Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
The market where companies and individuals buy carbon credits by choice rather than legal obligation. Projects are certified against independent verification standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, and Puro.earth.
Why the voluntary carbon market matters for carbon credit buyers
Almost every project on Carbon Compared comes from the voluntary market, so its rules shape what buyers can compare and claim. Because participation is voluntary, quality is set by verification standards, methodologies, and independent ratings rather than by a regulator, which is why two credits at the same price can differ substantially in integrity. The market has matured quickly: initiatives such as the Core Carbon Principles and independent ratings agencies now give buyers external reference points that did not exist a few years ago. The practical consequence is that due diligence sits with the buyer, not with a supervising authority.