Carbon & Climate

The world's most widely used voluntary carbon crediting program. VCS certifies projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, issuing Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) traded in global carbon markets. Covers REDD+, renewable energy, cookstoves, and nature-based solutions.

Founded by WWF, Gold Standard certifies climate and development projects that deliver verified carbon reductions alongside measurable contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recognized as the premium benchmark in voluntary carbon markets.

A UN-backed mechanism under the Paris Agreement (formerly Kyoto Protocol) allowing emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits. CDM supports technology transfer and sustainable development in host countries.

The international standard for GHG inventories, project-level quantification, and verification. ISO 14064 provides a framework for organizations to measure, report, and independently verify their carbon footprint across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Specifies principles and requirements for quantifying the carbon footprint of products (CFP), covering the full life cycle from raw materials to end-of-life. Essential for product-level carbon labeling and supply chain decarbonization strategies.

A partnership between CDP, UNGC, WRI, and WWF that validates corporate emission reduction targets aligned with Paris Agreement goals. SBTi certification demonstrates a company's commitment to net-zero and science-based decarbonization pathways.

The world's first standard focused exclusively on engineered carbon removal. Puro.earth certifies biochar, enhanced weathering, bio-based construction, and direct air capture projects, issuing CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) for high-integrity carbon removal.

Developed by Verra, the CCB Standards evaluate land-based carbon projects for their net positive impacts on climate, local communities, and biodiversity. Often stacked with VCS to demonstrate co-benefits and attract premium pricing in carbon markets.