How to Access Carbon Credits

What are the 3 buying strategies for carbon credits? 

1. Spot market

The spot market has been the primary route to market utilised by carbon credit buyers. This route means that credits purchased are those that have already been issued to a developer or reseller account and can be transferred or retired. Spot carbon credit purchases can be made in a wide range of places.  

2. Forward contracts

Credits can be purchased via forward contracts where there is an agreement between the buyer and seller to purchase a quantity of credits at a future date and specified price. Forward purchases can be made through carbon trading companies or directly with project developers. This method usually fits the needs of large entities with large market exposure. This is becoming a more popular buying strategy due to the stronger relationship with the project and is particularly relevant to buying carbon removal credits for a net zero timeline. 

3. Project development investment 

Investing directly into a project’s development offers the closest relationship an organisation can have to its supply of offsets. The business can be very specific in the project criteria it wishes to select and offers the possibility to align certain corporate goals for stronger marketing and stakeholder management. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy? 

1. Spot market

Advantages 

• Finance is not typically at risk
• Funds and credits are transferred quickly so credit risk is very limited or non-existent
• Purchasing can be made as and when necessary
• Beneficial to companies who need flexibility

Disadvantages

• Exposure to what is available in the market
• Preferred type of carbon credits may not be available
• Pricing could be inflated

2. Forward contracts

Advantages 

• Guaranteed volumes of desired projects
• Hedge against price rises
• No upfront costs  

Disadvantages

• Price declines can result in overpaying market rate
• Delivery risk if credit don't materialise (e.g. due to project performance or force majeure)

3. Project development investment 

Advantages 

• Provides the best cost per credit ratio
• Protection against market price fluctuations
• Requires upfront capital
• Long lead time before credit issuance

Disadvantages

• Project failure

Depending on volume, where should you buy your credits? 

• For small volume purchases (e.g. 10 tonnes) retailers provide the best access to market and supporting materials
• Medium volume purchases (e.g. 1000+ tonnes) exchange platforms can help businesses access a good level of choice at near wholesale market prices
• Large volume purchases (e.g. 10,000+ tonnes) it may be possible to access project developers directly