ClimateCare has played a leading role in the formation of ICROA, an important new alliance for the carbon reduction and offset sector.

Eight of the world’s leading carbon-reduction and offset providers today announced the formation of the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA). It has been created to build support for the carefully crafted standards that now exist for the voluntary offset market. In addition, the group will provide a unified voice in promoting responsible “reduce-and-offset” carbon management stategies.

All members of the Alliance have signed up to the ICROA Code of Best Practice. This Code acts as a quality assurance for offset customers and also aims to promote high standards across the sector. It includes:

• Setting emissions reduction targets based on scientific assessments.
• Assess and implement both internal and external emissions-reduction opportunities, the “reduce-and-offset” approach.
• Use credible offset projects, where offsetting is appropriate to meet emissions-reduction targets.
• Be transparent in communicating emissions-reductions strategies and practices.
• Use offsets that meet the following principles: Real, Measurable, Permanent, Additional, Independently verified, and Unique.
• Submission of annual report demonstrating compliance with the Code.

“The carbon reduction and offset sector has developed quickly through the commitment and hard work of thousands of capable people around the world,” Jonathan Shopley, ICROA Co-Chair in the United Kingdom said. “There now are clearly recognized offset standards in place, and ICROA will build on this solid foundation, promoting greater understanding of what makes a responsible reduction and offset strategy.”

The voluntary carbon market is international, and ICROA’s founding members are based in the UK, USA and Australia, helping to drive for global best practice in carbon reduction and offset strategy.

ICROA will have its headquarters in London. The Climate Group, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing business and government leadership on climate change, is currently facilitating the secretariat of ICROA, under the direction of the organisation’s Executive Committee.

For more information see the press release below, or visit the ICROA website.

Press release PDF

ICROA website

Michael Buick