LoCI System at Yolo Landfill certified with most carbon-negative rating

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a new pathway for the Yolo County Central Landfill (YCCL), rating the YCCL a provisional carbon intensity score of –101 gCO₂e/MJ and qualifying the landfill for credits under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Tier 2. This rating certifies the YCCL as the most carbon-negative landfill gas project to date.

According to Sacramento-based LoCI Controls, 20 percent of California’s methane emissions can be attributed to landfills. On average, landfill electricity projects report carbon intensity scores ranging from 40-50 gCO₂e/MJ, LoCI says.

In 2023, the YCCL installed a first-of-its kind LoCI Controls automated data and control system, providing real-time information and aiming to increase methane capture while simultaneously reducing emissions. A negative score is indicative of a project removing greater amounts of greenhouse gases than it emits, and Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits gain value as carbon intensity scores become more negative, LoCI says.

CARB staff confirmed additional methane capture from YCCL’s automated controls data, with certification of YCCL’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard validated independently by TÜV SÜD America.

“We’re honored that CARB has recognized our work with this approval,” LoCI Controls CEO Peter Quigley says. “It’s proof that being a sustainable landfill doesn’t mean sacrificing revenue; it means creating it. Operators and developers now have a true win-win with stronger project economics and measurable environmental benefits.” 

LoCI says this has the potential to scale across nearly one in three landfills statewide.  

"This milestone approval makes the business case for adopting advanced landfill tech even more compelling,” Energy Vision President Matt Tomich says. “With the right technology, landfills can become one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact strategies in mitigating methane emissions and advancing a low-carbon future."