Voluntary carbon credits can be sourced from project owners, their intermediaries or platforms that show the credits' origin and status. Before agreeing to buy, check the project, supporting documents, serial numbers, availability and transfer terms. Carbonetica Registry lets you explore projects and request information; it does not automatically complete a sale.
First, understand what you are buying
In the voluntary market, a carbon credit is a unit linked to a documented climate outcome. At Carbonetica Registry, each issued credit represents one whole tonne of CO₂ equivalent and has a unique serial number. Assess the project, the methodology it uses, its monitoring and verification documents, and the unit’s current status before considering a purchase.
A voluntary credit is not an allowance under the European emissions trading system. EU ETS allowances belong in the EU Union Registry; they should not be confused with units in a private registry.
Where to look for carbon credits
You can approach a project owner, an intermediary handling a transfer, or a platform that lists projects and units. Whichever route you choose, establish who the seller is, which serial numbers are being offered, and where you can inspect the evidence.
At Carbonetica Registry, start with the public project pages. They show the location, project lead and published technical information. Use the serial-number search for an individual unit. Browsing the complete credit directory requires email verification.
Five checks before you agree to buy
- Identify the project. Check its location, activity, lead, monitoring period, and stated standard or methodology. A project’s location alone does not establish credit quality.
- Read the relevant documents. Look for the project description, measured results, independent verification and any certificate. Compare quantities and periods, and read reconciliation notes where they differ.
- Check the serial numbers. Each unit must be identifiable. Confirm that it was issued and has not already been retired or cancelled. Its status may change before the transfer.
- Agree clear terms. The parties must settle price, quantity, availability, ownership, timing and transfer terms separately. A directory listing is not an accepted offer.
- Decide what you will do with the units. Buying, transferring and retiring are distinct steps. Check the evidence and scope before making any public climate claim.
How to enquire through Carbonetica Registry
The registry lets you identify a project and review its published information. Use the contact page to ask about availability and commercial terms, naming the project and explaining your needs. This request does not reserve units, calculate a price or start a transfer. Availability and terms are confirmed separately.
Following any agreement, a transfer must use the registry’s controlled process to update unit ownership. Retirement, when requested and approved, is permanent and produces a verifiable statement. The registry rules explain these steps.
Does buying credits make you “carbon neutral”?
No. Holding or retiring credits does not automatically certify the climate neutrality of a company, product or service. Explain reductions in your own emissions, contributions to projects and any use of credits separately, with the relevant quantities, period and limits of the evidence. See the legal notice for how to interpret registry information.