FullCAM Guidelines - Requirements for using the …...Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015...
Transcript of FullCAM Guidelines - Requirements for using the …...Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015...
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FullCAM Guidelines
Requirements for use of the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) with
the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) methodology determination:
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided Clearing of Native
Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015
Version X.0
(draft, not in force)
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Disclaimer
This document has been developed to assist project proponents to calculate abatement in FullCAM as required
by the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth) Methodology
Determination 2015. This document is the ‘FullCAM Guidelines’ incorporated by reference in sections 5, 34 and
47 of the Methodology Determination. Project proponents should not use this document as a substitute for
complying with the requirements in the Methodology Determination.
Before relying on any material contained in this document, project proponents should familiarise themselves
with the following legal documents: Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided Clearing of Native
Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015, Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011, Carbon
Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015 and the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Regulations
2011.
This document does not displace relevant legislative provisions or other laws. All users are encouraged to read
this document in conjunction with the relevant legislation, including the Methodology Determinations,
referenced throughout this document. Where any inconsistencies are apparent, please be aware that the
legislative provisions will take precedence.
Interested parties should make their own independent inquires and obtain their own independent
professional advice prior to relying on, or making any decisions in relation to, the information provided in this
document.
This document will be updated periodically and users should note that some inputs and values may change
over time. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that they are using the version of this document and
following the relevant section (either Section 3 or Section 4) of this document and any tool/s required in
association as in force at the end of the relevant reporting period (consistent with section 45 of the
Methodology Determination).
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Commonwealth of Australia accept no
responsibility or liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the reliance on information
contained in this document. This document does not indicate commitment by the Commonwealth to a
particular course of action.
© Commonwealth of Australia
Unless otherwise noted, copyright (and any other intellectual property rights, if any) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia.
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Content contained herein should be attributed as “The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Fullcam Guidelines: Requirements for using the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) in the Emissions
Reduction Fund (ERF) methodology determination Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided
Clearing of Native Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015”.
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Contents
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 4
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6
Use with the Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth Methodology Determination 2015 ....... 6
Determining which FullCAM option to use (2016 or 2020) .................................................... 6
Format of this document ........................................................................................................ 7
FullCAM background ............................................................................................................... 7
FullCAM plots and running simulations .................................................................................. 8
Overview of the FullCAM interface ......................................................................................... 8
2. Simulations Overview ................................................................................................................... 11
Baseline scenario simulation ................................................................................................ 11
Project scenario simulation................................................................................................... 11
3. 2020 FullCAM option - setting up simulations for the baseline and project scenarios ................ 12
Creating a new plot from template ...................................................................................... 12
The Events Tab ...................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1 Events types and modelling notes ................................................................................ 15
3.2.2 Adding the baseline scenario events as a group using the Regime function ............... 17
3.2.3 Adding project scenario events individually ................................................................. 20
The Output Windows Tab ..................................................................................................... 23
Running simulations .............................................................................................................. 24
Viewing outputs .................................................................................................................... 25
Transferring outputs into spreadsheet ................................................................................. 25
4. 2016 FullCAM option - setting up simulations for each CEA in the baseline and project scenario
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Opening a file ........................................................................................................................ 26
The About Tab ....................................................................................................................... 26
Saving a Plot File ................................................................................................................... 27
The Configuration Tab ........................................................................................................... 28
The Timing Tab ...................................................................................................................... 29
The Data Builder Tab ............................................................................................................. 30
The Site tab ........................................................................................................................... 32
The Trees tab ........................................................................................................................ 32
The Soil tab ............................................................................................................................ 32
The Initial Conditions tab ...................................................................................................... 33
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The Events Tab ...................................................................................................................... 35
4.11.1 Permitted Events ........................................................................................................... 35
4.11.2 Adding a New Event ...................................................................................................... 37
4.11.3 Cloning Events ............................................................................................................... 42
The Output Windows Tab ..................................................................................................... 47
Running simulations .............................................................................................................. 51
Viewing outputs .................................................................................................................... 51
Transferring outputs into a spread sheet ............................................................................. 51
5. FullCAM Simulations and Offsets Reporting ................................................................................. 51
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1. Introduction
Use with the Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth Methodology
Determination 2015 The calculation of carbon abatement under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Avoided
Clearing of Native Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015 (the Determination) is dependent
upon the use of the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) consistently with the requirements of
this document. In particular, section 34 of the Determination requires that the baseline and project
scenario for each carbon estimation area (CEA) must be modelled in FullCAM in accordance with the
requirements in both the Determination and this document. Subsection 47(1) of the Determination
also requires key output data to be produced using FullCAM in accordance with the requirements in
the Determination and this document. Where content of this document relates to provisions of the
Determination, references are given to the location of those provisions.
Project proponents must only change FullCAM default settings as indicated in this document, and all
other settings must not be changed. This is to ensure that defaults will apply where relevant.
Determining which FullCAM option to use (2016 or 2020) The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources released an update to the Full Carbon
Accounting Model (FullCAM) for public use in 2020.
The latest publicly available version of FullCAM on the Department’s website is the 2020 Public
Release version of FullCAM and it has two options [new website link to be added].
1. 2020 Public Release of FullCAM, 2020 FullCAM option
This option is the default option, it incorporates updated vegetation growth calibrations and
climate data, and has new interface features making it easier to use.
