Plain-English answers about carbon credits, certification standards, methodologies and how Carbon Unity fits in. If you do not see your question here, please get in touch.
A carbon credit is how project developers monetise real climate impact. Each credit represents a measurable unit of carbon removed or reduced, which can then be sold to buyers looking to offset their emissions.
A carbon standard is an organisation that sets the rules a project must follow before it can issue credits. Verra, Puro and Isometric each have their own eligibility criteria, approved methodologies and verification processes. Meeting those criteria is what separates a credible carbon project from one that cannot issue credits.
A methodology is the framework project developers follow to assess and quantify their carbon impact. It sets out precisely how emissions reductions or removals should be measured, monitored and reported under a given standard. Different standards use different methodologies, and the choice of methodology has a direct bearing on how many credits a project can generate.
Eligibility tells you whether your project meets the criteria to issue credits under a given standard. Quantification estimates how many credits it could generate. These are related but distinct: a project can have genuine climate impact and still fall short of a standard's eligibility criteria, which would prevent it from issuing credits regardless of how real the impact is.
Carbon Unity is a free tool for project developers to assess and quantify their carbon projects before starting the formal feasibility process. It tells you which standards your project may be eligible for, and gives you an early estimate of how many credits it could generate. Think of it as a way to stress-test your project against recognised frameworks before you commit time and money to a consultant.
Yes. The eligibility assessment and quantification tools are completely free.
Carbon Unity currently covers eligibility and quantification assessments for Puro, VCS, CSI Artisan, CSI Global, Isometric, Rainbow and CAR.
Biochar is the only project type covered at present. More will follow.
You can start with whatever information you have. The more detail you provide, the more useful your results will be, but you do not need everything figured out before you get started.
Each standard has different eligibility criteria and quantification techniques, and the right choice depends on the specifics of your project. Carbon Unity will suggest the most suitable option based on the information you provide, but committing to a pathway without consulting a carbon expert first is not something we would recommend.
No. Results are indicative: they point you toward the most suitable standard and give a sense of your potential credit volume. They should not be treated as certification advice. Always consult a qualified carbon expert before making any decisions.
The forecasts are indicative and should not be used as investment advice. They are built on calculation frameworks from official methodologies, so the approach is grounded in recognised practice. Formal third-party verification is required before any credits can actually be issued.
Yes. A tool like Carbon Unity can help you arrive at the conversation with a better foundation, but it is not a substitute for tailored expert advice. If you would like to speak to someone, get in touch and we can point you in the right direction.
The eligibility assessment takes about five minutes. Suggestive only — please review results with a carbon expert before acting.