#5: A deep dive into Spain's Regulation on CO2 Registration and Offsetting

#5: A deep dive into Spain's Regulation on CO2 Registration and Offsetting

Welcome to the 5th edition of?Roots by Forestmatic, our monthly Newsletter.

Roots by Forestmatic?was designed to deepen our?connection?with our readers, users and supporters, to feed them the latest?relevant information?and?updates?on tech and nature,?and to amplify the?voice?of?the?ecosystem?of?partners?and stakeholders that sustain our restoration work.


In this edition you'll find:

1. Spain's regulation on Carbon Footprint Registration, Offsetting and CO2 Absorption Projects (MITECO).

  • a) What it is & why it matters
  • b) The 3 Pillars
  • c) Key Aspects
  • d) What's in it for you?

???? Encuentre la versión espa?ola debajo de la inglesa.

2. World Rainforest Day: Celebrating Nature's Green Lungs

3. Bonus: Fun Fact


1. A Guide to Spain's Regulation on Carbon Footprint Registration, Offsetting, and CO2 Absorption Projects

Today, we delve into the Spanish Regulation on Carbon Footprint Registration, Offsetting, and CO2 Absorption Projects. This legislation is crucial in Spain’s fight against climate change and lays the foundation for us as a company to understand how we can do our part in reducing carbon footprints.

Let's first understand what these terms mean:

  • Carbon Footprint: The measure of total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, event, organization, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent.
  • Carbon Offsetting: The act of reducing or removing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.
  • CO2 Absorption Projects: Initiatives designed to capture and store carbon dioxide, usually through natural processes such as reforestation.


In Spain, the Registro de Huella de Carbono, Compensación y Proyectos de Absorción de Dióxido de Carbono is managed by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO). It is a voluntary registry where public and private companies can register their calculated carbon footprints, their commitment to reducing these footprints, and any offsetting or absorption projects they are involved in.

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Forestmatic site in Navarra

The main objective of this regulation is to promote the calculation, reduction, and offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions. Its goal is to contribute to the fight against climate change, following the principles of the Paris Agreement and the EU's Green Deal.

Companies registered in the Carbon Footprint Registry not only have the chance to publicly display their commitment to environmental sustainability but are also eligible for a seal of approval from MITECO, further enhancing their environmental reputation.


b) The 3 Pillars of the Regulation

1. Carbon Footprint Registration

The first step is for companies to calculate and register their carbon footprint. MITECO provides guidelines and tools to assist companies in this calculation, considering factors such as energy consumption, transportation, and waste generation. Once calculated, companies can develop strategies to reduce their footprints.

2. Carbon Reduction & Offsetting?

Once a company has calculated its carbon footprint, it can actively implement measures to reduce it by reducing its operations emissions, such as energy consumption. The next step is to offset unavoidable emissions. This involves investing in projects that reduce, remove, or capture the equivalent amount of CO2 that the company emits. Such projects could be based in Spain or abroad, and include reforestation efforts, methane capture, or renewable energy projects.

3. CO2 Absorption Projects

The third pillar involves companies implementing or participating in projects directly absorbing CO2, such as afforestation or reforestation projects. Not only do these projects contribute to CO2 reduction, but they also help protect biodiversity, improve soil quality, and provide social and economic benefits to local communities. Head over to our website to learn how we can assist you.

Trees naturally absorb CO2 as they grow. They convert it into biomass and store carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots, as well as in the soil.

CO2 Absorption Projects represent a significant opportunity for organizations to balance their carbon emissions and contribute to a broader range of environmental and social benefits. They are an integral part of the Spanish Regulation, providing the most direct means for businesses to actively engage in the reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels.

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Our Partners at Folia Project

These projects are usually based on the principle of carbon sequestration, which is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The most common type of projects are afforestation and reforestation initiatives, which involve planting trees on land that was not forested or has been degraded by wildfires and other hazards.

Each tree species has a different absorption rate, available from the MITECO website, which can be influenced by the tree's age, health, and the environmental conditions in which it grows.

