Understanding the difference between the Compliance & Voluntary Market
Anyone purchasing carbon removal credits operates either in the voluntary market or the regulated compliance market. But what does that actually mean?
◼️ Compliance Market
Markets regulated by law, such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
👉 Companies are legally required to purchase certificates for their emissions.
🔒 Access and projects are tightly regulated.
◼️ Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
In the VCM, companies or individuals voluntarily purchase carbon certificates to offset or neutralize their emissions.
👉 Focus is on impact, innovation, and climate responsibility.
📌 The VCM is growing in importance — also as a complement to the compliance market.
Organizations like Verra, ICROA, and Gold Standard set strict standards for quality and transparency.
◼️ Timber Finance operates within the VCM. Using our internationally recognized VCS methodology, we certify the carbon storage performance of timber buildings and generate high-quality Carbon Removal Credits.