Buy verified nature‑based carbon credits - backed by Rabobank

Voluntary carbon credits represent one metric ton of CO₂ equivalent reduced or removed from the atmosphere through certified projects. Companies use them to compensate for residual emissions after serious reduction efforts, supporting climate goals and stakeholder expectations. Rabobank focuses on nature-based credits from top registries, with the aim to ensure integrity and impact.

By looking for credits from projects rated BBB or higher under recognized integrity frameworks and aligned with ICVCM Core Carbon Principles. VCMI provides guidance for credible corporate claims. Rabobank only sources credits that meet these standards, so your climate claims remain future-proof.

A BBB rating (from BeZero) signals strong adherence to quality benchmarks—covering additionality, permanence, and robust monitoring. It reduces reputational and compliance risks compared to unrated or low-rated projects. BeZero is an independent carbon credit ratings agency that evaluates the likelihood that a voluntary carbon credit truly represents one tonne of CO₂e avoided or removed. Its ratings are widely used by buyers, investors, and intermediaries to assess credit integrity beyond registry certification.

Leading registries include Verra (VCS), Gold Standard, and Climate Action Reserve (CAR), known for rigorous methodologies and transparent governance. The Rabo Carbon Bank only sources credits from project developers that issue credits under reputable registries.

Every client’s approach to carbon offsetting is unique, but we often see a common pattern: building high-integrity portfolios that complement strong reduction strategies. This typically involves a mix of cost-effective avoidance credits and premium-quality removals.

Corresponding adjustments ensure credits are not double-counted under national inventories, a key consideration for companies seeking Paris Agreement alignment. While not mandatory for all voluntary claims, they are increasingly relevant for global leaders. The Rabo Carbon Bank monitors policy developments to keep your strategy aligned.

High-quality nature-based projects aim to deliver measurable co-benefits—such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and biodiversity conservation—helping companies advance ESG and SDG agendas alongside climate targets.

Common risks include low-quality credits, lack of transparency, fraud and future claim misalignment. These can lead to reputational damage and stranded assets. The Rabo Carbon Bank aims to mitigate these risks through applying strict quality filters to the projects that get onboarded to the portfolio.

We aim to combine market expertise, due diligence, and our supplier network to deliver portfolios of nature-based credits rated BBB or higher from top registries. Our approach has a great focus on compliance, credibility, and transparency.

No—current guidance emphasizes deep reductions in combination with careful, transparent use of credits for residuals to avoid misleading claims.

Yes. We help companies align with evolving SBTi Corporate Net‑Zero Standard V2 guidance for residuals and beyond‑value‑chain mitigation (BVCM).

Avoidance prevents future emissions vs. a counterfactual.

Reduction lowers existing emission sources.

Removal captures and stores CO₂ (nature‑based or technological).

Additionality means the climate benefit would not occur without carbon finance. In other words, the project must go beyond business-as-usual and only happen because of the revenue from selling carbon credits.

Leakage occurs when emission reductions in one area cause increases elsewhere, reducing the net climate benefit. We prefer projects with 0 leakage.

Co-benefits are positive side effects of a project beyond carbon reduction, such as biodiversity protection or community development.

Additionality means the climate benefit would not occur without carbon finance. In other words, the project must go beyond business-as-usual and only happen because of the revenue from selling carbon credits.