Systems and methods for monitoring carbon emissions from distributed carbon sources

Abstract

The disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from distributed GHG sources such as multiple cookstoves within a community. The methods include processes for establishing carbon credit projects, project registration, project validation, GHG-reduction data collection, GHG-reduction calculations and verification of the authenticity of GHG-reduction data.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING CARBON EMISSIONS FROM DISTRIBUTED CARBON SOURCESFIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from distributed GHG sources such as multiple cookstoves within a community. The methods include processes for establishing carbon credit projects, project registration, project validation, GHG-reduction data collection, GHG-reduction calculations and verification of the authenticity of GHG-reduction data.BACKGROUND

[0002] Carbon credits and similar GHG-reduction assets can be an effective means of incentivizing individuals, households, communities, companies and nations to reduce GHG emissions. Carbon credit systems that have been developed over the past few decades are multifaceted and have been deployed and implemented in a wide range of industries including large industrial emitters as well as smaller emitters. Through the carbon credit systems, value to stakeholders can be achieved when lower carbon emitting or cleaner technologies are developed and deployed. In many cases, these lower carbon emitting or cleaner technologies are not required by law and are not considered a business-as-usual practice but can be viable from a business perspective as a result of the value of carbon credits.

[0003] Carbon credit projects such as nature-based, forestry-related and cookstove projects often rely on the value of the carbon credits they will generate to attract project financing. However, project types such as these that rely on non-metered sources of quantification have come under increased scrutiny related to the accuracy of those quantification methods and the quality of the resulting carbon credits. Media reports and research papers such as “As carbon offsets, cookstove emission credits are greatly overestimated” Berkely News, 23 Jan 2024 (“the Berkely paper”) have detailed how these project types are often awarded carbon credits for GHG emissions that did not actually take place. This is because of quantification approaches that rely on modelling, inaccurate or inappropriate third-party derived calculation formulae and / or anecdotal surveys using statistically insignificant sample sizes.

[0004] For numerous reasons as explained below, it is important that such projects continue. In the case of cookstove projects in remote and / or impoverished communities, householders rely onhighly inefficient open fires for cooking as they cannot afford clean cookstoves. As can be appreciated, open-source fires entail high levels of greenhouse gases, local air pollution and requires householders - usually women and children - to spend inordinate time gathering firewood. Importantly, various designs of improved cookstoves using less fuel or cleaner fuels can provide numerous environmental, social, health and economic benefits where they are deployed. Such benefits can be to individual households and to the wider communities. Clean cookstoves not only reduce the consumption of non-renewable biomass but can also significantly decrease exposure to harmful emissions that can negatively affect human health and reduce the time that women and children spend harvesting firewood, thereby generating strong environmental, gender equality and socio-economic benefits.

[0005] Importantly, such stoves are often financed solely by the generation and sale of GHG- reduction credits that are sold in voluntary carbon markets. As a result, there are numerous projects where cleaner burning stoves are made available to households at no cost to the household, where emissions from the stoves are calculated and / or estimated with the household generating carbon credits that are traded within the carbon credit marketplaces, the value of which can then be used to support the financing of the stove and / or other anti-poverty investments.

[0006] As a result, quality and integrity challenges within non-metered GHG-reduction projects are rising with the result being that there are rising risks for carbon credit buyers and project investors that may lead to a decrease in the ability to obtain financing for cookstove projects and, hence, affect the numerous benefits they can create.

[0007] Furthermore, for non-metered GHG-reduction projects, such as cookstove projects, to attract the financing they need, they must demonstrate impeccable data quality to investors, buyers, regulators, and the public at large.

[0008] Previous approaches to the quantification of GHG emission reductions have involved anecdotal surveys that are conducted using statistically insignificant sample sizes and calculations and modelling based on third-party region-specific estimations rather than on direct measurement and monitoring of GHG reductions. For instance, in the case of cookstove projects, peer-reviewed academic research has demonstrated that these approaches often lead to inaccurate estimates of the actual reductions in greenhouse gases. In some cases, peer-reviewed academic research has demonstrated that these methods may result in GHG emission reduction calculations that are overestimated by up to 9.2 times as reported in the Berkely paper.

