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Liverpool Football Club (LFC) has claimed the English Premier League (EPL) title for the 2024-25 season, continuing its impressive form on the field. Off the pitch, the club is also making waves as a leader in sustainability efforts, positioning itself as one of the greenest football clubs in Europe.

As fans cheer their goals and victories, the club is also scoring major points in its mission to cut carbon emissions and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Through ‘The Red Way‘ strategy, Liverpool aims to reduce its environmental footprint and set new standards for sustainability in the world of elite football.

The Red Way: Liverpool’s Blueprint for Sustainability

Liverpool FC’s journey to sustainability officially began in 2021 with the launch of The Red Way. It is the club’s award-winning strategy to minimize its environmental impact.

The plan focuses on three pillars: people, planet, and communities. It aligns with 16 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. On the environmental front, Liverpool has set clear targets:

  • Halve operational carbon emissions by 2030
  • Achieve net zero by 2040
  • Achieve carbon neutrality in merchandising by 2030
Liverpool FC carbon emissions
Source: Liverpool FC

In its 2023–24 Red Way report, the club outlined key achievements:

In transportation, LFC invested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel to eliminate all emissions from domestic flights. Its team buses are powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, cutting emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.

The club worked on biodiversity and planted over 1,000 trees and hedges. They also added honeybee habitats with 60,000 bees. Plus, they grew half a tonne of food for their kitchens.

The legendary Anfield pitch is now fully recyclable. Old turf is repurposed into benches and other materials for community projects like the orchard at the AXA Training Centre.

LFC anfield stadium
Source: Shutterstock

The club’s operations have been recognized through ISO certifications:

  • ISO20121 (sustainability management)
  • ISO45001 (health and safety)
  • ISO50001 (energy management)

Liverpool has committed to global efforts by signing the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and the UN’s Race to Zero. They pledge to cut emissions in half by 2030 and aim for net zero “as soon as possible.”

A Game-Changing Collaboration: Direct Air Capture with 1PointFive

In 2025, Liverpool strengthened its sustainability efforts. It partnered with 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental that focuses on Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.

Under this collaboration, LFC calculates the carbon footprint of its merchandise — from production to delivery — and purchases carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to offset those emissions.

DAC is a cutting-edge solution that removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. Liverpool’s purchased credits are tied to STRATOS. This facility will be the largest DAC in the world that can capture 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

According to LFC Chief Commercial Officer Ben Latty:

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the club. Through The Red Way, we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and driving positive change for our people, planet, and communities.”

This innovative step positions Liverpool as one of the first clubs to embed carbon removal directly into fan merchandise. Beyond offsetting, it also encourages supporters to make carbon-conscious choices, deepening fan engagement on climate action.

How Liverpool Compares: Sustainability Efforts of Rival Clubs

Liverpool FC is seen as one of the leaders in football when it comes to protecting the environment. But Liverpool is not alone. Two of its biggest Premier League rivals, Manchester City and Arsenal, are also working hard to make their clubs more environmentally friendly.

Manchester City’s Sustainability Initiatives

Manchester City has added many green actions to its Etihad Campus. Like Liverpool, it signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and promised to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. 

The club uses 100% renewable electricity in its stadium and buildings. It has installed over 10,000 solar panels at the City Football Academy and the Joie Stadium. Man City is also strong in waste management. It sends zero waste to landfills and recycles over 90% of waste on matchdays. 

To cut travel emissions, the club encourages fans to take public transport or bike to games. The club’s buildings use energy-saving lights and water-saving systems. In 2023, Manchester City won the Sustainability Team of the Year award at the Football Business Awards for all these efforts.

Arsenal FC’s Green Efforts

Arsenal FC is another club known for its green leadership. It was the first Premier League club to put in a large battery storage system at its Emirates Stadium. This system stores extra renewable energy for later use. 

The club aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. It has an interim goal of reducing Scope 1 and 3 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions intensity by 52% by 2030, versus 2021 levels. 

