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    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market

    ID: MRFR/E&P/21968-HCR
    128 Pages
    Priya Nagrale
    October 2025

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Research Report By Credit Type (Nature-based Solutions, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Industrial Processes, Agriculture and Forestry), By Standard (Gold Standard, Verra, American Carbon Registry, Climate Action Reserve, Green-e Climate), By Verification Level (Third-party Verified, Self-Asserted, Auditing Standard, Industry-Standard), By Project Location (Developed Countries, Developing Countries, Emerging Markets, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America), By Project Size (Small-scale Projects, M...

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    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Infographic
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    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Summary

    The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected increase from 3.19 USD Billion in 2024 to 242.11 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 48.23% from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 242.1 USD Billion, indicating a robust expansion.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 3.19 USD Billion, reflecting the nascent stage of this industry.
    • Growing adoption of carbon offset initiatives due to increasing regulatory pressures is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 3.19 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 242.11 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 48.22%

    Major Players

    Gold Standard, Verra, American Carbon Registry, Climate Action Reserve, Green-e Climate, BCarbon, Regen Network, Nori, Common Carbon, Trace, Flux, ClimatePartner, Plan Vivo, AirCarbon Exchange, Carbonfuture, earth, South Pole, BeZero Carbon

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Trends

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is witnessing a remarkable increase, with motivations coming from rising corporate commitments to sustainability and government policies promoting decarbonization. Some of the key developments in recent times include an upsurge in the demand for high-quality carbon credits, particularly from nature-based solutions, as well as projects that contribute to sustainable development. The market is also experiencing new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence, which are improving transparency and efficiency in the trading of credits.

    Opportunities for growth in the voluntary carbon credit market lie in expanding the types of projects that qualify for generating credits, like renewable energy and energy efficiency schemes. Additionally, standardized methodologies and certification frameworks will improve the credibility and comparability of carbon credits. Strategic alliances between market participants such as companies, project developers, and brokers can encourage innovation and increase the supply of good quality credits.

    For example, stakeholders must meet challenges related to maintaining the environmental reliability of carbon offsets, preventing greenwashing, and encouraging unbiased participation in this marketplace. Government policies towards the development of a robust voluntary carbon credit market are very important. Through capitalizing on these trends while addressing emerging difficulties, there is potential for voluntary carbon credit markets to play a key role in meeting global climate targets while supporting sustainable development objectives.

     

    The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is poised for robust growth as organizations increasingly recognize the necessity of carbon offsetting in their sustainability strategies, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

    United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Drivers

    Market Trends and Projections

    Regulatory Support and Frameworks

    Governmental policies and regulatory frameworks are playing a crucial role in shaping the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry. Many countries are implementing supportive regulations that encourage carbon offsetting through voluntary markets. For example, initiatives such as carbon pricing and emissions trading systems are being adopted globally, creating a conducive environment for carbon credit trading. This regulatory support is expected to enhance market confidence and stimulate investment in carbon credits, potentially leading to a market valuation of 242.1 USD Billion by 2035. As regulations evolve, the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is likely to witness robust growth.

    Growing Environmental Awareness Among Consumers

    There is a notable increase in environmental awareness among consumers, which is influencing the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry. As individuals become more conscious of their carbon footprints, they are demanding that companies take responsibility for their emissions. This shift in consumer behavior is prompting businesses to invest in voluntary carbon credits as a means of demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. The rising demand for eco-friendly products and services is likely to propel the market forward, contributing to its anticipated growth. The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is thus positioned to benefit from this heightened consumer awareness.

    Increasing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

    The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is experiencing a surge in corporate sustainability initiatives as businesses strive to meet environmental, social, and governance criteria. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of carbon neutrality and are investing in carbon credits to offset their emissions. For instance, major corporations are committing to net-zero targets, which drives demand for voluntary carbon credits. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a market value of 3.19 USD Billion in 2024. As more organizations adopt sustainable practices, the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is likely to expand significantly.

    Technological Advancements in Carbon Accounting

    Technological innovations in carbon accounting and verification are transforming the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry. Advanced software and blockchain technology are enhancing transparency and efficiency in tracking carbon credits, thereby increasing trust among stakeholders. These technologies facilitate accurate measurement and reporting of emissions reductions, which is essential for the credibility of carbon credits. As organizations adopt these technologies, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 48.23% from 2025 to 2035. Consequently, the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is poised for significant advancements driven by technological progress.

    Emerging Market Opportunities in Developing Regions

    Developing regions are presenting emerging market opportunities within the Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry. As these regions seek to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, there is a growing interest in carbon offset projects. Initiatives in countries like Brazil and India are gaining traction, as they aim to leverage their natural resources for carbon credit generation. This trend is expected to attract investments and foster partnerships, further driving the market's expansion. The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Industry is likely to see increased activity and innovation in these developing areas.

