other-vcm 01 June 2026

Michigan State University secures USDA grant for biochar from storm debris

Michigan State University’s Forestry Department secured a $300,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding will establish regional biochar markets by converting woody biomass from severe ice storms in northern Michigan and the Upper Midwest. This initiative addresses the high volume of non-merchantable timber, aiming to mitigate wildfire risks and bolster agricultural resilience. The project will design an adaptable supply chain model, conduct economic impact assessments, and provide logger training and demonstrations. It seeks to create a replicable framework for disaster recovery and agricultural development, generating alternative revenue for landowners while improving soil health.

Primary: Biochar Today

corporate-deal 01 June 2026

Swedish university initiates research to standardise agricultural biochar use

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has initiated research to develop standardised guidelines for agricultural biochar applications. Led by docent Helene Larsson Jönsson, this programme aims to overcome challenges posed by biochar variability and high market prices, which hinder widespread adoption. The research proposes a dual-benefit funding solution, suggesting corporate entities finance biochar through carbon credits to cover costs for farmers. This model would enable carbon sequestration within circular agricultural systems, improve soil structure, and reduce synthetic fertiliser reliance.

Primary: Biochar Today

other-vcm 01 June 2026

InverBosques issues first removal credits from Colombian Brújula Verde project

InverBosques has issued its first verified carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from its Brújula Verde project in Colombia. The credits are described as 'high-integrity' removals. This issuance marks a supply milestone for the Colombian afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) project.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 01 June 2026

Verra opens public comment for 10 new carbon projects

Verra opened public comment periods for 10 new projects seeking registration in its standards programmes during the week of May 25. These projects, which include several REDD+ and agroforestry initiatives, will close their comment periods between June 25 and June 28. The public comment process ensures transparency and rigour, with all feedback published to the project record and requiring consideration by project proponents before Verra's own review.

Primary: Verra News

corporate-deal 01 June 2026

London Gatwick Airport invests ~$1.3 million in nature-based carbon removal

London Gatwick Airport has announced two new partnerships with Wildlife Trusts, involving an investment of approximately $1.3 million. This funding is allocated to support nature-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. The initiative represents a corporate investment into ecological restoration for carbon mitigation purposes.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 01 June 2026

IPAM programme explores carbon credits to scale forest protection in Brazil

The Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM) plans to expand its CONSERV programme, which pays Brazilian landowners to protect forests, by evaluating mechanisms that could include the sale of carbon credits. The pilot phase, which ran from 2020 to 2024 and had subsequent ongoing contracts, protected over 30,000 hectares of native vegetation in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes across Mato Grosso, Pará, and Maranhão. This initiative addresses the risk of legal deforestation on private land, where an estimated 9 million hectares in the Legal Amazon and 28-38 million hectares in the Cerrado could be cleared with permits. IPAM seeks to combine carbon credits, commodity price premiums, and cheaper credit to offer long-term financial incentives for landowners to preserve forests beyond legal minimums.

Primary: Mongabay

methodology 01 June 2026

UN body approves new methodology targeting powerful greenhouse gas

The UN body responsible for overseeing the Paris Agreement's carbon market has approved a new carbon credit methodology. This new methodology targets the reduction of a powerful greenhouse gas. The approval expands the range of eligible emission reduction activities under the Paris Agreement's crediting mechanism.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 01 June 2026

Carbon Herald explores nuclear energy's potential in carbon markets

A Carbon Herald article discusses the potential integration of nuclear energy into voluntary carbon markets. It explores mechanisms for nuclear power to contribute to emissions reductions by channelling capital through carbon pricing. This analysis suggests such inclusion could unlock clean energy development at scale.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 31 May 2026

Biochar market urged to distinguish carbon stability from soil benefits

Biochar markets must decouple long-term carbon stability from soil fertility benefits to ensure environmental credibility. High-temperature biochar, processed above seven hundred degrees Celsius, provides carbon sequestration for over one thousand years but lacks soil-enhancing surface features. Conversely, low-temperature biochar, processed between three hundred fifty and five hundred degrees Celsius, improves soil health but degrades faster. Current carbon trading systems and scientific literature frequently conflate these distinct properties, risking market misrepresentation, particularly as biochar credits account for the vast majority of global delivered carbon removals.

Primary: Biochar Today

other-vcm 31 May 2026

Coralia and Pyrocal trial invasive biomass to generate Puro.earth biochar credits

NoviqTech subsidiary Coralia has commenced a field and pyrolysis trial with Pyrocal in North Queensland, Australia, to convert invasive Chinese apple tree biomass into certified carbon dioxide removal assets. The initiative aims to transform the pest species into stable biochar, permanently locking captured carbon and addressing an ecological threat. This operational trial seeks to establish metrics for institutional carbon credit generation, aligning with Puro.earth methodology, with preliminary registry approval anticipated by September. High-quality biochar outputs are also designated for downstream application testing, including low-carbon concrete research and data centre infrastructure validation.

Primary: Biochar Today

policy-regulatory 31 May 2026

US SEC starts process to withdraw climate disclosure rules

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun the process of withdrawing a climate disclosure framework. This framework was initially adopted under the Biden administration. The move indicates a potential change to mandatory climate-related reporting requirements for publicly listed companies in the US.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 30 May 2026

Biochar boosts topsoil carbon by up to 39% but reduces subsoil storage

A 12-year field study by Kaiyue Song et al., published in the journal Biochar, found that long-term biochar application significantly increases microbial necromass carbon in topsoil. Specifically, topsoil accumulation rose by 23.3% in carbon-rich fields and 39.0% in carbon-poor fields, with effects peaking approximately a decade after initial application. Conversely, the research showed a notable drop in stable microbial carbon within subsoil layers, attributed to localised nutrient shortages. These depth-dependent findings suggest that carbon management plans for biochar projects must account for varying soil depths, which could impact carbon credit methodologies.

Primary: Biochar Today

other-vcm 29 May 2026

A Healthier Earth launches integrated CDR platform for data centres

A Healthier Earth (AHE), the climate tech R&D subsidiary of Pure Data Centres Group, launched what it described as 'the world’s first integrated CDR platform from the data centre sector' on 29 May 2026. This platform is designed to connect data centre operations with carbon dioxide removal solutions. The initiative represents an emerging approach for technology infrastructure firms to engage with the voluntary carbon market. It could expand both the supply and demand for CDR credits through sector-specific integration.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 28 May 2026

Brazil Congress passes bill restricting satellite use for deforestation enforcement

Brazil's Congress passed a bill on May 20 that would prohibit environmental agencies from using satellite imagery to restrict commercial activity on illegally deforested land, requiring on-ground confirmation instead. This measure could jeopardise approximately 70% of IBAMA's enforcement actions in the Brazilian Amazon, where 60% of the 3,520 land blocks issued between January and September 2025 were located. Critics, including Brazil’s environment ministry, warn the bill will significantly slow enforcement and expose federal environmental police to increased risks in remote areas. The bill will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.

Primary: Mongabay

integrity 28 May 2026

Bloomberg probe questions integrity of Chinese carbon credits bought by European firms

A Bloomberg investigation has raised concerns about the integrity of carbon credits from Chinese oil and gas projects purchased by European companies. The probe reported finding little evidence of operating emissions-capture systems at project sites, including in the Changqing and Shengli fields, despite official records showing substantial emissions reductions. This renews criticism of carbon credit systems, highlighting potential conflicts of interest between project developers and verifying organisations. The findings could increase pressure on regulators to tighten rules governing international carbon credit purchases, impacting European companies' climate commitments.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 28 May 2026

Carbon Direct, Microsoft, Stripe release guide for sustainable biomass sourcing

Carbon Direct, in collaboration with Microsoft, Stripe, and scientific experts, has published 'Sustainable Agricultural Biomass Sourcing for CDR: A Buyer’s Guide'. This guide offers one of the first globally applicable frameworks for sustainably sourcing agricultural residues as feedstock for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. It addresses a critical need for diligence, as biomass-based CDR pathways accounted for over 95% of high-durability removals contracted in 2025. The resource provides buyers and project developers with concrete guidelines for project reviews and integration into offtake agreements, covering principles like traceability and community protection.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 28 May 2026

Puro.earth launches audit calendar to accelerate CDR certificate issuance

Puro.earth has introduced its new Audit Booking Calendar, a tool designed to streamline the certification process for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) suppliers. Hosted within the MyPuro portal, the calendar enables suppliers to submit, manage, and track facility audit bookings, centralising scheduling and providing real-time status. This aims to reduce the time between CDR production and CO2 Removal Certificate (CORC) issuance, improving cash flow and planning certainty for suppliers. For buyers and investors, the calendar provides enhanced visibility into forthcoming CORC availability and issuance timelines, supporting Puro.earth's goal of a more efficient and predictable CDR market.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 28 May 2026

Vallourec and Syngular sign MoU for BECCS projects in Brazil

French tubular solutions company Vallourec and Brazilian engineering firm Syngular Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and broader CCUS projects in Brazil. The partnership will combine Syngular's expertise in geological storage and project development with Vallourec's industrial and technical capabilities. This collaboration aims to accelerate carbon capture deployment in Brazil, a country noted for its large ethanol industry and suitable geological formations for long-term CO2 storage.

Primary: Carbon Herald

article-6 28 May 2026

IETA advises India on strengthening its Article 6 framework

IETA released a position paper on 28 May 2026, outlining recommendations to strengthen India's Article 6 framework. The paper aims to support a credible, investment-friendly structure as India advances its domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and Paris Agreement targets. Key recommendations include accelerating bilateral Article 6 cooperation agreements, establishing clear governance, and expanding eligible activities to include nature-based solutions and removals. IETA stated that a clear, predictable framework is critical for India to realise its potential as a leading global supplier of high-integrity Article 6 credits and attract climate finance.

Primary: IETA

integrity 27 May 2026

Sierra Leone REDD+ project links carbon financing to biodiversity benefits

A study in Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest National Park found that its UN REDD+ financing programme also delivered significant biodiversity benefits. Compared to a neighbouring protected area without REDD+ funding, the Gola Rainforest National Park, protected in 2010 and covering 700 km2, showed higher soundscape saturation, a proxy for animal biodiversity. This research, published in Conservation Science and Practice, connects earlier findings of a 30% deforestation reduction by the Gola REDD+ project, established in 2012, to these ecological improvements. The findings suggest carbon financing programmes can protect both carbon and biodiversity, highlighting the value of cost-effective, on-the-ground monitoring.

Primary: Mongabay

corporate-deal 27 May 2026

City of Stockholm purchases 750,000 tonnes CDR from Stockholm Exergi

The City of Stockholm has purchased 750,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from Stockholm Exergi, with 50,000 tonnes to be delivered annually over 15 years. These removals will originate from Stockholm Exergi's new BECCS facility near Värtaverket, expected to be fully operational by 2028 and capable of capturing 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The captured CO2 will be transported by ship to Bergen, Norway, for permanent storage deep beneath the seabed. This agreement establishes Stockholm as the world's fifth largest buyer of permanent negative emissions, aligning with its goal to be climate positive by 2030.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 27 May 2026

EP Carbon launches Drawn Carbon platform for early-stage nature-based carbon projects

Minneapolis-based carbon project developer EP Carbon has launched Drawn Carbon, a new digital platform to support early-stage nature-based carbon projects. The platform is designed to help afforestation, reforestation, revegetation (ARR), and REDD+ projects demonstrate quality and attract investment before credit issuance. It digitises project design and integrates directly with independent carbon rating agencies BeZero Carbon, Calyx Global, and Sylvera. This allows developers to identify and mitigate integrity risks during the design phase, providing a clearer pathway from initial concept to crediting. The initiative addresses a market gap where projects often struggle to meet buyer expectations for quality or secure financing.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 27 May 2026

Ohio Senate passes CCS bill, tightening pore space pooling requirements

The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a revised version of Substitute House Bill 170 on May 20, establishing a regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The legislation authorises Class VI well injection and clarifies underground pore space ownership rights under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Key revisions include stricter 'forced pooling' rules, requiring developers to secure consent from at least 75% of owners and make three negotiation attempts. The bill also creates a host community fund financed by a 3-cent-per-ton fee on stored CO2 and reduces the state injection fee to 5 cents per metric ton. The legislation now returns to the House for consideration of the Senate's amendments, with industry groups urging swift reconciliation.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 27 May 2026

Sirona Technologies launches Furu DACCS project in Norway

Sirona Technologies officially launched Project Furu, a commercial direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS) facility, in Øygarden, Norway. Positioned next to the Northern Lights CO2 transport and storage facility, the project will utilise the CarbonLink infrastructure, co-developed by CCB Energy, for permanent CO2 sequestration below the North Sea. Sirona aims for Project Furu to be one of the first DACCS initiatives eligible for credits under the EU's CRCF framework, making its carbon credits immediately available to buyers. The company has submitted the project to the EU Innovation Fund and plans phased deployment, with Phase 1 having secured its site, permits, and power from Norway's 90% hydropower electricity mix.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 26 May 2026

Tivano issues first 1,000+ CORCs from Namibian biomass storage project

Zurich-based carbon removal company Tivano has issued over 1,000 CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) from its Dragonfly project in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. These are the company’s first CORCs and follow the Puro Standard Terrestrial Storage of Biomass methodology, designed for CO2 storage lasting at least 100 years. The project tackles bush encroachment in the region, restoring 120 hectares of land from invasive species. This initiative also created 15 new job positions, enhancing income opportunities for local farmers.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 25 May 2026

Verra opens public comment for ten new projects, closing by June 21

Verra initiated public comment periods for ten new projects during the week of May 18, with deadlines ranging from June 17 to June 21. These projects include multiple REDD+ initiatives, forest restoration in Ghana and Uganda, and industrial methane avoidance in Indonesia. Public feedback is invited to ensure the transparency and rigour of Verra's standards programmes, with comments published and considered by project proponents. Verra explicitly stated that project descriptions and associated documents have not yet been reviewed by the registry.