Like Manchester City, Arsenal uses 100% renewable electricity to power its Emirates Stadium and low-carbon gas to lower emissions. It has installed a 3MW battery storage system. 

The club has cut down on single-use plastics in food stands, drink areas, and its shops. It also runs projects like tree planting and wildlife protection to help nature near the club. 

Between 2019 and 2023, Arsenal cut its operational emissions by 20%. It signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework too. Through its “Arsenal for Change” campaign, the club encourages fans to take part in environmental activities.

All three clubs show a strong commitment to protecting the environment. Liverpool stands out because it uses carbon removal technology in its merchandise and leads in biodiversity work. Manchester City is strongest in waste management, while Arsenal leads in energy storage and community nature projects.

Overall, here is how the three Premier League clubs compare in terms of the following environmental metrics. 

Football clubs sustainability comparison
Source: Clubs Report

A Growing Collective Responsibility in Football

Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal’s initiatives reflect a larger shift: elite football clubs are starting to recognize their role in fighting climate change. 

Beyond clubs, fans, governing bodies, and sponsors are pushing for greener practices. The Premier League launched a Sustainability Strategy in 2023 and recently published an update. This plan urges all 20 clubs to cut emissions, reduce waste, and engage with communities.

Premier League net zero approach
Source: Premier League Report

The Sports Positive League Table ranks Premier League clubs based on sustainability. It helps set standards and boosts competition in ESG practices. Liverpool has consistently ranked in the top three, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Beyond the Premier League, the push for greater environmental responsibility in football is becoming a global movement. Clubs worldwide are stepping up. They aim to cut emissions, reduce waste, and support sustainable practices on and off the field. 

In Germany, VfL Wolfsburg stands out as a leader in sustainable football. The club, owned by Volkswagen, has been carbon neutral since 2012. This makes it one of the first in European sports to adopt large-scale environmental initiatives.

Wolfsburg uses 100% renewable energy, and they harvest rainwater to irrigate the pitch. The club also offers eco-friendly transport for fans and staff. 

In the Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam has embraced renewable energy and circular economy principles. The Johan Cruijff Arena is Ajax’s home stadium. It uses solar panels, wind energy, and a 3-megawatt battery storage system. This system is one of the largest in Europe and runs on recycled Nissan Leaf car batteries.

The arena’s green design includes LED lights, water-saving tech, and waste separation systems. These features help cut down the environmental impact of major sports events.

Moving to North America, Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) has made strong commitments to sustainability. The club offsets travel emissions for the team. It also promotes zero-waste matchdays at Lumen Field. Plus, it partners with local groups for urban reforestation and community solar projects.

Sounders FC helped start MLS WORKS Greener Goals. This league-wide initiative focuses on making American soccer more environmentally friendly.

Even smaller clubs are stepping up. In England’s League Two, Forest Green Rovers has been widely praised as “the greenest football club in the world”. The club has set a global standard for sustainable sports infrastructure. Their fully vegan stadium menu, organic pitch, and solar-powered stadium lead the way.

These examples show that Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal are part of a much broader shift. More clubs are using new solutions and sharing best practices. This helps football make a bigger impact on climate action. 

A New Competition Off the Field

As Liverpool FC chases silverware on the pitch, it is also chasing leadership in sustainability off it. With bold targets, innovative partnerships, and award-winning initiatives under The Red Way, the club is setting standards that go beyond football. And as its Premier League rivals also raise their ESG ambitions, the competition for sustainability leadership is only set to grow.

Winning matches is important. But setting a strong example in the fight against climate change? That could be one of the most meaningful goals of all.

The post Liverpool FC’s Biggest Goal Yet: Leading Soccer’s Race to Net Zero appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF

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Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF

Amazon, once again, is one of the top corporate buyers of clean and renewable energy in the world. For the fifth year in a row, the company leads global corporate renewable energy procurement. BloombergNEF again recognized Amazon as a top corporate purchaser of carbon-free power, with a portfolio that adds significant new clean energy to grids.