Under the Spanish regulation, CO2 absorption projects must be designed and managed following certain criteria to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.


c) Key Aspects

1. Project Design and Implementation

The project must have a well-defined plan that outlines its objectives, timelines, and methodologies. This should include a clear definition of the land to be afforested or reforested, the tree species to be used, and the expected carbon sequestration rate.

2. Monitoring and Verification

The project must include a robust monitoring system to measure the amount of CO2 absorbed and to verify the project's progress and impact. This is typically done through a combination of field measurements and remote sensing technologies, which Forestmatic brings to the next level.

3. Sustainability and Co-Benefits

Besides carbon absorption, the project should contribute to broader environmental and social benefits. This can include biodiversity conservation, soil and water protection, and creating jobs or supporting local communities. The project should align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Permanence and Risk Management

The project must ensure the permanence of the carbon stored, which means protecting the forest from being cut down or burned. This involves developing a risk management plan to address potential threats, such as fire, pests, or changes in land ownership.


d) What's in it for you?

Fundamentally, reforestation projects offer a powerful tool for companies to combat climate change directly.

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A tree that have just been planted with its protetcion.


They represent a hands-on, measurable, and beneficial approach to carbon management that goes beyond mere mitigation. Spanish regulation is not just a tool for CO2 management but also an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Understanding and implementing it can be a daunting task, but you don't have to do it alone.



At Forestmatic , we're here to help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your efforts towards carbon neutrality are effective, sustainable, and compliant with regulations.

Reach out to us today for more guidance and let's make a positive, lasting impact on our planet. Together, we can make a difference!




???? Guía sobre la regulación espa?ola de los proyectos de registro de huella de carbono, compensación y absorción de CO2

El equipo de Forestmatic siempre trabaja para entender el entorno normativo que rodea nuestra misión compartida de mejorar el medio ambiente. Hoy, nos adentramos en la regulación espa?ola del Registro de Huella de Carbono, Compensación y Proyectos de Absorción de CO2. Esta legislación es crucial en la lucha de Espa?a contra el cambio climático y sienta las bases para que entendamos cómo podemos poner de nuestra parte en la reducción de la huella de carbono.

Entendamos primero qué significan estos términos:

- Huella de Carbono: Mide el total de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero causadas directa o indirectamente por un individuo, evento, organización o producto, expresadas en dióxido de carbono (CO2) equivalente.

- Compensación de carbono: Es el acto de reducir o eliminar una cantidad equivalente de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero para compensar las emisiones realizadas en otro lugar.

- Proyectos de absorción de CO2: Son iniciativas dise?adas para capturar y almacenar dióxido de carbono, normalmente a través de procesos naturales como la reforestación.

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Nuestro proyecto de reforestacion en Navarra.

En Espa?a, el Registro de Huella de Carbono, Compensación y Proyectos de Absorción de Dióxido de Carbono está gestionado por el Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO). Se trata de un registro voluntario en el que las empresas, tanto públicas como privadas, pueden inscribir sus huellas de carbono calculadas, su compromiso de reducción y los proyectos de compensación o absorción en los que participan.

El principal objetivo de la normativa es promover el cálculo, la reducción y la compensación de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Su objetivo es contribuir a la lucha contra el cambio climático, siguiendo los principios del Acuerdo de París y del Green Deal de la UE, siendo una de las leyes más avanzadas de Europa sobre el tema.?

Las empresas inscritas en el Registro de la Huella de Carbono no solo tienen la oportunidad de mostrar públicamente su compromiso con la sostenibilidad medioambiental, sino que también pueden optar a un sello de calidad del MITECO, lo que mejora aún más su reputación medioambiental.


b) Los tres pilares del reglamento:

1. Registro de la huella de carbono

El primer paso consiste en que las empresas calculen y registren su huella de carbono. El MITECO proporciona directrices y herramientas para ayudar a las empresas en este cálculo, teniendo en cuenta factores como el consumo de energía, el transporte y la generación de residuos. Una vez calculada, las empresas pueden desarrollar estrategias para reducir su huella.