2. 2020 Public Release of FullCAM, 2016 FullCAM option
This option is only available for use by some projects, as described below. It does not include
the 2020 updates to the calibrations, climate data or interface.
Project proponents must access the latest public release of FullCAM from the Department’s website
and then ensure they are using the appropriate FullCAM option for their project. An exception to
this is for projects with reporting periods that end before 1 September 2020, which will need to use
the previous public release of FullCAM and the associated Guidelines for those periods. If you
determine that you must use a public release of FullCAM that is unavailable on the website, please
contact the Department at [email protected] to obtain a copy.
The general effect of the requirements below is that the 2020 FullCAM option is the default, but pre-
existing projects can choose the 2016 FullCAM option as long as they are not expanded, don’t move
to a new or varied determination and don’t move onto the 2020 FullCAM option for a reporting
period.
Whichever FullCAM option is used by the proponent, all CEAs of a given project must be
reported on using a single FullCAM option.
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Projects with section 22 declaration applications under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming
Initiative) Act 2011 (CFI Act), submitted to the Clean Energy Regulator (the Regulator) on or
after 1 September 2020, must use the 2020 FullCAM option.
Projects with section 22 declaration applications submitted to the Regulator before 1
September 2020 are able to use either the 2020 FullCAM option or the 2016 FullCAM option.
These projects are able to move from the 2016 FullCAM option to the 2020 FullCAM option
if they choose to do so. If a choice to use the FullCAM 2020 option is made, the entire
project must be moved to FullCAM 2020 and once using 2020 FullCAM option in an offsets
report, these projects cannot return to using the 2016 FullCAM option.
If project proponents of projects with section 22 declaration applications submitted to the
Regulator before 1 September 2020 add a new project area or areas to the project under the
section 29 of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 with effect on or after
1 September 2020, the entire project must use the 2020 FullCAM option. The only exception
to this is where all of the areas added to the project were already using the 2016 FullCAM
option under these guidelines as part of another eligible offsets project (these can continue
to use the 2016 FullCAM option consistent with the dot point above – therefore the original
project must also have been eligible to use the 2016 FullCAM option).
Projects that transfer from an earlier to a later version of this Determination or transfer to
this Determination from another Determination, with the application under section 128 of
the CFI Act submitted on or after 1 September 2020, must use the 2020 FullCAM option.
Note that FullCAM is not compatible with iOS systems, and must be run in a Windows operating
environment.
Format of this document This document provides:
an overview of the FullCAM relevant to the Determination, its features relevant to users and
important requirements for using this document (section 1)
an overview of the baseline scenario you must run in FullCAM as per the Determination
(section 2)
two step-by-step walkthroughs of how you must use FullCAM to run simulations for baselines
and project reporting (section 3 and section 4):
Section 3 of this document is for projects using 2020 FullCAM option.
Section 4 of this document is for projects using 2016 FullCAM option.
an overview of the FullCAM outputs as they relate to equations within the Determination
(section 5).
The 2020 FullCAM option requires fewer data entries than the 2016 FullCAM option because many
items have been automated in the 2020 FullCAM options through the use of templates.
FullCAM background FullCAM is used in Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Accounts for the land sector. FullCAM provides
fully integrated estimates of carbon pools in forest and agricultural systems for Australia’s land sector
reporting. In addition, it accounts for human-induced changes in emission and sequestration of major
greenhouse gases. FullCAM was developed under the National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) at
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the then Australian Greenhouse Office to provide a dynamic account of the changing stocks of carbon
in Australia’s land systems since 1970 by integrating data on land cover change, land use and
management, climate, plant productivity, and soil carbon over time. FullCAM estimates carbon stock
change and greenhouse gas emissions at fine spatial and temporal scales, and uses a wide range of
spatially referenced data.
Users of FullCAM can determine estimates of carbon stock change and greenhouse gas emissions for
ERF projects on a similar basis to that used for land use and land use change in Australia’s National
Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
FullCAM plots and running simulations FullCAM can run simulations on a ‘plot’. A plot, for modelling purposes, is defined as a piece of land
for which the event history, when modelled in FullCAM, is the same across that area of land. Separate
plot files must be created for each CEA (see section 20 of the Determination).
In the 2016 FullCAM option, there are several types of plots that can be selected. Only ‘forest system’
is relevant to this Determination. This selection does not need to be made in the 2020 FullCAM option
because it has been automated through the creation of default templates. At the point in the 2016
FullCAM option where users choose to create a new plot file, they instead select an appropriate
template from a drop-down list and 2020 FullCAM option then populates FullCAM with the template
plot.
FullCAM models using a single ‘model point’ location. Proponents do not need to define plot
boundaries within FullCAM, rather proponents must input the coordinates for a single location (the
model point – see subsection 20(4) and section 20(5) of the Determination). The FullCAM model uses
the model point to derive average values of the climate and biophysical variables for the immediate
surrounding area.
In order to ensure all settings are correct, including defaults, we recommend creating new plot files
each time a new version of FullCAM or these Guidelines, or a different FullCAM option, is used. Plot
files created under previous versions or options may contain different settings that will affect outputs
and users are responsible for ensuring they have used the correct FullCAM version and option, and
accurately followed the associated FullCAM Guidelines.
For each CEA, separate plot files must be created for:
estimating carbon stocks under the baseline scenario; and
estimating carbon stocks for the current reporting period.
