The National Approach to Biobased Building (NABB) is launching an innovative pilot program that offers farmers additional income for growing crops used in construction. This groundbreaking initiative, implemented through the National Green Fund, allows the Dutch government to directly reward farmers and builders for carbon storage in biobased materials.
Sacha Brons, carbon certificate specialist at Building Balance and Climate Cleanup, explains that farmers can claim carbon certificates for crops that store CO2 long-term in buildings. The unique aspect of this pilot is the upfront payment system. From November 12 to December 5, 2024, farmers can register to sell their future carbon certificates to the Ministry of Agriculture in advance, receiving immediate financial benefits for their commitment to sustainable agriculture practices.
| The program allocates 1.2 million euros for this pilot, with potential earnings of 400-500 euros per hectare for hemp cultivation or a one-time payment of 4,000 euros for miscanthus. Certification of these projects is managed through recognized certifiers such as SNK (Stichting Nationale Koolstofmarkt) and ONCRA (Open Natural Carbon Removal Accounting), ensuring transparency and credibility. This pioneering approach not only provides farmers with a new revenue stream but also accelerates the transition to more sustainable building practices. By directly linking agricultural practices to the construction industry’s sustainability goals, this initiative creates a win-win situation for farmers, builders, and the environment, setting a new standard for carbon storage incentives in the Netherlands. Read more (in Dutch)… |