Introduction to Carbon Markets

In this article, we introduce a few basic terms underpinning the work ACR does.

What are carbon markets?

Carbon markets are trading systems where carbon credits equal to one tonne of carbon dioxide reduced or removed from the atmosphere are bought and sold. One tonne is a metric ton, equal to 1,000 Kg.

What are carbon credits?

A carbon credit is a quantified reduction, removal, or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions that can be used to address greenhouse gas emissions that occur elsewhere. ACR issues carbon credits that can be used by regulated organizations in certain compliance markets as well as by other organizations toward voluntary emission reduction targets.

What is a greenhouse gas registry?

A greenhouse gas registry is a transparent online system to record when carbon projects are listed, and when serialized carbon credits are issued to projects after verification, and when they are transferred, retired or cancelled. Information about the ACR Registry can be found here.

How can you buy carbon credits?

Carbon credits can be purchased directly from companies that develop carbon projects or through intermediaries, such as those organizations listed here. ACR does not sell carbon credits.

What types of carbon projects exist?

There are many different types of carbon projects, which are required to follow approved methodologies to generate carbon credits. ACR manages a range of methodologies focused on destruction of super pollutants, nature-based solutions and carbon capture and storage.

If you’d like to learn more about ACR and carbon markets, you can read our case studies, review infographics, and learn about our methodologies in primers.