The latest spatial data for a plot must be downloaded using the ‘Data Builder’ tab each time the
software is run.
Overview of the FullCAM interface The FullCAM software user interface displays menus and a series of tabs. Each tab has a suite of
fields in which information may either be required to complete as instructed through these
Guidelines or left unchanged. The program is designed so that certain tabs in a plot file are made
available only if required fields have valid information entered in earlier tabs. If the text of a tab or
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field is red, then FullCAM requires information in that tab or field before a simulation can be run.
When all the required fields within a tab have valid information entered, the tab text will become
blue.
The below table provides a general overview of each tab selectable within FullCAM once a plot has
been created. Help is also provided within FullCAM by clicking on the symbol available in most
windows.
Please note, some of the tabs described in the table below will only need data added in the
2016 FullCAM option since many of the entries are automated through the template in the
2020 FullCAM option. Data entry requirements under each option are described in detail in section 3
and section 4 of these Guidelines
Tab Explanation
About Includes a free text field where users can enter information about the plot file that they have created. This is a good space to keep track of changes that have been made or editing of event parameters.
Configuration Users select the system (e.g. forest, agricultural) they want to simulate in the plot.
Timing Enter the timing for starting and ending the simulation and the time steps required for output data.
Data Builder In this tab users enter the latitude and longitude of the ‘Model Point Location’ where they wish to simulate a plot file. Internet access is required to complete this tab. By choosing to ‘Download Spatial Data’ the associated soil and climate data for that latitude and longitude are automatically loaded into relevant parts of the remaining tabs. In the tab users can then download tree and/or crop species information and management regimes as appropriate. This information is also automatically loaded into relevant parts of the remaining tabs.
Site Specific parameters (e.g. water [rainfall], temperature, productivity) are described.
Trees Description of the properties of the tree species.
Crops Description of the properties of crop or pasture species (only displays if agricultural system selected).
Soil Description of soil properties.
Initial Conditions
In this tab the values for carbon at the start of the simulation are described. Values will automatically be populated by Data Builder using data downloaded from the FullCAM server.
Events All of the events for the entire simulation period are listed in this tab. Users can add or remove events. Care must be taken not to violate requirements for modelling ‘management events’ within the Determination. The names on the event list are colour-coded to indicate whether they are ready, whether they are simulating or not, and what system they affect. The colour codes are: Red: Event not ready (renders event queue not ready); Grey: Event non-simulating (outside simulation period, will not affect simulation); Green: Forest; Yellow: Agricultural; and Brown: Mixed. Finally, the events users select with the cursor are coloured in the usual highlight colour.
Output Window
Defines what outputs are presented in output windows.
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Explorer Display of the parameter settings for each tab.
Plot Digest This tab only appears when a plot is saved as a ‘plot digest’ by changing the save as type. It allows users to clone and alter the inputs of a given modelling scenario, and combine the results or output them separately.
Log This tab records changes made to the file to assist with analysis and error tracking.
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2. Simulations Overview
This section provides a brief overview of the two simulations that project proponents must simulate
in FullCAM consistent with the Determination – the baseline scenario and the project scenario. The
credible carbon abatement for the project is calculated under Division 4 of the Determination by
subtracting the baseline scenario carbon abatement from the project scenario carbon abatement.
Section 34 of the Determination requires that the baseline and project scenario for each CEA must
be modelled in FullCAM in accordance with the requirements in both the Determination and this
document.
This section directs users to the relevant part of the Determination that users should first familiarise
themselves with before progressing to simulating these scenarios as per the steps in section 3 or
section 4.
Baseline scenario simulation For each CEA, the baseline scenario consists of a series of projected regrowth, clearing, and windrow
and burn events reoccurring over the 100 year modelling period. Requirements for modelling the
Baseline scenario are set out in Division 2 of the Determination, particularly at sections 35-37.
Projected events must be modelled consistent with the timing requirements of section 35 of the
Determination, and the start and end dates of the modelling period must be as set out at section 37.
The first event in the baseline scenario will be the most recent actual regeneration event within the
CEA (see section 26 of the Determination).
These events can be added to the baseline scenario together by following section 3 or section 4
below.
Project scenario simulation The project scenario simulates the actual management and disturbance events that have occurred
within each CEA. The simulation period begins the day before the regeneration event referred to in
section 26 of the Determination and runs over the 100 year modelling period (see section 37 of the
Determination). Specific requirements for modelling thinning, fire and other natural disturbance
events are set out at sections 39, 40 and 41 of the Determination respectively.
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3. 2020 FullCAM option - setting up simulations for the baseline and
project scenarios
The general effect of requirements described in section 1.2 is that the 2020 FullCAM option is the default, but projects with section 22 declaration applications submitted before 1 September 2020 can choose the 2016 FullCAM option as long as they are not expanded, don’t move to a new or varied determination and have not reported used the 2020 FullCAM option for a reporting period (see section 1.2).
Simulations for each CEA are undertaken using plots. Project proponents must use the following steps for creating FullCAM plots and inputting values for each CEA registered under the Determination.
All steps must be followed when creating new plot files and inputting values.
Once a plot file has been setup for a CEA and scenario, it can re-opened for modelling at a later date. When reopening plot files, users must first navigate to the ‘Data Builder’ tab and click ‘Download Spatial Data’, before running the simulation, to ensure the latest spatial data is used for the simulation.
