Carbon Told Us. We Listened.
For 3.5 billion years, carbon has followed the octet rule.
The Octagem Framework applies this fundamental principle to carbon accounting.
Why Eight? Three Independent Proofs
The number isn't chosen — it's derived from first principles
Three binary questions classify any carbon credit:
2 × 2 × 2 = 8 credit types
Complete classification. No gaps. No redundancy.
Carbon achieves stability through the octet rule:
Carbon: Atomic number 6
Valence electrons: 4
Seeks: 8 electrons for stability
8 electrons = Stable carbon
This principle created all life on Earth
The framework mirrors the element it measures
8 vertices create a perfect octagem with 45° symmetry:
- ✓ Instantly readable on radar charts
- ✓ Size = overall quality
- ✓ Shape = specific strengths
Perfect symmetry
Glanceable assessment
Not Designed. Discovered.
Logic derives it. Chemistry confirms it. Geometry reveals it.
The Binary Tree: 2³ = 8 Complete Classification
Any carbon credit must answer these three fundamental binary questions. The result is exactly 8 credit types (classification). We then evaluate each type across 8 points: the 3 classification dimensions + 5 quality dimensions.
The Elegant Structure:
- 2³ = 8 Types (classification via three binary questions)
- 8 Evaluation Points = 3 classification points + 5 quality points
- Result: Mathematical necessity, not arbitrary design
3 Classification Points
The three binary questions become evaluation dimensions:
- 1. Methodology (Remove vs Avoid)
- 2. Measurability (Measured vs Modeled)
- 3. Stability (Permanent vs Temporary)
5 Quality Points
Market quality dimensions (minimum complete set):
- 4. Reliability (Verification quality)
- 5. Traceability (Registry tracking)
- 6. Social Impact (Equity/justice - 1.5× weighted)
- 7. Viability (Economic sustainability)
- 8. Net Efficiency (Lifecycle carbon accounting)
Example Credit Types (from 2³ classification)
- • Remove + Measured + Permanent = Biochar
- • Remove + Measured + Temporary = Forestry
- • Avoid + Measured + Permanent = Nuclear
- • Avoid + Modeled + Temporary = REDD+
The Octet Rule: Carbon's Own Standard
6 protons, 6 electrons
4 valence electrons in outer shell
Seeks 8 electrons for stability
Achieves through covalent bonding
This principle created all organic chemistry
8 quality dimensions
Comprehensive evaluation framework
Seeks 8 points for integrity
Achieves through verified metrics
This principle creates market integrity
Incomplete = Unstable
Incomplete electron shell → Reactive, unstable carbon
Incomplete octagem → Reactive, unstable credit
Complete = Stable
Complete octet → Stable carbon bonds
Complete octagem → Stable, verified credit
Binary Structure + Continuous Scoring
Classification: 2³ = 8 types
"What type is it?"
Discrete & Complete
Evaluation: 0-85 scale
"How good is it?"
Continuous & Nuanced
The 85-Point Formula
Not forced to 100. Honest about what we measure.
The Science is Sound. The Framework is Ready.
Explore how these principles translate into actionable carbon credit assessment