2. Compensación de las emisiones de carbono

Una vez que una empresa ha calculado su huella de carbono y está aplicando medidas para reducirla, el siguiente paso es la compensación. Se trata de invertir en proyectos que reduzcan, eliminen o capturen la cantidad equivalente de CO2 que emite la empresa. Dichos proyectos tienen sede en Espa?a e incluyen esfuerzos de reforestación, captura de metano o proyectos de energías renovables.

3. Proyectos de absorción de CO2

El tercer pilar implica que las empresas pongan en marcha o participen en proyectos que absorban directamente CO2, como proyectos de forestación o reforestación. Estos proyectos no sólo contribuyen a la reducción de CO2, sino que también ayudan a proteger la biodiversidad, mejoran la calidad del suelo y proporcionan beneficios sociales a las comunidades locales. Visita nuestra web dedicada para saber màs.

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Nuestros partners de Folia Project

Los Proyectos de Absorción de CO2 representan una importante oportunidad para que las organizaciones no sólo equilibren sus emisiones de carbono, sino que también contribuyan a una gama más amplia de beneficios medioambientales y sociales.

Son parte integrante del Reglamento espa?ol, ya que proporcionan el medio más directo para que las empresas se comprometan activamente en la reducción de los niveles de CO2 atmosférico.

Estos proyectos suelen basarse en el principio del secuestro de carbono, que es el proceso de captura y almacenamiento del dióxido de carbono atmosférico. El tipo más común de estos proyectos son las iniciativas de forestación y reforestación, que consisten en plantar árboles en terrenos que actualmente no están forestados o que fueron deforestados en el pasado.

Los árboles absorben CO2 de forma natural a medida que crecen, convirtiéndolo en biomasa y almacenando carbono en sus troncos, ramas, hojas y raíces, así como en el suelo.

Cada especie arbórea tiene una tasa de absorción diferente, que puede verse influida por la edad del árbol, su salud y las condiciones ambientales en las que crece.

Según la normativa espa?ola, los proyectos de absorción de CO2 deben dise?arse y gestionarse siguiendo determinados criterios para garantizar su eficacia y sostenibilidad.


c) Aspectos clave

1. Dise?o y ejecución del proyecto:

El proyecto debe contar con un plan bien definido que describa sus objetivos, plazos y metodologías. Debe incluir una definición clara del terreno que se va a forestar o reforestar, las especies arbóreas que se van a utilizar y la tasa de secuestro de carbono prevista.

2. Seguimiento y verificación:

El proyecto debe incluir un sólido sistema de seguimiento para medir la cantidad de CO2 absorbido y verificar el progreso y el impacto del proyecto. Esto suele hacerse mediante una combinación de mediciones sobre el terreno y tecnologías de teledetección.

3. Sostenibilidad y beneficios colaterales:

Además de la absorción de carbono, el proyecto debe contribuir a obtener beneficios medioambientales y sociales más amplios. Esto puede incluir la conservación de la biodiversidad, la protección del suelo y el agua, y la creación de empleo o el apoyo a las comunidades locales. El proyecto debe alinearse con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de las Naciones Unidas.

4. Permanencia y gestión de riesgos:

El proyecto debe garantizar la permanencia del carbono almacenado, lo que significa proteger el bosque de la tala o la quema. Esto implica desarrollar un plan de gestión de riesgos para hacer frente a posibles amenazas, como incendios, plagas o cambios en la propiedad de la tierra.


d) ?En qué te beneficia?

Los proyectos de absorción de CO2 ofrecen a las empresas una poderosa herramienta para combatir directamente el cambio climático. Representan un enfoque práctico, medible y beneficioso de la gestión del carbono que va más allá de la mera mitigación.

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Un arbol que acaba de ser plantado.

