Services > Radiocarbon Isotopic Analysis
Biogenic Carbon Testing
Biogenic Carbon Testing of CO₂ Emissions and Waste Fuels
In the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, one challenge stands out: accurately verifying the biogenic (renewable) versus fossil-derived carbon content in CO₂ emissions and waste fuels.
Traditional estimation methods such as liquid scintillation counting (LSC) often lack the precision needed to satisfy the growing list of international regulatory requirements. Without accurate data, organizations risk non-compliance with frameworks like the U.S. EPA’s GHG Reporting Program, California’s SB32, Canada’s GHG Reporting Program, and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Incomplete or incorrect verification can lead to regulatory penalties and missed opportunities for carbon credits or sustainability benchmarks.
Accurate biogenic carbon measurement is essential for regulatory compliance, carbon credit eligibility, and achieving your organization’s decarbonization targets.
Need to meet your regulatory carbon reporting obligations? Contact SGS Beta for a quote on biogenic carbon measurement.
Our laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025-accredited and uses Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) to deliver highly sensitive, reliable results. Testing is conducted in alignment with internationally recognized standards:
Key Services Offered
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Service Area |
Description |
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Carbon-14 Biogenic Content Testing |
Precise quantification of biogenic vs. fossil carbon in CO₂ emissions or solid fuels |
|
Applicable Matrices |
CO₂ from industrial stack emissions, municipal solid waste, refuse-derived fuels |
|
Industry Applications |
Waste-to-energy, cement manufacturing, biomass power, industrial processing |
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Accreditation |
ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing using AMS |
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Regulatory Alignment |
U.S. EPA, EU ETS, Canadian GHG Program, California SB32 |
This testing supports facilities in reporting compliance, claiming renewable energy credits, and improving the accuracy of sustainability and ESG disclosures.
Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) testing for Definitive Answers
SGS Beta provides precise, accredited biogenic carbon testing using Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) analysis, the most accurate method available for distinguishing renewable (biogenic) from fossil-derived carbon in emissions and waste fuels.
SGS Beta analyzes various sample types including biodiesel, bioethanol, used cooking oil (UCO), fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and palm oil mill effluent (POME).
By submitting samples to SGS Beta, biofuel producers and co-processing facilities can confirm the biogenic content of their fuel blends to qualify for tax credits under various regulations worldwide. Carbon-14 testing allows for precise measurements of biogenic carbon, ensuring regulatory compliance. Our global reach means the same high-quality testing tegardless of sample origin.
Contact SGSWhy SGS for your Testing Needs?
- Global Reach, Local Expertise: A worldwide laboratory network backed by local knowledge to meet your needs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Expertise in regional and international guidelines, including EPA, CCME, and more.
- Customized Analytical Plans: Tailored testing protocols to address unique project challenges.
- Proven Track Record: Decades of experience delivering high-quality data to industries across North America.
