The Credible Carbon Standard
Every Credible Carbon project is independently audited against this standard. It is simple. Four questions that every project must answer before credits are issued. We aim to make our process as streamlined as possible without compromising market integrity or the fungibility of our credits.
Download the Standard (PDF)Also see the Credible Carbon Registry Rules which govern how registered projects must operate.
Real projects, real people, real benefits. We don't trade business plans. A project must exist, be operational, reduce emissions and demonstrate a positive impact on poverty before any credits are issued against it.
Emission reduction and poverty alleviation go hand in hand in every project we register. We pride ourselves that at least 60% of net carbon revenue is returned to project beneficiaries as cash or reinvestment.
Carbon savings are calculated against our independently reviewed methodologies, which set out what is eligible, how to define the baseline, and what evidence an auditor will look for. They are free to use and a public good.
At least 60% of net carbon revenue returns to project beneficiaries
In 2008 to 2023 we averaged 80%, after all audit, legal and registry fees.
The four questions
Every audit assesses whether a project can satisfy all four of these questions. A project that cannot is not registered, and credits are not issued.
We do not trade carbon off the back of business plans. The project must have been running long enough for a credible audit — usually at least twelve months.
The project must describe how it delivers poverty alleviation benefits. The audit checks that the promised benefits were actually delivered.
Savings must be calculated against our approved methodologies, using conservative, auditable figures grounded in recognised norms.
The project must specify what emission reduction technology is in place and how it operates. The audit verifies it is working according to its design specification.
What this means in practice
The standard keeps transaction costs low and keeps the process focused on what matters to buyers and to communities.