Kernel approaches final stages of its future-oriented carbon project
Kernel's environmental pilot project heads into the final stretch (photo: Kernel)
Kernel has entered the phase of international audit of its environmental initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions under the world's most rigorous standard — Verra.
The process is carried out in partnership with Sentinel Earth, while the data collected within the project supports initiatives of the EBRD, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and NASA Harvest.
Details of the pilot eco-project in Ukraine's Chernihiv region
Kernel goes beyond grain production by implementing agricultural practices that enable soils to sequester carbon. The pilot project covers 15,000 hectares in the Chernihiv region. It includes the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity, as well as variable-rate fertilizer application, the use of biological products, and cover crops (green manure).
The project results are currently undergoing independent verification to be converted into carbon certificates — a form of environmental currency that certifies the reduction or removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One carbon certificate equals one ton of greenhouse gas emissions. Although the market is still evolving, prices currently range between $15 and $30 per certificate.
The project is being developed in accordance with the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) by Verra and is expected to take approximately one year to complete. The next stage will focus on scaling the initiative.
"Our soil carbon sequestration project aims to create additional economic value for agricultural producers through the sale of carbon certificates. Equally important is securing financial support for restoring soil productivity in Ukraine, particularly in areas affected by the war," said Marta Trofimova, Head of Sustainability at Kernel.
Successful verification will enable Kernel to issue its own carbon certificates, attracting investment in sustainable development even during wartime. Potential buyers include major global corporations seeking to offset their emissions, such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and others.
Project's international partners: Verra and Sentinel Earth
Verra is one of the leading international organizations in the field of carbon project certification. Its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) sets requirements for the quality of carbon certificates, including criteria such as additionality, measurability, verifiability, and long-term climate impact.
Sentinel Earth is an international company specializing in environmental markets and high-integrity carbon solutions. As a developer of integrated projects, it manages the full carbon certificates value chain — from eligibility assessment to commercialization.
The company collaborates with governments, the private sector, and international organizations to integrate carbon markets into its operations and assets.
It was previously reported that Kernel is launching an energy initiative for communities worth €2.5 million. Four communities in Ukraine's Sumy and Chernihiv regions will be the first to receive funding to build their own solar power plants, ensuring their energy autonomy.
