France has launched a groundbreaking corporate charter that sets global standards for transparent and credible carbon credit on April 24, 2025. The charter sets new global standards in line with the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 and the Core Carbon Principles by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.
The Coalition for Paris-Aligned and High-Integrity Use of Carbon Credits, sets new global standards on how companies use carbon offsets for transparent and Paris-aligned carbon credit use. The coalition has two key corporate commitments: Decarbonization First and High-Integrity Credits Only.
Seventeen companies, including Schneider Electric (EPA: SU), Capgemini (EPA: CAP), Beko, and FDJ United (EPA: FDJU), have already signed the pledge, demonstrating growing corporate commitment to high-integrity carbon markets.
The initiative, unveiled by Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France’s Minister of Ecological Transition, requires companies to follow a ‘Decarbonization First’ approach where they must implement verified emission reduction strategies before turning to carbon credits. These credits must align with Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement and meet Core Carbon Principles from the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.
The charter creates greater transparency and accountability in the voluntary carbon market, addressing longstanding concerns about greenwashing. Companies must now document their emission reductions through time-bound Net Zero pathways with independent verification.
A portion of financing from carbon credits will directly support climate adaptation in vulnerable developing nations and small island states, creating broader climate justice benefits. The initiative balances both avoidance/reduction credits and removal credits, recognizing that multiple approaches are needed to meet global climate goals. By establishing rigorous standards, the charter helps transform carbon credits from potential greenwashing tools into genuine climate action accelerators.
High-integrity carbon markets are a powerful tool in accelerating climate action. They help countries to meet emissions targets more quickly and cost-effectively, while driving real global emissions reductions and unlocking vital climate finance for developing countries.
This charter represents a significant step forward following COP29 where global standards for carbon credit validation were established.
Learn more about the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism Article 6.4
Read the Charter
