A framework for businesses navigating the voluntary carbon market
By
Director of Climate Science & Impact
Edited: 25 Jul 2025
5 min read
In the voluntary carbon market, quality varies significantly. Asking the right questions helps you identify trustworthy suppliers and high-integrity projects that deliver genuine climate impact. Use this guide to evaluate your carbon credit investments with confidence.
Project integrity & certification
"Which carbon standards do you work with?"
Look for suppliers working with recognised standards like Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard, or Climate Action Reserve (CAR). These standards ensure projects follow rigorous methodologies and undergo independent verification.
"How do you ensure project additionality?"
Quality projects must demonstrate they wouldn't exist without carbon finance. Ask for evidence showing the project overcame financial, technological, or institutional barriers that would have prevented implementation.
"How are emission reductions calculated and verified?"
Suppliers should explain their baseline methodology, calculation approach, and how third-party verifiers validate emission reductions. Transparency here is essential for credibility.
Transparency & traceability
Can you provide registry information for all credits?"
Each carbon credit should have a unique serial number in a public registry. Ask for retirement certificates showing credits retired specifically on your behalf, with registry links for verification.
"How do you prevent double counting?"
Credits should only be counted once. Your supplier should explain how they ensure emission reductions aren't claimed by multiple parties, particularly important for international projects.
"What information do you provide about project implementation?"
Quality suppliers offer transparent project documentation, including monitoring reports, verification statements, and impact assessments. This information should be readily available.
Permanance & risk management
"How long will carbon remain stored in your projects?"
For nature-based solutions, understand the permanence period and risk mitigation strategies. Quality projects have buffer reserves to address potential reversals.
"What happens if a project fails to deliver expected outcomes?"
Ask about contingency plans for underperformance. Reputable suppliers maintain buffer pools or insurance mechanisms to ensure your climate impact is protected.
"How are projects monitored over time?"
Ongoing monitoring is crucial, especially for nature-based projects. Ask about satellite monitoring, field visits, and regular verification processes that ensure continued performance.
Impact & co-benefits
"What co-benefits do your projects deliver beyond carbon?"
Quality projects create additional environmental and social benefits. Ask for specific metrics on biodiversity protection, community development, or other sustainable development goals.
"How do your projects align with science-based climate action?"
Different project types serve different purposes in climate strategies. Your supplier should understand how various projects fit into corporate climate commitments and net-zero pathways.
"What reporting and communication support do you provide?"
Beyond credits, you need clear impact data for sustainability reporting and stakeholder communications. Quality suppliers provide comprehensive reporting packages.
The Ecologi approach
At Ecologi, we believe in complete transparency across all these areas. Our science-led approach ensures you receive high-integrity carbon credits from projects that deliver measurable climate impact. We provide full documentation, registry tracking, and reporting support to make your climate journey simpler and more effective.
Read our full UK Voluntary Carbon Market Guide here
Alternatively, connect with one of our climate experts discuss your goals and get a tailored solution for your business.