[0009] Ultimately, data quality, integrity, and traceability are of the utmost importance, as is the ability to irrefutably demonstrate that the emission reductions represented by a credit have actually occurred.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a strong need for systems that have an exceptionally strong data architecture that provides an auditability path from the point of emission reduction asset issuance all the way back to the emission reduction source that supports improved data quality, integrity, and traceability with an underlying auditability path.SUM MARY

[0011] In accordance with the disclosure, a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data collection, reporting and verification system is described, including: an emissions source meter configured to receive data from an emissions source, having: a thermocouple configured to collect temperature data of the emissions source above a threshold temperature; a controller and memory configured to store temperature data; and, a communications system configured to the controller and configured to report temperature data via a personal computing device (PCD) communications system and / or a wide area network communications system to a central computer system.

[0012] In various embodiments:• the emissions source meter is configured to connect to a cookstove and the emissions source meter includes: a waterproof body having a stove connector system for connecting the emissions source meter to the cookstove, the waterproof body containing the controller, memory and communications systems, the waterproof body having a gland configured to enable the thermocouple to pass through the waterproof body.• the central computer system is configured to receive emissions data from a plurality of emissions projects, each emissions project independently collecting emissions data.• the central computer system is configured to enable definition of individual emissions projects, wherein each emissions project is defined by project parameters including a number of emissions source meters, project area and data collection methodology.• the project parameters include emissions reporting period.• the project parameters include emissions reduction targets.• the central computer system is configured to enable a project validation protocol to be executed, wherein the project validation protocol includes a plurality of validation steps tovalidate deployment of emissions source meters at a physical location of a project and data communication from emissions source meters to the central computer system.• the project validation protocol includes security access protocols enabling access to the project validation protocol by third party validators.• the project validation protocol is configured to enable the third-party validators to approve validation of a project.• the central computer system is configured to enable emissions source meters within a project to collect emissions data upon a project being validated.• the central computer system is configured to receive emissions data from a project and calculate carbon credit values from the emissions data.• the central computer system is configured to enable a emissions data verification protocol to be executed, wherein the emissions data verification protocol includes a plurality of verification steps to validate project emissions data from a project.• the data verification protocol includes data verification security access protocols enabling access to the data verification protocol by third party verifiers.• the data verification protocol is configured to enable the third-party verifiers to approve data verification of a project and issue carbon credit digital certificates.

[0013] In another aspect, a greenhouse-gas reduction and quantification system (GRQS) is described having: a computer system comprising a central computer system (CCS) and a plurality of personal computing devices configured to register emission reduction projects (ERPs), the computer system configured to execute a plurality of modules including an ERP registration module enabling ERP registration, an ERP module enabling ERP validation, an ERP data collection module enabling ERP data collection, an ERP data verification module enabling ERP data verification and an outcome portal storing emission credits.

[0014] In various embodiments:• ERP validation includes a plurality of validation steps to validate deployment of emissions source meters at a physical location of an ERP and data communication from emissions source meters to the computer system.• ERP validation includes security access protocols enabling access to the ERP module by third party validators.• the project validation module is configured to enable third-party validators to approve validation of an ERP.• the computer system is configured to enable emissions source meters within an ERP to collect emissions data upon an ERP being validated.• the computer system is configured to receive emissions data from an ERP and calculate carbon credit values from the emissions data.• the ERP data verification module is configured to enable a emissions data verification protocol to be executed, wherein the emissions data verification protocol includes a plurality of verification steps to validate project emissions data from an ERP.• the ERP data verification module is configured to include data verification security access protocols enabling access to the data verification protocol by third party verifiers.• the ERP data verification module is configured to enable the third-party verifiers to approve data verification of a project and issue carbon credit digital certificates to an outcome portal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various objects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the disclosure. Similar reference numerals indicate similar components.Figure 1 is a schematic overview of the flow of data from the originating GHG-reduction source device to data viewing on the graphic user interface of a cloud-based platform in accordance with one embodiment.Figures 2 and 3 are examples of stove monitoring modules (SMMs) mounted to the exterior of a cookstove in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 4 is an example of a protective cover configured to a stove monitoring module (SMM) in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 5 is a top, front, back and isometric view of an SMM in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an SMM and mounting plate in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 7 is a perspective view of an SMM configured to a clean cookstove in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 8 is an isometric view of an SMM and thermocouple prior to configuration to a cookstove.Figure 9 is an exploded view of an SMM in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of an SMM controller in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 10 is a schematic overview of a project in accordance with one embodiment.Figures 11 -11 C are schematic views of a project setup, project verification, data collection and data validation processes in accordance with one embodiment.Figure 12 is a process flow diagram showing a task assignment and workflow that supports a greenhouse-gas reduction and quantification system (GRQS) in accordance with one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] With reference to the figures, systems and methods are described for improving data collection, monitoring and calculation of source GHG emissions reductions and verification of the integrity of that data for ultimate use by various carbon credit stakeholders.Terminology