Creating a new plot from template 1. With FullCAM open, select ‘File’ then ‘New from Template…’, a new window will appear titled
‘Templates’.
2. Select, under the ‘ERF’ expandable folder, the ‘HIR NFMR and Avoided Clearing Methods’ option
corresponding to the long-term average annual rainfall for the applicable model point location.
The long-term average annual rainfall is determined using the Long Term Average [annual]
Rainfall Map Layer, also known as the CFI rainfall map, previously available from the CFI
Mapping tool.
The long term average annual rainfall map layer shows the long-term average annual
rainfall (mm) across continental Australia, calculated for the period 1920-2010. The long-term
average annual rainfall map layer (also labelled CFI Mapping tool - Rainfall map) can be accessed
for viewing or downloading from data.gov.au under Emissions Reduction Fund Environmental
Data (https://data.gov.au/dataset/ds-dga-b46c29a4-cc80-4bde-b538-
51013dea4dcb/details?q=emission reduction fund).
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Steps to view the long-term average annual rainfall data on data.gov using the Australian
Government’s National Map:
i. Go to (https://nationalmap.gov.au/) and select the up arrow located immediately to the
right of the “Explore Data” button.
ii. Select “Add Web Data” and paste the following URL:
https://data.gov.au/geoserver/emissions-reduction-fund-environmental-data/wms (which
is located in data.gov.au under the ERF Environmental data – Preview dataset WMS) and
click “Add”.
iii. Click the “ ” sign next to Long term average annual rainfall. The long term average annual
rainfall map layer will be displayed.
iv. To check the rainfall amount of the model point location, enter the latitude and longitude
in the search bar (located in the top left hand corner). The search result will be displayed
below.
v. Click the latitude and longitude under the ‘Locations’ tab to display the location in the map.
vi. Click the location marker on the map, this will show the feature information tab on the
right hand corner.
vii. In the ‘Feature information tab’ click on the ‘Long-term average annual rainfall – Site Data’.
This will display the long term average annual rainfall in mm. This information can be also
downloaded by clicking the Download this Table tab.
3. Enter the latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees i.e. xx.xxx xx, xx.xxx xx) of the model point
location in the latitude and longitude box. This should be within the boundaries of the CEA and
the approximate centre of the CEA (as per section 21(4) and section 21(5) of the Determination).
Note that FullCAM may appear to round off the decimal degrees entered after clicking out of the
boxes, but users must enter the full five decimal places as these will be still recorded within the
plot file itself and be visible on the Data Builder tab.
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4. Enter the modelling start and end dates for the simulation that you will run, in the start date and
end date text fields. Acceptable formats include ‘DD MONTH YYYY’ or ‘D M YYYY’ (e.g. ‘1 July
2014’ or ‘1 7 2014’). These should correspond to those required for either the project or baseline
scenario (see section 2 above and section 37 of the Determination.
5. Click ‘OK’, a new plot file will be created with the applicable default data for the Determination,
as well as the location and dates entered.
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6. The new plot file can then be saved by clicking ‘file’, then ‘save’.
7. The new plot file is now ready for adding events at the events tab.
The Events Tab The events tab is where users must create the events that must be modelled under either the
baseline or project scenarios.
3.2.1 Events types and modelling notes
The baseline scenario has three events that must be modelled:
Regeneration
Clearing
Windrow and burn fire
See section 3.2.2 below, for details of how events are added in the baseline scenario.
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The project scenario has five types of events that must be modelled when they occur:
Regeneration
Wildfire – trees not killed
Wildfire – trees killed
Thinning
Non-fire disturbances
See section 3.2.3 below, for details of how events are added in the project scenario.
Regeneration
Project scenario
The first regeneration event is modelled in accordance with section 38 of the Determination. In
accordance with section 42 of the Determination, project proponents can add a regeneration event
following a natural disturbance that kills all the trees in a CEA. The modelling date of this event is
determined in accordance with section 42 of the Determination.
Baseline scenario
The first regeneration event is modelled in accordance with section 35 of the Determination. Other
projected regeneration events occur at intervals determined in accordance with section 36 of the
Determination.
The date of the first baseline clearing event is determined in accordance with section 27 of the
Determination. Other projected clearing events occur at intervals determined in accordance with
section 36 of the Determination. A clearing event must be modelled to occur in each year a
projected clearing event occurs, on 1 January of that year.
Clearing
Baseline scenario
The date of the first baseline clearing event is determined in accordance with section 27 of the
Determination. Other projected clearing events occur at intervals determined in accordance with
section 36 of the Determination. A clearing event must be modelled to occur in each year a
projected clearing event occurs, on 1 January of that year.
Windrow and burn
Baseline scenario
Windrow and burn events must be added to the baseline scenario in accordance with section 36 of
the Determination. Windrow and burns are modelled to occur one year after each projected clearing
event on 1 January.
Thinning
Project scenario
Thinning events are used to model thinning for ecological purposes. Ecological thinning events must
be added for each separate event that occurs in a CEA during the modelling period in accordance
with section 39 of the Determination.
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Wildfire – trees not killed
Project scenario
Events must be added in accordance with section 40 of the Determination for each fire in which
trees are not killed that occurs in a CEA during the modelling period. For each modelled Wildfire –
trees not killed event, the modelled date is that determined in accordance with section 40 of the
Determination.
