How to buy carbon credits
Start with the quantity, timing and evidence you need. Then compare project, standard, vintage, registry and retirement information before confirming a purchase.
Define the job the credits need to do
A clear brief makes project selection more useful. Identify whether the purchase relates to a known quantity, an annual requirement, a particular programme or methodology, a geography, a project type, a reporting deadline or a longer-term relationship.
If the quantity is not yet known, state what has been measured and where an estimate is still needed.
Volume, timing, buyer type, intended use and any non-negotiable project or standard criteria.
Project activity, programme, methodology, vintage, price, availability and supporting documentation.
Registry details, project documents, monitoring and verification records, safeguards and any relevant labels or authorisations.
Agree the retiring entity, beneficiary wording, timing and certificate or registry evidence required after purchase.
What to ask for in a carbon credit quotation
Ask for the project name and registry identifier, crediting programme, methodology, vintage, quantity and delivery date. Establish whether the offer covers credits already issued or a commitment to future delivery. For a future delivery, ask how timing, shortfalls and substitutions would be handled before agreeing terms.
Request the total quoted cost and what it includes. Confirm the currency, any separately charged transfer or retirement services, the period for which the quote is valid and the retirement evidence you will receive. A price comparison is more useful when the project, unit and service being supplied are clear.
Keep the quotation, agreed project information and retirement record together. The retirement record should identify the units used and the agreed beneficiary or purpose. Review the high-integrity carbon credit guide for the evidence to assess, and the standards and integrity guide to understand the different roles of programmes, methodologies and registries.
Request options from the CO2balance team
Business purchase
For one-off, annual or multi-year organisational requirements, including project and retirement evidence.
Start a business enquiry →Individual purchase
For a known quantity, personal footprint, travel, event or gift, with current project and pricing information.
Request individual options →Questions worth asking
Price is one part of the decision. A buyer should be able to understand what is being purchased and what evidence will remain after retirement.
Ready to review current project options?
CO2balance can help with verified credit purchases, carbon project development, project investment and carbon management.