Bright meadow of purple Lavender under a canopy of trees

Carbon

The UK Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) is evolving to support high-integrity carbon credits that contribute to Net Zero goals while delivering environmental and social benefits. Here’s an overview of the current landscape and the three key operational schemes in the UK.

UK Voluntary Carbon Market

Voluntary carbon markets are experiencing growth, but challenges remain. UK Government guidance and standards currently in development in partnership with BSI, are critical to ensuring the credibility of carbon credits and preventing misuse as substitutes for emissions reduction.

Misunderstandings of UK-specific methodologies and global controversies around carbon offsetting have added complexity, but a growing recognition of nature-based solutions is driving a positive shift.

The recent UK Government announcement of Principles for Voluntary Carbon and Nature Market Integrity marks a significant step toward strengthening trust and accountability in the carbon and nature markets. These principles, designed to align voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) with global climate goals, set clear expectations for high-integrity carbon credits and their role in achieving net-zero targets.

Whilst there is a hive of innovation in the development of new carbon codes and standards, there are three operating schemes actively issuing carbon credits:

Wilder Carbon

Wilder Carbon uniquely assures both carbon sequestration and biodiversity recovery, matched only to those who are demonstrably reducing emissions, setting it apart in the UK market. By prioritising high-integrity nature-based solutions, it supports businesses seeking dual climate and ecological benefits. Providing a robust MRV framework that maximises benefits for nature and climate.

Woodland Carbon Code

This well-established scheme focuses on carbon sequestration through UK woodland creation. It offers a verified framework to measure, report, and reward tree-planting initiatives for carbon capture, providing businesses a reliable pathway to invest in long-term carbon storage.

Peatland Code

The Peatland Code emphasizes the restoration of UK peatlands to prevent carbon loss and enhance biodiversity. It supports landowners and businesses in achieving climate goals through the protection and rehabilitation of these critical ecosystems.

View of lake, surrounded by rich green land with hills in the distance

As the demand for high-integrity carbon credits rises, high integrity schemes like Wilder Carbon, Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code, play a significant role. By aligning decarbonization and nature recovery, these schemes provide essential tools for businesses committed to climate action.

For businesses and landowners, these schemes offer an opportunity to engage in meaningful climate and biodiversity solutions that align with long-term sustainability goals.

Operational UK Carbon Codes and Standards

Wilder Carbon
Wilder Carbon Standard for Nature and Climate ensures that high quality conservation projects delivered in the UK result in long-term carbon lock-up and real biodiversity gains matched to ethical buyers demonstrably reducing their emissions.
Read more
Woodland Carbon Code
The quality assurance standard for UK woodland carbon projects. Empowering landowners, organisations and businesses to address climate change by creating and supporting woodland projects across the UK.
Read more
Peatland Code
The Peatland Code provides assurance and clarity for business and other investors in peatland restoration projects through independent validation and verification. The Peatland Code works on the basis that during restoration, carbon savings are made through rapid emissions reductions.
Read more