CERTIFIED CARBON SEQUESTRATION THROUGH FORESTRY
We believe in the future of afforestation in Iceland.
We have already planted approximately 960,000 trees and are
just getting started.
NÁTTÚRUNNAR LAUSN Á KOLEFNISLOSUNUM
OUR PROJECTS
Álfabrekka
Álfaskeið
Álfheimar
Álfadalur
ABOUT US
Skógálfar ehf. is a forestry and real estate company.
The company's activities are, on the one hand, forestry for carbon sequestration and certification, and on the other hand, real estate leasing. Skógálfar has invested in land in Grímsnes and Grafningshreppi in order to grow forests for carbon sequestration and aims to achieve other statutory and non-statutory objectives of forestry simultaneously. It is a multipurpose forest emphasizing internationally certified carbon sequestration, soil protection, outdoor activities, timber production, and other ecosystem services. The projects have diverse environmental, economic, and social benefits and contribute to the fight against climate issues.
FOREST CARBON SCOPE
Forest Carbon imposes requirements for voluntary projects in Iceland aimed at sequestering carbon through afforestation.
It accounts for:
Carbon sequestration and emissions due to afforestation (within afforestation area):
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through the planting of forest seedlings
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with diverse objectives in mind
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emissions outside the forest area due to project implementation
It does not account for:
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Additional carbon sequestration due to changes in forest management practices
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Carbon stored in forest products
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Carbon saved when products and fuels with large carbon footprints are replaced with wood products or wood-based fuels
Where does Forest Carbon Apply?
Forest Carbon is a voluntary standard for afforestation projects in Iceland and is the only standard of its kind in the country. Carbon sequestration from certified forest carbon projects supports the climate action plans of Icelandic authorities. Corresponding adjustments, as described in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, cannot currently be made for Forest Carbon Units. As it stands, Forest Carbon Units cannot be used in public compliance schemes such as the EU Emissions Trading System.
OUR PARTNERS
CARBON ACCOUNTING FOR GOVERNMENTS & INSTITUTIONS
Companies can use certified Forest Carbon Units to offset their greenhouse gas emissions in their green accounting.
All companies and institutions are encouraged to independently measure their greenhouse gas emissions and issue a report on them. The technical specification ÍST TS 92:2022 Carbon Offset: Requirements with guidance outlines the process for voluntary reporting of emission offsets. In the guidelines, companies/institutions are also encouraged to offset their emissions by purchasing Forest Carbon Units or other internationally recognized carbon units.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
FOREIGN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
Foreign certification standards for carbon projects include:
Verra Carbon Offset Requirements
The Verra Carbon Offset Requirements, known as "Forestry and Other Land Uses," cover afforestation, reforestation after harvesting, land afforestation, improved agricultural land use, enhanced forest management, and reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Verra also operates the "Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard," emphasizing the social and environmental impacts and benefits of land-based projects addressing climate change. These standards ensure that projects include safeguards for both the environment and society to prevent harm, improve livelihoods, and enhance biodiversity in local communities. While this standard does not issue carbon units, projects can undergo joint VCS and CCBS certification to ensure broader benefits from the carbon project.
Gold Standard
The Gold Standard covers land use and forestry projects, including afforestation, reforestation, and improvements in forest management and agriculture.
Plan Vivo
Plan Vivo supports forest-related projects that lead to environmental improvements, social benefits, and sustainability. Projects are designed and implemented by people in rural communities, with emphasis on continuous stakeholder consultation and the use of local species. Under Plan Vivo, projects include afforestation, reforestation of degraded forests, agroforestry, as well as forest conservation and improved forest management initiatives.
