Oxford Principles Set a New Integrity Benchmark for Using International Carbon Credits
Press release
Berlin, 12 June 2025
Oxford Principles Set a New Integrity Benchmark for Using International Carbon Credits
Today’s release of the Oxford Principles for Responsible Engagement with Article 6 establishes an important integrity benchmark for using international carbon credits. “The principles complement the internationally agreed rules under the Paris Agreement and provide concrete guidance to countries and carbon market actors on how to engage with international carbon credits”, says Dr Lambert Schneider, Research Coordinator for International Climate Policy at Oeko-Institut and co-author of the document. The Principles are hosted by the University of Oxford, and authors include leading researchers in the field.
Three principles and 26 criteria
The document sets out three overarching principles, including for how carbon credits should be used, how their quality should be ensured, and how transparency and robust accounting should be achieved. The principles are complemented by 26 specific criteria directed towards various carbon market actors. “These principles are important because, while international rules provide a solid foundation, they are not sufficient and specific enough to ensure integrity and ambition”, adds Lambert Schneider.
Ongoing Discussions on EU’s 2040 Climate Target
The document arrives at a timely moment, as the European Commission is set to propose a new EU climate target for 2040 and is considering to partially achieve this target through international carbon credits. This follows the new German government's agreement to support the achievement of up to 3 per cent of the target through international carbon credits. “If the EU decides to use international carbon credits, such use should be guided by these principles. This includes that international carbon credits should only be used to enhance the ambition of climate targets and not to displace domestic climate action”, recommends Lambert Schneider.
Access the Oxford Principles for Article 6 here
Oeko-Institut contributed to the development of the Oxford Principles for Article 6 with funding from the European Union’s HORIZON EUROPE Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101137625 (ACHIEVE).
Contact at Oeko-Institut
Dr Lambert Schneider
Research Coordinator for International Climate Policy /
Senior Researcher Energy & Climate Division
Oeko-Institut, Berlin office
Phone: +49 30 405085-304
Email: l.schneider@oeko.de
Oeko-Institut is a leading independent European research and consultancy institute working for a sustainable future. Founded in 1977, the institute develops principles and strategies for ways in which the vision of sustainable development can be realised globally, nationally and locally. It has offices in three cities in Germany: Freiburg, Darmstadt and Berlin.
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Contact at University of Oxford
Thomas Pilsworth
Email: Thomas.pilsworth@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
Phone +44 (0)7785371310
Lucy Erickson
Email: Lucy.erickson@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)7587 187429
Oeko-Institut Mandy Schoßig Public Relations & Communications Borkumstrasse 2 D-13189 Berlin Tel: +49 30 405085-334 m.schossig@oeko.de