Primary: Verra News

methodology 22 May 2026

Nature study warns US forest carbon buffer pools undersized for climate risks

A study published in Nature on May 20 found that the buffer pool for the largest US forest carbon mitigation programme is dramatically undersized, by an average factor of 6.3, relative to climate-driven risks. Researchers determined the existing buffer could be 2.2 to 8.0 times too small, depending on assumptions about future climate scenarios. Buffer pools serve as insurance, compensating buyers if stored carbon is released through wildfire, drought, or insect damage. An undersized pool means carbon losses cannot be fully compensated, potentially compromising the genuine, durable climate benefits of sold credits. The study concluded that current methodologies used to size these buffer pools require fundamental revision to remain credible under future climate conditions.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 22 May 2026

Econetix and SmartestEnergy sign multi-million dollar CORSIA credit supply deal

Econetix, a Vienna-based carbon asset manager, signed a multi-million dollar forward supply agreement with SmartestEnergy, a Marubeni Group subsidiary, for CORSIA-eligible carbon credits. Under the deal, Econetix will supply credits from certified projects in Africa, including improved cookstove and solar lamp initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. SmartestEnergy will distribute these credits to aviation and corporate buyers via its global network. This agreement, Econetix's second major CORSIA supply deal recently, highlights increasing market demand and buyer selectivity as projects advance through Article 6 authorisation and CORSIA certification ahead of compliance deadlines.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 22 May 2026

Supercritical secures 10,000 tonnes of Varaha distributed biochar credits for 2026

Supercritical has signed an exclusive contract with Varaha to bring 10,000 tonnes of "distributed biochar" carbon removal credits to market in 2026. These credits, certified under Isometric’s Distributed Biochar Module v1.1, introduce a new formalised commercial asset class for corporate buyers. Varaha generates the credits in India by processing agricultural residues and *Prosopis juliflora*, providing direct revenue to farming communities. Supercritical will serve as the sole market route for this decentralised inventory, building on a supply development strategy that includes a 500,000-tonne agreement with Exomad Green.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 22 May 2026

Lufthansa signs multi-year carbon removal deal with Senken for diversified portfolio

Lufthansa, Europe's largest airline group, has signed a multi-year offtake agreement with Senken for a portfolio of tech- and nature-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits. This deal expands Lufthansa's climate protection portfolio, dedicating 20% to permanent CO2 removal and shifting away from avoidance credits, with direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) identified as a strategic priority. Senken curated projects from Deep Sky (direct air capture), Exomad Green (industrial biochar), and Klim (regenerative agriculture), covering three methodologies across three continents. The project selection used Senken's proprietary 600-data-point Sustainability Integrity Index, in line with Oxford Principles recommendations for balanced permanence and co-benefits. Lufthansa also published its full project portfolio transparently, setting a precedent for European aviation groups.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 22 May 2026

EFM, Mast Reforestation, Anew Climate issue 575,861 credits from Oregon project

EFM Investments & Advisory (EFM), Mast Reforestation, and Anew Climate have issued 575,861 verified carbon removal credits from the Henry Creek Reforestation Project in Clackamas County, Oregon. This 891-acre initiative restores land devastated by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire and applied the Climate Action Reserve’s (CAR) Climate Forward Reforestation Methodology (v.2.0). It is among the first projects to issue credits under this updated CAR methodology and the first to achieve a perpetual conservation easement. The project also marked the first use of Mast’s proprietary drone-based enhanced seeding technology. Early buyers, including Shopify and the Arbor Day Foundation, have already received credits, with a portion remaining available through Anew.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 21 May 2026 · 4 sources

Carbon180 launches CORE Framework for responsible carbon removal

Carbon180 launched its Community-Informed, Open Access, Reviewed, and Evaluated (CORE) Carbon Removal Framework in April 2026, establishing principles for responsible carbon removal. The framework outlines principles such as justice, equity, transparency, accountability, and net negativity, aiming to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of carbon removal 'interventions', encompassing both site-specific 'projects' and regional 'programs'. Accompanied by a Resource Hub and hypothetical scenarios, CORE translates these principles into practical guidance for implementers, regulators, funders, purchasers, and communities. For early-stage research or pilot activities, the framework suggests treating its principles as design questions to ensure future accountability and transparency, rather than as immediate outcome requirements.

Primary: Carbon 180

Also covered by: Carbon 180, Carbon 180, Carbon 180

policy-regulatory 21 May 2026

Louisiana lawmakers block parish-level bans on carbon capture projects

Louisiana's House Natural Resources and Environment Committee has rejected bills that would have allowed Allen, Beauregard, Rapides, St. Helena, and Vernon parishes to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. The decision maintains state-level regulatory oversight for CCS development, rather than decentralising control to local jurisdictions. Proponents of the bills argued for greater local authority over industrial projects due to environmental and community concerns. However, industry representatives warned that a fragmented regulatory system could deter investment and weaken Louisiana's competitiveness in attracting energy and industrial projects.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 21 May 2026

Verra registers first food loss and waste project under VM0046 methodology

Verra has registered the first project under its VM0046 Methodology for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, located in the United States. The 'Brightly – Reducing Food Loss and Waste' project aims to divert approximately 167 million pounds of surplus food from landfills over its seven-year crediting period (2020–2027). This initiative is expected to generate ~115,118 tonnes of CO2e in emission reductions by preventing methane emissions. The VM0046 methodology quantifies these avoided emissions, enabling carbon market finance for food rescue operations.

Primary: Verra News

corporate-deal 21 May 2026 · 2 sources

Tencent, CATL join ARC coalition targeting 10 million tonnes by 2030

A new buyers’ coalition, Action for a Resilient Climate (ARC), launched in Singapore at the GenZero Climate Summit 2026, with founding members including Tencent, CATL, Mitsubishi Corporation, Vale, and Osaka Gas. The coalition targets collective purchases of at least 10 million metric tonnes of high-integrity carbon credits by 2030. Its aim is to aggregate corporate demand and unlock financing for early-stage climate projects, particularly in Asia, focusing on emissions reductions, removals, and nature restoration. The launch occurs as corporate appetite for offsets has weakened to its lowest level since 2020 amid greenwashing concerns. ARC will also partner with the Symbiosis Coalition, a buyers’ group backed by Google and Meta, to share due diligence and quality assessment practices.

Primary: Carbon Herald

Also covered by: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 21 May 2026

Microsoft signs BioCirc deal for 650,000 tonnes BECCS, clarifying buying pace

Microsoft signed a 7-year agreement with Danish green energy producer BioCirc to purchase up to 650,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The deal commits Microsoft to 100,000 carbon removal units annually, generated from BioCirc’s bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) platform in Denmark, with deliveries planned from the second half of 2026 through to 2032. This marks Microsoft's first major CDR procurement since reports last month suggested the company was pausing its carbon removal purchases, causing widespread concern across the sector. The agreement clarifies Microsoft's continued engagement in CDR, after earlier statements from its Chief Sustainability Officer suggested the programme's pace or volume might be adjusted.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 20 May 2026

US House committee proposes deep cuts to DOE carbon removal funding

The US House Appropriations Committee has passed its FY2027 Energy and Water Development bill, proposing significant funding cuts for Department of Energy (DOE) carbon management programmes. The bill allocates $700 million for the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Office (HGEO), a reduction from the $720 million for the former Fossil Energy and Carbon Management office in FY2026. Specific proposed cuts include a 67% reduction to Carbon Dioxide Removal funding to $15 million and a 30% cut to Carbon Utilisation at $35 million. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to reprogramme approximately $2.8 billion from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds. This includes $595 million from the Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (CIFIA) Programme, effectively eliminating it and jeopardising federal support for carbon transport and storage infrastructure.

Primary: Carbon 180

policy-regulatory 20 May 2026

Carbon Gap, Carbon Management Europe propose EU CDR buyers' club for investment

A new paper by Carbon Gap and Carbon Management Europe proposes an EU carbon dioxide removal (CDR) Buyers' Club to aggregate demand. The initiative aims to unlock private investment for European CDR projects, addressing the absence of credible purchasing commitments that hinder financing. Published ahead of the European Commission’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Days on May 20 and 21, 2026, the paper maps design options for the club. It suggests a CRCF Regulation-aligned structure, whose first methodologies entered into force this month, focusing on near-commercial EU and EEA projects. The Buyers' Club would provide revenue certainty for developers and investors by coordinating demand signals.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 20 May 2026

Mitchell Foundation consults on carbon capture storage EAC methodology

The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation has launched a 60-day public consultation on a proposed methodology for energy attribute certificates (EACs) linked to power generation projects equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Developed by The NorthBridge Group in October 2025, the framework aims to establish a market-based mechanism for certifying electricity generated using CCS. This initiative seeks to recognise and value lower-carbon electricity generation, potentially supporting wider market adoption of CCS technologies by leveraging existing energy certificate systems.

Primary: Carbon Herald

market-data 20 May 2026

CDR.fyi report shows Q1 2026 carbon removal contracts reach record 2.3 million tonnes

A CDR.fyi report shows durable carbon removal contracted 2.3 million tonnes in Q1 2026, marking its largest Q1 on record and a 560% increase from Q1 2025. Microsoft led the quarter, contracting 1 million tonnes, with biochar projects representing 93% of the volumes. Buyer concentration persisted, as Microsoft accounted for 43% of contracted volume, although intermediaries facilitated 74% of tonnes. Q1 2026 also recorded strong delivery and retirement volumes, with 145,000 tonnes delivered and over 100,000 tonnes retired, representing the second-highest quarter on record for both.

Primary: Carbon Herald

market-data 20 May 2026

Carbon Gap survey finds corporate carbon removal demand stalled

Carbon Gap's new market survey, published on 20 May 2026, indicates that corporate demand for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits is 'being parked'. The research, conducted with Carbon Business Council and Bellwether Research, involved 25 in-depth interviews with senior sustainability leaders from large companies across the UK, Germany, France, and the US. It found that despite net-zero commitments, many companies lack a formal CDR purchasing strategy. This observed lack of immediate demand poses a challenge for scaling high-quality CDR supply, which requires buyer commitment well before the end of the 2030s.

Primary: Carbon Gap

integrity 19 May 2026

Verified Carbon files patent for AI-driven carbon storage rating platform CarbonIQ

Texas-based carbon infrastructure company Verified Carbon has filed a US provisional patent for CarbonIQ, an AI-driven platform to verify and rate geologic carbon storage projects. The platform aims to assign projects standardised ratings from AAA to D, similar to financial credit ratings. This system seeks to automate due diligence, potentially reducing verification timelines from years to hours for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. Verified Carbon believes this approach will bring greater transparency and comparability, overcoming a key barrier to scaling CCS and transforming carbon storage into a more financeable asset class.

Primary: Carbon Herald

market-data 19 May 2026

Carbon Business Council research shows corporate CDR investment stalled by policy uncertainty

New research from the Carbon Business Council indicates that Fortune 1,000 corporates with net zero commitments are delaying significant investment in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) due to policy and reporting uncertainty. Based on 25 interviews with senior sustainability leaders, companies express concerns that purchased CDR credits might not be recognised under future frameworks like the EU's CSRD or due to US political volatility. Respondents cited mandatory purchasing requirements, even at low initial levels, and financial incentives such as tax relief, as effective ways to create a stable market signal. The study suggests that early policy clarity and demand signals are crucial for scaling CDR from an emerging market into an established climate solution.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 19 May 2026 · 2 sources

Carbon Gap paper proposes EU buyers’ club to boost CDR investment

Carbon Management Europe and Carbon Gap have published a discussion paper proposing an EU Carbon Removal Buyers’ Club. Released on the eve of the European Commission’s first CRCF Days on 20 May, the paper suggests a structured mechanism to aggregate demand. This initiative aims to unlock private investment for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in Europe. It seeks to address high financing costs and a lack of bankable revenue certainty for CDR projects, which often prevents them from reaching Final Investment Decision. The proposed club would accelerate a credible, EU-anchored CDR market to help achieve EU climate neutrality by 2050.

Primary: Carbon Gap

Also covered by: Carbon Gap

other-vcm 19 May 2026

RMI outlines three demand signals for scaling carbon removal

The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) released a new brief identifying three demand signals critical for scaling the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector. The report warns that over 80% of planned high-durability CDR capacity is at risk without further investment and offtake commitments. RMI outlined credit purchasing, demand for differentiated products with embedded CDR, and demand for processes where CDR is a by-product as key drivers. Cultivating these diverse demand streams is seen as essential to achieve the multi-gigaton CDR deployment required by 2050.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 19 May 2026

IEA report suggests transition credits could boost Southeast Asia coal exit

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report in May 2026 assessing how 'transition credits' could accelerate coal plant retirements in Southeast Asia. These credits are issued for verified emissions reductions from early coal plant retirement or grid intensity reductions. The IEA identifies carbon leakage, additionality, and a shortage of committed demand as central challenges to their effectiveness. Despite potential compliance market pricing between $14 and $45 per tonne of CO2e, the report recommends governments treat transition credits as a complementary revenue stream within broader financing packages.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 19 May 2026

Enhanced rock weathering faces scrutiny on quantification amidst growing market interest

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is evolving as an investable carbon removal pathway, with proponents estimating its potential to remove 2–4 gigatons of CO2 annually. Major buyers like Microsoft, Boeing, and Stripe are backing ERW projects. However, experts, including Yale's Professor Noah Planavsky, raise caution regarding uncertainties in quantification, MRV systems, and field-level impacts. A 2025 study further suggests that complex rock powder compositions may lead to overestimated carbon removal rates. The consensus calls for further research and a more nuanced understanding of ERW's limits and conditions for becoming a credible climate asset.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 18 May 2026

Varaha and SAF Bangladesh issue Bangladesh's first Verra agroforestry credits

Varaha ClimateAg and Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Bangladesh (SAF Bangladesh) have issued over 60,000 carbon credits under Verra's VCS Project 4456, marking the country's first agroforestry credits. These credits originate from 160 demonstration farms where smallholder farmers adopt high-density mango-based agroforestry systems on degraded land. The issuance is projected to channel hundreds of thousands of dollars in carbon revenue share to participating farmers in 2026, with further payments expected from additional vintage sales. This initiative, technically supported by 2030WRG (World Bank Group), establishes a scalable model for perennial crops and aligns with Bangladesh's national agricultural transformation priorities, with a target of 30,000 hectares.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 18 May 2026

Verra opens public comment for nine projects, including AWMS and forest restoration

Verra opened public comment periods during the week of May 11 for nine new projects seeking registration across its standards programmes. Comment periods for these projects, which include animal waste management systems, forest landscape restoration, plastic waste-to-packaging, and biogas initiatives, will close between June 10 and June 14. This process allows the public to provide feedback on whether projects meet Verra's programme requirements, ensuring transparency and rigour. Comments received are published to the project record on the Verra Registry and must be considered by the project proponent.

Primary: Verra News

other-vcm 18 May 2026

Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets publishes programme of work, governance terms

The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets has published its Programme of Work and Terms of Reference. The Programme of Work outlines the Coalition's aims for 2026 and beyond to reduce policy fragmentation and de-risk investment in high-integrity carbon credit markets. Its Terms of Reference establish a governance framework for how members, partners, and supporting organisations will collaborate to foster high-integrity corporate use of carbon credits to unlock finance for climate and development goals.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

policy-regulatory 15 May 2026

EU Commission proposes 10% Article 6 credit cap for CBAM deductions

The European Commission has proposed draft rules for its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) allowing importers to deduct Article 6.2 and 6.4 Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), capped at 10% of reported embedded emissions from facilities exporting goods into the EU. Published on May 13, the proposal is open for public consultation until June 10 and also permits full deduction of domestic carbon costs paid in third countries. This move marks a shift from earlier European Parliament positions that excluded international credits, with the Commission stating the cap preserves environmental credibility while aiming to promote Article 6 development. The draft rules clarify how carbon prices will reduce CBAM obligations, as the mechanism's definitive phase began in January 2026.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 15 May 2026

Frontier CO2-by-rail achieves Puro.earth listing, Wild Assets forward purchase

US infrastructure developer Frontier Infrastructure Holdings' CO2-by-rail platform successfully completed its preliminary assessment with Puro.earth, allowing its listing as a facility for global corporate carbon removal buyers. Environmental asset management firm Wild Assets concurrently exercised an option to forward-purchase carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from the project over the next four years. This progress positions Frontier among a small number of US-based bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) projects to reach this stage, particularly on a first submission. The rail-based CO2 transport strategy offers an alternative to pipeline networks, enhancing carbon market access and long-term revenue visibility for the project.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 15 May 2026

oneshot.earth partners Global Heat Reduction on superpollutant credit platform

Climate registry platform oneshot.earth has partnered with Global Heat Reduction to integrate four superpollutant reduction methodologies into its Open Carbon Protocol (OCP). The agreement will host methodologies for methane recovery from manure digestion and landfill gas, alongside emissions reductions from livestock and rice cultivation. These methodologies, currently under expert peer review, aim to offer a new accounting framework that incorporates radiative forcing and near-term warming effects, moving beyond conventional carbon dioxide-equivalent calculations. This collaboration responds to a growing focus on methane and other short-lived climate pollutants, which scientists identify as crucial for slowing near-term warming.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 15 May 2026

Frontier coalition approves Rainbow as carbon removal credit issuer

Frontier, the carbon removal purchasing coalition backed by Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify, and McKinsey Sustainability, has approved Rainbow as a credit issuer. This decision grants project developers within Frontier’s network access to Rainbow’s certification and credit verification system for eligible removal pathways. Frontier plans to spend at least $1 billion on permanent carbon removal by 2030, making this a significant endorsement in a market focused on credit credibility. Rainbow previously received eligibility approval under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles, further validating its approach.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 15 May 2026

Google details warming neutralisation approach combining CDR and superpollutant abatement

Google has published a new paper detailing an accounting approach that combines carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with superpollutant abatement for 'sustained warming neutralisation'. Titled 'Sustained Neutralization of the Warming Response to Emissions through a Portfolio of GHG Mitigation Strategies', the paper proposes translating the climate impacts of emissions and mitigation into a single metric: the continuous global mean surface temperature response. This method aims to ensure emissions are compensated across all time horizons, addressing both near-term and long-term warming. Randy Spock, Google's Head of Carbon Removal, explained that this approach helps organisations create mitigation portfolios to compensate for their emissions.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 14 May 2026

Verra launches FSC label for Verified Carbon Units from certified forests

Verra has launched a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label for Verified Carbon Units (VCUs). This label applies to credits generated by projects registered with Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Programme and located on FSC forest management (FM) certified lands. The collaboration aims to ensure VCUs from FSC FM-certified forests are transparently labelled, indicating conformity with both standards programmes. This initiative is intended to help forest managers in FSC-certified areas scale climate mitigation and sustainable development contributions through carbon credit generation, signalling robust safeguards to market stakeholders.

