Anew

Guidelines for Transparency, Accuracy, and Integrity in Sustainability Communications

The need for credible, transparent, and accurate communication around carbon credit claims has never been greater. In recent years, increased scrutiny around purchases and associated claims has cast a much brighter spotlight on buyers. Carbon credits play a critical role in helping companies achieve decarbonization targets and contribute to broader social and environmental goals at local, national and global levels, making a strategic sustainability and communication plan more important than ever. Equally important is recognizing that carbon credits are just one part of a comprehensive plan and should only be utilized after a company has first addressed its own internal, operational emissions.

Before a company makes public claims about any carbon credit purchases, a framework for driving internal emissions reductions must be set. An effective climate strategy begins with the establishment of well-defined, science-aligned long-term emission reduction goals, reinforced by short-term milestones. Communications should focus on the importance of integrating carbon credit purchases within a broader climate strategy that is, first and foremost, focused on value chain emissions reductions.

Any claims made should follow three key principles to build trust and drive climate impact—transparency, accuracy, and integrity. Here, we explore the essential elements of defensible carbon credit claims and how to communicate them successfully.

Transparency

To make credible and trustworthy carbon credit claims, transparency is critical both with regards to the claims themselves, as well as any broader disclosure in which these claims fit. Providing detailed information about the source of the credits, including the project type (i.e., Landfill Gas Capture or Improved Forest Management), location, verification standards used, and links to any publicly available information or documentation is important. Share how the credits and the projects they support align with the organization’s sustainability framework and values.

When possible, share the broader co-benefits of the projects — such as biodiversity protection, watershed health, or community livelihood improvements — to highlight the full impact of your purchase.

Be clear about the steps taken towards internal emission reductions vs. external credit purchases for remaining emissions. Clearly define what emission sources are covered by the claim and be specific about the scope and boundaries of these sources.

Credibility

To demonstrate credibility and integrity, explain why a specific project or set of projects was selected and highlight the most important aspects of project quality. If the project aligned with the purchaser’s geographic footprint, technology used, mission, vision, or values, be sure to state the connection. Explain how industry standards and best practices support these claims. Avoid implying that operational activities don’t lead to greenhouse gas emissions. Rather, be clear that carbon credit purchases are just one part of your organization’s sustainability strategy and make it easy to understand how any credit purchases apply towards your organizational targets. If additional due diligence was conducted as part of the project selection process, be specific about the framework for this and how the project, or projects, met those criteria.

Accuracy

The use of appropriate messaging and terminology is just as important as project details and how the claims apply to organizational targets. Utilize evidence-based statements and avoid ambiguous or overly broad statements or terms such as “offsetting” or “neutralizing.” These terms can unintentionally overstate a company’s impact or obscure the continued importance of internal reductions.

Instead, use precise language that reflects your company’s role and the intent of the purchase — for example:

“[Company] purchased [Volume] of verified carbon credits from Anew Climate to address emissions that remain after internal reduction efforts.”

It is also important not to overstate the organization’s role in financing the project’s credit creation. Clarify the nature of contribution as a purchaser and/or ongoing supporter of the project, not the originator of credits. Be specific about how any credit purchase aligns with broader organizational or science-based targets, and how it fits in with efforts to reduce value chain emissions. Keep language and messaging straightforward, without room for misinterpretation.

The Bottom Line

As we continue to confront the climate crisis, carbon credits play a key role in funding projects with lasting emissions reduction impact. While each organization’s approach will differ, carbon credits are a valuable tool within a broader climate strategy.

With evolving standards such as the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles and the Science-Based Targets initiative’s new guidance on removals, the landscape for credible climate action is becoming clearer and more rigorous.

Developing and adhering to a thoughtfully designed, science-based sustainability and communication plan will allow your organization to confidently utilize carbon credits to address unabated emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Ready to take the next step?

At Anew, we simplify the path to credible climate action. From strategy to storytelling, our team helps organizations navigate the complexities of carbon credits and integrate them seamlessly into broader sustainability plans.

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