Wildfire – trees killed
Project scenario
Events must be added in accordance with section 40 of the Determination for each fire in which
trees are killed that occurs in a CEA during the modelling period. For each modelled Wildfire – trees
killed event, the modelled date is that determined in accordance with section 40 of the
Determination.
Non-fire disturbances
Project scenario
Non-fire disturbance events must be added to the project scenario in accordance with section 41 of
the Determination.
3.2.2 Adding the baseline scenario events as a group using the Regime
function The following steps use the new regime function on the events tab to add all the events that must
be modelled under the baseline scenario in accordance with sections 35-37 of the Determination.
1. Click ‘New’ on the ‘Regime Editing’ panel on the Event tab. A
2. From the drop-down list next to ‘Regime’ select ‘Avoided Clearing Baseline w. Windrow Burn’.
This may be listed with Native Species Regeneration and the chosen annual rainfall category in
brackets.
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3. By default the start and end dates should cover the start and end date of the simulation period.
If not, amend these dates so they correspond to the start and end dates of the simulation
period, as determined in accordance with section 37 of the Determination, entering the dates in
calendar format, e.g. 31 Dec 2020.
4. In the ‘Repeat every’ field, enter the interval in years worked out in accordance with subsection
36 (2) of the Determination.
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5. Click ‘OK’. The events queue on the events tab will now be filled with the sequence of baseline
events recurring at the interval in years specified across the entire simulation period. Once this
step is completed, users can proceed to section 3.4 to run the simulation.
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3.2.3 Adding project scenario events individually Events for the project scenario must be added in accordance with this section one-by-one, following
the below steps, with reference to above notes.
1. To add a new event, click on the New button on the Event Editing panel. A new pop-up window
will appear.
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2. Select the event ‘type’ from the drop-down list that corresponds to the activity/event as given
below. The notes in section 3.2.1 above provide more information of when to model different
events and activities under the applicable scenarios (project or baseline).
Activity/Event FullCAM Event Type
Regeneration Tree planting
Clearing Forest thinning
Windrow and burn Forest fire
Thinning Forest thinning
Non-fire disturbance event Forest thinning
Wildfire – trees not killed Forest fire
Wildfire – trees killed Forest fire
3. Insert the calendar date for the event in the box to the right of the Calendar date drop down
menu. Acceptable formats include 1 Jan 2015 or 1 1 2015. There are specific timing
requirements that must be followed with reference to the notes given in section 3.2.1.
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4. Click the Insert Standard Values button. From the pop-up window, select the ‘event name’
option that corresponds to the activity/event from the table below. Click ‘OK’ then ‘Yes’ when
prompted to insert the event’s standard name. The parameters for the event will now be filled
with the standard values.
Activity/Event FullCAM Standard Event
Regeneration Plant trees: natural regeneration in regeneration systems
Clearing Initial clearing: No product recovery
Windrow and burn Site prep: Windrow and burn
Thinning Initial clearing: No product recovery
Non-fire disturbance event Initial clearing: No product recovery
Wildfire – trees not killed Wildfire – trees not killed
Wildfire – trees killed Wildfire – trees killed
5. Alter the standard values only if, and where, indicated in the below table for corresponding the
activity/event type.
Activity/Event Standard values that must be edited
Thinning Enter the percentage of the trees that were killed in the thinning under ‘Affected Portion’.
Non-fire disturbance event Enter the percentage of the trees that were killed in the disturbance under ‘Affected Portion’.
Wildfire – trees not killed Enter the percentage of the CEA affected by fire under ‘Affected Portion’.
Wildfire – trees killed Enter the percentage of trees affected by fire under ‘Affected Portion’.
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6. Click ‘OK’ and the event will be added to the event queue.
The Output Windows Tab From the templates used to create plot files, the following outputs will be selected, consistent
with the Determination requirements:
a. the following tree carbon pool: Carbon / Forest / Plants / C mass of trees. b. the following debris carbon pool: Other / Carbon Projects / C mass of forest debris. c. the following non CO2 emission: Whole / Emissions / CH4 emitted due to fire d. the following non CO2 emission: Nitrogen / Whole / Emissions / N2O emitted due to
fire. Note: only the four pools listed above must be selected. If the plot file has been modified to be
inconsistent with this, ensure this is corrected by navigating through the drop down menus and
unselecting any other outputs that have a tick against them. Folders containing selected
outputs will appear with a grey tick and outputs selected will have a red tick.
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Running simulations
1. To run the simulation, press the icon in the top menu bar: . Note that if reopening a plot file, users must first navigate to the ‘Data Builder’ tab and click ‘Download Spatial Data’, before running the simulation to ensure the latest spatial data is used for the simulation.
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Viewing outputs Outputs can be viewed as a graph or a table by clicking on the corresponding icons at the top left of the Output window.
Transferring outputs into spreadsheet Steps required:
To transfer data into a Microsoft Excel or equivalent spreadsheet for analysis: 1. If you are using Microsoft Excel, then click on the Save to File button (see screenshot) and save
as an Excel file, then skip steps 2 to 4. Alternatively, follow steps 2-4 below to transfer the data to a spreadsheet.
2. Click on the table icon in the output window to view the simulation output as a table.
3. Copy all the output data by clicking on the icon (circled) in the top of the Output window.
4. Open Microsoft Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet), and ‘Paste’ the data copied from FullCAM into the spreadsheet with the top left hand corner in cell A1.
