Carbon Project Assessment Framework
How we assess carbon projects for quality, risk and real-world impact.
The Carbon Project Assessment Framework explains how Ecologi evaluates carbon projects before they are funded by our customers. It sets out a science-led approach to due diligence, informed by leading guidance on the appropriate use of carbon credits, to manage risk and protect real-world impact.
In brief
What it is
A structured framework for assessing carbon projects across climate, nature and people, accounting for both quality and risk.
Who it’s for
Sustainability and climate leaders in mid-market organisations, and senior decision-makers responsible for approving climate investment.
Why it matters
Not all carbon credits deliver the same outcomes. Poor project selection creates reputational, financial and impact risk.
Why this framework exists
Voluntary carbon markets play an important role in financing climate action, but trust in the market remains fragile.
Businesses face common challenges, including:
Wide variation in carbon project quality
Limited visibility into project-level risk
Confusion about how carbon credits should be used alongside emissions reduction
Increased scrutiny of climate claims and greenwashing risk
The Carbon Project Assessment Framework exists to address these challenges with a clear, defensible and transparent approach to project due diligence.
How the framework works
Ecologi assesses carbon projects using a structured, multi-layered approach designed to identify high-quality projects and manage the risks associated with voluntary carbon markets.
Projects are reviewed at three levels:
Standard level – governance, integrity and transparency of the carbon standard
Methodology level – robustness and scientific validity of the crediting rules
Project level – deep, project-specific assessment using multiple independent data sources
Each project is assessed across three pillars:
Climate – greenhouse gas impact and permanence
Nature – biodiversity and ecosystem outcomes
People – social safeguards and community benefits
Scores are risk-adjusted to reflect uncertainty and long-term delivery risk. Only projects meeting Ecologi’s quality threshold are eligible for funding.
What good looks like in practice
High-quality carbon projects typically demonstrate:
Clear additionality and conservative baselines
Robust safeguards against reversal and leakage
Transparent monitoring and independent verification
Meaningful benefits for nature and local communities
Evidence-backed claims rather than marketing language
This approach helps businesses avoid over-claiming, reduce reputational risk, and ensure climate funding delivers genuine outcomes.
Learn
How to assess carbon credit quality
Avoidance vs removal: building a balanced portfolio
Aligning carbon funding with the Oxford Principles
Implement
Explore Ecologi’s Restore solutions
Speak to our climate experts
