Voluntary Carbon Market in 2025: what has changed and where are we headed

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) has experienced a turbulent period. Following scathing criticisms in 2023 – especially regarding REDD+ projects that did not deliver promised reductions – the sector responded with an aggressive reform agenda. In 2025, the scenario is different: more rigorous, more transparent, and, for those who know how to navigate, full of opportunities.

What has actually changed?

The ICVCM (Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market) published the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), a set of minimum quality criteria that projects must meet for their credits to be labeled as “approved.” VERRA responded by updating the VM0007 (REDD+) methodology and introducing more frequent third-party audits. In parallel, the VCMI (Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative) launched the Claims Code of Practice, guiding companies on how to communicate the use of credits without engaging in greenwashing.

Impact on Brazil

Brazil, with its competitive advantage in nature-based projects (forest, soil, restoration), emerges strengthened in this scenario. Projects that combine biodiversity, local communities, and robust methodologies achieve premium prices – between US$15 and US$50 per tCO₂e in some categories, compared to US$3–5 for generic industrial projects.

What companies need to know

For purchasing companies, the message is clear: the era of cheap, low-quality credits is over. Investing in certified projects with verifiable co-benefits – social, biodiversity, and climate – has gone from being a differentiator to a requirement. Domani closely monitors these trends to ensure its clients access credits that sustain both real impact and corporate reputation.