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4. 2016 FullCAM option - setting up simulations for each CEA in the
baseline and project scenario
The general effect of requirements described in section 1.2 is that the 2020 FullCAM option is the default, but projects with section 22 declaration applications submitted before 1 September 2020 can choose the 2016 FullCAM option as long as they are not expanded, don’t move to a new or varied determination and have not reported used the 2020 FullCAM option for a reporting period (see section 1.2).
Simulations for each CEA are undertaken using Plots. Project proponents must use the following steps for entering data into each tab in a FullCAM plot for each CEA registered under the Determination.
All steps must be followed when creating new plot files. When using existing plot files, updated spatial data must be uploaded in the Data Builder tab, and other tabs updated as relevant.
Opening a file For all simulations:
Create a new plot under the ‘File’ menu that will represent a CEA, and give this plot file a name that
reflects the identifier for the CEA.
The About Tab Once you have created a new plot, you will see a window such as below. The plot will default to the
About tab (in blue text):
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On the about tab you can choose what to enter at ‘Name of Plot’. It is recommended that you use a
name for the plot that reflects the identifier for the CEA and model scenario, e.g.
‘CEA1_project_west_2015 offsets report’. This name does not become the file name for the plot. It is
a free text box and is editable from within the plot file. Populating this cell and the content is
optional, but recommended.
Once you have populated the text box press Tab
Under ‘Notes’ you may choose to enter information for your own use. This information will not have
any bearing on the FullCAM outputs.
Once you have populated the text box press Tab
Saving a Plot File Once you have created a plot file, it is best to save immediately to your nominated storage location (e.g. My Documents, thumb drive) and save regularly. Users are responsible for their own document and records management and FullCAM does not provide this function.
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Save the plot file using the ‘File’ menu on the FullCAM toolbar.
You can choose what to enter for the ‘File name’. This is not linked to the ‘Name of plot’ free-text
box on the plots ‘About’ tab. As per the ‘Name of plot’ text box it is recommended that you use a
name for the plot that reflects the identifier for the CEA and model scenario, e.g.
‘CEA1_project_west_2015 offsets report’.
Note: Save the plot file regularly when setting up and running simulations (also Ctrl + S ).
Now navigate to the next tab, Configuration, using the mouse or Page Down.
The Configuration Tab The Configuration tab is where you select the type of system that will be modelled.
For all simulations:
2) This Determination concerns avoided clearing of native regrowth, so you must select Forest
system from the ‘Plot’ drop-down menu.
a. Select Forest system 3) Do not change any other settings on the Configuration tab.
The ‘Configuration’ tab settings must appear as below.
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Now navigate to the next tab, Timing, using the mouse or Page Down.
The Timing Tab The ‘Timing’ tab requires you to define the period you wish to simulate.
Steps required:
On the Timing tab:
1) Under Simulation Timing, select Calendar (see below).
2) Under Start and End of Simulation enter the start date (Gregorian calendar) and end date of the
simulation that you will run, in the format ‘DD MON YYYY’ or ‘DD MM YYYY’ (e.g. ‘31 DEC 2003’
or ‘31 12 2003’).
a. The start date will be the modelling start date in accordance with section 37 of the
Determination.
b. The end date will be 100 years after the modelling start date.
3) Under Output Steps, select Monthly.
4) Do NOT change any other settings.
5) New tabs will appear once all necessary fields in this tab are completed.
An example of how the ‘Timing’ Tab should appear is below.
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Now navigate to the next tab, Data Builder, using the mouse or Page Down.
The Data Builder Tab The Data Builder tab (see image below) allows you to download the data required by FullCAM from
extensive databases maintained by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
[Note that the default latitude and longitude location is for Uluru].
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Steps required:
1) Click the box to turn on the Data Builder (this requires an internet connection).
2) Enter the latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees) of the model point location which is
central to and representative of the area being modelled.
3) Click the button to Download Spatial Data, and then click ‘OK’ in the Information Box that pops
up.
4) Under Trees and Events, select ‘Mixed species environmental plantings’ from the dropdown box
for ‘Tree species’. NB: Do NOT use the ‘Mixed species environmental plantings temperate’
setting or the ‘Mixed species environmental plantings tropical’ setting.
5) Select the tree species.
6) Under Trees and Events, click the Download This Species button
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7) A pop-up box will appear asking if you want to make the selected Tree Species the ‘initial tree
species’. Click ‘Yes’.
8) Do NOT download regimes for this species.
9) Do NOT change any other setting.
An example of how the Data Builder Tab should now appear is presented below.
Now navigate to the tab, Initial Conditions, using the mouse or Page Down.
Do not change any settings on the Site, Trees, or Soil tabs
The Site tab
DO NOT change any settings on this tab.
The Trees tab
DO NOT change any settings on this tab. [The species on this tab must match the Tree Species on the Data Builder tab].
The Soil tab
DO NOT change any settings on this tab.
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The Initial Conditions tab The Initial Conditions tab will look like this:
Steps required:
1) Under Forest, click the button labelled Trees.
2) The species you selected at the Data Builder tab will be showing in the drop-down box under
Species (see below).
3) Under Existence ensure that the box (‘The forest has trees growing in it at the start of the
simulation’) is un-checked (see below).
The Trees window must have the Existence box un-checked:
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4) Click OK.
