EcoSecurities has devised an innovative approach to developing community-based emission reduction projects that help facilitate carbon finance investment on a micro scale. This new approach will support projects that promote poverty alleviation, support new employment opportunities, provide access to clean energy and improve living conditions in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Micro scale emission reduction projects often have very clear sustainable developments and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction benefits, however barriers such as strict regulations within the carbon market, the prohibitive expense of implementing detailed monitoring plans as well as the cost of annual verifications for many small-scale projects prevents investors from formally verifying the projects under a recognised standard.

To support these kinds of projects, EcoSecurities is launching a new initiative in partnership with a number of Social Enterprises, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

 

 

 

This is a new initiative and we recognise that buyers have different purchasing objectives and CSR responsibilities. Buyers can invest in these projects in numerous ways. Two potential options could be as follows:

 

 

1 - Community Development Emission Reductions (CD-ERs) - Buyers can purchase emission reductions from these micro-scale projects. The monies will be re-invested back into the local communities in order to further scale up the adoption and roll out of very small scale clean technologies in other geographic areas. For further information please click here.

 

2 - Community Development Verified Emission Reductions (CD-VERs) - Buyers who want both the certainty of third-party verified VERs and the co-benefits offered by these “too small to verify” community projects can purchase MEC or GLNO credits backed with an equal number of Verified Emissions Reductions verified to an established standard such as the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS). For further information please click here.

 

 

Investors in these projects will receive communication tools which can be used for PR and marketing opportunities and/or to aid employee and internal stakeholder engagement. These include estimated emissions reduction calculations, project images, video footage, testimonials and blog diaries. Those who purchase CD-VERs will also be able to access Project Design Documents (PDDs) and verification reports from the associated verified project.

 

For more information on these projects and to discuss the best way to invest in these unique opportunities please contact:

 

International - Lisa Ashford on +44 (0) 1865 264 005

 

North America - Steve Baczko on +1 503-863-3532