    Market Segment Insights

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Credit Type Insights

    Nature-based Solutions, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Industrial Processes, and Agriculture and Forestry are the five primary credit types in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market. Nature-based solutions, which involve preserving and restoring natural ecosystems like forests and wetlands, are anticipated to account for the majority of the market by 2024. Nature-based solutions are predicted to account for more than half of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue in 2024, with an estimated value of $5 billion, due to their capacity to sequester carbon dioxide from the environment.

    Renewable energy projects, which produce energy from renewable sources like solar and wind power, are anticipated to be the second-largest segment, with an expected market share of over 25% in 2024. The growing need for clean energy sources is driving the expansion of the renewable energy sector. Energy efficiency projects, which seek to minimize energy use in buildings and other constructions, are anticipated to expand at a significant rate and account for close to 15% of the market in 2024.

    The rising cost of energy and the necessity to cut greenhouse gas emissions are both contributing to the expansion of the energy efficiency sector.

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Standard Insights

    The Gold Standard, Verra, American Carbon Registry, Climate Action Reserve, and Green-e Climate are prominent standards in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market. They provide a framework for project development and verification, ensuring the quality and credibility of carbon credits. The market for credits certified by these standards is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from corporations seeking to offset their carbon emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation.

    In 2023, the global market for voluntary carbon credits certified by these standards was valued at approximately USD 2 billion and is projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of over 20%.

    The growth of this market segment is supported by favorable government policies, technological advancements, and rising awareness about the importance of carbon offsetting.

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Verification Level Insights

    Third-party Verified, Self-Asserted, Auditing Standard, and industry standard are the four main types of verification levels in the voluntary carbon credit market. Third-party Verified credits are verified by an independent third party, which provides a higher level of assurance than Self-Asserted credits, which are verified by the project developer itself. Auditing Standard credits are verified against a specific auditing standard, such as the ISO 14064 standard, while Industry-Standard credits are verified against a specific industry standard, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or the Gold Standard.

    The Third-party Verified segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for high-quality credits from buyers who want to ensure the credibility of their carbon offsets. The Self-Asserted segment is expected to grow at a slower pace due to the increasing demand, although they are less expensive than Third-party Verified credits. The Auditing Standard segment is expected to grow at a steady pace due to the increasing adoption of auditing standards by project developers.

    The industry-standard segment is expected to grow at a moderate pace due to the increasing competition from other verification levels.

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Project Location Insights

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is segmented by project location into Developed Countries, Developing Countries, Emerging Markets, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the largest share of the market in 2023, with a valuation of USD 0.65 billion. This is due to the increasing demand for carbon credits from countries such as China, India, and Japan. This growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of carbon pricing mechanisms and the growing awareness of the importance of climate change mitigation.

    The Emerging Markets segment is also expected to witness significant growth, with a CAGR of 49.55% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a valuation of USD 13.41 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by the increasing economic growth and industrialization in these countries.

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Project Size Insights

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is segmented by project size into small-scale projects, medium-scale projects, and large-scale projects. Small-scale projects generate up to 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year. These projects are typically community-based and focus on activities such as reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. In 2024, the small-scale project segment is expected to account for around 25% of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue. Medium-scale projects are those that generate between 100,000 and 1 million tonnes of CO2e per year.

    These projects are typically larger than small-scale projects and may involve a wider range of activities, such as afforestation, methane capture, and REDD+. In 2024, the medium-scale project segment is expected to account for around 40% of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue. Large-scale projects generate more than 1 million tonnes of CO2e per year. These projects are typically very large and may involve activities such as renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and industrial decarbonization. In 2024, the large-scale project segment is expected to account for around 35% of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue.

    Overall, the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for carbon credits from corporations and governments. The market is also expected to benefit from the development of new technologies and methodologies for carbon accounting and verification.

    Get more detailed insights about Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2035

    Regional Insights

    The regional segmentation of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market offers valuable insights into the diverse market dynamics across different geographical regions. North America currently dominates the market, accounting for a significant share of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue. The region's robust economic growth, coupled with stringent environmental regulations and a growing awareness of corporate social responsibility, has fueled the demand for voluntary carbon credits. Europe follows closely behind, driven by the European Union's ambitious climate goals and a strong focus on sustainability.

    The APAC region is emerging as a promising market, with increasing demand from countries like China, India, and Japan. South America and MEA are expected to witness steady growth in the coming years as governments and businesses recognize the importance of carbon offsetting in mitigating climate change.

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market, By Regional

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    As the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market gains popularity, major players are slowly increasing their operations to cater to the growing demand. As firms widen their provisions, competing firms continue to innovate on the best means to reduce emissions. Additionally, the leading players in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market invest heavily in research and development to develop new means to reduce emissions. Verra is a firm that plays in the voluntary carbon market, offering standards and verification to its clients. The company offers services that increase the quality and credibility of the carbon market.