La normativa espa?ola no es sólo una herramienta para la gestión del CO2, sino también una oportunidad para que las empresas demuestren su compromiso con la sostenibilidad. Entenderla y aplicarla puede ser una tarea desalentadora, pero no tienes por qué hacerlo solo.

En Forestmatic , estamos aquí para ayudarle a navegar por estas complejidades y asegurar que sus esfuerzos hacia la neutralidad de carbono son eficaces, sostenibles y cumplen con la normativa.

Póngase en contacto con nosotros hoy para obtener más orientación y unamos nuestras manos para lograr un impacto positivo y duradero en nuestro planeta. Juntos podemos marcar la diferencia.

Ponte en contacto con el equipo de Forestmatic. Esperamos empezar contigo un viaje hacia la sostenibilidad.



2. World Rainforest Day: Celebrating Nature's Green Lungs

World Rainforest Day, celebrated on June 22nd each year, brings attention to the vital role that rainforests play in maintaining global ecological balance.

First established by Rainforest Partnership , a non-profit organization, in 2017, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the crucial role rainforests play in supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing essential ecosystem services. Rainforests are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" as they absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, helping to stabilize our planet's climate.

These vital ecosystems are home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species, making them the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitats for countless species, many of which are yet to be discovered. Rainforests also offer numerous ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil fertility. They are a source of valuable natural resources, including timber, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products that sustain local communities and contribute to global economies.

Preserving rainforests is one of the most pressing topics in mitigating the effects of Climate Change. As they help regulate the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, rainforests serve as a reservoir of genetic diversity, offering potential solutions for medicine, agriculture, and other industries. Additionally, they provide livelihoods for millions of people and support indigenous cultures, who have traditional knowledge about the sustainable use of forest resources.

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Carbon Cycle of Rain Forests from the Rainforest Partnership.

With new regulations targeting deforestation-free products, especially in the EU, companies have a significant role to play in protecting and restoring rainforests. By integrating sustainable practices and promoting responsible sourcing, businesses can contribute to rainforest conservation efforts.


Here are a few ways in which companies can engage with World Rainforest Day and make a positive impact:

  1. Sustainable supply chain management: Companies can adopt robust sustainable sourcing practices and prioritize suppliers that follow responsible forest management practices. This includes sourcing timber and agricultural commodities, such as palm oil and soy, from certified sustainable sources that avoid deforestation and promote social inclusivity.
  2. Support forest restoration and conservation projects: partnering with organizations that support initiatives focused on rainforest preservation and restoration. This can involve funding reforestation projects, investing in protected areas, or engaging in collaborative efforts to combat illegal logging and land encroachment.
  3. Consumer education and transparency: raising awareness among consumers about the importance of rainforest conservation and the impact of their purchasing decisions. Transparent labeling and certification schemes can help consumers make informed choices, encouraging demand for sustainably sourced products and discouraging practices that harm rainforests.
  4. Research and innovation: investing in research and development to find sustainable alternatives to rainforest-derived products and reduce dependence on forest resources. This can involve exploring new materials, technologies, and business models that minimize environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability.


World Rainforest Day is a powerful reminder of the invaluable role rainforests play in maintaining our planet's health and biodiversity. As industry experts, we have a responsibility to engage with this important occasion and take proactive steps towards rainforest conservation. By adopting sustainable practices, supporting responsible sourcing, and raising awareness among consumers, companies can contribute to the preservation of these magnificent ecosystems, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Get in contact with Forestmatic to learn how you can tap into World Rainforest Day and contribute to a greener Earth.



3. Bonus: Fun Fact

Did you know that the Amazon Rainforest and Sahara Desert are?intimately connected by a 17 000 km (10 000 mile) long intermittent atmospheric river of dust. Every year, intense?Saharan?winds send enormous clouds of dust on a trans-Atlantic journey to the Amazon basin, feeding the rainforest.

Follow us on?Instagram?(@forestmatic_official) and learn more via our weekly sustainability quiz every Tuesday.


Did you like our newsletter? Share it with your contacts and stay tuned for our next edition. See you next month!

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