[0017] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0018] Spatially relative terms may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a feature in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. A feature may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0019] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0020] It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, etc., these elements, components, etc. should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, etc. from another element, component. Thus, a “first” element, or component discussed herein could also be termed a “second” element or component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. In addition, the sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0021] Other than described herein, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages, such as those for amounts of materials, elemental contents, times and temperatures, ratios of amounts, and others, in the following portion of the specification and attached claims may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parametershould at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0023] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures. For the purposes of illustration, components depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on highlighting the various contributions of the components to the functionality of various aspects of the disclosure. A number of possible alternative features are introduced during the course of this description. It is to be understood that, according to the knowledge and judgment of persons skilled in the art, such alternative features may be substituted in various combinations to arrive at different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the disclosure as understood by those skilled in the art.Overview

[0025] With reference to the figures, a GHG-reduction quantification system (GRQS) 10 is described enabling improved data collection and monitoring of source emissions and verification of the integrity of collected data. The GRQS includes processes for defining projects 10a, validating project parameters 10b, collecting emissions data and conducting emissions calculations 10c and verifying data 10d. For ease of description, the GRQS is described with reference to a cookstove project utilizing stove monitoring modules (SMMs). It is understood that the GRQS can be applied and / or adapted to other greenhouse gas reduction projects using other GHG-reduction devices.

[0026] As described herein, hardware, software tools and applications allow for a “metered” approach that allows for meters to be implemented on a statistically significant number of cookstoves within a project.

[0027] The system and methods utilize different processes of data collection that can include computer applications (e.g. smartphone apps) that automatically create a viewable, immutableinventory of the GHG-reduction devices (including location, unique identification number and date of installation), assign the task of gathering data in the case of manual data collection, track the status of the task and provide immutable confirmation of task completion and / or automatically gather data from emission source meters in a provable manner (e.g. using photographic evidence, QR codes, geolocation, time stamping and user identification) together and / or separately with automatic data collection systems that can upload data automatically to a cloud-based platform. Data collected is stored in a transparent, immutable format and processed through approved quantification methodologies to calculate the number of emission reductions that can be proven to have taken place for the purposes of issuing tradeable emission reduction assets and store the data in an immutable, viewable format to support the verification that the emissions have occurred and are in accordance with the requirements of the applicable greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

[0028] The GRQS 10 includes a combination of hardware and software applications that enable the following general functions: a. Automatically create a viewable, immutable inventory of the GHG-reduction devices (including location, unique identification number and date of installation). b. Confirmation of the time and location of SMM installation and deployment, as well as the unique identification number of the device and the person who installed the device. c. Transparent, immutable inventory of the SMMs that have been installed. d. Metering of Emissions - In a cookstove project, as described below, this generally includes a retrofittable stove monitoring module (SMM) that includes a thermocouple to detect heat changes that signal the beginning and end of a usage event, tracking the number of usage events and / or hours of usage for a particular time period (referred to herein as a reporting period). e. Data collection application- A computer application (e.g. smartphone-based application) for auditable, verifiable gathering of GHG reductions data from remote, field-based GHG reduction devices or sources, as well as the automated assignment, tracking and verification of completion of remote / field-based tasks related to the measurement, monitoring and verification of GHG reductions and other environmental outcomes.f. Data Validation application- Computer application enabling automated ingestion and calculation of GHG emission reduction data according to the requirements and calculation formulae of approved GHG-reduction quantification methodologies; immutable, traceable and auditable data storage for purposes of GHG reduction asset verification; packaging of data for purposes of issuance of GHG reduction credits, assets or other outcomes; integration with applicable GHG reduction registry or other similar platforms. g. Data view application - Computer application with configurable dashboard-style graphic user interface dashboard integrated into data verification for monitoring and management of individual GHG reduction assets and projects or a portfolio of GHG reduction assets and projects. The view application provides for real-time performance monitoring, forecasting and actionable business intelligence.Front End Emissions Monitoring

[0029] With reference to Figures 2-9A, embodiments of a front-end emissions monitoring system are described that are configured to collect data that can be utilized to calculate emissions from an individual carbon source such as a cookstove.