5) In the Initial Conditions tab, click the button labelled Debris.
6) Change all the default settings for each debris pool to zero (see below). You may press Tab to
move between cells.
7) Once all settings are set to zero Click OK.
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The Debris window must look like this, with all values set to ‘0’:
8) DO NOT change any other settings on this tab.
Now navigate to the ‘Events’ tab using the mouse or Page Down.
The Events Tab
4.11.1 Permitted Events Events must be modelled for both the baseline and project scenarios. All events that are permitted
in the methodology for the baseline scenario are listed in Table 1 below. All events that are
permitted in the methodology for the project scenario are listed in Table 2 below.
Baseline Scenario
The baseline scenario has three events that must be modelled:
Regeneration event: The first regeneration event is modelled in accordance with section 35
of the Determination. Other projected regeneration events occur at intervals determined in
accordance with section 36 of the Determination.
Projected clearing event: The date of the first baseline clearing event is determined in
accordance with section 27 of the Determination. Other projected clearing events occur at
intervals determined in accordance with section 36 of the Determination. A clearing event
must be modelled to occur in each year a projected clearing event occurs, on 1 January of
that year.
Projected windrow and burn fire event: Events must be added to the baseline scenario in
accordance with section 36 of the Determination for each windrow and burn fire event in
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the baseline scenario. Windrow and burns are modelled to occur one year after each
projected clearing event, on 1 January.
All settings shown in Table 1 must be used for modelling the baseline scenario.
Table 1: Modelled events permitted in the baseline scenario
Management Activity FullCAM Event Type
FullCAM Standard Event
FullCAM Parameter values
Regeneration event
Plant trees Plant trees: natural regeneration
Use Default – select ‘Insert standard values’
Projected clearing event
Thin Initial clearing: No product recovery
Use Default – select ‘Insert standard values’
Ensure that the box next to ‘Affected portion’ contains the value ‘100’ to indicate a clearing event.
Remainder of parameters–use default
Projected windrow and burn fire event.
Forest fire Site prep: Windrow and burn
Use Default
Project Scenario
The project scenario has four types of events that must be modelled when they occur:
A thinning event (including non-fire disturbance events): Thinning events are used to model
thinning for ecological purposes as well as non-fire disturbance events. Ecological thinning
events must be added for each separate event that occurs in a CEA during the modelling
period in accordance with section 39 of the Determination. While non-fire disturbance
events must be added to the project scenario in accordance with section 41 of the
Determination.
Wildfire – trees not killed: Events must be added in accordance with section 40 of the
Determination for each fire in which trees are not killed that occurs in a CEA during the
modelling period. For each modelled Wildfire – trees not killed event, the modelled date is
that determined in accordance with section 40 of the Determination.
Wildfire – trees killed: Events must be added in accordance with section 40 of the
Determination for each fire in which trees are killed that occurs in a CEA during the
modelling period. For each modelled Wildfire – trees killed event, the modelled date is that
determined in accordance with section 40 of the Determination.
Regeneration event: The first regeneration event is modelled in accordance with section 38
of the Determination. In accordance with section 42 of the Determination, project
proponents can add a regeneration event following a natural disturbance that kills all the
trees in a CEA. The modelling date of this event is determined in accordance with section 42
of the Determination.
All settings shown in Table 2 must be used for modelling the events in the project scenario. Wildfires
must be included in the project scenario as they occur.
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Table 2: Modelled events permitted in the project scenario
Management Activity FullCAM Event Type
FullCAM Standard Event
FullCAM Parameter values
A thinning event (including non-fire disturbance events)
Thin Initial clearing: No product recovery
Tick the Enable biomass based age adjustments box.
Enter the percentage of the trees that were killed in the thinning under ‘Affected Portion’.
Remainder of parameters–use default
Wildfire – trees not killed
Forest fire Wildfire – trees not killed
Tick the Enable biomass based age adjustments box.
Enter the percentage of the CEA affected by fire under Affected Portion
Remainder of parameters–use default.
Wildfire – trees killed
Forest fire Wildfire – trees killed
Tick the Enable biomass based age adjustments box.
Enter the percentage of trees affected by fire under Affected Portion
Remainder of parameters–use default.
Regeneration
Plant trees Plant trees: natural regeneration
Use Default – select ‘Insert standard values’
4.11.2 Adding a New Event 1. To add a new event, click on the New button on the Event Editing panel.
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This will produce the following pop-up that needs to be completed.
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2. There are six event Types, of which only a selection are permitted under the Determination. For
each event to be added, select the appropriate Event Type as indicated in Table 1 (baseline
scenario) or Table 2 (project scenario).
3. For each event, insert the calendar date for the event in the box to the right of the Calendar
date drop down menu. This must be in the format of 1 Jan 2015 or 1 1 2015.
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4. For each event added select Insert Standard Values (see below).
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5. A pop-up window will open that allows you to Select A Standard Event. Tables 1 and 2 define
which event Type and which Standard event must be selected for each management activity.
You must use default settings for the standard events unless defined otherwise in Tables 1 or 2.
One exception is for wildfire, whether for trees killed or trees not killed: you must enter the
affected portion of the CEA as a percentage. An example of the Select A Standard Event menu is
shown here:
6. After you have selected the appropriate Standard Event, a pop-up window will ask if you would
like to also insert the name of the standard event. Click ‘Yes’.
