Case Studies
Real carbon projects evaluated through the Octagem Framework.
The octagem reveals the truth.
Detailed Analysis: 5 Projects Across the Quality Spectrum
From AAA gold standard to BB fractured credits—the Octagem reveals what markets missed for 30 years.
Visual Quality Comparison
Size = overall quality. Shape = specific strengths and weaknesses.
Puro.earth
FrameworkDirect sequestration with 1000+ year permanence. Triple-verified with Hedera blockchain. Farmer-owned with excellent soil co-benefits.
Key Insights:
- 135% net efficiency (syngas energy credit)
- Permanent geological storage
- Community ownership model
- Strong economic viability at $200/ton
VCS-1234
FrameworkIndigenous-led REDD+ with satellite monitoring, AI-powered MRV, and 100-year permanence buffer. Gold standard for avoided deforestation.
Key Insights:
- Real-time satellite monitoring
- Indigenous partnership with revenue share
- Verified additionality through counterfactual modeling
- Co-benefits: biodiversity, watershed protection
Verra Pending
FrameworkPermanent ocean CO₂ removal via mineral dissolution. Counters ocean acidification while sequestering carbon for 10,000+ years.
Key Insights:
- Permanent geological cycle integration
- Co-benefit: ocean acidification reversal
- Scalable to gigatons annually
- Economics improve with limestone waste streams
Gold Standard
FrameworkPermanent mineral carbonation with strong farmer co-benefits. Large symmetric shape with minor viability concerns at scale.
Key Insights:
- 10,000+ year permanence
- 90% net efficient (mining byproduct)
- Improves soil pH and yields
- Economics improving with scale
CAR-2891
FrameworkBlue carbon sequestration with ecosystem restoration. Strong measurability through underwater imaging and kelp forest ecology science.
Key Insights:
- Rapid growth: 2ft/day sequestration
- Habitat for 800+ species
- Supports sustainable fishing
- Revenue from kelp harvesting co-products
Nori
FrameworkRegenerative agriculture practices sequestering carbon in topsoil. Economic viability through crop yield improvements and soil health.
Key Insights:
- Multi-century soil carbon storage
- Increased yields 10-30%
- Farmer-direct revenue model
- Blockchain-tracked soil samples
Climeworks
FrameworkPremium removal tech with geological storage. High costs ($600/ton) but renewable-powered for strong net efficiency.
Key Insights:
- Permanent geological injection
- 75% net efficient (geothermal + hydro)
- Scalable tech with learning curve
- Path to $200/ton by 2035
Carbon Engineering
FrameworkMaximum removal score but collapsed on viability and net efficiency. Fossil grid power significantly reduces actual climate benefit.
Key Insights:
- Only 40% net efficient (fossil grid)
- $600/ton = $1,500 per net ton
- Heavily subsidy-dependent
- Biochar 10x more cost-effective
CAR-3401
FrameworkAvoidance methodology but excellent efficiency and social benefits. Strong transitional technology with zero-carbon nuclear heat.
Key Insights:
- 95% efficient (zero-carbon heat)
- Displaces diesel in transport
- Creates clean manufacturing jobs
- Balanced medium octagem shape
VCS-4821
FrameworkTree planting on degraded land. Irregular octagem reveals fire risk, monoculture concerns, and limited biodiversity benefits.
Key Insights:
- 60-year permanence (harvest cycle)
- Fire and disease vulnerability
- Low biodiversity value
- Modest social impact
I-REC
FrameworkSmall irregular octagem with three collapsed sides. Strong oversight but weak on methodology, stability, and viability.
Key Insights:
- Avoidance only, no removal
- Policy-dependent permanence
- Declining subsidy value
- 60% net efficiency
Gold Standard
FrameworkCredible measurement but questionable additionality. Would the wind farm have been built anyway? Octagem reveals the doubt.
Key Insights:
- Strong grid economics without credits
- Avoidance methodology
- Temporary (policy-driven)
- Additionality concerns lower value
VCS-2910
FrameworkMultiple collapsed sides reveal fundamental weaknesses. Avoidance with political risks and enforcement challenges.
Key Insights:
- No atmospheric removal
- High leakage risk
- Temporary protection only
- Subsidy-dependent model
Gold Standard
FrameworkHigh social impact but collapsed octagem exposes weak fundamentals. Modeled savings, usage monitoring challenges, temporary benefits.
Key Insights:
- Survey-based usage claims
- Stove lifespan only 5 years
- Strong health co-benefits
- Additionality concerns
CAR-1923
FrameworkSmall collapsed octagem. Avoidance credit with regulatory uncertainty. Many projects would occur anyway due to EPA requirements.
Key Insights:
- EPA may mandate regardless
- Temporary (landfill life)
- Questionable additionality
- Modest climate benefit
Verra VCS
FrameworkOne-time destruction of HFC refrigerants. Good measurability but very small irregular octagem due to lack of permanence and low viability.
Key Insights:
- One-time benefit only
- High global warming potential offset
- Limited social impact
- Regulatory phase-out underway
What the Octagems Reveal
AAA: Biochar & Enhanced Weathering
Large symmetric octagems show comprehensive quality across all dimensions. Strong removal methodology, permanent storage, excellent net efficiency, and robust social impact. These projects earn premium pricing ($200-400/ton) and represent the gold standard.
A: DAC & Nuclear Hydrogen
Lopsided octagems reveal critical trade-offs. DAC excels technically but collapses on viability and net efficiency. Nuclear hydrogen balances avoidance methodology with excellent efficiency and social benefits. The shape tells the nuanced story.
BB-BBB: REDD+ & Solar RECs
Small irregular octagems with multiple collapsed sides expose fundamental weaknesses. Avoidance methodology, temporary protection, subsidy dependence. The visual immediately signals 'buyer beware' - these are not removal credits despite similar historical pricing.
The Shape Doesn't Lie
For 30 years, these projects traded at similar prices because markets couldn't see their quality differences. The octagem makes it instantly visible.
Understand the Framework