[0030] Figures 2 and 3 show a concrete stove 15 with stove monitoring module (SMM) 20 configured to the exterior of the stove. An SMM may be retrofit to existing stoves, associated equipment or may be fitted to OEM stoves during stove manufacture.

[0031] The SMM has a thermocouple 20a extending towards the stove’s heat source. Figure 4 shows the SMM configured with a protective cover 22; Figures 5 and 8 show various views of the SMM; Figure 6 is top view showing a mounting bracket 24; Figure 7 shows an alternate stove form with a SMM configured; Figure 9 is an exploded view of an SMM showing details of a communication system; and Figure 9A is an overview of SMM electronics in accordance with one embodiment.

[0032] Turning to Figures 2 and 3, a concrete cooking support 15 for placement over a flame heat source is shown. In this representative example, the cooking support has a castellated upper end with a groove 20b between the castellations for receiving the thermocouple 20a and to provide protection to the thermocouple. In use, as the stove is used, the proximity of the thermocouple to the heat source will detect temperature. As the temperature rises above a set threshold, the SMM logs the time that the threshold is exceeded which can be correlated to carbon dioxide emissions.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the SMM is mounted to the exterior of the cooking support on a mounting bracket 24 that provides an air gap between the SMM and the cooking support to prevent the SMM from over-heating. A protective cover 22 helps to shield the SMM from spills, water, impacts from other objects, etc.

[0034] The SMM is a sealed box having a flat mounting surface 20c for connection to the mounting bracket via a series of mounting holes. The mounting bracket 24 is generally an angular plate having a corresponding flat back 24a and mounting holes / slots 24b to receive and connect the SMM. The mounting plate has legs 24c and flanges 24d for engaging against an exterior surface of the cooking support. The SMM can be connected by other means such as strapping or other connectors.

[0035] The thermocouple extends from the mounting box through a sealed and gasketed connector 20f to prevent water / fluids from entering the SMM.

[0036] Within the SMM, as shown in Figures 9 and 9A, the SMM includes a waterproof box 20d having a lid 20e and a gasket 20f and containing an instrumentation and communications system (ICS). The SMM generally includes the thermocouple 20a connected to a PCB assembly 20g having a power system 20h, a controller 20i, a communications system (e.g. STM32WLE5JC and SX126X LoRa module) 20j, an antenna 20k (e.g. 915 MHz or 868 MHz) having appropriate connectors 20m. The thermocouple passes through the box via a cable gland 20n.

[0037] Upon mounting and activation, the SMM logs data from the thermocouple and periodically establishes communication with a local / PCD and / or wide-area network to report SMM data to a central computer system.Data Collection, Data Validation and Data View Applications

[0038] Turning to Figure 10, a representative GHG-reduction quantification system (GRQS)) 30 is shown that includes multiple remote cookstove projects A, B. In a typical deployment, an SMM 20 is configured to a number of stoves 30a within a project area 30b.

[0039] In various embodiments, there are two primary processes of collecting emissions data from the SMM. Data may be collected via remote field workers 30c who come into proximity with SMMs within a project to receive stored data from each SMM using a remote data capture tool installed on a portable computing device (PCD) 30d such as tablet, smartphone or laptop. The PCD, via the remote data capture tool utilizes short-range communication capabilities of the PCD to receive data from the SMM (referred to herein as PCD communication) or via a longer range wirelesscommunications systems / protocols without using the the PCD. For example, PCD communication between an SMM and a PCD 30d may be via Bluetooth, whereas WAN communication may be via WiFi networks configured to the internet and / or longer-range communication systems, such as a cellular communications network 30e and / or long-range radio (Lora). In all cases, data is ultimately received and transferred over the internet to one or more back-end systems (referred to herein as a central computer system). Third party project validation and third-party data verification systems may also be configured to the GRQM.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, two projects A, B involve several stoves in each project that are installed in a number of individual households. Each cookstove is configured with an SMM which can communicate via the remote data capture tool and PCD and / or the WAN communication systems.

