Carbon Credits: what they are and why they are important for businesses

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol formalized the concept of carbon credit, but it was with the 2015 Paris Agreement and the impetus of the voluntary market that a significant increase in their adoption was recorded. Since 2020, the demand for carbon credits has grown significantly. Despite initial enthusiasm, the market has faced slowdowns due to transparency issues and the spread of low-quality credits. Today, after a period of adjustment, the market is maturing, focusing on high-quality and more reliable credits.

For businesses, carbon credits are no longer just offsetting tools. Regulations like the EU's Green Claims Directive (complementary to the Empowering Consumers Directive 2024/825) and ESG standards (CSRD, ESRS) require greater transparency and traceability in environmental claims. Companies must prefer projects with real and verifiable impacts. Additionally, initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) promote the use of credits only after reducing emissions across the entire value chain.

The voluntary carbon credits market has received criticism due to the presence of "junk credits" (ineffective credits), which have fueled phenomena of "greenhushing" (silence for fear of accusations of greenwashing). However, verification tools and rating agencies are strengthening trust in the market. Companies must conduct thorough due diligence, assessing the quality, additionality, and environmental and social co-benefits of projects. Transparency and quality thus become key elements to protect corporate reputation and maximize environmental impact.

The future of carbon credits will play out on multiple fronts: regulation, technological innovation, and corporate demand. According to experts, by 2030 the demand for high-integrity credits could exceed supply, driving up prices. Companies that invest in quality projects today will ensure access, cost stability, and competitive advantage. Moreover, the integration between voluntary and regulated markets could transform credits into real financial assets, with positive impacts on corporate resilience as well. In a context where “there is no business on a dead planet,” carbon credits represent one of the most tangible levers for building a regenerative and responsible economy.

This article was created as part of the "Biodiversity services EU expansion" project (CUP: E43D22000480009) under the Regione Lombardia call "PR FESR 2021-2027 – LINE INTERNATIONALE 21-27", aimed at supporting the internationalization of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for the monitoring, protection, and regeneration of biodiversity, supporting companies in defining customized climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With a solid portfolio in Italy, Germany, and France and significant partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion in international markets to create a concrete impact through technology.