What makes Green-e Climate different from other standards and certification programs Ive heard of, and why is Green-e Climate certification important?
Green-e Climate certifies the offset, as opposed to the offset project. It is the only program that certifies the actual environmental commodity that is bought and sold in the market. In the global voluntary carbon market, Green-e Climate is the only standard and certification program that makes sure that what is sold (and not just what is generated) is legitimate. There are several established standards for offset generators—the emissions reductions projects, or the supply in this market—including the Gold Standard, the Verified Carbon Standard [formerly the Voluntary Carbon Standard], and the Climate Action Reserve, among others. These project certification programs that verify supply are one essential piece of what is needed for a robust market.