[0041] The PCD communication system using the remote data capture tool is utilized in projects where WAN communications are not available. The PCD communication system requires data collection by a PCD passing in relatively close proximity to the cookstove on which an SMM is installed and uses PCD communication to connect with the SMM and upload a cumulative batch of stove use data, which is subsequently uploaded from the PCD to the central computer system. In various embodiments, this process is managed by an automated task management function of the PCD. In various embodiments, this function allows for the automated assignment, monitoring and management of assignments in the remote locations, providing a templated workflow for field personnel to follow as well as the automated confirmation of the time, date and location of the finalized task and by whom it was performed.

[0042] The WAN communication system is utilized in projects where WAN communication is available and data collected from cookstoves is periodically uploaded to the internet as will be explained in greater detail below.

[0043] Generally, each SMM will prioritize WAN communication if a WAN network is available.

[0044] As introduced above, the GRQS enables projects to be set-up and validated to be in accordance with the requirements of the applicable GHG emissions reduction scheme (GERS), emissions data to be collected and calculated, and emissions data to be verified and prepared for issuance as a GHG asset.

[0045] Turning to Figure 11 , project set-up includes steps of registering a project within the GRQS. At the outset, a project is defined by various parameters including a project name, a description,a quantification methodology, data reporting requirements, variables to be measured and monitored, project validation and verification requirements, reporting periods, other descriptors and potentially other parameters.

[0046] For example, a project may be a remote African village, outside of cellular service. The project intends to deploy 50 clean burning propane stoves in the community and requires 50 SMMs configured to each of the 50 stoves. The boundaries of the project include a defined geofence with an approximate area of 1 square km. The location of each stove can be defined upon installation by an inventory function of the remote data capture tool. The project will also include the incorporation of the calculation formulae, data reporting requirements of the approved quantification methodology onto the cloud-based data management platform. The project will require a visit from project personnel periodically (e.g. every 3 months) to collect data from each stove (or a statistically significant number of stoves in the project). Accordingly, data for that time period will be stored on the SMM prior to collection.

[0047] These project parameters will be established and entered into the GRQS as a project.

[0048] Upon deployment of the 50 SMMs, validation of the project will be initiated and may be conducted by a qualified auditor that is approved by the applicable GERS.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11 A, validation includes the assessment of the project parameters against the requirements of the quantification methodology and the applicable GERS by a qualified third-party auditor that is approved by the applicable GERS. The auditor will validate the presence of the SMMs in the geofence, and otherwise review the project parameters to ensure that the deployment of the SMMs can meet the project objectives and that data can be properly communicated within the GRQS according to those parameters. Upon satisfactory completion of the validation checks, the project may be approved, enabling project operations and data collection to commence.

[0050] Figure 11 B shows processes for data collection. According to a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or other time-interval that will be determined by the project developer, data ingestion may be via the PCD or WAN methods. Upon uploading of data to the central computer system 30g, the appropriate calculations will be made to determine the total emissions for each SMM and / or for the project cumulatively according to the project parameters. Data is confirmed and any exceptions / deviations are flagged.

[0051] Figure 11C shows processes for data verification. Data verification is enabled by accessing a verification portal by a verification team who will execute a verification protocol. If data is verified, emissions certificates are issued and uploaded to an outcome portal. Emissions certificates are digitally secured according to known protocols.

[0052] Figure 12 is diagram showing a task assignment and workflow that supports the GRQS. As shown, a SMM is installed on a stove and the SMM and stove are registered in the GRQS inventory with parameters such as an ID number, a make / model of the stove being monitored, its location, the date of install and the personnel installing the stove. Upon deployment to a project, the stove is distributed to a household as part of a deployment task managed by a PCD via the automated task management tool operating on the PCD. The deployment task may include a system for entering household information and verifying that the data collection and communication functions between the PCD and SMM are operable and / or between the central computer system over the WAN communications system. Upon completion of these steps, the stove is registered within a project and added to a reporting period.

[0053] After project validation and initiation of data collection according to the parameters of the approved quantification methodology, stove use data is collected and uploaded to the GRQS, from where it will subsequently be reported and GHG-reduction outcome calculated and generated.

