Quality and evidence

What makes a carbon credit high integrity?

Integrity is assessed through the programme, methodology, project evidence, independent assurance, registry records and the way a buyer uses and communicates the credit.

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Assessment, not a slogan

Integrity is built through several layers

A programme name alone does not answer every quality question. The applicable methodology, project design, baseline, additionality, monitoring, verification, safeguards, registry controls and buyer claim all need to be considered.

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles provide a benchmark for programme and category-level assessment, while project-specific due diligence remains important.

Credible quantificationConservative baselines, appropriate methodology application, additionality and transparent calculations.
Independent assuranceValidation and verification by approved bodies, plus programme review and public documentation.
Secure trackingUnique units recorded in a registry, with transparent issuance and retirement status.
Safeguards and outcomesProject governance, stakeholder engagement, environmental and social safeguards, and accessible grievance routes.
Appropriate useA purchase and public claim that accurately reflect what the credit evidence supports.
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Evidence in context

Project quality is visible in the detail

Documentation should connect the accounting rules to real delivery: who is involved, how the technology or activity is maintained, what is monitored and how findings are addressed.

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Related guidance

Standards, labels and international uses

Standards and integrity

How programmes, methodologies, assurance and registries fit together.

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CCP-labelled carbon credits

What the Core Carbon Principles benchmark and what a CCP label means.

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CORSIA-eligible units

Why market eligibility requires a separate check for international aviation use.

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Letters of Authorisation

How host-country authorisation can relate to specified international uses.

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Talk through the evidence with our team

CO2balance can help with verified credit purchases, carbon project development, project investment and carbon management.

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