The top priority is to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, when it comes to combating climate change. Naturally, decarbonizing economies is a time-consuming transformative process. A short-term solution to this could be Carbon Credits, providing a direct path for companies to offset their emissions while they implement longer-term sustainability strategies.
However, they should not be seen as a direct alternative, it is just a complementary measure that supports the conventional need for systematic changes. But, what are carbon credits and how do they work?
What are Carbon Credits?
Carbon Credits are permits or certificates that can be traded, and they allow the holder to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) or an equivalent amount of any other greenhouse gas. These credits are seen as economic incentives for companies to reduce emissions, providing a market-based approach to cut down emissions.
Carbon credits serve as a mechanism to limit and minimize GHG emissions by attaching a monetary value to the carbon output of an organization. Entities that emit fewer emissions than allotted can sell the excess credits to those entities exceeding their allotted emissions. This way, a balance is maintained in the industry by adding a financial motive behind reducing emissions and promoting better practices.
The concept of carbon credits came across in the 1990s, with substantial progress going on within the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty adopted in 1997. The Kyoto Protocol set up mandatory emission reduction targets for industrialized nations and came up with methods like Emissions Trading, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI). Under these, countries and companies could earn carbon credits with projects that reduce emissions in developing countries.
With the establishment of the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) in 2005, the carbon credit market was improved and became one of the biggest and most advanced carbon trading systems in the world.
Purpose of Carbon Credits
The main purpose of Carbon Credits is to act as a financial motive for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It motivates individuals and companies to minimize their carbon footprints, invest in sustainable technologies, and adopt sustainable practices.
It serves as a market-driven approach to environmental protection by attaching a cost to carbon emissions. Emission allowances, representing one metric ton of CO₂ or equivalent, are distributed to companies.
The market-based approach encourages cost-effective emission reductions by allowing companies to trade credits and explore the most competent ways to cap their carbon output, achieving overall emission reduction targets in a flexible and economically competent manner.
Benefits of using Carbon Credits
Carbon Credits play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability by assigning a monetary value for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They connect the space between immediate emission reduction needs and longer-term sustainability goals. By promoting investment in cleaner technologies, carbon credits support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Carbon credits help reduce GHG emissions through a cap-and-trade system where emission limits are set, and credits are traded. This system ensures that emissions are in check, promoting economic reductions and fostering an efficient allocation of resources.
Carbon offset projects like reforestation, afforestation, and wetland restoration help protect and improve habitats. These projects seize CO2 and support the recovery of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Carbon credits invest in initiatives that protect and restore natural habitats, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on wildlife and plant species, promoting overall ecological health and resilience.
How do Carbon Credits Work?
Process of Acquiring Carbon Credits
Project Design and Approval
Project developers design initiatives that meet the requirements set by carbon credit standards, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). A certifying body reviews and approves the project, ensuring real and additional emission reductions.
Implementation and Monitoring
After approval, the project is implemented through activities like planting trees, installing renewable energy systems or improving energy efficiency. Monitoring is conducted to track its performance and verify that it is achieving the promised emission reductions.
Verification and Certification
An independent third-party verifier assesses the project’s performance, ensuring that the project’s emissions reductions are real, measurable, and additional. Upon successful verification, the project is certified, and carbon credits are issued.
Issuance and Registration
Certified carbon credits are issued and registered in a carbon credit registry, which ensures transparency and prevents double-counting. Each credit represents a verified reduction or removal of one metric ton of CO₂ or an equivalent amount of other GHGs.
Purchase and Trade
These credits are then purchased and traded by companies or individuals offsetting their own emissions or meet regulatory requirements, helping to fund further emissions’ reduction projects.
Carbon Offset Projects
Amazon Reforestation Project
The Amazon Reforestation Project aims to reforest approximately 20,000 hectares of deforested land in the Amazon rainforest. It is estimated that this project can seizer around 1 million metric tons of CO₂ over 20 years. Additionally, the project enhances biodiversity by restoring habitats for wildlife and supports local indigenous communities through sustainable employment opportunities.
