The Science Behind the Numbers
SusDevOS implements IPCC 2006 LULUCF Guidelines for biomass carbon stock estimation. For tree removals, the calculation estimates the carbon locked in above-ground and below-ground biomass that is released (or transferred to harvested wood products) when trees are felled.
The core formula is:
Carbon stock (tC) = Volume (m³) × Basic Wood Density (t/m³) × Biomass Expansion Factor × (1 + Root:Shoot Ratio)
All species parameters (basic wood density, BEF, R:S ratio) are pulled from the GBIF taxonomy and IPCC Annex tables automatically when you select a species.
Recording a Tree Removal
- Navigate to Land Parcels → [Parcel] → Tree Removals → Add Removal.
- Enter:
- Species — start typing the common or scientific name; SusDevOS queries GBIF to confirm taxonomy and retrieve biomass parameters.
- Number of trees (or stem count)
- Diameter at breast height (DBH) — in cm; used with the allometric equation to estimate volume
- Height (optional, improves accuracy)
- Removal reason — development, disease, management, etc.
- Save. SusDevOS calculates:
- Above-ground biomass carbon (tC)
- Below-ground biomass carbon (tC) using root:shoot ratio
- Total carbon stock (tC) and CO₂e equivalent
IPCC Tier Levels
| Tier | Method | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Default IPCC table values for the forest type | Adequate for most planning and EIA purposes |
| Tier 2 | Country-specific biomass parameters | Required for national GHG inventories |
| Tier 3 | Site-specific allometric equations | High-value sites or scientific-grade accounting |
SusDevOS defaults to Tier 1 for most species. If you have site-specific allometric data, you can enter custom parameters when creating the removal record.
Restoration Sequestration Projections
For habitat restoration and reforestation projects, SusDevOS projects cumulative carbon sequestration over 30 years using IPCC growth curve parameters.
To create a restoration:
- Go to Restorations → New Restoration.
- Select the land parcel and enter the restored area in hectares.
- Select the restoration type (broadleaf woodland, mixed woodland, grassland, wetland, heathland, etc.).
- SusDevOS generates an annual sequestration schedule and cumulative tCO₂e chart.
The projections appear in project carbon summary reports and feed into net carbon balance calculations (removals minus sequestration).
Where These Figures Appear
- Land Parcels → [Parcel] — carbon balance summary for the parcel
- Projects → [Project] — aggregate carbon across all linked parcels
- Reports → Project Carbon Report — suitable for planning consents, EIAs, and green finance documentation