The carbon credit market moves billions of dollars each year and has become a key tool for companies seeking to offset their emissions. But among so many options, one essential question arises: how can you be sure that the credits purchased represent real CO₂ reductions and not just a greenwashing strategy? The answer lies in international certification standards, which ensure the integrity of projects and the reliability of the credits issued.
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), maintained by the organization Verra, is the most widely used worldwide. Its credits, known as Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), follow rigorous technical methodologies and undergo independent audits. Today, more than 1,800 projects are registered in the public VCS platform, allowing buyers to track the traceability of credits.
Another key standard is the Gold Standard (GS), founded by institutions such as WWF. In addition to emission reductions, it requires projects to deliver measurable social and community co-benefits, such as job creation and improved quality of life. This makes it highly recognized by buyers who value not only environmental impact but also the positive social outcomes associated with projects.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), created under the UN’s Kyoto Protocol, was a pioneer in enabling developing countries to certify emission reduction projects. Its credits, known as CERs, could be purchased by developed countries, combining global mitigation goals with local sustainable development.
Beyond these, complementary programs such as the American Carbon Registry (ACR) and the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) also operate in the voluntary market with clear rules on additionality (ensuring the project exists only to reduce emissions) and permanence (ensuring avoided or removed carbon is not later released back into the atmosphere). These technical criteria underpin market trust and help companies invest safely in truly transformative initiatives.
Choosing certified credits is not just about complying with environmental regulations — it’s a strategic step to protect your company’s reputation and strengthen your journey towards Net Zero. By partnering with Gets Carbon, you ensure that every carbon credit purchased has full traceability and real impact, aligning your business with sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
Contact Gets Carbon and discover how to turn carbon offsetting into a strategic differentiator for your brand. Explore our solutions in ESG and take your company to the next level of environmental responsibility.
