Apoyo a la estimación de compensación de carbono en predios de interés ecológico forestal del Banco de la República

Abstract

Banco de la República has formalized its strategic commitment to carbon neutrality within its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, seeking to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations through carbon removal projects on properties of forest ecological interest such as Combia, Providencia, Peñas Negras, and San Pablo. This initiative has resulted in carbon neutrality certification for 2023, validated by Bureau Veritas. The strategy is based on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), prioritizing ecological restoration on properties such as Old Providence, Selva de Florencia, and the high Andean properties of Zipaquirá, through the planting of native species and the protection of key ecosystems. To ensure the credibility and verifiability of its removals, the Bank applies international standards such as BSI's PAS 2060, ISO 14064-2, and the IDEAM Protocol (USCUSS), and implements a rigorous monitoring and verification system, which includes individual coding of each tree, georeferenced validation, and desktop testing based on the ISO 3951-1 standard for data quality control. These actions, often in collaboration with entities such as National Natural Parks and the Quindío Botanical Garden Foundation, position the Bank as a benchmark in corporate environmental management, with an adaptive approach and a robust structure for internal auditing and continuous improvement.