The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI) Claims Code of Practice offers a structured framework to guide companies in responsibly integrating high-quality carbon credits into their net-zero strategies.
The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI) Claims Code of Practice offers a structured framework to guide companies in responsibly integrating high-quality carbon credits into their net-zero strategies. The Code introduces a four-step process that enables organizations to make Carbon Integrity Claims and demonstrate ambition beyond internal decarbonization. Each claim—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—signals progressive levels of climate action, verified credit use, and alignment with international best practices.
The VCMI framework empowers companies to credibly communicate the use of carbon credits by adopting one of three Carbon Integrity Claims. Each tier builds on VCMI’s foundational criteria, which includes public emissions disclosures, alignment with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and adherence to credible offset standards like Verra and Gold Standard.
| Tier | Carbon Credit Retirement (%) | Annual Increase Requirement | Additionality | Global Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 20–60% | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gold | 60–100% | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Platinum | 100%+ | Maintain/Exceed | Yes | Yes |
These tiers help signal credible carbon credit use in alignment with climate science. By aligning with the VCMI Claims Code, companies can mitigate reputational risk, improve ESG reporting, and support global climate objectives.
