How to choose CDR?

What makes a good CDR purchase? A few non‑negotiables — then some useful tie‑breakers.

Please note that most offerings from the vendors in our directory are in-sync with the following.

Non‑negotiables

  1. It’s removal, not avoidance.
    You’re paying for CO₂ pulled from the atmosphere and put into long‑lived storage. (Avoided‑emission credits are different instruments.) isometric.com

  2. Durability / permanence.
    Look for storage that lasts centuries or longer. The EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) uses ≥200 years as the minimum benchmark for “permanent” carbon removals; many projects target 100s–1000s of years depending on the pathway. Climate Action

  3. Robust MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification).
    High‑quality CDR has transparent, quantitative measurement so that one credit truly equals one tonne removed. Ask to see the MRV method, uncertainty treatment, and data access. Isometric

  4. Independent certification & public registry.
    No self‑certification. Credits should be issued and retired on an independent registry under a recognized standard, with unique serial numbers and public traceability. This is a core integrity expectation for carbon‑crediting programs. ICVCM

Examples of reputable programs & frameworks

  • Isometric — a carbon‑removal‑only standard and registry emphasizing long‑duration removals and open data. isometric.com

  • Puro.earth — removal‑focused standard (e.g., biochar, carbonated materials) with 100+ year durability criteria and a CORC200+ label aligned to emerging EU rules. puro.earth

  • Carbon Standards International — biochar C‑sink standards and the Global C‑Sink registry; evolved from the European Biochar Certificate to a global framework. carbon-standards.com

  • Cascade Climate — not a crediting registry, but a respected nonprofit publishing rigorous MRV guidance and quantification frameworks (e.g., for enhanced rock weathering) used by practitioners and policy makers. cascadeclimate.org

Tip: Programs recognized under broader integrity initiatives (e.g., ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles) signal strong governance and third‑party verification processes. ICVCM

Important quality criteria to check

  • Additionality: Would the removal happen without carbon revenue? (It shouldn’t.) ICVCM

  • Delivery timing & “vintage”: Prefer ex‑post (already delivered) or near‑term delivery, and check how the standard defines vintage (year of removal vs. issuance). ACR

  • Reversal risk & liability: Look for long‑term monitoring and safeguards (e.g., buffer pools or warranties) consistent with permanence claims. Climate Action

  • Double counting: Confirm issuance, transfer, and retirement happen on a public registry (with serial numbers). ICVCM

  • Transparency: Ask for methodology documents, MRV reports, and uncertainty estimates. Isometric

Pathway‑specific notes (brief)

  • Biochar (BCR): Well‑established supply and verification; look for standards such as Puro.earth or CSI’s Global Biochar C‑Sink. puro.earth, carbon-standards.com

  • Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW): Durable storage as carbonates; MRV is advancing quickly — favor projects aligning with current quantification frameworks. cascadeclimate.org

  • DACCS/Geologic storage: Very durable storage but limited near‑term supply; verify delivery timelines and storage assurance. Climate Action

  • There are also other methods: this list will be extended as we add new cdr shops to the directory.