HabiTerre Achieves Third Party Model Validation with Climate Action Reserve (CAR)

The ecosys model, used by HabiTerre as part of our advanced system-of-systems modeling approach, is an advanced ecosystem simulation tool that comprehensively models the complex interplay of energy, water, carbon, and nutrient cycles in both aboveground and belowground environments. Developed at the University of Alberta by Dr Robert Grant in 2001, this process-based model uses sophisticated scientific principles to uniquely represent plant and soil processes, making it adaptable to various soil types, climates, and land management practices.

HabiTerre has adapted and maintained a scalable version of ecosys to support the quantification of GHG and soil carbon outcomes resulting from improved agricultural practices. By explicitly representing all above and below ground ag ecosystem processes, this model enables us to analyze how different farming techniques impact crop productivity and the environment. With its detailed representation of plant processes and multi-process interactions including soil microbes and soil carbon pools, the model is a versatile tool applicable to croplands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands, well suited for analyzing the effects of agricultural practices on ecosystem health and greenhouse gas emissions.

The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to global GHG emissions, yet quantifying Scope 3 emissions at scale has been a persistent challenge. Corporate climate targets often rely on low-resolution emissions factors, leading to inaccuracies and inconsistent measurements. Companies and stakeholders in the agricultural industry need reliable, scalable, and accurate data to measure, track, and ultimately reduce their environmental impact, while maintaining cost efficiency. The lack of clear, consistent, and scalable methods for quantifying GHG emissions makes it difficult for businesses to meet their environmental goals and comply with regulatory standards.

The approval of HabiTerre’s model adds an additional layer of confidence to an already trusted approach. Companies can rely on our extensively tested and scientifically rigorous approach, knowing that it complies with the highest national standards and has now been third party validated for commercial application.