Primary: Verra News

registry-action 14 May 2026

Gold Standard selects Trovio to build next-generation registry platform

Gold Standard has partnered with climate technology firm Trovio to replace its existing Impact Registry with a new platform. Built on Trovio’s CorTenX platform, the upgraded system aims to improve interoperability across national registries, exchanges, and marketplaces. The new architecture features an API-first design and cryptographically verifiable infrastructure for tamper-resistant auditability and full chain-of-custody traceability. This move is intended to enhance transparency for market participants and project developers, with the new registry planned to launch in Q4 2026.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 14 May 2026

Verra names three data service providers for VM0047 ARR methodology

Verra has announced Sylvera, Kanop, and Chloris Geospatial as the initial three vetted data service providers (DSPs) for its VM0047 Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) methodology. These DSPs are approved to provide stocking index data, establishing performance benchmarks for projects. The initiative aims to streamline project registration and verification by offering efficient, standardised data generation using remote sensing. While projects can utilise these vetted providers, all project data will still undergo independent review by Verra and a validation/verification body. Versions 1.0 and 1.1 of VM0047 meet the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market's Core Carbon Principles.

Primary: Verra News

methodology 14 May 2026

Equitable Earth expands REDD+ risk mapping to 16 jurisdictions

Equitable Earth has expanded its jurisdictional REDD+ risk mapping framework to include Bolivia, Nigeria, Peru, and Tanzania, bringing its total global coverage to 16 jurisdictions. This expansion falls under the organisation's Terrestrial Forest Conservation Methodology (M002), which is designed to identify areas facing the highest risk of deforestation and forest degradation. The risk maps utilise advanced modelling tools to assess the likelihood of forest biomass loss across regions. These maps guide the allocation of project baselines under the M002 methodology for the 2024-2029 period. The aim is to direct climate finance to areas where forest protection can have the greatest impact, aligning with growing interest in jurisdictional approaches to enhance VCM integrity.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 14 May 2026

Cascade Climate launches Bedrock Initiative for enhanced rock weathering research

Cascade Climate has launched the Bedrock Initiative, a global coordinated research programme aimed at generating scientific evidence for scaling enhanced rock weathering (ERW). The initiative, which secured founding support from eight organisations including Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Frontier, and Google, seeks to produce the agronomic and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) evidence needed to integrate ERW into compliance carbon markets and government agricultural programmes. It will establish a network of field sites for standardised, multi-year measurements across diverse methods and soil profiles, with a particular interest in Global South locations. Bedrock also aims to lower monitoring costs through a 'Modeling Acceleration' effort, bringing together geochemical modelers. This foundational research addresses current scientific gaps, crucial for building trust among policymakers, markets, and farming communities to enable ERW growth.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 14 May 2026

Gold Standard to launch new Impact Registry with Trovio in Q4 2026

Gold Standard announced it will launch a new Impact Registry platform in Q4 2026, developed in partnership with climate technology company Trovio. The new registry will utilise Trovio's CorTenX platform, which provides secure, interoperable infrastructure for environmental markets globally. Trovio has experience delivering registry solutions for the Australian Government and the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism. Gold Standard confirmed that existing user accounts and credit holdings will be securely migrated without disruption.

Primary: Gold Standard

policy-regulatory 14 May 2026

Carbon Business Council publishes Latin America carbon removal investment roadmap

The Carbon Business Council (CBC), collaborating with regional industry leaders including BBVA and Mitsubishi Corporation do Brasil, published the Latin America Carbon Removal Investment Roadmap on 14 May 2026. This resource, developed over eight months by the Latin America Carbon Removal Working Group, aims to unlock capital and scale CO2 removal (CDR) in the region. Contributors reached a consensus that while many CDR approaches are scientifically viable, current capital structures, risk allocation, and policy tools hinder project finance at scale. The roadmap proposes concrete financial steps to address barriers to investment, focusing on Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 13 May 2026

Senken and Sylvera report finds transparency gaps in DAX40 carbon credit disclosures

A new report by Senken and Sylvera found significant transparency gaps in carbon credit disclosures among Germany's DAX40 companies for fiscal 2025. Of 39 firms reporting under the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), 21 disclosed purchasing 4.84 million metric tons of CO2e credits, yet none provided project-level identifiers. This meant 45% (2.17 million tons) of disclosed credits could not be linked to specific projects, and 57% of 90 assessed projects scored below Sylvera's BBB quality threshold. The findings highlight concerns over disclosure consistency under the CSRD and suggest current rules do not sufficiently ensure independent verification of corporate climate claims.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 13 May 2026

Carbonmark integrates Klima Protocol, adds 300,000 tonnes on Base blockchain

Carbonmark has integrated the Klima Protocol, adding over 300,000 tonnes of onchain carbon liquidity on the Base blockchain. The integration, announced on May 13, connects Carbonmark to credits held within Klima Protocol, an open-source market infrastructure. Klima Protocol aims to efficiently price and build liquidity for carbon credits onchain, utilising a pricing mechanism and a retirement aggregator. This initiative seeks to leverage blockchain technology for greater transparency and traceability in carbon credit transactions.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 13 May 2026

Green Finance Institute launches CDR Catalyst, secures £1m loan for UK biochar

The Green Finance Institute (GFI) has launched its Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Catalyst, facilitating a £1 million ($1.3 million) commercial loan from Oxbury Bank to UK biochar developer Restord. This deal, enabled by philanthropic derisking capital from Terraset and a forward carbon credit purchase, marks the first commercial loan for a UK biochar company. The financing will allow Cornwall-based Restord to remove approximately 2,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. GFI's CDR Catalyst aims to accelerate commercial-scale CDR adoption across the UK, a market that currently accounts for less than one percent of global carbon removal credits.

Primary: Carbon Herald

corporate-deal 13 May 2026

Cool Effect expands methane credit portfolio with Indian rice project

Nonprofit climate organisation Cool Effect has partnered with Mitti Labs to expand its voluntary carbon credit portfolio, focusing on rice methane reduction in India. This collaboration will implement Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation techniques with smallholder farmers across six Indian states. Mitti Labs plans to scale annual credit issuance to around 2 million tonnes by 2028 through this initiative. The move expands Cool Effect's 'superpollutant' strategy, which saw the organisation purchase over 3.3 million tonnes of such credits between 2024 and 2025, directing more than $36 million to project developers. Rice cultivation contributes approximately 12% of global methane emissions, with AWD capable of reducing these emissions by up to 50%.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 13 May 2026

ICVCM details Southeast Asia's high-integrity carbon market methodology challenges

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) identified significant challenges for project developers in Southeast Asia in aligning with high-integrity carbon market standards. Project developers in the region reported that existing CCP-Approved methodologies often do not adequately cover locally relevant project types, such as peatlands or improved forest management, or fully capture site-specific regulatory and land use contexts. In response, ICVCM is collaborating with regional stakeholders and encouraging carbon crediting programmes to develop and submit new nature-based and technology-based methodologies. Currently, sixteen CCP-Approved methodologies are applicable to Southeast Asia, while additional regionally relevant methodologies are under assessment.

Primary: ICVCM

corporate-deal 12 May 2026

IATA ACE, Xpansiv, Mercuria launch airline carbon credit financing programme

The IATA Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE), in partnership with Xpansiv and backed by commodities trader Mercuria, has launched a new financing mechanism for airlines. This programme allows airlines to secure CORSIA-eligible emissions units today, taking delivery into escrow, and defer payment until as late as December 2027. The structure aims to reduce cash-flow pressure and provide price certainty for carriers navigating volatile carbon markets and uneven credit supply. It is designed to support airline compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 12 May 2026

Verra launches consultation to expand VM0045 IFM methodology globally

Verra has launched a public consultation for a minor revision to its VM0045 Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodology, running from May 12 through June 15, 2026. The proposed update (v1.3) seeks to expand the methodology's applicability beyond the United States. This will be achieved by allowing the use of national forest inventories (NFIs) that meet established criteria. Previously, VM0045 v1.2 was limited to US projects due to its reliance on the U.S. Forest Inventory and Analysis dataset. Verra will submit version 1.3 of VM0045 to ICVCM for assessment; VM0045 v1.2 is currently approved as meeting the Core Carbon Principles.

Primary: Verra News

other-vcm 12 May 2026

Remove Carbon Today launches platform for individual carbon removal purchases

Finland-based startup Remove Carbon Today has launched a platform enabling individuals to purchase verified, ex-post carbon removal credits, with 35 tonnes of CO2 already removed by customers across seven countries. The platform, launched in late 2025, allows buyers to acquire carbon removals from one kilogram, providing proof of retirement in the Puro.earth registry within a month. Unlike many consumer climate offerings, Remove Carbon Today exclusively sells carbon removals that have already occurred and are designed for at least 100 years of storage, primarily from biochar projects.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 12 May 2026

Therm Solutions secures first Mexican HFC refrigerant carbon credits exceeding 82,000 tCO2e

Therm Solutions has secured the first carbon credit issuance in Mexico for the elimination of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants from commercial cold-storage systems. The American Carbon Registry (ACR) issued over 82,000 metric tons of CO2e credits under its Advanced Refrigeration Systems methodology. These credits cover three cold-chain facilities in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Villagrán. This initiative applies carbon finance to address HFCs, potent greenhouse gases, within Mexico's food supply chain, a nation classified as an Article 5 country under the Kigali Amendment. The issuance adds new supply to the voluntary carbon market, aiming to accelerate lower-emission refrigeration technology adoption where regulatory incentives remain limited.

Primary: Carbon Herald

article-6 12 May 2026

IETA launches Net Zero Hub in São Paulo to advance Article 6

IETA officially launched its Net Zero Hub in São Paulo on 7 May 2026 at an 'International Dialogue' event. The hub aims to foster collaboration, unlock investment, and mobilise financing for mitigation projects through carbon market activity, with a particular focus on Article 6 cooperative mechanisms. Discussions at the launch programme covered government approaches to Article 6 implementation, buyer and investor strategies, and insights into Brazil's developing project pipeline. The initiative brought together diverse stakeholders, including representatives from Brazil, Singapore, Sweden, the World Bank, Itaú, Mitsui, Equinor, and Rabobank, to address practical challenges and opportunities.

Primary: IETA

article-6 11 May 2026

Morocco and Norway sign Article 6 carbon market cooperation agreement

Morocco and Norway have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation on carbon markets and accelerate emissions reductions. The partnership, signed by Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali and Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, will focus on developing projects based on internationally transferable mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. This initiative aims to support renewable energy investments and joint climate projects, expanding the use of international carbon market mechanisms. A Generation-Based Incentive programme for clean energy production is also under consideration as part of the collaboration.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 11 May 2026

Supercritical secures funding to expand carbon removal supply development

Supercritical, a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) marketplace, has secured new funding led by Greencode Ventures to expand its CDR supply development efforts. The funds will support CDR project development and commercialisation, aiming to bring new supply online and bridge the gap between accelerating corporate demand and available high-quality projects. Supercritical has previously facilitated nearly 2 million tonnes of carbon removal, including a ten-year, one-million-tonne biochar offtake, representing the largest US biochar deal. Its scientific vetting protocol rejects 88% of assessed projects, ensuring high-quality portfolios for buyers.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 11 May 2026

Verra opens public comment for 16 diverse carbon projects

Verra opened public comment periods for 16 new carbon projects during the week of May 4, 2026, as part of its standard transparency programme. These projects, spanning methodologies from plastic waste recycling in Nigeria to regenerative agriculture in the USA and forest restoration in Indonesia, have closing dates for comments between May 30 and June 4. The organisation invites public feedback on whether projects meet its programme requirements, noting that comments will be published and must be addressed by project proponents. Verra emphasises that project descriptions and other documents have not yet undergone its official review process.

Primary: Verra News

other-vcm 11 May 2026

Occidental's Stratos DAC facility faces delay due to component issue

Occidental Petroleum announced a delay in its Stratos Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility during a recent quarterly earnings call. The world's largest planned DAC plant, initially expected online by late 2025, encountered an issue with non-process components after testing confirmed the underlying technology's performance. The project's cost has increased by $100 million to $1.2 billion. Occidental is now evaluating the repair timeline for the 500,000 metric tons per year capacity facility and expects to provide an update next quarter.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 11 May 2026

Carbon Herald column proposes financing AI data centre emissions with embedded credits

A Carbon Herald column proposes integrating investment-grade carbon credits directly into the project financing of new AI data centres. This structured product, dubbed a 'Carbon-Backed Megawatt Hour', aims to pair every megawatt hour of compute power with a BBB or higher-rated carbon credit. The proposal highlights that global data centre electricity demand is projected to reach 945 TWh by 2030, with a $500 billion US programme for data centre build-out announced in January 2025. It argues that this rapid expansion will rely on fossil fuels, creating long-term carbon liabilities that must be addressed at financial close, not later, ahead of increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 11 May 2026

ICVCM approves Global Carbon Council, denies ART TREES HFLD credits

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) approved the Global Carbon Council (GCC) 2.0 as a Core Carbon Principle (CCP)-eligible programme in its latest assessment decisions. Verra's VMR0017 v1.0 renewable energy and ACM0008 coal mine methane methodologies (versions 6-8) received conditional CCP approval, though approximately 6.44 million previously issued ACM0008 credits are unlikely to qualify. Isometric's Mangrove Restoration Protocol v1.0 gained outright CCP approval, with up to 2 million removal credits expected by 2030. However, ART TREES v2.0's High Forest Cover, Low Deforestation (HFLD) crediting level, which has 58.4 million issued credits, was denied approval and requires significant remedial action. These decisions build on the ICVCM's work since March 2024, having now assessed nine programmes and 65 methodologies, with an estimated 107 million credits cleared for the CCP label.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 10 May 2026 · 2 sources

ICVCM approves Verra, Isometric methodologies and GCC program eligibility

On 10 May 2026, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) announced its latest assessment decisions, approving several carbon crediting methodologies and deeming the Global Carbon Council (GCC) program CCP-Eligible. Verra’s VMR0017 Grid-Connected Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources and ACM0008 Abatement of methane from coal mines (Versions 6–8), alongside Isometric's Mangrove Restoration Protocol v1.0, received 'CCP-Approved (Conditional)' status. The GCC program gained 'CCP-Eligible' status for projects registered under GCC 2.0 and following its Standard on ICVCM Eligibility of Projects and Issuances v1.1 or later. Conversely, ART TREES v2.0 HFLD and Removals crediting levels were identified as requiring 'Remedial Actions' to their methodologies. ICVCM Chair Annette Nazareth stated these decisions reflect a commitment to 'increased methodological rigour' in the market.