    The other services that Verra offers include project design, registration, verification, and issuance of carbon credits.

    As the investment in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market increases, the competition becomes more intense. Innovative carbon markets foster the competition of existing firms and entrants. This makes markets create measures to stimulate innovations and maintain healthy competition. Gold Standard is another firm that plays in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market. The firm offers project development, certification, and verification. Gold Standard also plays a role in climate policy, and the firm works with other stakeholders such as governments, businesses, and NGOs to advance climate change policies.

    Key Companies in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market market include

    Industry Developments

    Recent developments in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market include the increasing demand for carbon credits by corporations seeking to offset their carbon footprint, driven by growing consumer and investor pressure for sustainability. The market is also seeing the emergence of new carbon credit registries and standards, as well as the development of innovative carbon capture and storage technologies. These factors are contributing to the rapid growth of the market, which is expected to reach a value of USD 50 billion by 2032, representing a CAGR of 48.22% from 2025 to 2034.

    Future Outlook

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Future Outlook

    The Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is projected to grow at a remarkable 48.22% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by regulatory support, corporate sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop innovative carbon offset projects targeting emerging markets. Leverage blockchain technology for transparent carbon credit transactions. Create tailored carbon credit solutions for specific industries to enhance compliance.

    By 2035, the market is expected to be a pivotal component of global sustainability efforts.

    Market Segmentation

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Standard Outlook

    • Gold Standard
    • Verra
    • American Carbon Registry
    • Climate Action Reserve
    • Green-e Climate

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Credit Type Outlook

    • Nature-based Solutions
    • Renewable Energy
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Industrial Processes
    • Agriculture and Forestry

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Project Size Outlook

    • Small-scale Projects
    • Medium-scale Projects
    • Large-scale Projects

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Project Location Outlook

    • Developed Countries
    • Developing Countries
    • Emerging Markets
    • Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Asia-Pacific
    • Latin America

    Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Verification Level Outlook

    • Third-party Verified
    • Self-Asserted
    • Auditing Standard
    • Industry-Standard

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024    3.19 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025    4.73 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 242.11 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 48.22% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Gold Standard, BCarbon, Regen Network, Nori, Common Carbon, Trace, Flux, ClimatePartner, Plan Vivo, AirCarbon Exchange, Carbonfuture, Puro.earth, South Pole, BeZero Carbon, Verra
    Segments Covered Credit Type, Standard, Verification Level, Project Location, Project Size, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Growing Demand from Corporates Companies seeking to achieve net zero emissions Technological Advancements: Blockchain and AI enhancing transparency and efficiency Expanding Scope of Projects A Broader range of carbon credit projects, such as forestry and renewable energy Global Regulatory Push: The focus on carbon pricing and ETS schemes is increasing, driving demand. Increased Consumer Awareness and Growing recognition of carbon footprints and the importance of carbon offsets.
    Key Market Dynamics Rising Corporate Sustainability Initiatives Increasing Demand from Multinationals Growing Awareness of Climate Change Technological Advancements in Carbon Capture Emergence of New Carbon Credit Standards
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the overall market size of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is projected to reach an overall valuation of USD 163.34 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 48.22% from 2025 to 2034.

    What are the key regions driving the growth of the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    North America region is expected to dominate the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market, with a highest CAGR during the forecast period.

    What are the major applications of Voluntary Carbon Credits?

    Voluntary carbon credits are primarily used to offset carbon emissions and enable organizations and individuals to achieve their climate goals. They are also utilized in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing deforestation and promoting renewable energy.

    Who are the key competitors in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    Key players in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market include Verra, Gold Standard, American Carbon Registry, and the Climate Action Reserve. These organizations provide standards and verification services for carbon credits.

    What are the challenges faced by the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market faces challenges such as ensuring the credibility and transparency of credits, addressing issues of double counting, and scaling up the market to meet growing demand.

    How can organizations benefit from participating in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    Organizations can leverage Voluntary Carbon Credits to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

    What are the key trends shaping the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is witnessing increasing demand from corporates, investors, and governments. Technological advancements, such as blockchain, are also playing a role in enhancing transparency and efficiency.

    How is the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market regulated?

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is largely self-regulated, with organizations like the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) providing guidance and standards. However, some jurisdictions may have specific regulations or policies related to carbon credits.

    What is the future outlook for the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    The Voluntary Carbon Credit Market is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness about climate change and the need for carbon offsetting. Technological innovation and policy support are also likely to contribute to market expansion.

    How can investors participate in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market?

    Investors can participate in the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market through specialized funds, carbon credit exchanges, or by directly purchasing credits from project developers. Due diligence and careful evaluation are crucial to ensure the quality and credibility of credits.

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