Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that help the global environment and the people who live here.
RuMeth International is the leader in the formulation of the Ruminant Methane Efficiency methodology and assessment protocol. RuMeth International´s focus is on developing Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that generate Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits through the introduction of improved feed supplements for ruminant livestock (cattle and buffalo) to enhance production and reduce the emissions of ruminant methane. The amount of CER credits generated from these projects can be quite significant, as are the developmental benefits.
Mr. Richard L. Bowman, the Founder and President of RuMeth International, led the team that pioneered the formulation of the Ruminant Methane Efficiency methodology and assessment protocol for developing countries. Starting in 1991, under contract with the U.S. EPA’s Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division, they undertook a series of feasibility assessments of ruminant methane mitigation potential in various lesser developed countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These studies simultaneously explored avenues for technology introduction as well as the potential to effect significant reductions in methane emissions.
The work undertaken by Mr. Bowman soon began to attract attention, not only from government officials and climate change researchers but also from corporations interested in potential carbon offset projects. In particular, the first study completed by the team, covering the state of Gujarat in India, drew the attention of AES Corporation, a large carbon emitter in the U.S. This company, along with TransAlta Utilities of Canada, financed the development of a pilot carbon offset project in India called the India Dairy Project. This was the world’s first ruminant methane mitigation project funded for the purpose of carbon offset crediting. A second mitigation project followed, this time in Uganda, using the methodology and assessment protocol developed by Mr. Bowman, as well as the technological focus of strategic supplementation to effect methane reduction.
As a result of this experience, RuMeth International’s main areas of technical expertise are two fold: 1) its Ruminant Methane Efficiency methodology and 2) its proprietary feed supplement technology for ruminant livestock in developing countries. While implementing the India and Uganda projects, Mr. Bowman oversaw the creation of a unique type of feed supplement, especially suited to developing country conditions. He personally designed the technology components for producing this feed supplement and standardized its production procedure. Through this proprietary knowledge base, RuMeth International is able to produce significant developmental benefits as well as carbon offsets. The company sees great potential for its business model throughout the developing countries of the world and intends to greatly expand its operations.