Isometric's protocols and modules are designed to evolve as new research emerges, technologies develop, and real-world deployments generate new learnings. In March, Isometric announced a new six-month schedule for releasing protocol and module updates to provide a predictable cadence for buyers, suppliers, academics, and the wider ecosystem.
The Spring 2026 Update covers 17 protocols and 10 modules. In line with the Isometric Standard, all material updates underwent a 30-day public consultation prior to certification and were developed through collaboration between Isometric's in-house Science Team and reviewers from the independent Science Network of more than 400 experts.
Patch updates—improvements that do not modify protocol requirements, such as clarifying wording or adding examples—apply automatically. For all other updates, projects already in pre-screen can continue under their existing version. Suppliers are only required to adopt the new version when they renew their crediting period, though they can choose to adopt it sooner.
A full breakdown of every change is available on the Changelog of each protocol and module's Registry page; this post summarizes the most significant updates.
General updates
Two wider updates that apply across most Isometric protocols and modules have been included in the Spring 2026 Update, driven by the Isometric Standard and cross-pathway accounting modules.
Buffer pools
All Isometric protocols except those in the Biosphere pathway have been updated to reflect the changes to buffer pool requirements released as part of Version 2.0 of the Isometric Standard. Learn more about the buffer pool updates.
GHG accounting
Fourteen protocols that had not yet adopted the centralized requirements of the GHG Accounting Module have now been updated to follow them. Learn more about the GHG Accounting Module.
The GHG Accounting Module now directly applies to Biomass Geological Storage, Bio-oil, Subsurface Biomass Storage, Direct Air Capture, Enhanced Weathering, Mineralization, Electrolytic Seawater Mineralization, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, River Alkalinity Enhancement, Reforestation, Improved Forest Management, Mangrove Restoration, and Agroforestry.
Individual updates
Enhanced Weathering in Agriculture Protocol
Version 1.2 incorporates learnings from real-world deployments to clarify requirements and provide additional guidance to suppliers. Updates include new data quality requirements and integration of the River and Ocean Losses Module. The secondary validation check is now optional for projects, as current porewater sampling methods cannot reliably capture weathering signals. For a detailed explanation of the updates to secondary validation, read the Companion Document.
Rock and Mineral Feedstock Characterization Module
Version 1.2 provides additional guidance on sampling, testing, and chain of custody for rock and mineral feedstocks. Suppliers can now submit sampling data from producers of commercially sourced feedstocks, avoiding duplicative sampling where prior characterization meets module requirements. The module also broadens the scope of testing suppliers can perform in-house, provided results are externally validated by an independent accredited laboratory. Counterfactual weathering, the amount of weathering that would have occurred without the project, must now also be measured as part of feedstock characterization.
These updates apply to Enhanced Weathering, Mineralization, Electrolytic Seawater Mineralization, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, River Alkalinity Enhancement, and Wastewater Alkalinity Enhancement.
Geological Storage Modules
Isometric's Geological Storage Modules now allow suppliers to submit approved government permits as evidence of compliance. Each module specifies which permitting schemes have been assessed to meet Isometric's requirements, where a permit suffices, and where additional evidence is required. These updates apply to projects that store carbon in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, saline aquifers, salt caverns, and permeable reservoirs, as well as in-situ mineralization projects.
Anyone wishing to comment on a protocol or module can do so by selecting the relevant text on the protocol or module’s page and adding a comment directly. All comments are reviewed by Isometric’s Science Team.
The next release, the Autumn 2026 Update, will arrive in October.
