Voluntary carbon and nature markets: raising integrity

We consulted on proposals to raise integrity in voluntary carbon and nature markets, including how the government’s six Principles for Voluntary Carbon and Nature Market Integrity could be implemented through guidance, policy and, where appropriate, regulation. This publication summarises the feedback received. Respondents highlighted broad support for improving integrity, confidence and usability in voluntary carbon and nature markets, and emphasised the need for:

• clear, internationally aligned expectations on the appropriate use of credits 
• robust approaches to credit quality 
• transparent reporting and claims 
• proportionate approaches to assurance and enforcement 
• avoiding unnecessary fragmentation in a rapidly evolving standards landscape

We received 200 responses to the consultation from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• businesses and financial institutions
• project developers and intermediaries 
• civil society and environmental groups
• standards and assurance bodies
• academics and public sector organisations