Removal-based projects can deliver both climate benefits and meaningful SDG impact. We are seeing increased demand for removal-based credits, despite the fact that they do not necessarily exhibit higher GHG integrity. This increasing demand for removal-based carbon credits could climb, pending the latest SBTi draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard. The draft proposes a potential new role for removals in helping companies meet interim targets.

In this post, we explain how projects contribute to high-SDG impact, which removal-based project types are most likely to produce high-SDG impact (based on the projects we have rated) and where future potential for SDG contributions lies. 

What makes a high-SDG impact project?

Calyx Global rates project SDG contributions on a scale of +1 to +5. According to our SDG ratings, high-scoring SDG projects possess a number of key attributes. For instance, afforestation / reforestation projects that receive high ratings (+4 and +5) typically have between six to 11 confirmed SDGs, though exceptions exist. However, a high number of SDG contributions is not sufficient to receive a high rating. The contributions must be well-founded and their theory of change must be clearly described and backed by evidence.

Where can I find high-SDG removal carbon credits?

Within Calyx Global’s database, a number of removal-based project types score highly on our SDG ratings scale. Blue carbon projects, which often protect mangroves and coastal wetlands, typically create benefits for biodiversity and coastal communities. Reforestation projects can provide a socio-economic lift for local communities through job creation and the sharing of carbon revenues. Environmental and social benefits, alongside sustainable production practices, are a hallmark of agroforestry & plantation projects. Grassland conservation & restoration projects protect key ecosystems and support the livelihoods of local communities.

According to our ratings, there is a patterned geographic distribution of highly-rated removal-based projects. Our data shows that most of the high-SDG impact projects are found in Asia and Africa. South America is under-represented, only constituting 3% of high-SDG projects. It is worth noting that this analysis only includes projects registered under carbon programs that certify SDG contributions. 

GHG integrity and SDG contributions

According to Calyx Global and ClearBlue Markets’ 2025 State of Quality and Pricing in the VCM report, there is no correlation between GHG integrity and SDG ratings. The figure below shows significant variation in the number of projects that possess both high and low scores in each category. That being said, it is observable that, within removals, credits with relatively high GHG integrity and SDG contributions do exist.

What other types of removal credits have potential to contribute to SDGs?

Some project types do not report verified SDG contributions, sometimes due to a lack of program-level requirements or due to limitations from programs such as ACR, CAR, Isometric, Puro Earth and Plan Vivo. These projects are not included in our analysis so far.

The same applies to durable CDR projects such as: direct air capture, biochar, bio-oil, enhanced weathering or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Although these projects do not report SDG contributions, their environmental and social impact can be significant. We find these technologies often contribute to SDGs indirectly through technological development (SDG 9), creation of green jobs (SDG 8), enhancement of climate resilience (SDG 13) and in some cases, such as biochar, additional environmental benefits that can improve soil health and biodiversity (SDG 15).

Conclusion

We see removals as an emerging space to find credits with strong SDG performance. As methodologies evolve, we hope to see more engineered removals certifying SDG impact. As they do, our portfolio of SDG project ratings will expand to reflect the changing landscape.

Follow our newsletter to stay abreast of all new project type ratings from Calyx Global.