Evaluating the carbon costs of UK blanket peatland restoration

Abstract

Peatland restoration is recognised as a key nature-based solution to the climate crisis. While post-restoration carbon benefits are widely emphasised, carbon emissions generated during restoration remain unquantified. Increasing reliance on private financing through mechanisms like the IUCN UK Peatland Code mean these emissions could significantly affect the quantification of Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) and Peatland Carbon Units (PCUs) for voluntary carbon markets. Using a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, this study evaluates the carbon costs of common UK blanket peatland restoration interventions, including rewetting and revegetation techniques. Results reveal substantial variability: interventions reliant on exotic materials and helicopter transport produced the highest emissions, with some emitting ~277 times more carbon than others. Case study analysis shows that intervention choice can delay net carbon benefits by up to ~8 years, challenging the adequacy of uniform “risk buffers” applied under the IUCN UK Peatland Code. Conversely, locally sourced materials and low-emission installation methods substantially reduce carbon costs and improve the robustness of carbon credit claims. These findings highlight the importance of integrating carbon cost considerations into restoration planning to increase investor confidence in voluntary carbon markets and strengthen the role of peatland restoration in achieving climate mitigation goals.