Amazon’s clean energy projects now span more than 700 global initiatives. These include utility-scale solar and wind farms, battery storage, onsite solar, and other carbon-free energy sources across 28 countries.

So far, Amazon has invested in over 40 gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free energy capacity. This amount of power could supply the annual electricity needs of more than 12.1 million U.S. homes if it were used for residential demand.

These investments make Amazon not just a buyer of clean power for itself, but a major driver of new renewable energy build-out around the world.

From First PPA to 40GW Global Portfolio

Amazon’s renewable energy footprint has expanded rapidly over the past decade. The big tech company was the biggest corporate buyer of renewable energy in 2025, based on BloombergNEF data. It signed multiple power purchase agreements (PPAs) and grew its clean energy portfolio.

corporate clean energy purchases BNEF 2025
Source: BNEF
  • Amazon has backed over 700 wind and solar projects around the world. This clean energy can power more than 12.1 million U.S. homes each year.

This expansion includes utility-scale wind and solar farms. It also covers renewable energy bought through PPAs. Additionally, it features on-site rooftop and ground-mount solar projects at Amazon facilities.

Over time, these efforts have helped the tech giant use more clean energy for its electricity, which is a key part of its climate strategy.

Amazon renewable energy portfolio 2025

Solar, Wind, Storage — and Next-Gen Power

Amazon’s clean energy portfolio includes a broad mix of technologies:

  • Solar power: 300+ utility-scale solar and wind farms and 300+ onsite solar projects.
  • Wind energy: Large wind farms in multiple countries, with 6 offshore wind farms in Europe. 
  • Energy storage: Battery storage projects that help balance intermittent renewable output. It has 11 utility-scale battery storage projects. 
  • Emerging technologies: Amazon has invested in advanced options like nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs), with 4 nuclear power agreements. These help provide firm, low-carbon baseload power. 

These investments help replace fossil fuel generation on local grids. They also support grid reliability and reduce electricity costs over the long term.

In Mississippi, for example, Amazon worked with a utility to enable 650 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy on the grid. Once operational, this capacity will serve the equivalent of over 150,000 homes and improve grid reliability.

Moreover, the company’s 253 MW Amazon Wind Farm Texas contributes around 1,000 GWh of clean power annually. Meanwhile, its European solar and wind assets alone total about 4,600 MW of capacity.

All these efforts form part of the e-commerce’ push for its 2040 net zero targets.

Powering the Path to Net Zero 2040

Amazon has set multiple climate and sustainability targets. The company aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 — a goal it committed to early as part of The Climate Pledge.

Amazon net zero emissions 2040
Source: Amazon

To work toward that long-term target, Amazon set a goal to match its electricity use with renewable energy. It reached 100% renewable electricity for its operations ahead of schedule, well before its original 2030 goal.

This means Amazon is purchasing an amount of renewable electricity equal to its total annual consumption. Clean power comes from renewable projects connected to the grid. These projects are supported by long-term PPAs and other contracts.

The renewable energy purchases lower Amazon’s Scope 2 emissions, which come from the electricity it buys. They also help decarbonize the grids where the company operates.

Corporate Buyers Now Rival National Grids

Amazon’s clean energy efforts are part of a larger shift across the corporate world.

Since 2008, companies have bought almost 200 GW of renewable energy worldwide through corporate PPAs and other agreements. This capacity exceeds the total electricity generation of some countries, like France or the United Kingdom.

In 2023, companies revealed a record 46 GW of clean energy deals. These renewable power commitments support new solar and wind farms.

Large tech companies, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, are some of the most active buyers. Those tech firms accounted for a significant share of corporate clean energy procurement over the last decade.

This trend shows that corporate demand can speed up the clean energy shift by providing renewable power developers with long-term revenue certainty.

 Jobs, Grid Stability, and Market Transformation

Corporate clean energy procurement, though slowed down in 2025, has broader economic and energy-system impacts. Investments in renewable projects contribute to job creation, local economic growth, and grid resilience.

