What is a “category” of carbon credits according to the ICVCM?

A “category” is a group of carbon credits that have the following characteristics in common: 

(1) the carbon credits are from the same type of mitigation activity, as defined by the Integrity Council; 

(2) the mitigation activity is registered under the same carbon-crediting program and complementary standard as applicable; 

(3) the emission reductions or removals were quantified using the same version of the same quantification methodology, including any tools or modules referred to in the quantification methodology; and 

(4) the carbon credits have other common features as defined by the Integrity Council in its assessment of categories of carbon credits, as necessary, such as geographic location or technical features.

Please refer to the Assessment Framework for more detailed information.