Gold Standard1

Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs to ensure projects that reduced carbon emissions featured the highest levels of environmental integrity and also contributed to sustainable development. Setting itself apart from the rest of the carbon offset certifications, the Gold Standard stands out for its approach to sustainable development.
 It not only evaluates and certifies projects based on their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also demands a commitment to broader social and environmental objectives. Projects adhering to the Gold Standard must showcase transparency, stakeholder engagement, and additionality, making it a gold standard not just in carbon reduction but in holistic sustainable development initiatives.

UNFCCC

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a pioneering market-based approach under the Kyoto Protocol. What makes CDM unique is its facilitation of emission reduction projects in developing countries by allowing developed nations to invest in them. By promoting technology transfer and financial support to less industrialized regions, CDM acts as a global catalyst for sustainable development. Its breadth spans various sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and methane capture, making it a versatile and impactful mechanism in the fight against climate change.

The International Carbon Registry

The International Carbon Registry provides electronic registration for climate projects and issuance ICR carbon credits (ICCs) to climate projects that conform to ICRs requirements and ISO 14064-2. In this way, ICCs represents high-integrity carbon credits from projects across the globe as they arise from internationally acknowledged standards and commonly agreed upon carbon principles. ICR registry platform also serves as the registry for afforestation projects and issuance Forest Carbon Units (FCU) in Iceland according to the Forest Carbon Code issued by the Icelandic Forest Service.

CerCarbono

CerCarbono is a Brazilian-origin carbon offset standard with a sharp focus on land use and forestry projects. Unlike broader certifications, CerCarbono homes in on initiatives that promote sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation within these sectors.