(1) Protocol Used to Estimate Emissions Reductions or Removal Benefits
The emissions reductions are calculated by removing a compression-ignited engine from service, replacing it with an EV. The total annual miles driven by the retired vehicle, divided by the average fuel economy (miles per gallon), determines the total gallons of fuel burned. This amount is multiplied by 22.38 pounds of CO2 emitted per gallon of fuel to calculate the eliminated CO2 footprint. Additionally, the protocol accounts for NOx emissions prevented during normal operation, low load, and idle time, based on the certification year of the retired vehicle. Both CO2 and NOx reductions are aggregated for the remaining useful life of the retired engine, providing a total emissions reduction figure.
(2) Location of the Offset Project Sites
Riverside, CA: 3031 Franklin Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
Richmond, CA: 436 Parr Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94801
(3) Project Timeline
Riverside, CA: Project is operational, with final DC fast charger (DCFC) installation nearing completion. It includes six Level 2 (19.2 kW) chargers and five 100 kW Delta City DC fast chargers.
Richmond, CA: Project is operational but experiencing delays due to bus and charger issues. Currently, six out of 20 units are running. This site includes five 60 kW BorgWarner bi-directional, sequential DCFC chargers.
(4) Project Start Dates
Riverside, CA: August 12, 2024 – currently running seven of 10 EVs (three in reserve).
Richmond, CA: August 19, 2024 – consistent charging issues have limited operation to 6-7 EVs out of 20.
(5) Dates and Quantities of Emissions Reductions or Removals
Riverside, CA: August 12, 2024 – currently running seven of 10 EVs (three in reserve).
Richmond, CA: August 19, 2024 – consistent charging issues have limited operation to 6-7 EVs out of 20.
(6) Type of Project
This is an avoided emissions project.
(7) Compliance with Standards
The project meets standards established by law and nonprofit entities.
(8) Durability of Greenhouse Gas Reductions
The durability of emissions reductions is tied to the remaining useful life of the retired vehicle, which averages up to 12 years. Once retired, the prevented greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicle are conclusive, extending until the forecasted end of the vehicle’s life.
(9) Independent or Third-Party Validation/Verification
The project is overseen by “Carbon Neutral Consultants” (CNC), an independent third-party consultant, and also includes a multi-tiered internal audit.
(10) Emissions Reduced or Carbon Removed Annually
Each retired compression-ignited vehicle typically drives 12,000 miles per year and averages 7.5 miles per gallon, burning approximately 1,600 gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel annually. This results in 35,808 pounds of CO2 emissions per vehicle per year (1,600 gallons × 22.38 pounds of CO2 per gallon). The replacement of such vehicles with EVs directly prevents these emissions. The total CO2 prevention is calculated by multiplying the 35,808 pounds by the number of vehicles replaced.
Accountability Measures:
(1) Internal Audit Protocol
An internal audit governs and tracks the process of vehicle retirement, documenting the model year, vehicle age, mileage, removal date, location, and final disposition.
(2) Carbon Storage Projects
Not applicable, as no carbon storage devices are used.
(3) Future Emissions Reductions Not Realized
The traceability of vehicle retirement and disposition ensures accountability for the CO2 prevention estimates.
(4) Calculation Reproduction and Verification
The relevant data and calculation methods can be found in the protocol detailed under item 10 above.