The role of independent experts in ratings

Independent, non-biased assessments by third parties are core to a Calyx Global carbon credit rating. In practice, this comes to life in multiple ways, one of which is our work with independent experts in establishing and applying our carbon credit rating assessment frameworks. 

“Carbon-credit-rating firms aim to give buyers confidence in assessing the unregulated market for carbon offsets,” wrote the Wall Street Journal last February. For Calyx Global, core to building that confidence is independence. 

As a carbon credit ratings platform, we provide unbiased assessments of carbon credit quality. Companies use our data and insights to make more informed purchasing decisions. Similarly, we also engage outside experts to help inform our analysis approach. Since our inception, we have engaged a diverse pool of external experts, who comprise our Greenhouse Gas (GHG), Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and Environmental and Social Risk (ESR) panels. Each helps ensure we deliver unbiased ratings our customers can count on.

Each of our three panels is comprised of leaders in their respective fields from around the globe who are scientists, consultants and academics in climate, carbon projects, safeguards and sustainable development. The three groups of panel members use their decades of experience to review and challenge our assessment frameworks, ensuring we ask the right questions and consistently incorporate the latest thinking on best practices. No framework goes into production at Calyx Global without collaborative, careful assessment by our independent panel members and input from leading experts in the project type or topic that framework covers.

In assembling our three panels, we seek members with varied experience across disciplines, regions and project types. Our panel members serve on the ICVCM expert panel, play prominent roles at NGOs, advise companies and governments on climate policy, have authored IPCC reports and have on-the-ground project expertise. Their experience in the regions where carbon projects happen is key to helping us better account for local contexts. We value their feedback and encourage different perspectives.

At Calyx Global, independence is a core value. We are here to help corporates and other stakeholders achieve their goals. We aim to help move carbon markets to higher-quality credits, and we believe unbiased information is key to that aim.