How does an agroforestry credit project prove my trees would not have grown anyway?
Isometric's protocol uses a moving baseline built with remote sensing. It estimates how tree carbon would have changed without the project, then checks that estimate against statistically matched control areas. If outside conditions change, the baseline is retested. Drones with LiDAR, machine-learning models and field measurements back the numbers.
The baseline
A dynamic performance benchmark, informed by remote sensing, estimates how carbon stocks in woody perennials would have evolved without the project. The protocol sets out how to build it, with objective justification of criteria and expert review.
The check
Project-area changes in carbon stock are compared regularly with changes in statistically matched control areas. Retesting against what really happened in those areas is meant to account for market shifts, policy changes, environmental variability and other outside drivers.
How trees get measured
- LiDAR-equipped drones.
- Peer-reviewed machine-learning models.
- Detailed field measurements.
Where it sits
ICVCM notes the protocol shares principles with Reforestation v1.1, which is also approved under its Core Carbon Principles. It welcomes new approaches while saying new risks may appear as they are tested.
What it means for you
Your trees are judged against similar land that is not in the project. Keep clear records of your planting date and land use history, so your plot can be matched fairly.
What Senseible does here
Senseible does not issue or verify carbon credits and is not a registry. It gives carbon credit eligibility signals from your own records and keeps those records in order for a verifier. Verified here means rule checks passed against the evidence, not third-party assurance.
Last reviewed 2026-11-04.