Climate Care is delighted that the UK Government is recognising the importance of the voluntary carbon market, and has today launched a consultation on its proposed standards for the industry.

We have been calling for the development of robust common standards for a number of years, and have been closely involved in the development of the two most promising to date - the Voluntary Carbon Standard (from the Climate Group) and the Gold Standard for Voluntary Offsets.

While we are extremely pleased that the Government is taking a lead in establishing a strong and rigorous voluntary carbon market, we have some strong reservations about the principles and content of this consultation.

Clarification of what has been launched
Some reports in the media have suggested that the standard has already been launched and that a limited number of offset providers are already in compliance. This misunderstanding came from Defra's statement in their press release that some offset retailers have 'already met the government's standard by offering Certified Emission Reduction Credits'.

In fact, the launch yesterday was of the proposals for a standard, which will form the basis of a 12 week consultation and not the standard itself. This will only be finalised at the completion of the consultation period. The standard is due to be launched formally in Autumn 2007. It is only at this point that retailers can be deemed to be following the standard.

The retailers listed are simply those organisations who chose to support the press release, and who are among those in a position to offer certified credits.

We would like to confirm that other organisations within the market, including Climate Care, are also able to meet the proposed standard through the provision of certified credits.

For a summary of our views on the issue please see our response below:

Climate Care Statement on Defra voluntary offset consultation 18Jan2007 (one page)

Climate Care Position Paper on Defra Voluntary Offset Consultation 18Jan2007 (four pages)