technology and standard were used to verify and certify the Oxi-zen GAya?
See above What is the GAYA?
ARE OUR CARBON CREDITS 'VINTAGE' OR "CORSIA ELIGIBLE"?
Yes. Our SVCS carbon units (GAYAs) are linked to specific carbon sinks for the vintage year. Currently GAYAs for 2020 are available for sale. It is expected they will be eligible for ICAO's CORSIA program by the end 2024.
DO THE GAYA HAVE A VINTAGE PRODUCTION YEAR?
Our SVCS carbon units (GAYAs) fall under the 2020 vintage year. We are finalizing the science verification of vintage 2021,
ARE THERE POSSIBILITIES OF MULTIPLE YEARLY OFF-TAKES?
Yes. Our GAYA (SVCS carbon units) can be reserved and will be made available for purchase after issuance for the particular year (vintage).
IS THE GAYA APPROVED BY THE UNFCCC?
The UN has nothing to do with the VCM... so no, it is not UN-certified under UNFCCC. The UNFCCC handles the Compliance Market only.
IS ANY THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION POSSIBLE FOR GAYA?
Yes, anyone can follow the information links to verify the source of the scientific data.
The unique GAYA registry data can be soon independently verified on the Distributed Ledger by a third party. We cannot overemphasize the need for science verification! This is the difference between actual science-verified carbon sequestration that can be accounted for, compared to claims that may be imaginary,
IS THE GAYA A CARBON CREDIT?
No. The Gaya Represents The Next Evolution Of Simple Carbon Credits.
- One (1) GAYA represents one (1) metric ton of science-verified carbon sequestration capacity.
- Each GAYA is unique, representing a unique data set defining HOW / WHERE / WHEN the sequestration occurred.
- It can be sold and ownership is transferrable
- However, it can be used only once, (redeemed once) to balance a corresponding one (1) metric ton of carbon emission.
- To redeem a GAYA to balance a carbon footprint, you need to define the Specific Carbon Footprint SCF. The SCF is a data set that captures the details of the CO2, or corrected carbon emission activity that is to be carbon balanced.
- Both the GAYA and SCF datasets are combined to form the Carbon Balance Report and Carbon Balance Certificate.
- The Specific Carbon Footprint (SCF) is now certified as carbon balanced.
Whereas... carbon credits, act as “created tradable units” representing a ‘reduction’ of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. These credits are often based on vague concepts like ‘emission avoidance’, ‘avoided deforestation’ and other imaginative terminologies. None of them are uniquely matched to a specific carbon footprint that can easily be traced and verified.
HERE'S A QUICK SUMMARY ON CONVENTIONAL CARBON CREDITS:
- Created and mandated by governments and traded in emit. Companies are then required to hold a sufficient number of carbon credits to match their emissions, and they can trade these credits among themselves to comply with the cap.
- The ‘additionally clause’ excludes the largest most efficient carbon sinks on the planet from monetizing their carbon sequestration capacity. This negates the prime incentive to guard, protect and restore these ‘lungs of the planet’, adding to the ongoing loss of natural carbon sinks and associated biodiversity,
- Carbon offsets which is a way to compensate for the carbon emissions you've produced by supporting projects that ‘reduce’ emissions elsewhere. These offsets are created by individual organizations that undertake ongoing carbon absorption projects. These projects can include initiatives like renewable energy, reforestation, or the implementation of clean technologies. By purchasing carbon credits, entities effectively neutralize their emissions by supporting activities that counterbalance their environmental impact.
Overall, carbon credits provide incentives or impose penalties to encourage high emitters to reduce their carbon footprint. Thus, logically, GAYAs can be considered as a preferred option that actually balances your carbon footprint in a consistent, science-verified way.
I WANT TO BUY GAYA. HOW CAN I BUY?
- You select the preferred global geo-locations, choose the Convertors, the type of carbon sinks, and the target SDGs.
- View the Convertor's projects, their goals, use-of-funds and SDG targets. View the asking price and select the amount of GAYAs.
- Once paid, the system transfers the GAYAs, from Convertor (Seller) to Buyer. Once you have acquired the GAYAs, you can either sell them on for a profit, or use them to balance a specific carbon footprint in your organisation.
For this you go through the carbon balance process by redeeming your GAYAs.
OK. | HAVE BOUGHT GAYA. WHAT DO | GET?
Once you have acquired the GAYAs, you can view them in your wallet.
The Transaction Report gives you the details and confirmation of scientifically verified carbon sequestration capacity, including satellite image showing HOW / WHERE / WHEN the sequestration occurred..
You can either sell them on for a profit, or use them to balance a specific carbon footprint in your organisation. For this you go through the carbon process by redeeming your GAYAs.
WHAT DISTRIBUTED LEDGER TECHNOLOGY (DLT) DO YOU USE?
The Application by OXI-ZEN, TAO is a secure smart application that resides on the HEDERA Blockchain.
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