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Financing Climate Projects Certification

Financing climate projects certification

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Finance climate action today

Companies need ways to take credible climate action now, while continuing to reduce emissions over time. Financing Climate Projects Certification provides a practical framework for doing that - combining measurement, reduction and finance for high-quality climate projects.

Built on more than 20 years of experience delivering climate action programs, the certification is independently assessed against the Climate Impact Partners Protocol. It gives companies a clear way to demonstrate their contribution to climate action and communicate it transparently to stakeholders.

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Why use this certification?

Companies that meet the requirements of the Climate Impact Partners Protocol can use the Financing Climate Projects certification to communicate their contribution to high-integrity climate projects.

Show accountability

Take responsibility for emissions you have not yet reduced.

Deliver impact beyond your value chain

Finance projects that support climate action, nature and communities.

Act now

Support climate action today while progressing longer-term emissions reductions.

Put a price on carbon

Bring the cost of unabated emissions into business decision-making.

Independent verification

Demonstrate that your climate program has been independently assessed.

Communicate clearly

Use a defined certification and communications framework to explain your action accurately.

Download the protocol Read the verification framework

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Designed to be understood

A climate claim only works if people understand what it means and trust the action behind it. We developed Financing Climate Projects Certification through multiple stages of consumer research - testing the language, design, layout and the information people want to see behind the claim.

Consumer workshops helped shape the wording and visual identity, while further quantitative testing validated the final approach. The certification includes a clear route to further information, helping companies communicate transparently and giving stakeholders access to the detail behind the claim.

New research conducted by Opinion Matters for Climate Impact Partners reveals key insights into perceptions of financing climate projects and the role of certification.

61%

say the certification would stand out on products and packaging.

67%

say it would be clear how they could access further information.

48%

say they would be more likely to choose a product or service displaying the certification over an alternative.

Read the research

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Transparency built in

Our research showed that consumers want more than a claim alone. 78% say they would want further information after seeing a climate claim, with links and QR codes among the preferred ways to access it.¹

That is why the certification logo includes a QR code, giving stakeholders a direct route to further information held for you in our Client Hub.  

¹ Source: Opinion Matters, commissioned by Climate Impact Partners, 2026.

How it works

The Climate Impact Partners certification follows six clear steps, helping you connect emissions measurement and reduction with finance for high-integrity climate projects.

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1. Define

Clearly define the company, product, service or other subject you want to certify.

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2. Measure

Measure the carbon footprint of the defined subject using a robust, independently assessed approach.

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3. Target

Set goals to reduce the carbon footprint over time.

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4. Reduce

Take action to reduce emissions in line with those goals.

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5. Finance

Finance carbon mitigation projects through the purchase and retirement of carbon credits equivalent to the unabated footprint.

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6. Inform

Communicate your certification and wider climate program clearly, accurately and transparently.

The Climate Impact Partners Protocol

The framework behind our certification, setting out clear requirements for credible, transparent climate action.

Download

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A contribution to climate action

Financing Climate Projects Certification recognizes companies that combine action within their value chain with finance for climate action beyond it. It is designed to provide a clear contribution claim - not to suggest that emissions have disappeared or that finance replaces the need to reduce. Instead, it creates a transparent framework for companies to take responsibility for unabated emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.   

The certification helps you:

Take action on unabated emissions today
Finance high-integrity climate projects
Support climate, nature and community outcomes
Embed a carbon cost into business planning
Demonstrate independent verification
Communicate your contribution clearly and transparently

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Is this the right certification for your business?

Different claims suit different climate strategies. If you want to make a carbon neutral claim, demonstrate your contribution to climate projects, or need support navigating wider standards and frameworks, our experts can help you find the right approach.

Speak to our experts All Claims & Certifications

FAQs

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What is Financing Climate Projects Certification?: It is an independent third-party certification for companies that meet the requirements of the Climate Impact Partners Protocol. It recognizes a climate program that combines measurement, reduction and finance for high-integrity climate projects.
Is this the same as a carbon neutral claim?: No. Financing Climate Projects Certification is a contribution claim. It demonstrates finance for climate projects without stating or implying that the certified company, product or service is carbon neutral.
Do we still need to reduce our own emissions?: Yes. Reduction is a core part of the certification. Companies must set reduction targets and take action against them while financing climate projects in relation to the emissions they have not yet reduced.
How much climate finance is required?: The certification requires carbon credits equal to the unabated footprint of the certified subject, in line with the requirements of the Climate Impact Partners Protocol.
Is the certification independently verified?: Yes. Certification is independently assessed to confirm that the requirements of the Climate Impact Partners Protocol have been met.
How long does certification last?: Certification is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal confirms that the requirements of The CarbonNeutral Protocol continue to be met and keeps the certification and associated claims current. A small number of certifications are related to a particular activity, such as an event.
How can we communicate the certification?: Certified companies can use the Financing Climate Projects certification logo and associated claims in line with our communications requirements. Our team supports you in reviewing certification-related communications for accuracy, consistency and alignment with the Protocol.
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