About Us

Credible Carbon is a South African carbon registry committed to making carbon trading transparent, fair, and impactful. Since 2008, we have connected verified emission-reduction projects with individuals and organisations seeking credible offsets, ensuring that carbon finance flows directly to those delivering climate action on the ground.

Our work shows what carbon markets can achieve when designed around integrity and community benefit. Traded volumes have grown from 9 000 tCO2 in 2011 to an average of 90 000 tCO2 per year up to 2023, with prices ranging from R36 to R140 per tCO2. Throughout this growth, our focus has remained the same: supporting real projects and real people — not intermediaries.

Whether you’re a business, individual, or event organiser, you can calculate your footprint, offset your emissions, and support projects that make a tangible difference.

Helping companies think differently

Discover how Credible Carbon is redefining what it means to trade carbon responsibly — with projects that cut emissions and build resilience in South African communities.

Our Purpose

Avoiding carbon-emitting activities should always come first. But when emissions are unavoidable, purchasing offsets from verified projects provides a practical and ethical way to reduce your climate impact. Every Credible Carbon project delivers two outcomes:

Emission reduction — through measurable, verifiable activities that prevent or absorb CO2.
Poverty alleviation — by returning a significant share of carbon revenue directly to communities.

Across our portfolio, at least 60% — and on average 80% — of carbon revenue has been returned to project beneficiaries since 2008.

Real projects, real people, real benefits, and emission reduction plus poverty alleviation.

Our Approach

Our approach is built on the principle that carbon markets must deliver real, verifiable impact for people and the planet. The Credible Carbon Standard was designed to provide a practical, transparent framework suited to African contexts — one that prioritises scientific integrity and social benefit. The Credible Carbon registry only sells credits that meet our AMPED criteria: projects must be Additional, Measurable, Permanent, and supported by Excellent Data.

To maintain trust and transparency, all projects are independently audited and must comply with the Credible Carbon Standard — our simple, robust framework for ensuring measurable emission reductions and social benefit.

Governance and Oversight

Audit Process

All registered projects undergo a rigorous, independent Audit Process conducted by accredited South African organisations. Audits include site visits, beneficiary interviews, and external verification — but at a fraction of the cost of international schemes.

Technical Advisory Board

To ensure Credible Carbon remains a global example of how carbon markets can advance climate justice, we have established an independent Technical Advisory Board. This board strengthens our governance as carbon markets evolve and ensures that our standards and registry remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with best practice and climate-resilient development.

Directors

Anton Cartwright — Founder & Director

Environmental economist with 20+ years in African climate finance and carbon markets.

Independent economist, associate at University of Cape Town and Fellow at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Lead Author of South Africa’s Just Urban Transition Framework and the IPCC’s SR1.5 and AR7. Published researcher and practitioner with over 25 years experience in carbon markets, climate finance, project development, and community-centred climate solutions.