Reference guide
Carbon and plastic credits.
A practical introduction to the terms and questions behind project development and credit procurement.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint records greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organisation, activity or product within a defined boundary and reporting period. It is a starting point for understanding emissions, identifying reductions and assessing progress.
What does a carbon credit represent?
Under Verra’s VCS Program, one Verified Carbon Unit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed by a project. Project validation, verification and Verra’s review support the quality of those units. Issuance and retirement records are available through the registry.
What does a plastic credit represent?
Verra’s Plastic Program distinguishes Waste Collection Credits from Waste Recycling Credits. Each represents one metric tonne of plastic collected or recycled above the relevant baseline. A project’s activity and credit type should be clear when considering a purchase.
What makes project evidence credible?
The project needs a suitable methodology and a documented relationship between its activity and claimed result. Key questions include the baseline, additionality, boundaries, monitoring records, traceability and applicable programme requirements. Independent assessment tests the project and its evidence against those requirements.
How do advisory and independent assessment fit together?
Surefni helps developers assess pathways, prepare documentation and coordinate technical responses. Independent validation and verification bodies assess project documents and monitoring results. For the ICR programme, their reports support project registration and credit issuance.
How should a credit purchase begin?
Start with the purpose of the purchase, the relevant reporting period and the type of environmental activity you intend to support. Review the project, programme, unit type and supporting records. Surefni can support this process and coordinate project-specific purchase enquiries.
Where can I find programme information?
Use the programme’s published rules, methodologies and registry records for the applicable project. The references below provide a starting point. Requirements and templates should be checked when establishing the scope of a new engagement.
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