Primary: ICVCM

Also covered by: Verra News

market-data 08 May 2026

CDR.fyi and OPIS report finds durable carbon removal pricing gap narrows

CDR.fyi and OPIS have released a report based on their second durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) pricing survey. The report found that the pricing gap between buyer willingness to pay and supplier expectations for durable CDR has narrowed slightly, from an average of $107 per tonne in 2025 to $98 per tonne this year. Buyers prioritise permanence exceeding 1,000 years, transparency, and proven track records, with premium paid for certified co-benefits. While prices are expected to decline across most durable CDR pathways, Biochar Carbon Removal and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) show stronger price resilience, with neither buyers nor suppliers expecting prices below $100 per tonne soon.

Primary: Carbon Herald

registry-action 08 May 2026 · 2 sources

Verra appoints three data firms for REDD baseline risk maps

Verra has appointed Agresta, Space Intelligence, and a consortium of TerraCarbon and Clark Center for Geospatial Analytics (CGA) under five-year, non-exclusive agreements to produce deforestation risk maps for project baselines. These maps, used for projects under Verra's VM0048 and VMD0055 methodologies, aim to accelerate the provision of open-access data and streamline project development. The firms will develop jurisdictional activity data, forest cover benchmark maps, and allocated deforestation risk maps for six initial jurisdictions assigned on a rolling basis. Agresta will map Argentina and Equateur Province in the DRC; Space Intelligence will cover the Philippines and Mato Grosso State, Brazil; while TerraCarbon and CGA will handle Papua New Guinea and Pará State, Brazil. Both Verra and the data service providers will receive a share of the Project Activity Data Allocation (PADA) fee charged to developers.

Primary: Verra News

Also covered by: Carbon Herald

methodology 07 May 2026

ACR expands carbon capture and storage methodology eligibility for North America

American Carbon Registry (ACR) released Version 2.0 of its carbon capture and storage methodology, expanding eligibility for projects across the United States and Canada. The updated framework now permits storing carbon dioxide in saline reservoirs and depleted oil and gas fields. It also extends credit qualification to biogenic carbon sources, direct air capture (DAC), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and biomass carbon removal and storage (BCRS) systems. This revision aligns monitoring and verification requirements with U.S. EPA Class VI geologic sequestration rules. The methodology retains provisions for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects while introducing expanded accounting for associated emissions.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 07 May 2026

Carbon Market Watch: EU carbon farming rules weaker than Paris standard

Analysis by Carbon Market Watch published on 07 May 2026 indicates that EU draft rules for certifying carbon sequestration and emissions reductions in farming fall short of the scientific demands outlined in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The organisation states that EU policymakers must significantly improve these methodologies before their formal adoption. This assessment suggests potential integrity issues for future EU carbon farming credits intended to meet Paris-aligned standards.

Primary: Carbon Market Watch

policy-regulatory 06 May 2026

EU banking sector calls for strict limits on carbon credit use

The European Banking Federation (EBF) has urged the European Commission to impose strict limits on the use of international carbon credits within the EU’s post-2030 climate framework. In its submission to the consultation on the bloc's 2040 climate goal, the EBF stated credits should only address residual emissions not eliminated through domestic efforts. The federation emphasised that emission reduction must always take priority and called for stringent quality criteria, ensuring only 'high-integrity standards' credits are eligible. This position reflects an industry desire to balance cost efficiency with environmental credibility, as the Commission prepares legislative proposals for the next phase of EU climate policy.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 06 May 2026

EU consultation reveals divisions on carbon credits for 2040 goals

The European Banking Federation (EBF) has urged the EU to strictly limit the use of international carbon credits in its post-2030 climate framework, including the 2040 climate goal. In response to the European Commission's consultation, the EBF stated credits should only address residual emissions and not displace domestic cuts. Climate think tank Carbon Gap similarly warned against over-reliance, advocating for binding national targets and capped flexibility mechanisms. Conversely, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) supported selective use of high-quality international credits, aligned with Article 6, to avoid fragmenting global markets. Carbon Gap also highlighted the need for at least 100 million tonnes of permanent carbon removals annually for the EU to meet a 90% domestic emissions-reduction target by 2040, requiring separate binding national targets for removals.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 06 May 2026

Verra opens consultation for enhanced forest sequestration methodology

Verra has opened a public consultation for its draft Methodology for Enhanced Forest Sequestration with Dynamic Baselines using Randomized Control Trials (M0274) within the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. The proposed methodology expands the scope of Verra’s Improved Forest Management portfolio to include active interventions that accelerate tree growth rates and increase tree survival, such as fungal inoculation or mixed-species planting. It introduces a co-located control area approach, analogous to experimental field trials, to serve as a direct baseline for measuring carbon benefits, aiming to enhance methodological integrity. This approach reduces reliance on modelled baselines and improves causal attribution of climate benefits. The consultation runs from May 6 through June 8, 2026, for a methodology developed by Funga and partners.

Primary: Verra News

methodology 06 May 2026

Gold Standard updates cookstove methodologies, introduces digital monitoring tool

Gold Standard published four updated clean cooking and thermal energy methodologies on 5 May, applicable to all credit vintages from 2026. These updates, along with a new digital monitoring tool, modernise carbon accounting across the cookstove sector. More than a third of Gold Standard's project portfolio now accesses Paris Agreement-aligned methodologies through these revisions. Key changes include downward adjustment factors for alignment, robust baseline-setting rules, and cradle-to-gate embodied emissions accounting. An optional D-SMART tool enables sensor-based, automated fuel tracking to improve accuracy and reduce monitoring burden.

Primary: Carbon Herald

integrity 06 May 2026

ICVCM consults on Core Carbon Principles rule architecture

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) launched a public consultation on 5 May 2026 for a proposed Core Carbon Principles (CCP) rule architecture. This framework aims to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the CCPs and the CCP Assessment Framework, addressing practical experience gained since their publication. The consultation, open until 7 June 2026, focuses on the architecture's structure, guiding principles, and the role of instruments like Interpretations and Technical Notices. This initiative seeks to strengthen integrity and provide stability for market participants. If approved, it would guide future regulatory instruments, with specific evolving rule base instruments developed from Q4 2026, without immediately altering existing CCP requirements.

Primary: ICVCM

policy-regulatory 06 May 2026

California Energy Commission opens $11 million funding for DAC projects

California's Energy Commission (CEC) has opened a funding round worth up to $11 million for two to four pre-commercial Direct Air Capture (DAC) demonstration projects. Individual awards will range from $2.5 million to $5.5 million, requiring applicants to provide at least 20% match funding and allocate 7% of CEC funds to community engagement. Projects must target a capture cost ceiling of $450 per metric ton of CO2, energy consumption below 1,400 kilowatt-hours per metric ton, and a net removal capacity of at least 500 metric tons of CO2 per year. This initiative underlines California's focus on scaling DAC with integrated social licensing requirements.

Primary: Carbon Herald

policy-regulatory 06 May 2026

Colorado and Wyoming sign cross-border CO2 storage permitting agreement

Colorado and Wyoming have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate permitting for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage projects that may cross state borders. The agreement aims to streamline regulatory processes for projects located near the Colorado-Wyoming border, including those within one mile of the state line, while maintaining environmental and safety standards. It establishes a structured process for early notification and consultation between regulators to improve communication and reduce uncertainty for developers. This coordination supports the expansion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) activity and highlights the growing need for cross-jurisdictional approaches in carbon management.

Primary: Carbon Herald

other-vcm 05 May 2026

Prithu secures $1.1 million to scale smallholder carbon removal

India's climate technology company Prithu has closed a $1.1 million funding round, led by Transition VC, to expand its carbon removal platform for smallholder farmers. Founded in 2024, Prithu develops high-integrity carbon credits from regenerative agriculture practices like soil organic carbon enhancement and biochar application, verified by a proprietary digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system against international frameworks including Verra and Gold Standard. The capital will be used to onboard smallholder farmers in key Indian agricultural regions, strengthen blockchain-powered monitoring infrastructure, and secure long-term offtake agreements. Prithu aims to expand to 123,000 acres (500,000 hectares) of nature-based solution projects over the next 12 to 24 months, targeting 20 million tonnes of CO2e sequestration by 2030.

Primary: Carbon Herald

methodology 05 May 2026

Gold Standard updates clean cooking methodologies for Paris alignment

Gold Standard announced updates to four clean cooking and thermal energy methodologies on 5 May 2026. These revisions aim to enable a transition to carbon markets aligned with the Paris Agreement. The updates are designed to ensure projects using these methodologies can generate credits compatible with new international climate policies, including those potentially requiring corresponding adjustments. This move seeks to enhance the long-term integrity and market acceptance of voluntary carbon credits from clean cooking and thermal energy initiatives.

Primary: Gold Standard

registry-action 04 May 2026

Verra opens five projects for public comment until late May 2026

Verra opened five projects for public comment during the week of 27 April 2026, a standard process for transparency and rigour in its standards programmes. The projects include the PLUM Peat and Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project and the Ghana Plastic Waste Recycling Project. Public feedback on these projects, which closes between 24 and 30 May 2026, will be published to their records on the Verra Registry. Project proponents must consider these comments, which inform whether projects meet programme requirements prior to Verra's internal review.

Primary: Verra News

registry-action 01 May 2026

Verra publishes final deforestation risk maps for three more jurisdictions

Verra today released final unplanned deforestation allocated risk maps for Colombia, Cambodia, and the Mai Ndombe province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These maps are essential for project proponents to proceed with development and registration of new REDD projects under the VM0048 methodology and VMD0055 module. This brings the total number of jurisdictions with final risk maps to nine, including Peru and five Brazilian states. Verra also updated its timetable, anticipating final risk maps for Guatemala in Q3 2026 and provisional maps for Papua New Guinea in Q2/3 2026, alongside some Brazilian states by Q4 2026.

Primary: Verra News

integrity 29 April 2026

Report finds UN carbon market tool fails to protect communities

A joint report by Carbon Market Watch and the Land Matrix Initiative, published on 29 April 2026, found that a tool within the UN carbon market offers minimal protection to indigenous peoples and local communities. This mechanism, designed to promote and safeguard sustainable development, reportedly fails to prevent projects from infringing on their land or violating their human rights. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of social safeguards in UN-backed carbon projects.

Primary: Carbon Market Watch

registry-action 29 April 2026

Verra reinstates eight Chinese carbon projects after quality reviews

Verra has reinstated eight natural climate solutions (NCS) carbon projects in China, following the completion of quality control reviews (QCRs) initiated in December. These projects, covering afforestation, reforestation, and grassland management, were part of a broader review of 35 China-based NCS projects launched to verify valid government authorisation. Reinstatement occurred after validation/verification bodies (VVBs) confirmed local Chinese authorities had affirmed their authorisation for each project. The projects can now proceed with verification and request credit issuance on the Verra Registry.

Primary: Verra News

registry-action 29 April 2026

Verra releases 2025 VVB performance data for VCS and CCBS programmes

Verra has published performance data for validation/verification bodies (VVBs) based on project review requests closed in 2025. This release stems from Verra's VVB Performance Monitoring Programme (PMP), which aims to enhance transparency and support project developers in selecting auditors. The data covers VVB success rates across the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCBS) Programmes. Stakeholders can review these results by methodology or project category, with the initiative seeking to strengthen VVBs' overall auditing capacity and ensure project integrity.

Primary: Verra News

registry-action 27 April 2026

Verra opens public comment for 12 projects seeking programme registration

Verra has opened public comment periods for 12 projects seeking registration across its various standards programmes. The projects, which include REDD+, improved cookstoves, and waste-to-energy initiatives, saw their comment windows open during the week of April 20. This process ensures transparency and rigour, allowing public feedback on whether projects meet programme requirements. All comments received by Verra are published to the project record and must be considered by the respective project proponent. Public comment periods for these projects close between May 17 and May 24.

Primary: Verra News

methodology 23 April 2026

Verra publishes revised methodology for grid-connected renewable energy projects

Verra has published VMR0017 Grid-connected Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources, v1.0, a significant revision to the Clean Development Mechanism's ACM0002 methodology. The new methodology expands geographic eligibility for wind, geothermal, and terrestrial solar projects to countries classified as low, lower-middle, or upper-middle income by the World Bank. It also incorporates new provisions for battery energy storage system (BESS) fire suppression emissions and embodied emissions leakage, and replaces several CDM tools with corresponding VCS tools. From 1 January 2027, all new projects and project activity instances must apply VMR0017. ACM0002 and AMS-I.D. will be inactivated as standalone methodologies in the VCS Programme on the same date.

Primary: Verra News

policy-regulatory 23 April 2026

CVF-V20 nations detail carbon market developments and financing potential

Climate-vulnerable nations, convened by the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) and VCMI on 23 April, showcased progress in developing high-integrity carbon markets. Barbados's Sherpa, H.E. Elizabeth Thompson, stated that carbon finance could 'unlock an additional US$20 billion by 2030' for these countries. Bhutan launched a Carbon Market Information Platform, while Ghana outlined Article 6 projects, including 10 million carbon credits from its Forest Investment Program. The Philippines adopted a Voluntary Forest Carbon Market Roadmap and will host an ASEAN Carbon Market Forum in September 2026. These initiatives aim to build architecture to attract climate finance, with Malawi emphasising strong legislative foundations to ensure community benefits.

Primary: VCMI

methodology 22 April 2026

Verra publishes new coastal resilience asset methodology in SD VISta programme

Verra published a new 'Methodology for Coastal Resilience Benefits from Restoration and Protection of Mangroves and Tidal Marshes' on 22 April 2026 within its SD VISta programme. The methodology quantifies reduced damage to property at risk of flooding, in US dollars, due to coastal ecosystem restoration or protection projects. It generates tradable Coastal Resilience Assets, which cannot be used for offsetting purposes, and optional claims of People Resilience Benefits. This offers a standardised pathway for developers to measure flood risk reduction. The methodology provides buyers, such as insurance companies, a strategic investment opportunity to reduce climate hazard exposure and can be implemented alongside existing blue carbon methodologies VM0007 and VM0033.

Primary: Verra News

methodology 22 April 2026

Gold Standard launches five methodology consultations, including first biochar standard

Gold Standard announced on 22 April 2026 the launch of five new methodologies for public consultation. The package includes the registry’s first dedicated standard for biochar carbon removal projects. This development marks an expansion of the carbon removal project types eligible for certification under Gold Standard.

Primary: Gold Standard

corporate-deal 14 April 2026

Microsoft reportedly pauses new carbon removal purchases amid shifting demand

Reports indicate Microsoft is pausing new carbon removal purchases, though the company has not publicly confirmed this. Over the past five years, Microsoft had played a significant role in creating early market demand and setting high procurement standards for dozens of nascent projects. This pause comes as demand shifts, with governments increasingly acting as direct buyers. The 2026 US federal spending law allocated roughly $116 million for carbon removal, including funding a federal purchasing programme at over $100 million, signalling a more durable market support.

Primary: Carbon 180

policy-regulatory 13 April 2026

VCMI analysis explores carbon markets financing climate-resilient agriculture in Latin America

VCMI published an analysis exploring how high-integrity carbon markets can finance climate-resilient agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Despite global climate finance for agrifood systems reaching USD 94.9 billion in 2021-2022, only 5% (USD 6 billion) went to LAC, where agriculture accounts for 55% of emissions. The region requires a 27x increase in funding to USD 160 billion annually through 2050 for climate-resilient agricultural transition. The analysis suggests carbon markets can bridge this gap, particularly as agriculture-based credit prices rose 18-20% in 2024. It concludes that government-led frameworks are crucial to transform fragmented credit generation into structured investment platforms.