Wind Power Project in India
Located in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the project involves the installation of wind turbines with a total capacity of 300 MW. It is estimated to reduce approximately 600,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. The project contributes to energy security and reduces local air pollution by providing clean energy.
Landfill Gas Capture Project in the United States
Landfills in California capture methane that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The captured methane is used to generate electricity, producing around 50 MW of power. The project eradicates approximately 1.2 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. It also reduces odors and groundwater contamination in the landfills.
Efficient Cookstove Project in Kenya
In Kenya, over 100,000 enhanced cookstoves have been distributed, estimated to reduce around 300,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually by improving fuel efficiency and reducing deforestation for firewood. They also improve air quality and prevent risks related to smoke produced.
Coastal Wetland Restoration Project in Louisiana
This project aims to restore 8,000 hectares of coastal wetlands. Restored wetlands are estimated to seize about 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The project helps protect coastal communities from storm surges and provides critical habitat for fish and bird species.
Introduction of Cap-and-Trade Systems
Through a cap-and-trade system, a limit is set on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by companies or countries. This limit represents the maximum emissions allowed over a specific period. Emission allowances are given to the participants, allocated based on historical emissions, auctioned, or given for free, based on the system’s design.
Entities that reduce their emissions below their allocated cap can sell their surplus allowances (carbon credits) to those who exceed their limits. This creates a financial incentive for reducing emissions and provides a market for trading credits.
At the end of each compliance period, participants must surrender enough allowances to cover their actual emissions. Those who cannot meet their requirements face penalties, ensuring that the cap is enforced.
The trading of allowances creates a carbon market where the price of carbon credits fluctuates based on supply and demand.
Types of Carbon Credits
Certified Emission Reductions (CERs)
Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) are carbon credits issued under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. They are governed by the CDM, which was established under the Kyoto Protocol to help developed countries meet their emission reduction targets by funding projects in developing countries. The CDM provides a standardized process for issuing CERs, involving project validation, monitoring, and verification by accredited entities.
Typical Projects Qualifying for CERs include:
- Renewable Energy Projects
- Energy Efficiency Projects
- Methane Capture Projects
- Reforestation and Afforestation Projects
Verified Emission Reductions (VERs)
Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) are carbon credits issued through voluntary carbon markets. VERs are generated from projects that meet specific standards and methodologies but are not necessarily linked to regulatory frameworks like the CDM.
Examples of VER Projects include:
- Community-Based Renewable Energy
- Waste-to-Energy Projects
- Conservation and Biodiversity Projects
Key Differences Between Certified Emission Reductions & Verified Emission Reductions
Unlike CERs, VERs are not issued under a formal regulatory framework such as the Kyoto Protocol. Instead, they are verified by independent third parties and adhere to standards set by voluntary carbon market organizations, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or the Gold Standard.
CERs are primarily used in compliance markets, where companies or countries need to meet legally binding emission reduction targets. VERs, on the other hand, are traded in voluntary markets where organizations or individuals choose to offset their emissions beyond regulatory requirements.
While CERs are often linked to large-scale, industrial projects, VERs include a wide range of projects such as small-scale renewable energy initiatives, community-based projects, and innovative technologies.
Carbon Credit Market Size (2020-2030)
Key Verification Bodies
Verification bodies are independent third-party organizations responsible for assessing and certifying carbon offset projects to ensure they meet established standards and criteria. They play a crucial role in maintaining the credibility of carbon credits. They review and validate project proposals to ensure they meet specific standards and methodologies before implementation.
They oversee the continuous monitoring of the project’s performance and conduct audits and site visits to verify the actual emission reductions achieved by the project.
Some of the verification bodies include:
Terrapass
Terrapass is a company that provides carbon offset solutions through various projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many fashion brands partner with Terrapass to offset their carbon footprint. Their reforestation projects sequester thousands of metric tons of CO₂ annually, while their renewable energy projects contribute to cleaner energy production.
