Carbon Credit Certification: A Key Tool for Sustainability and Emissions Trading'

Certification of carbon credits takes place on the basis of internationally recognized standards and methodologies that ensure the transparency, credibility and environmental benefit of projects. These certificates are awarded after thorough verification and are essential for carbon credits to be traded on voluntary or regulated markets. Key certification criteria include:

1. Carbon credits certification criteria

1.1 Additionality

The project must demonstrate that the emission reduction or carbon removal would not occur without a specific intervention. For example, a tree planting project should demonstrate that these activities are not common practice in the area.

1.2 Measurability and monitoring

Greenhouse gas emissions that have been reduced or eliminated must be accurately measured and monitored according to standard methodologies. This includes verification of input data, such as emissions before and after project implementation.

1.3 Durability (Permanence)

The project must guarantee long-term carbon preservation, especially in projects such as planting forests or geological storage of CO₂. Mechanisms must be set up to eliminate the risk of releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

1.4 Uniqueness (Non-Double Counting)

Each carbon credit must be unique and cannot be counted more than once, which ensures the integrity of the market.

2. Certification process

Project registration

The project developer submits detailed information about his project to the certification scheme.

Third-party verification

Independent certification organizations such as Verra (VCS), Gold Standard or American Carbon Registry (ACR) carry out project verification based on established standards.

Issuance of certificates

After successful verification, carbon credits are registered in official registries and can be traded. A single European register based on the CRCF (Carbon Removal Certification Framework) will operate within the EU from 2028.

Continuous monitoring and auditing

During the entire duration of the project, regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance with criteria and methodologies.

3. Certification standards and schemes

 

– Verra (Verified Carbon Standard – VCS): One of the largest certification schemes for voluntary carbon credit markets.

– Gold Standard: It focuses on projects with a high environmental and social benefit.

– EU CRCF: An EU-approved carbon removal certification framework that provides harmonized rules for European projects.

Certification of carbon credits provides an important guarantee that projects bring real benefits to the climate and promote sustainability on a global level.

This ensures that each project is not only effective in terms of environmental protection, but also contributes to the credibility of the carbon trading system. Spring