7. Click ‘OK’. The new event will appear in the event queue
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4.11.3 Cloning Events All events to be included in the baseline scenario can be cloned to cover the 100 year modelling
period. The following steps are required:
1) Determine the time interval between the projected events in accordance with section 36 of the
Determination.
2) Ensure that all the events forming a single cycle for the baseline scenario – regeneration,
clearing, and windrow and fire – have been added. By default, FullCAM will create a new regime
for each event added.
3) Highlight each of the existing regimes in the left hand column by holding ctrl on the keyboard
and clicking on each regime.
4) Select the ‘Edit’ button under the Regime Editing header.
5) In the name field type ‘baseline’, then click ‘ok’. This will combine all existing events under one
regime.
6) Press the ‘Clone’ button under the Regime Editing header.
7) For ‘calendar years’, enter the intervals between projected events as determined under 36 of
the Determination.
8) For ‘Number of times’, which changes the number of times the events are cloned , enter a value
high enough to cover the remainder of the hundred year modelling period. For example, if
there is 85 years remaining in the modelling period beyond the end of the events already
added, and the baseline sequence of events to be cloned covers 15 years, you will need to clone
the events at least 6 times (6 x 15 = 90).
9) Click ‘OK’.
10) Any events that are scheduled beyond the 100 year baseline modelling period will be
highlighted in grey and can be ignored or deleted (they will not affect the modelling period as
the fall outside the simulated dates).
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Now navigate to the next tab Output Windows using the mouse or Page Down.
The Output Windows Tab Steps required:
1) Double click on Output1 listed in the Output Windows.
2) Click on the Select which Outputs to Show icon at the top of the output window (see below):
Notes: The outputs are organized into folders and sub folders, just like files are organized into folders in Windows Explorer. Click the drop-down arrow next to a folder to expand and collapse the folders. A single click on the icon or name of a folder selects or deselects everything within the folder.
Selected outputs have a red tick on their icon, and a grey tick on the folder(s) where they are located. (See Image below).
A red tick on a folder indicates that all outputs within that folder and its subfolders are selected.
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Steps required (continued):
3) Deselect all the pools (by simply clicking on the top-level folders that show a tick, to remove the
tick).
4) Use the drop down arrows and navigate through the folders to select:
a. the following tree carbon pool: Carbon / Forest / Plants / C mass of trees. b. the following debris carbon pool: Carbon / Forest / Debris / C mass of forest debris. c. the following non CO2 emission: Whole / Emissions / CH4 emitted due to fire d. the following non CO2 emission: Nitrogen / Whole / Emissions / N2O emitted due to
fire. 5) Note: only the four pools listed above must be selected. The bottom section of the screen
shows how many outputs are selected (see below)
6) Click ‘OK’.
The below image shows the expanded view for the following two outputs:
the following non CO2 emission: Whole / Emissions / CH4 emitted due to fire
the following tree carbon pool: Carbon / Forest / Plants / C mass of trees.
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The below image shows the expanded view for the following two outputs:
the following debris carbon pool: Carbon / Forest / Debris / C mass of forest debris.
the following non CO2 emission: Nitrogen / Whole / Emissions / N2O emitted due to fire.
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Running simulations Step required:
2. To run the simulation, press the icon in the top menu bar:
Viewing outputs Outputs can be viewed as a graph or a table by clicking one of the icons at the top left of the Output window.
Transferring outputs into a spread sheet Steps required:
To transfer data into a Microsoft Excel or equivalent spreadsheet for analysis: 5. If you are using Microsoft Excel, then click on the Save to File button (see screenshot) and save
as an Excel file, then skip steps 2 to 5. Alternatively, follow steps 2-5 below to transfer the data to a spreadsheet.
6. Click on the table icon in the output window to view the simulation output as a table.
7. Select all the output data by clicking on the icon (circled) in the top of the Output window.
8. On the highlighted data, right click and select ‘Copy’. 9. Open Microsoft Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet), and ‘Paste’ the data copied from FullCAM
into the spreadsheet with the top left hand corner in cell A1. The data in the spreadsheet can now be used to complete the calculations set out in the Determination.
5. FullCAM Simulations and Offsets Reporting
Project proponents must calculate the project net abatement by completing the equations in Part 4
of the Determination. The net abatement amount is calculated by comparing the baseline and
project scenarios. The calculations are made in relation to the carbon stock in each CEA in the last
month of the reporting period. Parameters generated in FullCAM and used in Equations in the
Determination are given below in Table 3.
Note that for some of the equations the average or sum of the FullCAM output over the simulation
period will be required, whereas for others the value of the FullCAM output at the end of the
simulation period will be used. Refer to the equations within the Determination to determine which
value to use. Averages or sums can be calculated using the average and sum functions within your
spreadsheet software.
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Table 3: FullCAM outputs and Corresponding Parameters as defined in the Determination
FullCAM Output Scenario Parameter Equation
C mass of trees Baseline 𝐶𝐵𝑇,𝑖,𝑘 1
C mass of debris Baseline 𝐶𝐵𝐷,𝑖,𝑘 1
C mass of trees Project 𝐶𝑇,𝑖 2
C mass of debris Project 𝐶𝐷,𝑖 2
CH4 emitted due to fire
Project 𝐸𝐶𝐻4,𝑖 6
N2O emitted due to fire
Project 𝐸𝑁2𝑂,𝑖 7