Primary: VCMI

integrity 07 April 2026

ICVCM report deems transition credits credible, seeks tailored integrity guidance

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has published a report outlining integrity requirements for 'transition credits', categorising them as a credible but complex type of carbon credit. These credits, generated from the early retirement of fossil fuel power plants and their replacement with cleaner energy, require tailored guidance to ensure high environmental and social integrity. The report recommends developing a robust 'just transition' definition and clarifying methodologies for additionality, leakage, and renewable energy pairing. It also highlights the importance of host-country policy alignment and competent validation and verification bodies for these novel crediting approaches. The findings will inform future development of the CCP Assessment Framework but do not immediately affect ongoing assessments or endorse specific methodologies.

Primary: ICVCM

integrity 01 April 2026

ICVCM to evolve Core Carbon Principles Framework in 2026

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) plans to evolve its Core Carbon Principles (CCP) Assessment Framework in 2026, building on experience gained since its July 2023 publication. To date, nine carbon crediting programmes are CCP-Eligible, and 38 methodologies have been approved, enabling an estimated 108 million credits to be CCP-labelled, with 54 million unretired as of March 2026. Market analysis indicates rising buyer demand and price premiums for CCP-labelled credits. The ICVCM noted that 17 of the approved methodologies are new or updated versions, expecting rapid growth in the pipeline of CCP-eligible carbon credits. The organisation continues stakeholder engagement, including new work on digital monitoring, reporting and verification with the World Bank.

Primary: ICVCM

policy-regulatory 30 March 2026

VCMI and CCA launch guide for carbon market regulatory sandboxes

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) and the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) released a new guide, 'Regulatory Sandbox to Support Carbon Markets', on 30 March 2026 in Lagos. The guide, supported by FSD Africa, offers governments a framework to test and refine carbon market regulations and financial innovations within controlled sandbox environments. It addresses challenges like inconsistent credit quality and regulatory uncertainty, aiming to balance financial innovation with environmental integrity and investor protection. The tool supports the trialling of innovations such as carbon-credit linked bonds, blockchain carbon registries, and tokenised credits, particularly to unlock climate finance in emerging markets.

Primary: VCMI

registry-action 25 March 2026

Gold Standard, ATEC issue first digital cookstove credits on Hedera Guardian

Gold Standard and ATEC Global have issued the first fully digital cookstove carbon credits, publicly traceable on the Hedera Guardian platform. This issuance comprises 10,000 Gold Standard certified carbon credits from cookstove projects, issued on 25th March 2026. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and reduce transaction costs for high-integrity carbon credits. It represents a step towards Gold Standard's long-term goal of bringing all its certified credits on-chain.

Primary: Gold Standard

corporate-deal 24 March 2026

Gold Standard reports first large-scale CORSIA credit retirement by airline

A commercial airline completed the first large-scale CORSIA retirement of Gold Standard carbon credits. Gold Standard confirmed this milestone, noting its ongoing support for projects seeking CORSIA eligibility. The organisation recently published a step-by-step guide for Article 6 and CORSIA labelling, detailing how developers can receive these labels. Eligible credits, once labelled, are identifiable for buyers using relevant filters on the Gold Standard Impact Registry.

Primary: Gold Standard

methodology 24 March 2026

Gold Standard launches 'Just Transition' methodology for fossil fuel phase-out

Gold Standard, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), has launched the 'Just Transition' methodology for the voluntary carbon market. This new standard, announced on 24 March 2026, aims to provide carbon finance incentives for projects that phase out fossil fuel power generation. It focuses on ensuring social and economic benefits for affected communities during the energy transition. Described as the first of its kind, the methodology seeks to integrate social impacts into carbon credit programmes, which are often overlooked in conventional energy transition projects.

Primary: Gold Standard

integrity 17 March 2026

ICVCM report recommends VCM infrastructure and transparency improvements

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has published a new report recommending enhancements to voluntary carbon market infrastructure and systems. Emerging from its Continuous Improvement Work Program, the report calls for greater alignment around international standards, improved auditability, and harmonised data formats. It also advocates for better disclosure of fee structures, pricing, and transparent benefit-sharing arrangements, alongside more consistent risk and financial classification frameworks. These measures aim to address market fragmentation and inconsistency, fostering a more resilient, interoperable, and scalable market. The findings are expected to inform future refinements to the ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles (CCP) Assessment Framework.

Primary: ICVCM

other-vcm 15 March 2026

Carbonmark advises events industry on emissions reduction and offsetting residual emissions

Carbonmark has published guidance for the events industry on reducing its carbon footprint and utilising offsetting for residual emissions. The article, the second in a series, outlines strategies focusing on high-impact areas such as attendee travel, food and catering, and circular production. It recommends reducing 70-90% of emissions through measures including regional event hubs and rail-first travel policies. For unavoidable emissions, the platform advises organisations to adopt high-integrity carbon offsetting, moving beyond superficial sustainability efforts.

Primary: Carbonmark

integrity 06 March 2026

ICVCM launches digital MRV integrity work following stakeholder survey

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) launched a Continuous Improvement Work Program (CIWP) on digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (DMRV), co-facilitated with the World Bank. This follows a stakeholder survey identifying opportunities like improved accuracy and transparent audit trails, alongside risks such as data integrity issues and model bias. The survey highlighted calls for clearer roles, principles-based guidance, and maintaining human oversight. A CIWP working group will begin meeting in March 2026 to explore strengthening integrity in digital carbon markets, focusing on key areas including data quality and algorithmic governance.

Primary: ICVCM

integrity 05 March 2026

ICVCM approves Rainbow as CCP-Eligible, ninth programme to receive status

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has confirmed Rainbow (formerly Riverse) as the ninth carbon crediting programme to achieve CCP-Eligible status. This approval applies specifically to Rainbow Standard Rules v7 or later. CCP-Eligible programmes meet the Core Carbon Principles' (CCP) rigorous assessment framework for governance, tracking, transparency, and independent third-party validation and verification. This status now allows Rainbow's individual methodologies to undergo ICVCM assessment, enabling credits from CCP-Approved methodologies and v7 or later of its standard to receive the CCP-label. Rainbow, a French-headquartered programme with over 80 registered projects, had previously been considered partially consistent by CORSIA under an earlier standard version (v5).

Primary: ICVCM

integrity 04 March 2026

Carbon Market Watch questions CORSIA's climate effectiveness and credit reliance

Carbon Market Watch has issued a critique of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The organisation stated that CORSIA suffers from 'patchy enforcement, limited coverage, and heavy reliance on problematic offsetting with carbon credits'. It further argued that the scheme, even with potential penalties, does not effectively contribute to climate goals. This assessment adds to ongoing discussions regarding the efficacy and quality of carbon credit-based compliance mechanisms in the aviation sector.

Primary: Carbon Market Watch

integrity 26 February 2026 · 2 sources

Carbon Market Watch claims fossil fuel firms influence VCM rulebook

Carbon Market Watch released a report asserting that fossil fuel interests are influencing the voluntary carbon market's rulebook. The report claims some of the largest fossil fuel companies use their influence to impact decision-making bodies within the VCM. It also states these organisations invest substantially in a market with low-quality carbon credits.

Primary: Carbon Market Watch

Also covered by: Carbon Market Watch

integrity 26 February 2026

VCMI playbook outlines actions to strengthen African carbon market verification capacity

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) and GIZ, supported by regional alliances, released a playbook on 26 February outlining nine priority actions to develop Africa-based validation and verification bodies (VVBs). The report, 'Pathways for Strengthening Validation and Verification Body (VVB) Capacity in Africa', highlights that non-African auditors conduct over 90 per cent of verification activities, contributing to 10-50 per cent of carbon project delays and cost overruns. Despite Africa issuing 12.2 million carbon credits in 2024, the continent risks losing approximately USD $1 billion in economic benefits over five years without scaling local VVB capacity. Building this capacity is crucial for ensuring the integrity of African credits, retaining economic value within the continent, and meeting rising demand for high-integrity offsets, including for Article 6 mechanisms.

Primary: VCMI

integrity 18 February 2026

Integrity Council launches programme to refine carbon credit permanence requirements

The Integrity Council (ICVCM) launched its second Continuous Improvement Work Program (CIWP) on 18 February 2026, aimed at strengthening permanence requirements for voluntary carbon credits. This programme focuses on refining how reversal risk is assessed, mitigated, and how liability for reversals is distributed and compensated for. Building on recommendations from its May 2025 permanence report, the ICVCM seeks to standardise practices across the market, addressing current inconsistencies. Key areas of work include stress-testing buffer reserve pools, developing more standardised approaches to reversal risk assessment, and exploring extended long-term monitoring and liability mechanisms.

Primary: ICVCM

other-vcm 17 February 2026

Gold Standard highlights Sichuan biogas programme mitigating 725,000 tCO2e annually

The Gold Standard-certified Sichuan Household Biogas Programme, launched in 2010, benefits 400,000 households (1.2 million people) and mitigates approximately 725,000 tCO2e annually. The programme finances biogas digesters for low-income smallholders in rural Sichuan, replacing coal and firewood for cooking, heating, and lighting. Implemented by the Sichuan Rural Energy Office, this initiative aims to improve health, sanitation, and gender equality while creating 10,000 jobs. It contributes to six Sustainable Development Goals by enabling access to clean energy and reducing indoor air pollution.

Primary: Gold Standard

integrity 05 February 2026

ICVCM grants CCP approval to Isometric, Gold Standard, and ACR methodologies

On 5 February 2026, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) granted CCP approval to three methodologies from Isometric, Gold Standard, and ACR. Isometric's ISM Reforestation Protocol v1.1 received unconditional approval, with 20 projects registered and over 4 million annual credits expected by 2030. Gold Standard's Methodology for methane emission reduction in rice cultivation v1.0 received conditional approval; its 50,000 existing credits are ineligible, but 3.2 million projected credits could qualify if additionality and soil organic carbon loss risk conditions are met. ACR's IFM on Non-Federal US Forestlands v2.0 also received conditional approval, requiring a dynamic evaluation of the baseline.

Primary: ICVCM

other-vcm 25 January 2026

Carbonmark sees individuals increasingly offsetting personal emissions as climate contribution

Carbonmark notes a growing trend of individuals voluntarily offsetting personal carbon emissions, observing a shift in motivation among participants. People increasingly view personal offsetting as a climate contribution rather than a 'guilt tax' or 'permission slip' to pollute. This reflects a desire to address a 'gap between values and reality' and take tangible action by supporting carbon mitigation and removal projects. Carbonmark aims to democratise access to these markets, channeling individual contributions to projects globally.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 22 January 2026

Frontier supports zero carbon lime R&D with $2M grants

Frontier has awarded $2M in R&D grants to Leilac (UK) and SaltX (Sweden) to support the production of zero carbon lime. These grants, made on behalf of Stripe, Shopify, and Google, aim to accelerate cost-effective processes for lime produced without net CO₂ emissions. Zero carbon lime is crucial for scaling quicklime-dependent carbon removal pathways, such as ocean alkalinity enhancement and certain direct air capture methods. Decarbonising lime production is essential as conventional methods are emissions-intensive, eroding the climate benefit of projects that use this material.

Primary: Frontier

policy-regulatory 20 January 2026

Indonesia joins Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets as eleventh member

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry joined the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets on 20 January 2026, becoming its eleventh government member. The Coalition, co-chaired by the UK, Singapore, and Kenya, aims to scale the use of high-integrity carbon credits to unlock climate finance and advance global climate goals. Indonesia brings world-leading expertise in forest-based and nature-based solutions, possessing significant natural capital including the world's third-largest tropical rainforest. This membership is intended to help drive private sector investment into high-integrity projects that conserve forests and reduce emissions.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

integrity 19 January 2026

VCMI states carbon credit markets can anchor climate cooperation in 2026

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) stated that carbon credit markets can anchor climate cooperation in 2026. VCMI's Executive Director, Mark Kenber, highlighted that high-integrity markets are crucial for lowering mitigation costs and mobilising finance, with over 70% of Nationally Determined Contributions signalling Article 6 use. Confidence is improving due to finalised Article 6.4 eligibility rules and recovering demand, exemplified by Microsoft's purchase of over 25 million carbon removal credits. VCMI noted that plurilateral government initiatives, such as The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, are strengthening trust. Further convergence is anticipated in 2026 with updated standards from SBTi, ISO, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Primary: VCMI

other-vcm 14 January 2026

Carbonmark lists Sea Cave True Blue Carbon kelp restoration project

Carbonmark announced on 14 January 2026 the listing of Sea Cave True Blue Carbon, a blue carbon project restoring kelp forests off Baja California, Mexico. The project has deployed over 900 patented biogenic reef structures since 2023 and holds a federal lease for up to 15,000 units. It achieved 1,719.62 tCO₂e of independently verified net greenhouse gas mitigation during its first monitoring period from August 2023 to June 2024. Registered with the International Carbon Registry (ICR), the project delivers climate impact through both carbon removal and emissions reductions, validated by Earthood Services. Each unit is engineered to deliver 4–8 tCO₂e per year.

Primary: Carbonmark

policy-regulatory 12 January 2026

US withdraws from UNFCCC and IPCC, impacts Article 6 markets

On January 8, 2026, the US President issued a memorandum directing the country's withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This follows less than a year after the US notified its intention to withdraw from the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement. The decision removes the US government's official presence from multilateral climate discussions, where its Senate approved UNFCCC participation in 1992. IETA stated that while the US private sector may maintain interest in Article 6 markets, firms could face reduced confidence in cross-border credit transactions without the US's participation in the UNFCCC framework. This move further diminishes US influence in global climate policy and market design.

Primary: IETA

policy-regulatory 12 January 2026

IETA calls for reform to Australia's Climate Active scheme

IETA has urged the Australian Government to reform, not repeal, its Climate Active scheme, citing increased scrutiny and weakened incentives since the programme's establishment in 2010. The scheme has awarded over 750 certifications to more than 500 businesses, but has faced challenges including delayed updates and corporate withdrawals. IETA stated that strengthening the programme is critical to restoring confidence and aligning with market expectations. This reform is seen as vital given Australia's ambitious target to reduce emissions by 62-70% by 2035, which requires significant private sector investment in climate action.

Primary: IETA

policy-regulatory 28 December 2025

Chilean carbon market combines tax, compliance offsets, and Article 6.2 plans

Chile operates a compliance carbon market that combines a US$5 per tonne carbon tax with an offsetting mechanism for large emitters. Facilities emitting over 25,000 tCO₂e annually must either pay the tax or use eligible domestic carbon credits; regulated entities compensated over 4.4 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2024. The government intends to raise the carbon price to US$35/tCO₂e by 2030 and US$80/tCO₂e by 2040. Eligible credits must originate from Chilean projects, be certified by approved standards like Verra, Gold Standard, or CDM, and be less than three years old at retirement. Chile has also drafted national regulations for Article 6.2 ITMO transfers and approved its first Article 6.2 biomass project in partnership with Switzerland.

Primary: Carbonmark

integrity 18 December 2025

OGCI and IETA publish ALMA Brasil findings on forest carbon nesting

The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) published findings from their Accelerating Land Use Mitigation in the Amazon (ALMA) Brasil project on 18 December 2025. The report offers guidance to strengthen Brazil's voluntary carbon market for forest protection by improving how private projects align with government climate programmes. Focused on the State of Pará, the guidance details 'nesting' methodologies to integrate emissions calculations, social and environmental protections, and land ownership checks. This approach aims to avoid double-counting, enhance credibility, and increase transparency for carbon credit buyers. Pará state plans to recognise verified private project credits for 2023 during its transition to more fully integrated systems.