Amazon’s solar and wind farms create many construction and operation jobs. They also boost the economy in rural areas. For example, the Great Prairie Wind Farm in Texas has 350 wind turbines. These turbines provide over 1,000 MW of capacity and are one of the largest assets in Amazon’s portfolio.

Also, Amazon’s clean energy deals boost renewable capacity. These projects are in Brazil, India, China, Australia, and Europe, which support markets with different grid mixes. These projects can cut down on fossil fuel-based electricity. They also help local grids stay cleaner and stronger.

Permitting, Policy, and the Next Growth Wave

Despite strong progress, corporate clean energy procurement still faces challenges.

Renewable projects often depend on grid capacity, permitting, and supportive policy frameworks. In some regions, complex regulations or limited grid access can slow project development and clean energy adoption.

Nevertheless, the trend of corporate power purchasing is expected to grow. Data from the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) shows that U.S. businesses have signed contracts for 100 GW of clean energy. This milestone highlights how important companies are in today’s energy landscape.

Global renewable capacity is also expanding rapidly. According to IRENA, global renewable power capacity reached 4,448 GW at end-2024 after adding a record 585 GW. That’s 15.1% growth with solar leading 75%+ of additions. The 2025 additions are expected to maintain record growth toward the 2030 tripling goal.

Renewables are now growing faster than fossil fuels in new capacity. Looking ahead, strong demand from companies for clean energy will boost growth. Better policies and tech advancements will also help renewable power buying and grid decarbonization.

Private Capital Driving Public Energy Changeaction

Amazon’s clean energy leadership shows how corporate buyers can influence the global energy transition. By securing large portfolios of renewable power, the tech giant and other major corporations are investing in the future of clean electricity. These investments not only help reduce their own emissions but also fund new clean energy capacity that benefits broader society.

As corporate renewable procurement grows, so does the clean energy market. This can lower costs, stimulate innovation, and increase the pace of emission reductions across power systems worldwide.

With more companies setting clean energy goals and signing long-term agreements, the private sector continues to be a powerful force in the shift toward a low-carbon economy.

The post Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy

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NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy

NVIDIA’s latest earnings report shows the scale of the AI boom. The chipmaker reported record revenue and became the fourth U.S. tech company to exceed $100 billion in annual profit. Alongside financial growth, Nvidia continues to push renewable energy use and efficiency gains. The results highlight the growing link between AI expansion and sustainability challenges.

NVIDIA reported record revenue of $68.1 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, ending January 25, 2026. This figure was up 73% from a year earlier and up 20% from the prior quarter. Data center sales, which fuel artificial intelligence (AI) growth, were $62.3 billion, or about 91% of total revenue in the quarter.

For the full fiscal year, NVIDIA posted $215.9 billion in revenue, a jump of 65% from the prior year. Net income reached tens of billions, $120,067 million for the full year and $42,960 for the 4th quarter. Earnings per share also grew significantly.

These results exceeded most analysts’ expectations and underscored NVIDIA’s continued leadership in AI compute hardware. The company also forecast strong revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

NVIDIA financial results 2025
Source: NVIDIA

NVIDIA’s Sustainability Commitments at a Glance

NVIDIA has increasingly highlighted its environmental and sustainability goals in recent years. For the fiscal year 2025, the company achieved 100% renewable energy use for all offices and data centers it directly controls.

The renewable supply came from a mix of:

  • On-site generation
  • Purchased renewable electricity
  • Energy attribute certificates (EACs)
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs)

This milestone eliminates the company’s market-based Scope 2 emissions tied to electricity use in those facilities.

While operational emissions from electricity have been addressed, total emissions figures remain complex. NVIDIA reported that its total greenhouse gas emissions increased. This includes Scope 3 emissions linked to its supply chain and purchased goods. Scope 3 emissions accounted for the bulk of its emissions inventory, and they rose significantly year-over-year.

Nvidia GHG emissions 2024

NVIDIA has also incorporated science-based targets and reduction plans into its public disclosures. The company aims to cut direct (Scope 1) and electricity-related (Scope 2) emissions by about 50% by 2030. This is based on its baseline figures. These science-based targets are consistent with internationally recognized climate frameworks.

