New research among 600 senior climate decision-makers across the UK and US shows carbon credits are delivering real value. Nine in ten companies buying carbon credits say they are delivering against their organization's goals, and experienced buyers are increasingly prioritizing quality and long-term value over price.
This mirrors a wider shift at the top of the corporate world: our latest FG500 analysis found that 44% of Fortune Global 500 companies intend to use carbon credits as part of their climate strategy, representing a 75% increase between 2022 and 2025.
The research explores what CSOs, with responsibility for climate strategy and/or carbon credit and EAC purchasing, told us about the value of carbon credits, the drivers and barriers to adopting them, and why so few talk about them.
Explore the key findings
1. Carbon credits underpin climate goals.
81% of buyers and prospective buyers say carbon credits are important or critical to meeting their climate goals today.
Carbon credits have become an increasingly important part of climate strategies, helping organizations progress toward near and long-term goals. Among current buyers, 84% say quality matters more than price when purchasing carbon credits, demonstrating a growing focus on credibility, long-term impact and project integrity.
2. Once companies act, the value is real and measurable.
90% of buyers say carbon credits delivered against their organization's aims over the last year.
The benefits extend well beyond climate goals. Buyers report increased brand trust (38%), revenue growth (37%), stronger brand reputation (36%) and customer acquisition (35%). Not a single current buyer reported that carbon credits delivered no value.
3. But few companies will communicate this.
Only 22% of buyers feel confident communicating their use of carbon credits publicly.
Despite strong confidence in carbon market integrity, many organizations stay quiet about their carbon credit programs. Nearly seven in ten buyers have limited, omitted or stopped communicating their use of credits because of media scrutiny, and one-third of non-buyers say they need communications support before moving forward. That silence removes the social proof the next buyer needs, which is exactly the confidence gap holding the market back.
Why this matters
Carbon credits are delivering on climate goals, generating measurable commercial value for corporate buyers, and backed by high confidence in the market integrity. Yet many organizations still hesitate to communicate publicly about the role credits play in their climate strategy. Closing that gap could accelerate investment in high-quality climate projects, strengthen confidence across the market and encourage more organizations to take climate action.
Ready to close that gap? Talk to our climate experts about taking action the right way, communicating it with confidence, and proving its value.
About the research
The research was conducted by Opinion Matters among 600 senior decision-makers responsible for climate strategy and/or carbon credit and Energy Attribute Certificate strategy and purchasing across the UK and US. The study included 300 respondents in the UK and 300 in the US. Respondents worked for organizations with at least 1,000 employees or annual revenue exceeding $100 million (£75 million). Fieldwork was conducted between 8 and 20 July 2026. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.
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