Primary: IETA

corporate-deal 18 December 2025

Frontier buyers commit $44.2 million to NULIFE biowaste carbon removal

Frontier has facilitated an offtake agreement for its buyers to purchase 122,000 tons of CO₂ removal from NULIFE GreenTech for USD $44.2 million between 2026 and 2030. NULIFE employs hydrothermal liquefaction to convert biowaste into a concentrated bio-oil, which is then injected more than 1,000 metres underground into licensed salt caverns for permanent storage. This builds on an earlier 2024 prepurchase where NULIFE has already delivered over half of the contracted volume, independently verified by Isometric. The deal marks Frontier's third Canadian offtake, increasing its total commitments in the country to over $100 million. It scales a novel biowaste carbon removal approach that addresses waste disposal and creates a verifiable removal pathway.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 17 December 2025

Gold Standard issues first rice methane reduction credits

Gold Standard has announced the issuance of its first ever rice methane reduction credits. This marks the introduction of a new category of carbon credits to the voluntary carbon market. The credits aim to incentivise and quantify reductions in methane emissions from rice cultivation.

Primary: Gold Standard

integrity 11 December 2025

Coalition of nations urges SBTi to align net-zero standard with Shared Principles

A coalition of 10 nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, responded to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) consultation on its Corporate Net-Zero Standard version 2 on 11 December 2025. The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets urged SBTi to draw on its 'Shared Principles' to ensure the standard aligns with broader private sector carbon credit use. The Shared Principles, launched at COP30, aim to provide clarity for companies to increase voluntary demand for carbon credits alongside deep decarbonisation and make credible claims. This intervention seeks to foster international consistency and incentivise high-integrity demand within the voluntary carbon market.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

integrity 11 December 2025

ICVCM confirms Puro.Earth's carbon removal programme as CCP-Eligible

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) confirmed Puro.Earth's version 4.2 carbon crediting programme as CCP-Eligible on 11 December 2025. This makes Puro.Earth the eighth programme to achieve CCP-Eligible status, validating its governance, transparency, and verification against rigorous Core Carbon Principles criteria. The approval means Puro.Earth's specific carbon removal methodologies, which focus on biochar, carbonated materials, and geologically stored carbon, can now be assessed for CCP-Approval. Only credits issued using Puro.Earth's version 4.2 standard and CCP-Approved methodologies will be eligible for the CCP-label. Version 4.2 incorporates strengthened provisions, including enhanced stakeholder engagement and safeguards, developed to meet ICVCM requirements.

Primary: ICVCM

other-vcm 10 December 2025

Gold Standard highlights Somalia clean cooking project with BURN

Gold Standard featured its 'Efficient and Clean Cooking for households in Somalia' project, distributing BURN's Jikokoa charcoal stoves. This Gold Standard-certified initiative leverages carbon finance to enable access to stoves, which cut fuel use by up to 50 percent and reduce indoor smoke by up to 80 percent. BURN, Africa's leading cookstove company, has distributed over 5 million clean cookstoves across 12 countries since 2013. These efforts have avoided more than 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions to date, with project monitoring following Gold Standard measurement, reporting, and verification protocols.

Primary: Gold Standard

registry-action 09 December 2025

Gold Standard labels initial CCP-eligible cookstove carbon credits

Gold Standard has labelled its first carbon credits as eligible under the ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). The initial credits pertain to cookstove projects. This action marks a key step in the voluntary carbon market's integrity drive, providing buyers with greater assurance for specific credit types.

Primary: Gold Standard

integrity 05 December 2025

ICVCM assumes primary role in VCM integrity from ICROA

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) announced the International Carbon Reduction and Offsetting Alliance (ICROA) is 'passing the baton' on VCM integrity leadership. ICROA's code of best practice previously established foundational standards for governance and operations within the market. The ICVCM has collaborated with ICROA since 2021, developing frameworks for market integrity and scale. The ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and Assessment Framework now set the independent global threshold for high-integrity carbon credits. ICVCM will assess carbon crediting programmes and their methodologies to ensure they meet these new standards.

Primary: ICVCM

other-vcm 05 December 2025

Carbonmark platform simplifies access to tokenised carbon credits for mainstream users

Carbonmark, an on-chain platform designed to simplify access to blockchain-enabled carbon markets, launched by the end of 2023. The platform aims to make tokenised carbon usable and accessible by allowing purchases via credit cards and bank transfers, abstracting Web3 complexities for users. It builds on the experience of Klima Protocol, which tokenised millions of tonnes of carbon credits starting in 2021 but initially faced infrastructure and usability challenges. Carbonmark seeks to bridge on-chain infrastructure with mainstream expectations, promoting transparency, automation, and traceability for climate finance.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 25 November 2025

Carbonmark partners UNLP to tokenise Urunday Afforestation Project carbon credits

Carbonmark has partnered with the National University of La Plata (UNLP) to tokenise carbon credits issued under the university’s new science-based Carbon Program. As part of this collaboration, 10,000 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) from the Urunday Afforestation Project, part of an initial 515,234 VCU issuance, are now available on the Carbonmark marketplace. UNLP's programme establishes a VCU system based on scientific methodologies, aligning with international standards such as VCS and CDM, and aims to lower entry barriers for small and medium-sized landowners in Argentina. This development represents Argentina’s first instance of carbon credits from a public academic institution being brought onto blockchain infrastructure, aiming to enhance transparency and accessibility in the region's voluntary carbon market.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 25 November 2025

Frontier facilitates $41 million biogas carbon removal deal with Reverion

Frontier facilitated $41 million in carbon removal offtake agreements with German firm Reverion, securing 96,000 tonnes of CO₂ removal for its buyers between 2027 and 2030. Reverion uses solid oxide fuel cells to convert biogas from organic waste into clean electricity, simultaneously capturing all carbon, including both methane and CO₂, for permanent geological storage. This approach achieves a 74% fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency and effectively doubles carbon removal compared to conventional biogas utilisation by capturing carbon from the entire biogas stream. The method offers decentralised clean electricity generation and aims to scale a new pathway for carbon removal, with a theoretical global potential of over 2 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040.

Primary: Frontier

integrity 20 November 2025

VCMI launches Amazon carbon project integrity guide with state governments

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) launched a 'Best Practice Guide for High-Integrity Carbon Projects in the Brazilian Amazon' on 20 November 2025 during COP30. Developed with the state governments of Acre and Rondônia, the guide establishes a benchmark for project development tailored to the region's context. It outlines approaches for ensuring credibility and sustainability, covering aspects such as land rights, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), benefit distribution, and engagement with Brazil's Emissions Trading System (SBCE). The initiative seeks to attract higher prices and finance for forest-based communities to help address the estimated $7 billion annual funding gap for Amazon conservation.

Primary: VCMI

methodology 19 November 2025

Gold Standard launches consultation on new fossil fuel phase-out methodologies

Gold Standard launched a consultation on 19 November 2025 for new methodologies. These methodologies are designed to support projects that phase out the use of fossil fuels. This initiative indicates a focus on developing specific standards for non-fossil fuel activities within the voluntary carbon market.

Primary: Gold Standard

policy-regulatory 17 November 2025

Eleven governments endorse shared carbon credit principles at COP30

Eleven governments endorsed the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets' Shared Principles for Growing High-Integrity Use of Carbon Credits at COP30 on 17 November 2025. Canada, France, Kenya, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, and Zambia committed to exploring supportive policies aligned with the framework. Germany, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and South Africa also welcomed the initiative. These principles, issued on 4 November 2025, aim to unlock capital for development and provide clarity for companies investing in carbon credits as part of credible decarbonisation plans. This establishes international alignment to mobilise climate finance and achieve global climate goals.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

registry-action 14 November 2025

Xworks issues first MSR-X plastic recycling credits via Carbonmark Direct

Xworks issued the first batch of MSR-X (Material Substitution Reduction) carbon credits for its Verified Recovery and Recycling Plastic Project in the Netherlands on 14 November 2025. The credits were issued via Carbonmark's Direct Issuance framework, which places them on the Polygon and Base blockchains. Each MSR-X credit represents one tonne of CO₂e avoided by displacing virgin materials. This marks a milestone for Carbonmark Direct, a framework designed for novel methodologies or small, decentralised projects seeking onchain verification and transparent lifecycle data. Independent verification for the credits was provided by Control Union.

Primary: Carbonmark

policy-regulatory 13 November 2025

Gold Standard credits approved for CORSIA's second phase (2027-2029)

Gold Standard has received approval from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to supply credits for the second phase of CORSIA, covering 2027-2029. This decision allows airlines to use Gold Standard-certified carbon credits towards their compliance obligations under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation during this period. The approval ensures continuity, as Gold Standard credits were already eligible for CORSIA's pilot phase (2021-2023) and first phase (2024-2026).

Primary: Gold Standard

article-6 12 November 2025

Singapore, Gold Standard, Verra publish Article 6.2 crediting protocol

Singapore, Gold Standard, and Verra jointly published an Article 6.2 Crediting Protocol on 12 November 2025. This protocol establishes a framework for the generation and transfer of carbon credits under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. It aims to provide clear rules for national reporting and corresponding adjustments. The collaboration between a sovereign state and two major registries suggests a move towards harmonised standards for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).

Primary: Gold Standard

registry-action 11 November 2025

Gold Standard, Indonesia's MoEF announce participants for mutual recognition pilot

Gold Standard and Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) announced the participants for their joint pilot programme. This initiative operates under a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the two organisations. The programme aims to foster alignment on carbon credit standards, though specific details regarding the selected projects and participants were not detailed in the available announcement.

Primary: Gold Standard

other-vcm 05 November 2025

Klima Protocol builds blockchain infrastructure for carbon markets

Klima Protocol is developing a large-scale blockchain infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency within voluntary carbon markets. It seeks to provide an autonomous system for pricing, managing, and retiring carbon credits, addressing challenges such as slow transactions and opaque over-the-counter deals. Leveraging decentralisation, smart contracts, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum blockchain, the protocol aims to improve liquidity and access to capital for climate projects. This approach creates a public, auditable record for every transaction, fostering trust through visibility rather than traditional institutional authority.

Primary: Carbonmark

registry-action 05 November 2025

Gold Standard labels first carbon credits eligible for CORSIA compliance

Gold Standard has labelled its first carbon credits as eligible for compliance under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The organisation confirmed this development on 5 November 2025. This action signals Gold Standard's formal entry into supplying offsets for the aviation sector. It provides a new source of recognised credits for airlines seeking to meet international emissions reduction requirements.

Primary: Gold Standard

policy-regulatory 04 November 2025

Governments launch framework for corporate high-integrity carbon credit use

The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, backed by the governments of France, Kenya, Singapore, the UK, and Panama, launched a new framework for corporate use of high-integrity carbon credits on 4 November 2025. Issued at the COP30 Business and Finance Forum in São Paulo, Brazil, the 'Shared Principles for Growing High-Integrity Use of Carbon Credits by Companies and Other Buyers' aims to boost corporate demand and provide a consistent cross-country framework. These principles outline six pillars, including using credits in addition to direct decarbonisation, ensuring rigorous quality standards, and maintaining transparent reporting. The initiative seeks to strengthen incentives for businesses to invest in high-integrity credits within both voluntary and Article 6 markets.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

corporate-deal 28 October 2025

Ascend Bit, Carbonmark integrate carbon offsets into TrueMoney Wallet

Ascend Bit Corp, part of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, partnered with Carbonmark to integrate carbon offset functionality directly into the TrueMoney Wallet app. This integration, using Carbonmark’s API, allowed TrueMoney Wallet's 20 million-plus monthly active users to purchase offsets for 70–930 kg of CO₂ over set periods. Within one month of a soft launch, over 27,000 users purchased offsets, equivalent to planting more than 180,000 trees, with each transaction recorded on the blockchain. The initiative simplifies individual climate action and demonstrates how embedded carbon offsets and blockchain technology can enhance transparency and user engagement in the voluntary carbon market.

Primary: Carbonmark

policy-regulatory 26 October 2025

Countries integrate VCM credits into compliance carbon tax schemes

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) is increasingly converging with compliance markets, as countries integrate voluntary credits into tax offset mechanisms. Singapore has progressively raised its carbon tax, reaching S$25/tCO₂e in 2024, with planned increases to S$45/tCO₂e by 2027 and S$50-S$80/tCO₂e by 2030, covering 70% of national emissions. Separately, Colombia and Chile allow regulated entities to use specific domestic voluntary credits to offset carbon tax obligations, set at approximately USD 6.90/tCO₂e and USD 5/tCO₂e respectively. This hybrid approach creates a price floor and stable demand for eligible local projects.

Primary: Carbonmark

policy-regulatory 21 October 2025

VCMI, V20 expand Carbon Finance Program for vulnerable nations, targeting US$20 billion

The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF-V20) and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) announced on 18 October 2025 an expansion of their Carbon Finance Program. This initiative aims to unlock an additional US$20 billion in annual financing for V20 countries by enabling them to host high-integrity carbon projects through voluntary carbon markets. Launched in June 2024, the programme supports member nations in financing their Climate Prosperity Plans, with current policy guidance provided in countries including Benin and Kenya. The expanded programme will reach more countries, offer broader technical support, and provide policy advice through 2028, aiming to address the climate finance gap.

Primary: VCMI

registry-action 15 October 2025

International Carbon Registry adds Galaxy Certification Services to VVB network

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has approved Galaxy Certification Services Pvt. Ltd. as a new Validation and Verification Body (VVB) within its network. Galaxy Certification Services, accredited under NABCB, will provide independent third-party assessments for carbon projects registered under the ICR programme. The firm brings sectoral expertise in energy industries, distribution, and demand, reinforcing ICR's efforts to ensure project quality and transparency.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

other-vcm 29 September 2025

Forestal Río Aquidabán project lists 504,000 tCO₂e on Carbonmark

Forestal Río Aquidabán, a 301-hectare reforestation project in Paraguay, has been listed on the Carbonmark marketplace with credits certified under the International Carbon Registry (ICR). The project, which commenced in 1999, is verified to remove 8,172 tCO₂e per year, aiming for over 504,000 tCO₂e by 2045. It applies the UN Clean Development Mechanism's AR-ACM0003 methodology for afforestation and reforestation using a silvopastoral agroforestry model. TÜV Rheinland Energy and Environment GmbH performed third-party validation and verification under ICR oversight (Project ID #349), aligning the project with ISO 14064-2:2019 and ICR's v6.0 requirements. ICR is an ICROA-endorsed registry that employs a public blockchain ledger for traceability.

Primary: Carbonmark

other-vcm 12 September 2025

Carbonmark details dMRV and smart contract infrastructure for credit issuance

Carbonmark has outlined its Carbonmark Direct infrastructure, designed to automate carbon credit issuance by integrating digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) with smart contracts. This system streams project data directly onto public blockchains, enabling near real-time validation and programmatic minting of ERC-20 tokenised credits. It aims to enhance transparency and efficiency by reducing issuance cycles from years to near real-time, while providing a publicly auditable trail for credit provenance and retirements. The initiative seeks to improve market trust and interoperability by addressing current challenges such as lengthy verification processes and opaque bilateral trades.

Primary: Carbonmark

policy-regulatory 11 September 2025

VCMI, partners to develop Amazon carbon project guide for Acre, Rondônia

VCMI and the Amazon Investor Coalition have partnered with the Brazilian states of Acre and Rondônia to produce a Best Practices Guide for nature-based carbon projects in the Amazon. The guide, supported by Climate Focus and LACLIMA, aims to inform state governments' engagement with private sector actors on high-integrity carbon markets. Due by COP30, it will equip project developers, investors, and buyers with clear guidance on environmental and social safeguards, land tenure, and benefit-sharing. This initiative seeks to address challenges like unclear land rights and community safeguard concerns, enabling sub-national governments to leverage carbon markets for climate and sustainable development goals.

