A Buyer’s Guide to Natural Climate Solutions Carbon Credits (2026 Update)

This 2026 update provides practical guidance for companies purchasing high-quality Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon credits in a rapidly evolving voluntary carbon market.

In addition to step-by-step procurement support, this edition introduces a stronger focus on risk identification and management, reflecting growing expectations around credit integrity, transparency, and credible climate claims.

What’s new in 2026?

• New guidance on risk and uncertainty across the credit lifecycle
• Strengthened due diligence and quality assessment
• Updates reflecting recent market developments 

Why this guide matters

The voluntary carbon market continues to evolve, with increasing scrutiny on the quality and use of carbon credits. Companies must go beyond purchasing decisions to ensure credits deliver real climate impact while aligning with credible net-zero strategies.

How to use the Guide

This guide is designed to support buyers across the full lifecycle of engaging with NCS carbon credits – from early strategy setting through to ongoing portfolio management.

It can be used to:

• Define your approach to using carbon credits within a broader climate strategy
• Navigate the market, including different project types, standards, and suppliers
• Apply structured due diligence to assess credit quality and suitability
• Make informed purchasing decisions aligned with internal objectives and external expectations
• Manage and review portfolios over time, adapting to new information and market developments

The guide is structured in a step-by-step format, but it is not intended to be strictly linear. Users can enter at different points depending on their level of experience or immediate needs.

Importantly, this 2026 update integrates risk considerations throughout each stage. Rather than treating risk as a separate step, the guide highlights where buyers should assess potential integrity, delivery, market, and reputational risks as part of core decision-making.

Companies are encouraged to use this guide as a practical reference tool, revisiting key sections as their strategy evolves and as the voluntary carbon market continues to mature.

Image credit: ©Filip Agoo for Wildlife Works Kasigau REDD+ Project