Carbon crediting data framework (CCDF)

The Carbon Crediting Data Framework (CCDF) proposes a standardized schema for core carbon crediting data. Developed by RMI with ecosystem input, it supports transparency, lowers transaction costs, and enables cross-platform interoperability. The framework addresses project metadata, MRV inputs, risk disclosures, and monitoring outputs. By reducing duplicated due diligence, currently consuming 60%+ of some teams’ time, it allows stakeholders to more efficiently assess credit quality. The CCDF lays the groundwork for more automated, trusted digital carbon markets.

A confident carbon market: Business perspectives

This VCMI – Accenture study explores the key concerns and opportunities shaping corporate engagement in voluntary carbon markets based on input from 65+ companies and 60 market reports. While carbon markets remain essential to climate ambition, risks currently outweigh perceived benefits. Businesses call for clarity on how and when to use credits. Framework alignment, credit quality assurance, and clearer financial value cases are seen as critical to increasing corporate investment and restoring momentum.

Corporate buyers in the voluntary carbon market (July 2025)

This AlliedOffsets report analyses voluntary carbon market activity by corporate buyers, revealing that demand remains highly concentrated, with Microsoft and Meta leading. Financial services and tech dominate volumes, but new entrants across sectors are emerging. It explores buyer motivations, retirement trends, and offsetting behavior, including how different sectors approach Scope 3. Regional and company-level insights show growing attention to integrity, price signals, and permanence. The report includes a leaderboard, strategy breakdowns, and trends in project types and geographies.

CDR: State of the market (July 2025)

This AlliedOffsets market overview tracks the surge in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) activity in H1 2025. While Microsoft continues to dominate demand, biochar and biomass-based methods lead in issuance. The report unpacks buyer trends, price shifts, and early diversification into DAC, ERW, and mineralization.

Restoring confidence in carbon offsets through systemic ex post evaluation

A Nature Sustainability perspective argues that the credibility of carbon offsets is undermined by inflated ex-ante baselines. It proposes that systematic ex-post evaluations, based on observed outcomes, could prevent over-crediting, improve carbon credit accuracy, and restore trust in certification standards in voluntary carbon markets.

The common credit data model: Key infrastructure for digital carbon markets

This Carbon Mechanisms Review brief by Wuppertal Institute outlines how a common credit data model can serve as a backbone for digital carbon markets. It highlights benefits like improved interoperability, transparency, and cost reduction, especially for registries, project developers, and credit buyers navigating fragmented systems.

Linkages between Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Voluntary Carbon Markets: Nordic Perspectives and Points of Convergence

Published by Carbon Limits for the Nordic Initiative for Cooperative Approaches, this report examines the relationship between Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and voluntary carbon markets. It outlines where the two systems can support each other through harmonised crediting approaches, shared infrastructure, and safeguards. The analysis highlights Nordic priorities, such as environmental integrity, robust accounting, and avoiding market fragmentation, and recommends measures for enabling Article 6-aligned credit use in corporate claims and financing structures.

VCMI’s Scope Action Code of Practice

This guidance from VCMI helps companies navigate Scope 3 emissions in line with credible climate action. It outlines three key principles: reduce first, disclose transparently, and limit credit use to no more than 25% of Scope 3 emissions annually. The Code complements SBTi targets and integrity claims, ensuring that corporate offsetting strategies do not undermine decarbonization. It aims to create demand-side accountability, clarify buyer claims, and bolster trust in high-quality carbon markets as part of the net zero transition.

State and trends of carbon pricing 2025

The World Bank reports that carbon pricing instruments now cover 28% of global emissions and raised over $104B in 2024, an all-time high. The report explores emerging trends in carbon market linkages, Article 6 readiness, use of revenues, and climate equity. It also reviews new systems launched in India, Vietnam, and Brazil, alongside revisions in the EU and China. The voluntary market is examined for its integration potential and integrity risks. A section on international cooperation outlines how pricing can support the just transition and sustainable development across jurisdictions.