Primary: VCMI

registry-action 29 August 2025

Verra and J.P. Morgan advance carbon credit tokenisation infrastructure pilots.

Verra and S&P Global Commodity Insights announced a partnership to launch an updated carbon registry integrated with S&P Global’s Meta Registry®, a blockchain-based digital infrastructure. This system aims to connect global registries, reduce double counting, and enable seamless trading via APIs. Concurrently, J.P. Morgan’s Kinexys is piloting carbon credit tokenisation at the registry level with EcoRegistry, the International Carbon Registry, and S&P Global. Their objective is to create a globally interoperable tokenised carbon ecosystem, enhancing transparency, trust, and liquidity. These initiatives reflect a broader resurgence of tokenisation in voluntary carbon markets, driven by its potential to address fragmentation, slow settlements, and high transaction costs.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 26 August 2025

Frontier buyers commit $31.3M for 115,211 tonnes of Planetary OAE credits

Frontier buyers have committed $31.3 million to Planetary for the removal of 115,211 tonnes of CO₂ through ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). This facilitated agreement will see Planetary deliver the carbon removal credits between 2026 and 2030. Planetary's process involves adding dissolved alkaline minerals to seawater, building on a pilot that delivered the world's first verified OAE tonnes. Ocean alkalinity enhancement is an emerging carbon removal solution, with a potential to remove billions of tonnes of CO₂ annually while also reducing local ocean acidification.

Primary: Frontier

policy-regulatory 29 July 2025

Dubai VARA mandates tiered ESG disclosures for virtual asset providers

Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) introduced tiered ESG disclosure requirements for all licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) on 19 May 2025. These new rules, outlined in VARA’s Company Rulebook, range from voluntary guidance to mandatory disclosures tied to licence conditions. The requirements cover environmental, social, and governance impacts for various VASP activities, including exchanges, custody, and lending. This move aligns with the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law of 2024 on Climate Change, which mandates emissions disclosures and establishes a National Carbon Registry. It sets a new standard for sustainability and climate accountability for digital asset firms operating in the region.

Primary: Carbonmark

corporate-deal 14 July 2025

Frontier, Stripe, Shopify, Google fund $1.75 million in carbon removal prepurchases

Frontier facilitated $1.75 million in carbon removal prepurchases, totalling 2,982 tonnes, from Karbonetiq (US), Limenet (Italy), and pHathom (Canada) on behalf of buyers Stripe, Shopify, and Google. This fifth round of prepurchases supports the development of nascent ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and surficial mineralisation technologies. Buyers are the first customers for two of the three firms, providing critical early-stage financing. The initiative aims to accelerate methods with the potential to remove billions of tonnes of CO₂ annually, addressing key scaling challenges for these underexplored approaches.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 08 July 2025

Frontier buyers commit $41 million to Arbor for 116,000 tonnes CO₂ removal

Frontier buyers have committed $41 million to Arbor for the removal of 116,000 tonnes of CO₂ between 2028 and 2030. This funding facilitates the launch of Arbor’s first commercial bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana. The facility is expected to become fully operational in 2028. Arbor’s BECCS system aims to capture over 99% of CO₂ while generating clean electricity, leveraging a novel combination of biomass gasification, oxycombustion, and supercritical CO₂ turbomachinery.

Primary: Frontier

policy-regulatory 24 June 2025

Kenya, Singapore, UK form coalition to issue carbon credit use principles

The Governments of Kenya, Singapore, and the United Kingdom have established The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, joined by founding members France and Panama, to strengthen voluntary demand for carbon credits. By COP30, the coalition plans to issue shared principles on the voluntary use of high-integrity carbon credits by businesses. This initiative aims to provide jurisdictional consistency and clarity for companies on integrating credits into decarbonisation plans, addressing business calls for clear governmental guidance. The Coalition seeks to unlock climate finance for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies, with projections suggesting the market could reach USD$250 billion by 2050. It will work with partners including the International Chamber of Commerce, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.

Primary: Coalition to grow carbon markets

registry-action 15 April 2025

International Carbon Registry approves DEKRA as a Validation and Verification Body

International Carbon Registry (ICR) approved DEKRA Certification GmbH as a Validation and Verification Body (VVB) on 15 April 2025. This inclusion expands ICR's VVB network, aiming to bolster the quality and integrity of carbon projects and credits issued under its programme. DEKRA, a German conformity assessment body with over 25 years of experience, will provide independent assessments for projects across 10 sectors, including energy, agriculture, and waste. DEKRA also affirmed its support for ICR's requirement for ISO 14064-2 as the foundational standard for greenhouse gas reduction and removal project reporting.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 10 April 2025

ICR adds SustainCERT as new validation and verification body

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) announced on 10 April 2025 the addition of SustainCERT as a new Validation and Verification Body (VVB) to its network. This collaboration aims to uphold quality and transparency by ensuring independent, third-party assessments for carbon projects globally. SustainCERT offers expertise in climate impact verification across waste handling, afforestation, reforestation, and agriculture sectors, utilising digital innovation to streamline verification processes. The partnership supports ICR’s commitment to promoting a trusted carbon market through independent oversight and high-quality validation services.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 01 April 2025

TÜV Rheinland joins ICR VVB network for project verification

German inspection body TÜV Rheinland has joined the International Carbon Registry (ICR) as an accredited Validation and Verification Body (VVB). Active in environmental validation and verification since 2006, TÜV Rheinland will offer independent, third-party assessments for ICR-listed climate projects across sectors including energy, manufacturing, transport, and waste. ICR stated that TÜV Rheinland's 'over 150 years of experience' in conformity assessment and its global reach will strengthen the registry's commitment to project credibility and market transparency.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 01 April 2025

Frontier arranges 100,000-ton biogenic carbon removal offtake from Hafslund Celsio

Frontier has facilitated an offtake agreement worth $31.6 million for 100,000 tons of biogenic carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from Hafslund Celsio. The removals are scheduled to occur between 2029 and 2030 from Hafslund Celsio’s waste-to-energy facility in Oslo. This marks the first retrofit of such a facility specifically for CDR, with the captured biogenic CO₂ slated for permanent geological storage at Norway's Northern Lights facility. The project establishes a model for retrofitting an estimated 500 similar European plants, potentially contributing 400 million tons of annual carbon removal by 2050.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 25 March 2025

Frontier buyers commit $33 million for Eion's enhanced weathering removals

Frontier buyers have committed $33 million to Eion for the removal of 78,707 tonnes of CO₂ between 2027 and 2030. Eion deploys enhanced rock weathering by applying olivine to agricultural fields in the Southern and Midwestern United States, converting atmospheric CO₂ into bicarbonate. This funding supports a durable carbon removal pathway and facilitates the deployment of olivine as a cheaper alternative to agricultural lime for farmers. The agreement, facilitated by Frontier, involves purchasers including Stripe, Google, Shopify, and JPMorgan Chase.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 17 March 2025

International Carbon Registry adds 4K Earth Science to VVB network

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) announced on 17 March 2025 that it has added 4K Earth Science to its network of Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). This addition aims to strengthen independent third-party assurance for carbon credit projects, a crucial component for ensuring project compliance and credibility within the voluntary carbon market. 4K Earth Science, established in 2018, contributes expertise across 17 technical assessment sectors, including energy, waste management, agriculture, and afforestation/reforestation.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 27 February 2025

Frontier buyers commit $30.6 million to Phlair for DAC removals

Frontier buyers committed $30.6 million to Phlair for the removal of 47,000 tonnes of CO₂ between 2027 and 2030. This offtake agreement supports Phlair’s first commercial-scale direct air capture (DAC) facility in Alberta, Canada. Phlair employs an electrochemical method designed for high energy efficiency, targeting less than 1.5 MWh/tCO₂, and plans to integrate dedicated on-site solar panels. This approach aims to reduce energy costs by approximately $15/tCO₂ and allows for operation with intermittent renewable power, marking an early deployment of behind-the-meter solar for DAC.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 26 February 2025

International Carbon Registry issues guidance on carbon credit use for net-zero

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) issued guidance on the appropriate use of carbon credits within offsetting, carbon neutrality, and net-zero frameworks. It recommends adherence to recognised standards like ÍST 92:2022 and ISO 14068-1 for measuring, reducing, and compensating emissions. The guidance distinguishes between avoidance and removal carbon credits, and outlines key criteria for project additionality, including financial dependence on carbon markets. ICR stresses that carbon credits serve as a complementary tool, not a substitute for direct emissions reductions, to finance climate actions and manage unavoidable emissions.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 09 February 2025

International Carbon Registry publishes buyer’s guide following ICROA endorsement

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) published a new Buyer’s Guide on 9 February 2025, offering insights into navigating carbon markets and integrating credits into corporate sustainability strategies. This release follows ICR’s recent full endorsement from the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA), positioning it alongside programmes like Verra and Gold Standard. The guide aims to assist corporate sustainability leaders, investors, and regulators in evaluating high-quality carbon credits. It focuses on how carbon credits fit into net-zero targets, third-party assurance, and risk management.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

integrity 31 January 2025

International Carbon Registry programme gains unconditional ICROA endorsement

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) announced on 31 January 2025 it has received unconditional endorsement of its carbon crediting programme from the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA). This makes ICR the second organisation to achieve full endorsement against ICROA’s updated guidelines, which incorporate more stringent requirements for conflict-of-interest management and transparency. The endorsement process was completed in 10 months following submission and validates the integrity of ICR’s programme, which lists 121 projects across various sectors and continents. ICROA endorsement serves as a benchmark for high-integrity carbon crediting programmes, aiming to enhance trust and quality within the voluntary carbon market.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 14 January 2025

Klappir integrates International Carbon Registry credits for corporate buyers

International Carbon Registry (ICR) has partnered with sustainability management software provider Klappir. The collaboration integrates ICR’s portfolio of verified carbon credits directly into Klappir’s platform, enabling corporate buyers to purchase credits to offset emissions or contribute to future climate actions. This aims to provide businesses with a seamless way to access high-integrity credits, offering options for instant offsetting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as well as support for ex-ante projects through pre-designed or customised bundles. All credits are delivered to buyers' accounts on carbonregistry.com, with ICR highlighting its rigorous GHG programme and use of public blockchain technology for transparency and traceability.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 07 January 2025

Iceland's Álfabrekka forestry project receives first international carbon certification

The Álfabrekka afforestation project, developed by Skógálfar, has become Iceland's first internationally certified climate forestry project under the International Carbon Registry (ICR) system. Certified by Enviance Services Private Limited, the 97-hectare project on former unused land in South Iceland is projected to sequester over 52,120 tonnes of CO₂ across 50 years. This certification, achieved under the adapted Forest Carbon Code and ISO 14064-2:2019, marks Iceland's entry into the global voluntary carbon market. ICR collaborated with Land og Skóg (Forestry Iceland) to adapt the code for local conditions, setting a precedent for future Icelandic climate projects, including wetland restoration.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 19 December 2024

Saudi Arabia partners with ICR for national nature-based carbon programme

Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Carbon Registry (ICR) on 19 December 2024 during COP16 in Riyadh. The MoU establishes a cooperative framework to develop and implement a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Programme focused on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). This programme will include initiatives such as afforestation, mangrove restoration, biochar production, and algae cultivation, for which ICR will provide expertise in standardisation, validation, verification, accreditation, and digital registry infrastructure. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to combat desertification and position the Kingdom as a leader in national carbon markets.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 17 December 2024

Frontier buyers commit $80 million to CO280, CREW Carbon for CO₂ removal

Frontier buyers have committed $80 million through offtake agreements with CO280 and CREW Carbon for the removal of 296,378 tonnes of CO₂ by 2030. CO280 will deliver 224,500 tonnes from biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) at pulp and paper facilities between 2028 and 2030 for $48.0 million. CREW Carbon will remove 71,878 tonnes from wastewater treatment processes for $32.1 million, with deliveries spanning 2025-2030. These deals underscore a focus on integrating carbon removal technologies into existing industrial infrastructure, aiming for lower-cost, scalable solutions.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 12 December 2024

Frontier buyers commit $27M to Terradot for Brazil rock weathering removal

Frontier facilitated $27 million in offtake agreements for 90,000 tonnes of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) carbon removal with Terradot, for delivery between 2025 and 2029. The CO₂ removals will originate from Terradot’s operations in Brazil, a region well-suited for ERW due to its warm, humid climate and basalt availability. These deals represent substantial early corporate commitments to scaling ERW technology, with buyers including Stripe, Google, Shopify, and McKinsey Sustainability. Separately, Google agreed to purchase an additional 200,000 tonnes from Terradot for delivery by the early 2030s. Terradot’s partnership with the Brazilian agricultural research agency EMBRAPA aims to expand operations across over 1 million hectares.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 09 December 2024

Icelandic land and forest agency adopts International Carbon Registry programme

Land and Forest Government Agency Iceland has partnered with the International Carbon Registry (ICR) to migrate its climate initiatives to the ICR programme. This collaboration involves the development of a validated methodology for afforestation in Iceland, updating the existing Skógarkolefni (Icelandic Forest Standard) to align with ISO 14064-2 and ICR requirements. Additionally, ICR is supporting the final stages of a new methodology for rewetting peatlands, which will soon enter a 30-day public consultation. The move aims to align Icelandic climate efforts with international standards, enhancing accountability and scalability for carbon sequestration and emissions reduction from land use.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 23 October 2024

ICR launches Biodiversity Program and BiNGCs, opens public consultation

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has launched its Biodiversity Program, entering a two-year pilot phase and enabling the registration and issuance of Biodiversity Net Gain Credits (BiNGCs). This new programme aims to provide a framework for biodiversity conservation and restoration projects. ICR has simultaneously opened a public consultation on the programme, running from October 23, 2024, until December 31, 2024, to gather stakeholder feedback.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 18 October 2024

ICR updates GHG Program, aligns with CORSIA and Article 6.2

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) updated its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program on 18 October 2024, incorporating feedback from a public consultation. The revisions align the programme requirements and procedures with ICAO CORSIA emission unit eligibility criteria and ICROA endorsement review criteria, alongside ISO standards. Key enhancements include new procedures for implementing Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The update also strengthens risk management frameworks and refines methodology development and validation processes, as outlined in updated ICR Process Requirements (Version 6.0) and Methodology Requirements (Version 3.0). These changes aim to enhance the clarity, integrity, and usability of ICR's programme within the voluntary carbon market.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 23 September 2024

Frontier buyers sign first river liming carbon removal deal with CarbonRun

Frontier buyers will pay CarbonRun $25.4 million to remove 55,442 tonnes of CO₂ between 2025 and 2029, marking the world's first river liming carbon removal offtake. The Canadian company will deploy the method, which adds crushed limestone to rivers to enhance CO₂ uptake and address acidification, initially in Nova Scotia. This deal facilitates data collection for a novel carbon removal pathway, which Frontier states has potential to reach below $100 per tonne. Stripe also committed a separate $1 million R&D grant to CarbonRun to explore river liming's potential in neutral pH rivers.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 18 September 2024

Frontier facilitates $4.5 million in carbon removal prepurchases for five buyers

Frontier has facilitated $4.5 million in carbon removal prepurchases from nine supplier companies on behalf of five buyers. This fourth round of purchases totalled 4,543 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal, with named buyers including Stripe, Shopify, Alphabet, H&M Group, and Match (via Watershed). A significant number of the selected companies are integrating carbon removal solutions into existing large-scale industries, such as water treatment or mining processes. This strategy aims to reduce costs and accelerate the scale-up of nascent carbon removal technologies by leveraging existing infrastructure and industrial waste streams.

