Reforestation & social issues - Togo
PROJECT TOGO
Planting trees, building schools. In Togo, we do both at the same time. Because climate protection works best with people.
New solutions for lower CO₂ emissions
New technologies such as methane capture or advanced sensor systems can prevent emissions. The verified reductions are issued as CO₂ certificates.
How CO₂ savings are generated
Innovative technologies prevent emissions that would otherwise occur with certainty.
This includes solutions that capture methane, prevent leaks or control industrial processes more precisely. The verifiable emission reductions form the basis for CO₂ certificates.
Many greenhouse gases are released due to technical losses, inefficient processes or the absence of monitoring systems. Modern technologies close these gaps: they capture gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere or reduce emissions through more efficient and controlled operations.
For each technology, calculations determine how many emissions would have been released without the intervention. Clear factors and defined methodologies exist for this — for example for methane capture, process optimisation or digital monitoring systems.
The difference between “emissions without the project” and “emissions with the project” shows how many greenhouse gases have actually been avoided. These values are verified, audited and regularly updated — and this is what CO₂ certificates are based on.
Consider a project that captures methane emissions at a waste facility. Without the project, methane would escape uncontrolled into the atmosphere. Measurements show that the site would release 100 tonnes of methane (CH₄) per year.
Methane has a high global warming potential. For the calculation, a fixed conversion factor is used:
1 tonne of methane corresponds to 28 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e).The project captures the methane and prevents it from being released.
The CO₂ savings are calculated as follows:
100 t methane
×
28 t CO₂e per tonne of methane
=
2,800 t CO₂e savings per yearThis amount is verified, confirmed and issued as 2,800 CO₂ certificates — always one certificate per tonne of CO₂-equivalent avoided.
Note: This example illustrates the principle of emission reductions in innovative technology projects. Whether a project can generate certificates depends on strict requirements: recognised standards, detailed methodologies, independent verification and continuous monitoring. Not every technical solution is automatically eligible for certification.For emission reductions from innovative technologies to be issued as CO₂ certificates, they must meet strict requirements. The avoided emissions must be additional (they would have occurred without the project), measurable, verifiable and auditable. International standards such as Gold Standard or Verra (VCS) define these criteria.
These standards set out in detail how baseline emissions — those that would have occurred without the project — must be calculated and which data the technology must provide on a regular basis. This may include measurements of gas leaks, process losses, methane captured or improvements in operational efficiency. Independent auditors verify on site whether the technology is being used correctly and whether the calculated savings are plausible.
Only when all evidence is complete and confirmed can a CO₂ certificate be issued — always representing exactly one tonne of CO₂ or CO₂-equivalent avoided.
This creates a transparent process that ensures each certificate reflects a real and verified climate impact.
Which project types are included?
Innovative technologies come in various forms. The eight most relevant categories are:
Methane Capture
Technologies that capture methane from landfills, livestock operations, wastewater or industrial processes before it reaches the atmosphere. Methane has a very high global warming potential – every avoided tonne makes a significant climate difference.
Methane Leak Prevention
Sensors, automated monitoring systems and smart valves prevent leakages in gas networks, industrial facilities or oil fields. Avoided methane is accounted for as CO₂-equivalent.
Industrial Process Optimisation
Digital controls, AI-based analysis or energy-efficient machinery reduce process losses, lower fuel and gas consumption and prevent emissions that would otherwise occur.
Gas Treatment & Flaring Reduction
Technologies that capture, clean or safely combust harmful or unburned gases before they escape as uncontrolled emissions.
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N₂O Abatement Systems
In chemical industries, fertilizer production or wastewater treatment, nitrous oxide (N₂O) is reduced through catalytic or thermal processes. N₂O has a very high global warming potential.
HFC/HFCF Reduction
Destruction or recovery of climate-damaging refrigerants from cooling systems or industrial processes. These substances have extremely high global warming potentials, making their treatment especially important.
Biogas Flaring & Utilisation
Capturing and safely using or flaring biogas from landfills, wastewater or agricultural residues – preventing uncontrolled methane release.
Smart Monitoring Technologies
Digital systems that measure, prevent or reduce emissions in real time – for example through automated shutdowns, detection systems or warning mechanisms.
To ensure that the CO₂ reductions from innovative technologies are reliable, they are monitored on a regular basis. Project developers collect technical measurement data – for example on captured methane, avoided leakages, treated gases or optimized industrial processes. Each technology follows clearly defined methodologies that specify which parameters must be measured.
Independent auditors review these data on site and compare them with the requirements of the relevant standards – such as Verra (VCS) or Gold Standard. They assess whether the technology is being applied correctly, whether the reductions are traceable and whether the calculations meet scientific criteria.
Only when all evidence is complete and plausible is the confirmed emission reduction documented and approved for the issuance of CO₂ certificates.
This ensures a transparent process in which every certificate reflects a real, measurable and verified climate impact.
What additional benefits do these projects offer?
Long-lasting infrastructure and greater planning reliability: Digital monitoring systems provide reliable data that improve planning, make risks visible early and lead to more stable operations over time.
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Reduced air pollutants
Capturing methane, N₂O or industrial gases lowers not only greenhouse gases but also pollutants such as ozone precursors, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. This directly improves local air quality.
- 2
Increased industrial safety
Leak detection, automated shutdowns and intelligent monitoring systems reduce the risk of explosions, gas accidents or uncontrolled emissions. This protects workers and nearby communities.
- 3
Higher energy efficiency and lower costs
Optimised industrial processes use less fuel and operate more reliably. Companies reduce operating costs while lowering their environmental impact.
- 4
Technology transfer and innovation
Modern sensors, digital controls and catalytic systems bring new knowledge, training and technological progress into regions and industries that previously had limited access.
- 5
Better control of waste and emissions
Landfills, wastewater facilities and industrial plants gain more control over their emission sources. This leads to cleaner operations and fewer unintended releases.
- 6
Strengthened local value creation
Installation, maintenance, data management and system operation create skilled jobs and support local service providers.
- 7
Health benefits
Reduced pollutants and safer gas handling lower health risks — particularly in industrial or densely populated areas.