[0054] The automated task management tool may include a number of templates outlining a sequence of steps to be followed to properly enroll a cookstove within a project. Similarly, if PCD communication is being used, manual data collection may also include templates outlining a sequence of steps to ensure data is properly collected from a project as per the reporting period.

[0055] In various embodiments, other functionalities may be incorporated into the SMMs including additional sensors to identify fuel type and / or sensors that measure a stove’s efficiency.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data collection, reporting and verification system comprising: an emissions source meter configured to receive data from an emissions source, having: a thermocouple configured to collect temperature data of the emissions source above a threshold temperature; a controller and memory configured to store temperature data; a communications system configured to the controller and configured to report temperature data via a personal computing device (PCD) communications system and / or a wide area network communications system to a central computer system.

2. The system as in claim 1 wherein the emissions source meter is configured to connect to a cookstove and the emissions source meter includes: a waterproof body having a stove connector system for connecting the emissions source meter to the cookstove, the waterproof body containing the controller, memory and communications systems, the waterproof body having a gland configured to enable the thermocouple to pass through the waterproof body.

3. The system as in any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the central computer system is configured to receive emissions data from a plurality of emissions projects, each emissions project independently collecting emissions data.

4. The system as in claim 3 wherein the central computer system is configured to enable definition of individual emissions projects, wherein each emissions project is defined by project parameters including a number of emissions source meters, project area and data collection methodology.

5. The system as in claim 4 wherein the project parameters include emissions reporting period.

6. The system as in claim 4 or 5 wherein the project parameters include emissions reduction targets.

7. The system as in any one of claims 3-6 wherein the central computer system is configured to enable a project validation protocol to be executed, wherein the project validation protocol includes a plurality of validation steps to validate deployment of emissions source meters at a physical location of a project and data communication from emissions source meters to the central computer system.

8. The system as in claim 7 wherein the project validation protocol includes security access protocols enabling access to the project validation protocol by third party validators.

9. The system as in claim 8 wherein the project validation protocol is configured to enable the third-party validators to approve validation of a project.

10. The system as in claim 9 wherein the central computer system is configured to enable emissions source meters within a project to collect emissions data upon a project being validated.

11. The system as in claim 10 wherein the central computer system is configured to receive emissions data from a project and calculate carbon credit values from the emissions data.

12. The system as in claim 11 wherein the central computer system is configured to enable a emissions data verification protocol to be executed, wherein the emissions data verification protocol includes a plurality of verification steps to validate project emissions data from a project.

13. The system as in claim 12 wherein the data verification protocol includes data verification security access protocols enabling access to the data verification protocol by third party verifiers.

14. The system as in claim 13 wherein the data verification protocol is configured to enable the third-party verifiers to approve data verification of a project and issue carbon credit digital certificates.

15. A greenhouse-gas reduction and quantification system (GRQS) comprising: a computer system comprising a central computer system (CCS) and a plurality of personal computing devices configured to register emission reduction projects (ERPs), the computer system configured to execute a plurality of modules including an ERP registration module enabling ERP registration, an ERP module enabling ERP validation, an ERP data collection module enabling ERP data collection, an ERP data verification module enabling ERP data verification and an outcome portal storing emission credits.

16. The system as in claim 15 wherein ERP validation includes a plurality of validation steps to validate deployment of emissions source meters at a physical location of an ERP and data communication from emissions source meters to the computer system.

17. The system as in claim 16 wherein ERP validation includes security access protocols enabling access to the ERP module by third party validators.

18. The system as in claim 17 wherein the project validation module is configured to enable third-party validators to approve validation of an ERP.

19. The system as in claim 18 wherein the computer system is configured to enable emissions source meters within an ERP to collect emissions data upon an ERP being validated.

20. The system as in claim 19 wherein the computer system is configured to receive emissions data from an ERP and calculate carbon credit values from the emissions data.

21. The system as in claim 20 wherein the ERP data verification module is configured to enable a emissions data verification protocol to be executed, wherein the emissions data verification protocol includes a plurality of verification steps to validate project emissions data from an ERP.

22. The system as in claim 21 wherein the ERP data verification module is configured to include data verification security access protocols enabling access to the data verification protocol by third party verifiers.

23. The system as in claim 22 wherein the ERP data verification module is configured to enable the third-party verifiers to approve data verification of a project and issue carbon credit digital certificates to an outcome portal.

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