The ESCA guidelines have been updated. We remind you that there are two types of ESCA bonus, which can be combined by a biogas plant producing biogas from crops as well as from waste and residues:
- Manure ESCA: linked to avoided emissions thanks to the management of fresh manure. This bonus is applied by a methanisation site (according to audit standard 2BS-STD-02) when using manure or slurry as one of the feedstocks for biomethane production. This practice helps avoid emissions that would otherwise occur if the manure were left exposed in the open air.
- Farmer ESCA: related to the implementation of improved agricultural management practices. This bonus is applied by a first gathering point (according to audit standard 2BS-STD-01) when collecting raw materials from farms committed to the ESCA approach (virtuous practices such as mulching, reduced tillage, direct seeding, etc.).
In the case of methanisation plants, this ESCA bonus applies to intermediate crops grown for energy purposes (CIVE) or main crops used as feedstocks for biomethane production.