Beyond energy use, NVIDIA has implemented other environmental actions. Closed-loop liquid cooling systems in data centers help cut water use. Also, there are significant increases in recycling electronic waste each year.

AI Performance Per Watt: NVIDIA’s Efficiency Edge

NVIDIA’s technology can influence emissions well beyond its own operations. The company’s GPUs and systems power AI infrastructure around the world. Many of these systems are designed to be energy efficient.

For example, NVIDIA-based systems dominate rankings of the most energy-efficient supercomputers globally. The Green500 list ranks systems based on energy efficiency.

Many top entries use NVIDIA GPUs, especially the advanced Grace Hopper architecture. These systems deliver high computing performance per watt of power, helping labs and data centers run complex workloads with less energy.

Record Profits, Cautious Market Reaction

Despite the strong financial performance, NVIDIA’s share price movement highlights market nuances. Some reports noted that after an initial uptick in after-hours trading, the stock’s gains flattened or reversed. This response came even as NVIDIA beat revenue and profit expectations.

NVIDIA nvda stock price

Analysts point to broader concerns about the valuation of high-growth AI stocks. Investors are cautious despite strong earnings. They worry about how fast AI demand will grow and whether valuations show future risks.

In early 2026, NVIDIA’s stock had also seen uneven performance year-to-date. Some analysts believe the trading pattern after earnings shows sector sentiment more than the company’s actual results.

NVIDIA’s profit scale also stands out compared with other major U.S. tech firms. For fiscal year 2026, the tech giant reported $120 billion in net income. This made it the fourth U.S. tech company ever to exceed $100 billion in annual profit, joining Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft.

  • NVIDIA’s result trails only Alphabet’s $132 billion profit in 2025, which remains the largest annual profit ever recorded by a U.S. company.

The speed of NVIDIA’s rise is also notable. Just three years ago, the company’s annual net income was $4.4 billion. In its most recent quarter, the chipmaker generated that amount in less than 10 days.

Nvidia annual profit 2025 vs other big tech
Source: Statista

By comparison, Apple took 18 years to grow from $5 billion in annual profit to $112 billion, beginning around the launch of the iPhone in 2007. Microsoft took 27 years to move from $5 billion to more than $100 billion in annual profit. Alphabet first crossed the $100 billion mark in 2024. NVIDIA hit this milestone in under three years. CEO Jensen Huang pointed out the company’s AI gains in May 2023.

Efficiency Gains vs. Expanding Energy Footprint

NVIDIA’s external ESG ratings are similar to those of other tech companies for environmental and governance metrics. However, the scores vary in social and supply chain areas. These ratings consider things like how well companies disclose information, their plans for cutting emissions, and their governance. They also look at challenges related to wider supply chain emissions.

One sustainability ranking highlighted a “paradox” in NVIDIA’s performance. It noted that NVIDIA’s chips are among the most energy-efficient in the world, which boosts its sustainability profile. The quick rise in total energy use for AI infrastructure is increasing overall environmental impacts. This happens even as per-unit efficiency improves.

NVIDIA’s renewable energy goals and efficiency gains have positioned it as a leader. It combines strong finances with sustainable growth. For instance, in a 2026 list of top firms for sustainable growth, NVIDIA stood out. It achieved 100% renewable energy for its offices and data centers. Plus, its GPU platforms are energy efficient.

Can AI Hypergrowth Align With Climate Targets?

NVIDIA’s sustainability strategy focuses on three key areas:

  • Reducing direct and indirect emissions.
  • Improving energy use.
  • Enhancing reporting transparency.

The company has achieved important goals. It now uses renewable energy for its facilities. It has also improved chip efficiency. These steps show progress toward environmental goals.

Still, rising Scope 3 emissions and the booming demand for AI compute make tackling environmental impacts more complex. NVIDIA’s sustainability reports highlight that energy use in data centers is a major barrier. This limits both digital infrastructure growth and climate progress.

