Integrity matters: Net zero commitments by businesses, financial institutions, cities and regions

The highly influential report is essential reading for anyone entering the voluntary carbon market. First published in November 2022, by The United Nations’ high-level expert group on the net zero emissions commitments of non-state entities, it gives ten recommendations to help establish a clear standard and criteria for net zero. These ideas are designed to bring greater integrity, transparency and accountability to climate goals. It draws a ‘red line’ under greenwashing with its determined work to end dishonest carbon accounting and reporting.

The Science Based Targets Initiative’s Scope 3 Requirements: A Discussion Paper

In July 2024 The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a discussion paper on the SBTi’s proposed revisions to its Scope 3 requirements. WWF emphasised that it promotes, first and foremost, a reduction of value chain emissions. It restates its support for carbon credits being used to support within value chain emission reduction but only supports their use for outside value chain reduction in the case of residual emissions. However, WWF would like to see companies investing outside of their value chains to support the Global South with additional climate finance.

EU Green Claims Directive

The EU Commission adopted the Green Claims Directive in March 2023 to prevent companies from making misleading claims about their environmental impact. This is relevant to buyers of carbon credits to ensure they abide by the Green Claims Directive when promoting their climate action.

Navigating the VCM in Uncertain Policy Landscapes

Published in February 2023, this Abatable report is aimed at investors and companies who are currently supporting projects in the voluntary carbon market. It is intended to help them in navigating emerging policy and regulatory risks.

Roadmap: Ensuring High-Quality Voluntary Carbon Markets

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) delivers claims guidance to carbon credit buyers. Published in October 2021, this Roadmap set out its goals and plans to ensure high-quality carbon markets, such as its Claims Code of Practice (released in 2023).