A practical guide to carbon credits
Understand what a carbon credit represents, how projects generate credits, what buyers should examine and how retirement records the use of a credit.
A credit is a unit with a documented history
One carbon credit generally represents one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed. That unit should be traceable to a project, methodology, monitoring period, independent verification and registry record.
The headline quantity is only the beginning. Buyers should also understand the project activity, applicable standard, vintage, safeguards, issuance record and retirement route.
Read the foundational guide →A project applies an approved methodology to a defined activity, baseline and monitoring plan.
An approved independent body evaluates whether the project design meets the programme requirements.
The project records activity and outcome data for a defined monitoring period.
An independent audit examines the monitored reductions or removals before issuance is approved.
Credits are issued with unique registry records. Retirement records that a credit has been used and prevents the same unit being transferred again.
Choose the route that matches the purchase
For an organisation
Share the required volume, timing, project preferences and reporting needs. CO2balance can provide current options and supporting evidence for review.
Carbon credits for businesses →For personal use
Request a defined quantity or ask for help estimating a journey, event, gift or personal footprint before reviewing available projects.
Carbon credits for individuals →Build a complete picture before buying
Use the supporting guides to move from the basic unit to practical procurement and quality assessment.
How to buy carbon credits
A practical route from defining a requirement to reviewing evidence and retirement.
→High-integrity carbon credits
The evidence and controls that should be considered alongside a standard name.
→Safe water carbon credits
How reliable water access can reduce fuel use and support community outcomes.
→Cookstove carbon credits
How improved cooking technology, adoption and monitoring support verified outcomes.
→Talk through the evidence with our team
CO2balance can help with verified credit purchases, carbon project development, project investment and carbon management.