Primary: Frontier

other-vcm 15 August 2024

Frontier publishes carbon removal offtake agreement template used in $300m+ deals

Frontier published its carbon removal offtake agreement template on 15 August 2024, providing a public starting point for contractual agreements in the nascent sector. The organisation has previously used this template for seven offtake deals, representing over $300 million in contracted volume. Designed to address specific risks of early-stage carbon removal technologies, the template aims to be bankable for financiers, flexible for suppliers, and attractive for early buyers. This contrasts with existing standardised contracts, which typically support mature technologies with established markets. Its release seeks to help other teams save time and accelerate the scaling of carbon removal projects.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 13 August 2024

International Carbon Registry launches VVB spotlight series featuring Ampere

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) launched its 'VVB Spotlight series' on 13 August, featuring Ampere as its inaugural validation and verification body (VVB) partner. Founded in early 2017 and based in the Middle East, Ampere operates in over 22 countries, having completed more than 250 projects. The VVB holds five accreditations and is a Designated Operational Entity under the Clean Development Mechanism. This initiative aims to highlight the contributions of the registry's VVB partners.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 07 August 2024

International Carbon Registry integrates with Carbonmark marketplace for credit trading

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) and Carbonmark have integrated their technology platforms, allowing real-time trading and retirement of ICR-registered carbon credits. Projects such as the Ovid Wind Farm (ICR-112) in Ukraine and AgroEcology Italy (ICR-48) are already listed on Carbonmark's marketplace. This collaboration aims to enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency within the voluntary carbon market by using blockchain technology for streamlined transactions.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 24 July 2024

International Carbon Registry adds Qatar's PES as 19th validation body

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has added PES, a Qatar-based environmental services provider, as the 19th member of its Validation and Verification Body (VVB) network. This expansion strengthens ICR's capacity for independent third-party assurance for carbon projects, particularly within the Middle East region. Established in 2013 and accredited as a Grade 'A' Environmental Consultant, PES brings expertise in sectors including Oil & Gas, energy, and waste handling. The collaboration aims to enhance the quality, transparency, and reliability of projects registered on the ICR platform.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 12 July 2024

International Carbon Registry adds Latin American VVB Verifit to its network

International Carbon Registry (ICR) has added Verifit, a leading Latin America-based validation and verification body (VVB), to its network of approved partners. Verifit brings over 16 years of experience, having evaluated more than 500 projects, and is accredited by Organismo Nacional de Acreditación de Colombia (ONAC). The VVB covers sectoral scopes including energy, waste handling, and afforestation and reforestation projects. This collaboration enhances ICR's capacity to deliver high-quality validated projects and verified carbon credits, specifically strengthening its presence in the Latin American market.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 11 July 2024

Frontier buyers commit $40 million to 280 Earth direct air capture

Frontier buyers have signed $40 million in offtake agreements with 280 Earth for the removal of 61,571 tons of CO₂ between 2024 and 2030. This purchase supports 280 Earth's pilot direct air capture (DAC) facility in The Dalles, Oregon, which commenced operations in May 2024. The company uses a proprietary continuous capture process built with commercially available components. This system is designed for flexibility, capable of being powered by clean electricity or waste heat from sources such as data centres. The agreement represents an early commitment to a new DAC technology, aiming to facilitate its scale-up within the carbon removal market.

Primary: Frontier

methodology 03 July 2024

Gazelle Ecosolutions publishes white paper on ACoGS methodologies

Gazelle Ecosolutions published a white paper on 3 July analysing existing Avoided Conversion of Grassland and Shrubland (ACoGS) methodologies and proposing an improved framework. The paper highlights significant challenges with remote sensing reliability for baseline scenarios and the absence of grassland-specific methodologies, which are often adapted from forestry practices. It recommends developing more rigorous protocols, integrating digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) solutions, and utilising standards like ISO 14064-2. Grasslands hold 12% of terrestrial carbon stocks, and the UN Environment Programme expects them to account for 24% of Nature-Based Solutions credits by 2050.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

integrity 27 June 2024

ICR highlights insurance role in VCM integrity, collaborating with Kita

International Carbon Registry (ICR) published an article advocating for the critical role of insurance in strengthening Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) integrity, referencing its collaboration with specialist carbon insurer Kita. The article proposes that insurance can offer greater security to market stakeholders by protecting against risks like project underperformance, insolvency, fraud, natural catastrophes, and political or regulatory changes. This initiative aims to increase confidence in VCM credits by integrating insurance risk assessment and management with GHG programmes' scrutiny.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 18 June 2024

Frontier buyers commit $48.6M to Stockholm Exergi for bioenergy carbon removal

Frontier buyers have signed $48.6 million in offtake agreements with Stockholm Exergi for carbon removal credits. The deal supports a commercial-scale carbon removal retrofit on Exergi’s biomass-fuelled KVV8 district heating facility in Stockholm, targeting 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ removal annually from 2028. Frontier members will purchase a 'meaningful proportion' of the facility's output between 2028 and 2030. The exact volume and price per tonne depend on the outcome of a competitive reverse auction for subsidies by the Swedish government. This marks the first large European deal of its type, with Frontier also requiring Exergi to meet its Biomass Sourcing Principles.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 30 May 2024

ICR and BNZ partner to enable real-time carbon credit transactions

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) and BNZ Green Marketplace announced a partnership on 30 May to enable real-time carbon credit transactions. The integration uses an API to connect BNZ X’s blockchain technology with ICR’s existing platform. This aims to enhance speed and transparency, providing buyers with seamless access to ICR-registered carbon credits and facilitating real-time retirements. Both organisations state this infrastructure development is essential for scaling carbon markets.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 23 May 2024

International Carbon Registry partners Kita for 'Buffer as a Service' management

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has partnered with specialist carbon insurance company Kita to implement 'Buffer as a Service' (BaaS) for its central carbon credit buffer. Kita's BaaS will provide independent risk management, active risk controls, and project-specific risk assessment based on insurance underwriting criteria for ICR's buffer pool. This initiative aims to address buffer integrity concerns, such as variable project risk and unexpected losses, by proactively managing and mitigating risks. The partnership involves a governance update to ICR's protocols, which will undergo a public consultation, intended to improve buffer quality assurance, trust, and compliance.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 01 May 2024

Frontier buyers commit $58.3M for 152,480 tonnes carbon removal from Vaulted Deep

Frontier buyers have committed $58.3 million to Vaulted Deep for the permanent removal of 152,480 tonnes of CO₂. These offtake agreements cover deliveries between 2024 and 2027, with 18,000 tonnes expected in the current year. Vaulted Deep, a spin-out from Advantek Waste Management, injects carbon-rich organic waste deep underground for storage, offering over 10,000-year permanence. The funding enables Vaulted to commission three new wells and highlights the growing application of industrial waste management expertise to scalable carbon removal, targeting costs under $100 per tonne.

Primary: Frontier

registry-action 15 April 2024

ICR integrates BeZero Carbon ratings for registered projects on its platform

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has integrated BeZero Carbon ratings directly onto its platform for registered climate projects. This allows project developers listed on ICR to easily access BeZero Carbon's eight-point scale (AAA to D) assessments, which indicate the likelihood of a project producing effective CO2e credits. The move aims to provide investors with a comparable risk metric and streamline the purchasing process by offering consolidated risk assessments on project profiles. According to BeZero Carbon's research, projects rated A or above have garnered a price premium around 200% higher than other rated credits, suggesting potential market differentiation.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 26 March 2024

International Carbon Registry applies for ICROA, CORSIA endorsements, adds advisory panel

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) applied for ICROA endorsement in February and CORSIA endorsement in March, its first and third applications respectively. The registry is also preparing an application for the ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and is implementing an ISO 9001:2015-compliant quality management system. These steps aim to enhance ICR's credibility, global recognition, and operational excellence within the voluntary carbon market. Additionally, ICR announced the appointment of a new Program Advisory Panel, including Amit Sharma, Geetha Gopal, and Javier Castro, to advise on its policies and strategic direction.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

integrity 18 February 2024

International Carbon Registry underlines ISO standards' role in VCM integrity

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) recently detailed the central role of ISO standards in building trust across voluntary carbon market project development and credit issuance. The registry highlighted ISO 14064-2 as crucial for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals, informing project design, validation, and verification processes. It noted that ISO standards ensure projects adhere to stringent criteria for integrity, transparency, and scientific rigour, underpinning the credibility of carbon credit issuances. The ICR programme itself stipulates ISO 14064-2 as a key criterion for project validation, alongside its specific requirements.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

registry-action 07 February 2024

International Carbon Registry updates process requirements to version 5.0

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) announced version 5.0 of its process requirements on 7 February 2024. This update introduces enhancements for project proponents, including alignment with the ICR registry platform, the version 5 requirement document, and processes for reversal events and project non-performance. From 15 March 2024, all new projects registered with the ICR must use version 5.0. Projects that initiated validation before this date may continue using version 4.0 to complete their process.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 07 December 2023

Frontier buyers sign world’s first enhanced weathering carbon removal offtake

Frontier buyers have signed the world’s first enhanced weathering offtake agreements with Lithos Carbon, committing $57.1 million for the permanent removal of 154,240 tons of CO₂. The carbon will be delivered between 2024 and 2028, with more than half of the volume expected by the end of 2025. Lithos Carbon’s approach involves spreading crushed basalt on farmlands and verifies CO₂ removal using a novel geochemical measurement technique developed at Yale University. This deal represents an order of magnitude more carbon removal than previous achievements across all pathways globally, and the generated field data will be shared to advance scientific understanding of enhanced weathering.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 16 November 2023

Frontier buyers commit $47M for DAC removals from CarbonCapture, Heirloom

Frontier buyers have signed $47.0 million in direct air capture (DAC) offtake agreements with CarbonCapture Inc. and Heirloom. The agreements commit $20.0 million for 45,500 tonnes of CO₂ removal from CarbonCapture by 2028 and $26.6 million for 26,900 tonnes from Heirloom by 2030. This marks Frontier's first set of DAC offtakes, with options for buyers to purchase additional tonnes from future projects at reduced prices. Prices for CarbonCapture are set to decline by at least 46% over the agreement, while Heirloom projects a further 70% cost reduction by 2030.

Primary: Frontier

other-vcm 18 October 2023

International Carbon Registry calls for broader VCM focus, improved transparency

The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has called for a broader approach to voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) beyond traditional project-based offsetting. In an October 2023 blog post, the registry argued VCMs should facilitate collective action for internal and supply chain emission reductions. It emphasised the need for greater transparency and robust reporting standards on credit use and actual emission cuts to counter greenwashing concerns. The ICR stated that organisations must provide detailed reports on their reduction strategies and outcomes, ensuring information is accessible to stakeholders.

Primary: International Carbon Registry

corporate-deal 07 September 2023

Frontier facilitates $7 million carbon removal purchases for Stripe, Shopify, H&M Group

Frontier facilitated $7 million of carbon removal purchases from 12 companies for buyers Stripe, Shopify, and H&M Group. This third round, announced on September 7, 2023, included 12 companies chosen from 132 applications, employing 14 distinct removal approaches. Based on their projections, the selected companies could collectively remove over 500,000 tons of CO₂ annually by 2026. Separately, Stripe provided $500,000 in R&D grants to Carboniferous and Rewind, and $200,000 to Arbon and Vycarb.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 18 May 2023

Frontier buyers sign $53m carbon removal offtake with Charm Industrial

Frontier has facilitated its initial carbon removal offtake agreements with Charm Industrial, committing $53 million for the removal of 112,000 tonnes of CO₂. These purchases, spanning 2024 to 2030, involve a price per tonne expected to decline by at least 37% over the period. Backed by founding members including Stripe and Alphabet, Frontier aims to accelerate the scaling of novel permanent carbon removal technologies. Charm Industrial employs biomass pyrolysis to produce bio-oil for permanent underground storage, an approach identified as a promising pathway for climate-relevant carbon removal. Such pre-purchase agreements provide suppliers with critical demand certainty, supporting investment and reducing scaling costs.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 12 April 2023

Frontier's carbon removal commitment reaches $1B with four new members

Autodesk, H&M Group, JPMorgan Chase, and Workday committed a combined $100M to Frontier on April 12, 2023, for purchasing permanent carbon removal over the next eight years. This expands Frontier’s total advance market commitment for carbon removal to over $1B. The new capital will support large-scale purchases through multiyear offtake agreements, helping mature suppliers secure financing to scale operations. Frontier has previously facilitated purchases from 15 carbon removal start-ups across eight technological pathways.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 15 December 2022

Frontier facilitates $11M carbon removal purchases for Stripe, Shopify

On December 15, 2022, Frontier facilitated $11 million in carbon removal purchases on behalf of Stripe and Shopify, contracting with seven companies including Arbor, Captura, and Cella. Initial commitments totalled $3.5 million, with a further $7.5 million contingent on projects achieving agreed technical milestones. Separately, Stripe provided $500,000 in R&D grants to Kodama Systems and Nitricity. This marks Frontier's largest purchasing round to date, having received over twice the number of applications compared to its previous cycle six months prior. The purchases aim to accelerate the development and scale of diverse carbon dioxide removal technologies.

Primary: Frontier

other-vcm 17 November 2022

Frontier launches database identifying over 100 carbon removal knowledge gaps

Frontier launched its Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) gap database on 17 November 2022, listing over 100 knowledge and innovation gaps across the field. Developed in collaboration with RMI's Carbon Removal Initiative, academics, and suppliers, the open-source tool categorises gaps in fundamental, technical, MRV, and governance areas. Each gap is tagged with attributes like needed skillsets and potential impact. The initiative aims to accelerate CDR development by identifying underexplored areas and connecting researchers and funders to specific challenges. This 'supply push' strategy complements Frontier's 'demand pull' approach for carbon removal solutions.

Primary: Frontier

integrity 19 September 2022

Frontier details carbon removal quantification framework for early technologies

Frontier, a major carbon removal buyer, published a framework outlining how to quantify delivered carbon removal from early-stage technologies. Developed in partnership with CarbonPlan, the framework addresses the challenges buyers face due to the absence of established measurement protocols. It analyses quantification certainty across six pathways, including biomass carbon removal and storage, direct air capture, enhanced weathering, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and terrestrial and ocean biomass sinking. The aim is to help buyers confidently assess and purchase from promising early solutions that often present quantification uncertainties, ultimately moving towards more standardised approaches as the market scales.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 29 June 2022

Frontier facilitates first carbon removal purchases for Stripe totalling $2.4 million

Frontier, an advance market commitment launched by Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify, Meta, and McKinsey Sustainability, facilitated its first carbon removal purchases in June 2022. Stripe committed $2.4 million to six early-stage carbon removal projects, including AspiraDAC, Lithos Carbon, and RepAir, at prices between $500 and $1,800 per tonne. An additional $5.4 million is contingent on the projects meeting agreed technical milestones. These low-volume prepurchases mark the initial phase of Frontier's $1 billion commitment, aiming to catalyse emerging carbon removal solutions. Frontier acts as the first customer for all six projects, bridging the gap towards larger, multiyear offtake agreements.

Primary: Frontier

corporate-deal 12 April 2022

Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify, Meta, McKinsey launch $1B carbon removal commitment

Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify, Meta, and McKinsey Sustainability have launched Frontier, an advance market commitment (AMC) to purchase $1 billion of permanent carbon removal by 2030. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of nascent carbon removal technologies by sending a strong demand signal to suppliers. This marks the first time the AMC model, previously used for pneumococcal vaccines, is being applied at scale to carbon removal. As of 2021, fewer than 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide had been permanently removed from the atmosphere, significantly below the estimated 6 billion tonnes per year required by 2050 for IPCC 1.5°C pathways. Frontier will identify and facilitate purchases from technologies with long-term potential, supporting their scaling efforts.

Primary: Frontier