Carbon Quantified VI Edition: SD VISta & Plastic Credits

Hey there, Climate Enthusiasts! Welcome to the sixth edition of Carbon Quantified! This week, We are thrilled to present our analysis of the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) & Plastic Credits. Overview of the Sixth Edition: In the sixth edition of our newsletter, we continue our journey of exploring key topics that are shaping the sustainability market. We are thrilled to share that we recently attended the UBS Sustainability Summit & Awards 2023, held on May 23rd in Mumbai, where we had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in sustainable development. Additionally, we have joined Project Amplify, further strengthening our commitment to innovation and collaboration, as we receive support for testing and validating proofs-of-concept, leveraging design thinking sessions, accessing cutting-edge technologies, and benefiting from guidance from Microsoft and Accenture experts. In this edition, we shine a spotlight on two critical subjects that are poised to have a transformative impact on the sustainability market: the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) and Plastic Credits. These initiatives are instrumental in advancing sustainability goals and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The SD VISta framework offers a comprehensive approach to measuring and verifying the impact of sustainable development projects. By assessing a project's social, environmental, and economic contributions, SD VISta provides a robust standard for evaluating the positive outcomes generated by sustainability initiatives. We delve into the significance of SD VISta and how it can enhance transparency, credibility, and accountability within the VCM.

Additionally, we turn our attention to the emerging concept of Plastic Credits, which aims to tackle the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. Plastic Credits operate similarly to carbon credits, incentivizing the reduction, removal, and recycling of plastic waste. We explore the potential of Plastic Credits to drive circular economy practices, encourage responsible plastic management, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Understanding the implications of SD VISta and Plastic Credits is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of sustainability and maximizing the positive impact of carbon markets. These initiatives provide innovative solutions and frameworks that enable businesses to align their operations with sustainable development goals and combat environmental challenges.

As we delve into these topics, we invite you to join us in this exploration of sustainable development and the transformative potential of Plastic Credits. By staying informed and embracing these initiatives, we can collectively accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

In the following sections, we will deep dive into Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) & Plastic Credits.

Calculus IQ: Uncertainty Surrounding Indonesia's Carbon Market Regulations

Indonesia's carbon market regulations, implemented last year, have introduced a level of uncertainty that is hindering the development of carbon projects in the country. These regulations include a provision that requires a portion of the credits generated by each project to be withheld by the government. The current low returns, ranging from 15% to 20% at best, fail to attract funders who seek higher returns, especially in the context of risky voluntary carbon projects. Read more

Unleashing Sustainable Development Impact with SD VISta

In the pursuit of achieving sustainable development goals, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged to revolutionize the way social and environmental projects are certified and financed. Verra, a renowned non-profit organization, introduced the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta). This flexible framework empowers project developers to define and consistently report on the valuable outcomes of their initiatives, opening doors to new sources of finance and scaling up high-impact efforts.

Exploring Plastic Credits: Incentivizing Sustainability in Plastic Waste Management

Plastic credits play a crucial role in incentivizing and rewarding sustainable practices in waste management and recycling. With a clear certification process and two types of credits issued under the Plastic Program, they serve as a tangible representation of efforts to combat plastic pollution. The existing supply of plastic credits, led by Thailand, and the substantial pipeline of credits, predominantly from India, indicate a growing market for plastic credits.

UBS Sustainability Summit & Awards 2023

We attended the UBS Sustainability Summit & Awards 2023 on 23rd May 2023 in Mumbai. It was a platform where sustainability leaders gathered to exchange insights and learn best practices for achieving sustainability and net zero targets. Our founder, Neelesh Agrawal, presented on the role of Indian corporates in the voluntary carbon landscape and the upcoming compliance market, aligning with our vision of scaling sustainable projects. We were inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of corporates towards topics like pre-financing and cross-border taxation. Sharing our views on channeling global ESG capital toward sustainable projects was a privilege. Read More

Nucor and ExxonMobil sign carbon capture and storage deal

Exxon will capture, transport and store up to 800,000 metric tonnes per year of CO₂ from the Nucor’s DRI plant.

Saudi PIF-backed company to hold world’s largest voluntary carbon credit auction

The world’s largest sale of voluntary carbon credits, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be held in Nairobi, Kenya on June 14th.

World’s first commercial CO2 removal project kicks off

44.01 – a company engaged in removing CO2 from the atmosphere permanently by turning it into rock deep inside the earth – and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals have signed a concession agreement for the world’s first commercial-scale peridotite mineralisation project.

Germany launches scheme to help industry pay for carbon-free production

Germany is launching a programme that will make available tens of billions of euros for firms facing substantial energy costs, in a bid to help its challenged industrial sector fund a shift towards carbon-neutral production techniques.