VCMI acts to boost trust in offsets

Non-profit group launches rulebook for companies claiming climate progress on the back of purchased offsets

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative, a non-profit group the backers of which include the UK government and technology firm Google, has launched a code of conduct designed to boost confidence in the use of offsets by large emitters as part of their decarbonisation strategies. The VCMI says its ‘Claims Code of Practice’ offers companies a rulebook to follow for making “credible climate claims” relating to the voluntary offsets in which they have invested. The move comes as several large emitters face criticism for claiming progress in decarbonisation based on the purchase of offsets, in some cases leading to accusations of greenwashing. “VCMs bring considerable benefits as part o