About the Integrity Council
Setting the global standard for high integrity in international carbon markets
Who we are
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) operates as an independent non-profit governance body working to establish and maintain worldwide standards for integrity in the voluntary carbon market (VCM).
ICVCM emerged in 2021 after the Taskforce on Scaling the Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) received backing from more than 250 global organisations.
Our vision is clear: where integrity exists, scale will follow.
The concept of integrity to us means that every carbon credit represents actual verified emission reductions or removals from the atmosphere while promoting sustainable development and protecting nature.
What we do
Current climate science demonstrates that we need immediate action to cut down worldwide emissions significantly. The Paris Agreement requires global emissions to decrease by half before 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The current path indicates a projected 2.6°C temperature increase by 2100.
We need every tool available working at full speed to secure a liveable future. High-integrity international carbon markets are a vital tool that can generate investment for urgently needed climate projects at speed and scale to help finance the transition to net zero emissions. But it will only succeed if it is rooted in high integrity, transparency, and trust.
Our Work
1. Assessments and Assurance
We assess carbon-crediting programs and their methodologies using our rigorous Assessment Framework, based on the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). A growing number of programs and carbon crediting methodologies are now CCP-Approved, with assessments ongoing. Our robust assurance & oversight ensures that these programmes continue to meet our high standards over time.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
We actively engage with diverse stakeholders, including carbon market practitioners, governments, regulators, and both Indigenous Peoples and local communities, to foster inclusive dialogue and strengthen market confidence.
3. Continuous Improvement
Recognising that best practices in international carbon markets continually evolve, we have launched a series of Continuous Improvement Work Programs (CIWPs). These CIWPs address complex challenges and opportunities, ensuring the CCPs reflect current best practices, and ambition increases consistently over time.
Core Pillars of Work
Building market confidence – Ensuring trust and transparency are at the heart of market operations.
Lowering barriers for market actors – Facilitating easier entry and participation in the market to accelerate action.
Reducing market fragmentation – Creating cohesive connections between supply and demand, enabling the market to scale effectively and efficiently.
Timeline
The Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) was launched.
Launch of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.
Public Consultation on the Core Carbon Principles and Assessment Framework.
Release of Core Carbon Principles, Assessment Procedure, Assessment Framework and Attributes.
Assessments of Programs and Categories of carbon credits began ; establishment of the Indigenous Peoples and local communities VCM Engagement Forum.
Ongoing assessments of Programs and Categories of carbon credits ; ICVCM’s takes on its assurance role ; the first Continuous Improvement Work Program Report is published, focusing on Permanence ; the Indigenous Peoples and local communities Engagement Forum decides on its priorities ; governments and regulators representing more than a third of global demand for carbon credits have announced their support for the Integrity Council and the CCPs.
“The evidence is clear: the time for action is now. We can halve emissions by 2030.”
IPCC Sixth Assessment Report
Careers
If you would like to join our mission, take a look at our vacant roles below.
Meet the team
The Integrity Council is a global team comprising industry experts from across the voluntary carbon market ecosystem. Our diverse team is built by people from different backgrounds with a broad range of professional and personal skills, including finance, various scientific focus areas, finance, NGOs, policy, as well as knowledge relating to indigenous and local issues.
Corporate Governance & Operations
Ensuring transparency, integrity, and operational excellence
