ICR Secures Full ICROA Endorsement, Ensuring High Integrity in Carbon Credits

The International Carbon Registry's Monumental Achievement in Carbon Credit Standards

On January 31, 2025, the International Carbon Registry (ICR) proudly announced it has attained unconditional endorsement from the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) for its carbon crediting program. This landmark achievement places ICR firmly among the top-tier standards within the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM).

Founded as a globally recognized standard, ICROA is dedicated to elevating integrity across carbon markets by adhering to the best practices in governance, registration, validation, and verification. The endorsement process is rigorous, involving detailed evaluations by third-party assessors to determine compliance with ICROA's comprehensive guidelines. These standards encompass crucial aspects such as environmental and social impact, stakeholder engagement, and an unwavering commitment to independence.

Achieving this full endorsement reflects ICR’s dedication to maintaining a high level of accountability and integrity in carbon credit issuance. Impressively, ICR has become only the second organization to receive this endorsement following ICROA's recent guideline updates, which introduced more stringent requirements targeting conflict-of-interest management and enhancing transparency. Completing the endorsement process in under 12 months showcases ICR's efficiency and adherence to best practices.

Antoine Diemert, ICROA Approval and VCM Policy Director at IETA, expressed support for ICR, stating, “ICROA is pleased to add ICR to its growing list of endorsed crediting programs. ICR's initiatives promote and expedite the transition towards a circular and sustainable industry, meeting all of ICROA's robust criteria.”

Currently, ICR boasts an impressive portfolio of 121 projects on its platform, spanning diverse sectors that provide both nature-based and technological climate solutions worldwide. This undertaking is bolstered by the collaboration of 20 Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), ensuring compliance with the necessary requirements for both project registration and issuance of carbon credits.

The ICR methodology aligns with ISO standards at its core, ensuring that all aspects of projects, including validation, verification, and accreditation, conform to globally recognized benchmarks. In addition to ISO guidelines, ICR enhances its criteria with comprehensive requirements that emphasize innovation, standardization, and the safeguarding of environmental and socio-economic integrity.

Gudmundur Sigbergsson, the founder and CEO of ICR, remarked, “Receiving ICROA's endorsement represents a pivotal milestone for our organization. This acknowledgment substantiates the credibility of the ICR program. We firmly believe that innovation and integrity can coexist in the carbon markets, and we are committed to championing both values as we progress. Most importantly, this endorsement strengthens the credibility of climate projects registered with ICR, reinforcing trust in the quality our credits represent globally.”

The prestigious endorsement has been granted merely 10 months after submission, allowing ICR to join an elite group of carbon crediting programs recognized for maintaining vigorous standards. This not only instills confidence among companies and stakeholders but also assures that ICR credits are additional, measurable, permanent, verified, and in harmony with sustainable development goals.

In conclusion, ICR’s acquisition of the ICROA endorsement is a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainable environmental practices, setting a precedent for others aiming for high integrity in the carbon credit market. As the fight against climate change intensifies, ICR’s advancements in carbon credit standards reflect a promising future for ensuring quality and credibility in the environmental sector.