Energy-intensive “AI factories” — large data centers running training and inference workloads — require large power supplies, often on par with traditional industrial factories. This growth in demand puts pressure on energy systems to shift toward low-carbon sources.

NVIDIA’s efforts to work with suppliers on emissions targets and its investments in energy efficiency aim to address parts of this challenge. But the company has not yet announced a full net-zero emissions target with a fixed date.

So, What Comes Next for NVIDIA?

In the near term, NVIDIA will likely continue to be a focal point for both earnings performance and ESG debate. Future earnings releases and sustainability reports will show whether the company’s actions keep pace with its growth.

Investors and stakeholders will watch how NVIDIA manages AI demand, emissions challenges, and energy efficiency together.

On the sustainability side, developing and reporting progress on Scope 3 emissions, supplier engagement, and potential net-zero pathways will shape ESG evaluations. As AI energy use rises worldwide, companies like NVIDIA will face more scrutiny over how they balance growth with their emissions and climate impact.

Overall, NVIDIA’s record earnings and sustainability efforts highlight its role in tech innovation and environmental change. The company balances rapid AI growth with a commitment to lowering its environmental impact.

The post NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance

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Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance

Indigo Carbon announced it has now passed 2 million metric tons of verified climate impact from U.S. croplands. The company reached the milestone after issuing its fifth U.S. “carbon crop.” The new issuance includes 1.1 million independently verified carbon credits issued through the Climate Action Reserve (CAR).

Indigo describes the milestone in its announcement as a sign that soil-based carbon programs can scale. It also points to rising corporate demand for credits that meet stricter quality rules.

Indigo’s latest issuance is important because it is linked to a major registry method that now carries an additional integrity label. Max DuBuisson, Head of Impact & Integrity, Indigo, remarked:

“Indigo continues to set the standard for high-integrity soil carbon removals that corporate buyers can trust. Soil carbon is uniquely positioned to scale as a climate solution because it captures and stores carbon while also improving water conservation and crop resilience. By combining world-class science and technology with farmer-driven practice change, we’re proving that agricultural soil carbon is an immediate, durable, high-integrity solution capable of helping global companies meet their climate commitments.”

Inside the 1.1M Credit Issuance and CCP Label

Indigo says its fifth issuance includes 1.1 million carbon credits verified and issued through CAR. These credits come from Indigo’s U.S. soil carbon project, listed on the Climate Action Reserve under the Soil Enrichment Protocol (SEP) Version 1.1.

CAR’s SEP is designed to quantify and verify farm practices that increase soil carbon and reduce net emissions. It covers changes in soil carbon storage and also includes reductions in certain greenhouse gases tied to farm management.

CAR’s SEP Version 1.1 has the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label. This means the method meets the standards set by the CCP framework.

ICVCM core carbon principles
Source: ICVCM

Indigo’s disclosures also describe long-term monitoring rules. The company reports that its U.S. project includes 100 years of project-level monitoring after credit issuance, in line with CAR requirements. This mix of independent verification, registry issuance, and long monitoring periods is central to the case Indigo makes for credit quality.

Breaking Down the 2 Million Ton Milestone

Indigo says its total verified impact now exceeds 2 million metric tons of carbon removals and reductions across U.S. croplands.

In carbon markets, one credit equals one metric ton of CO₂ equivalent. Indigo’s latest issuance is very large by soil carbon standards. It also builds on earlier “carbon crop” issuances.

Indigo’s project disclosures include a quantified impact figure for its U.S. project. The company reports 927,367 tCO₂e reduced or removed through Dec. 31, 2023, for the project listed as CAR1459.

Indigo Carbon impact by the numbers
Source: Indigo

Indigo announced it has saved 118 billion gallons of water. It has also paid farmers $40 million through its programs so far. These points matter because many buyers now look beyond carbon totals. They also want evidence of farmer payments, monitoring rules, and co-benefits like water conservation.

Corporate Demand Shifts Toward Verified Removals

One reason soil carbon is getting more attention is the growing demand from buyers for removals. Many companies now focus more on carbon removal credits, not only avoidance credits.

