Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Report 2026

The voluntary carbon credit market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $1.88 billion in 2025 to $2.29 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to corporate sustainability commitments, early adoption of voluntary offset programs, growth of renewable energy projects, development of forestry-based credits, emergence of independent verification standards.

The voluntary carbon credit market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing net-zero pledges by corporations, rising integration of blockchain in carbon markets, expansion of global carbon registries, growing investment in removal-based credits, increasing regulatory alignment with voluntary markets. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-integrity carbon credits, rising adoption of digital carbon trading platforms, growing focus on nature-based credit projects, expansion of corporate voluntary offset programs, enhanced emphasis on transparency and verification.

The growing demand for clean energy is expected to propel the growth of the voluntary carbon credit market in the coming years. Clean energy refers to energy generated from sources that have minimal environmental impact and emit little or no greenhouse gases, such as wind, solar, hydro, and other renewable technologies. The demand for clean energy is increasing due to heightened environmental protection efforts, public health considerations, the need for energy security and independence, and supportive regulatory and policy incentives. As investment in clean and renewable energy projects rises, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, leading to the generation of carbon credits. These credits can be traded in the voluntary carbon market, enabling businesses to offset their residual emissions, meet sustainability targets, and support low-carbon development. For instance, in March 2024, according to the American Clean Power Association, a US-based industry organization, America’s clean power sector invested nearly $80 billion in energy infrastructure and manufacturing in 2024, with developers installing 49 gigawatts of new domestic capacity - 33% more than the previous record set in 2023. Therefore, the growing demand for clean energy is driving the growth of the voluntary carbon credit market.

Companies in the voluntary carbon credit market are focusing on advancing digital solutions, such as digital carbon credit sourcing, to streamline access to carbon credits, supporting corporate sustainability and emissions reduction efforts. Digital carbon credit sourcing involves using online platforms and technologies to identify, purchase, and trade carbon credits, making it easier for companies to participate in certified carbon offset projects. For example, in September 2024, ERM International Group Limited, a UK-based sustainability consultancy, launched the ERM Carbon Credit Portal to simplify client access to the voluntary carbon market. This initiative streamlines the process of selecting and purchasing carbon credits, allowing organizations to effectively complement their greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies. The portal features pre-screened projects, enabling users to assess climate benefits and associated risks, thus improving transparency and trust in the carbon credit procurement process. This launch is part of ERM's broader strategy to assist corporate decarbonization efforts.

In November 2023, MSCI Inc., a US-based provider of decision support tools for the global investment community, acquired Trove Research for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition aims to bolster MSCI’s data and analytics capabilities in the voluntary carbon markets, providing clients with comprehensive tools to manage carbon emissions and support sustainability goals across various industries. Trove Research is a UK-based firm specializing in data, analysis, and advisory services focused on corporate climate action and the voluntary carbon market.

Major companies operating in the voluntary carbon credit market report are Ambipar Group, Rubicon Carbon, South Pole, EKI Energy Services Ltd., The Carbon Trust, 3Degrees, Climate Impact Partners, Allcot Group, Green Mountain Energy, First Climate, ClimeCo LLC, Aera Group, Forliance, ComBio Energia, BioCarbon Partners, CarbonBetter, Atmosfair, NativeEnergy, NatureOffice GmbH, Carbon Credit Capital LLC, Finite Carbon, GreenTrees LLC, Puro.earth, Tasman Environmental Markets, TerraPass, CarbonClear, BURN.

North America was the largest region in the voluntary carbon credit market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the voluntary carbon credit market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the voluntary carbon credit market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The voluntary carbon credit market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as methane capture initiatives, transportation emission reduction projects, carbon offset certification services, and technology-driven carbon capture and storage solutions. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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