Atmosfair
Atmosfair is a non-profit organization focused on offsetting carbon emissions through various projects, providing customized certificates for contributions. Fashion companies use Atmosfair’s carbon offset programs to neutralize emissions from their operations, especially emissions related to transportation. Their wind farm projects in India contribute to avoiding over 200,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Gold Standard
The Gold Standard is a certification body that ensures the quality of carbon offset projects. Fashion brands seeking high-quality offsets may choose projects certified by the Gold Standard. This certification ensures that the projects reduce emissions and provide additional social and environmental benefits. Solar energy initiatives in East Africa and cookstove programs in Latin America, are Gold Standard-certified projects.
ClimatePartner
ClimatePartner offers carbon offset solutions through projects that reduce emissions globally, providing a transparent and verified approach to carbon neutrality. ClimatePartner’s projects, such as reforestation in Madagascar and renewable energy in Vietnam, deliver significant emissions reductions and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Carbon Footprint Ltd.
Carbon Footprint Ltd. provides carbon offset services through projects such as renewable energy, reforestation, and waste management. Their projects, like solar power installations in India and reforestation in South America, collectively offset tens of thousands of metric tons of CO₂ annually, contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
When Companies Should Use Carbon Credits
Circumstances
Regulatory Compliance
Companies in regions with cap-and-trade systems or carbon tax regulations may need to purchase carbon credits to comply with mandatory emission reduction, like the European Union must adhere to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Voluntary Offsetting
Companies seeking to showcase environmental leadership and corporate responsibility often voluntarily offset their emissions.
Carbon Neutrality Goals
Organizations striving to achieve carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions can use carbon credits to balance out unavoidable emissions, reaching their targets faster.
Enhancing Brand Reputation
Conscious consumers prefer environmentally conscious brands. Offsetting emissions can enhance a company’s reputation and attract eco-conscious customers. Additionally, suppliers would also want to offset emissions as a part of their larger sustainability practices.
Benefits
Environmental Impact
Offsetting helps reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Economic Efficiency
Purchasing carbon credits can be a more cost-effective solution for companies trying to reduce carbon emissions internally.
Innovation and Investment
Revenue from carbon credits supports innovative projects and technologies that reduce or remove emissions..
Integration of Carbon Credits into Corporate Sustainability Strategies
Baseline Emission Assessment
Companies need to conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis using tools like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to measure their overall carbon emissions.
Set Reduction Targets
It is also crucial to establish clear, science-based emission reduction targets aligned with international standards, such as the Paris Agreement.
Implement Reduction Measures
Organizations should prioritize emission reduction measures within operations, such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction.
Offset Remaining Emissions
Companies can purchase high-quality carbon credits from verified projects, for emissions that cannot be reduced.
Continuous Monitoring and Reporting
Companies should also regularly monitor emission reductions and offset purchases to ensure targets are being met. Sustainability reports and disclosures to stakeholders should also be focused on to report progress transparently.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and communities, is important to showcase commitment to sustainability.
Adapt and Innovate
In an ever-evolving environment, companies must evaluate and improve sustainability strategies to incorporate new technologies, regulatory changes, and stakeholder expectations.
Conclusion
Carbon credits have paved the way for widespread use in both compliance and voluntary markets. By integrating carbon credits into their sustainability strategies, organizations can effectively manage their carbon footprints, support global climate goals, and showcase their commitment to environmental leadership.
Before evaluating carbon credits, you need solutions like Carbon Trail to measure and understand exact emissions that you need to reduce or offset to become net-zero. Verified by an independent third party, Carbon Trail’s methodology and software provide reliable and transparent data on corporate and product impact accounting. This enables brands or retailers to make informed choices about their overall emissions, prioritize carbon reduction initiatives, and engage in carbon-offsetting efforts wherever reduction is not possible.
Embracing the principles of carbon offsetting and integrating them into net-zero strategies can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. This way, companies can contribute towards creating a greener, healthier planet for future generations.