Indigo’s largest recent buyer example is Microsoft. In January 2026, the carbon ag company announced a 12-year agreement under which Microsoft will purchase 2.85 million soil carbon removal credits from them.

  • The soil carbon producer said this is Microsoft’s third transaction with the company, following purchases of 40,000 tonnes in 2024 and 60,000 tonnes in 2025.

The tech giant’s purchases show how corporate buyers may use long-term offtake deals to secure future supply of credits. This matters for soil carbon programs because credits are typically generated over multiple years. And they also depend on practice changes and verification cycles.

Indigo also says its program works across eight million acres, which signals how it is trying to scale participation across U.S. farms.

Soil Carbon Credits: Market Trends and Forecast

Soil carbon credits are gaining attention as buyers shift toward higher-quality credits and clearer verification rules. Ecosystem Marketplace reports that the voluntary carbon market is entering a new phase. This phase emphasizes integrity, even though trading activity has slowed down.

In its 2025 market update, Ecosystem Marketplace noted a 25% drop in transaction volumes. This decline shows lower liquidity as buyers are becoming more selective.

Voluntary carbon credit market; price, volume, value 2022-2024

At the same time, demand for higher-quality credits is rising. Sylvera’s State of Carbon Credits 2025 reported that retirements dropped to 168 million credits in 2025, a 4.5% decrease.

Still, the market value climbed to US$1.04 billion due to rising prices. It also found that higher-rated credits (BBB+) made up 31% of retirements, and traded at higher average prices than lower-rated supply.

For soil carbon, buyers are also watching methodology quality. The ICVCM has approved two sustainable agriculture methods as CCP-approved. These are the Climate Action Reserve’s Soil Enrichment Protocol v1.1 and Verra’s VM0042. This can support stronger buyer confidence and may increase demand for soil credits that meet CCP rules.

Looking ahead, Sylvera projects compliance-linked demand will keep growing and could exceed voluntary demand by 2027. That trend may favor credits with stronger verification and compliance alignment, including higher-integrity soil carbon credits. However, integrity issues still occur, and this is where Indigo comes in.

Tackling Permanence and MRV Head-On

Soil carbon credits face a key challenge: carbon stored in soil can be reversed. A drought, land use change, or a shift in farm practices can reduce stored carbon.

This is why monitoring and reversal rules matter. CAR’s protocol is built to quantify, monitor, report, and verify practices that increase soil carbon storage.

Indigo’s project disclosure notes that projects are monitored for 100 years after they are issued. This shows the durability rules tied to their method and registry approach.

The company also positions its program as “outcome-based,” meaning it pays for verified carbon outcomes rather than paying only for adopting a practice. This messaging is designed to reassure buyers that credits are not only modeled. It stresses verification and the registry process.

A Scale Test for High-Integrity Soil Carbon

Indigo’s fifth issuance lands at a time when voluntary carbon markets are placing more weight on integrity labels and independent verification.

Two parts stand out:

  • First, volume. An issuance of 1.1 million credits through a registry is large for an agricultural soil carbon program.
  • Second, method approval. CAR’s SEP Version 1.1 carries the ICVCM CCP label, which is meant to signal alignment with a global integrity benchmark.

That combination may make it easier for corporate buyers to justify purchases internally. Many companies now face stronger scrutiny from auditors, regulators, investors, and civil society groups.

At the same time, more supply does not automatically mean market confidence rises. Buyers still assess risks such as permanence, additionality, and measurement uncertainty.

Even so, the milestone shows how fast some parts of the removals market are trying to scale. Large buyers are also helping drive this shift through multi-year offtake deals, like the Microsoft agreement for 2.85 million credits.

For Indigo, the new issuance supports its claim that soil carbon is moving from small pilot volumes toward larger, repeatable issuances. For the market, it adds another real-world data point: a major soil carbon program has now completed five issuance cycles and passed 2 million metric tons of verified climate impact.

The post Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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