A Protocol for Co-Digestion Systems as a Source of Carbon Offsets for the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative

Abstract

The mission of the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative (DCOI) is to help Duke University achieve its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2024. DCOI also seeks to effect environmental change at the local, state, regional and national levels. In pursuit of these goals, DCOI is interested in working with North Carolina swine farmers to develop carbon offset projects. Julian Barham is a Johnston County swine farmer and early adopter of several environmentally progressive technologies. His recently installed anaerobic digester combines food and swine waste to produce a biogas that can be used to power a boiler or generator. This process helps to minimize the greenhouse gases emitted by his farm, and also presents an opportunity for the creation of carbon offsets, a possibility that we are exploring on behalf of DCOI. Additionally, we are investigating other potential revenue streams that Mr. Barham could access now that the digester has come online. These include grant proposals for funding of an electricity generator, and the possibility of renewable electricity sales, among others. If Mr. Barham's waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion project produces as many offsets as anticipated, it would fulfill 27% of Duke University's offset obligation.