Pricing Forest Carbon

United Nations 3 years ago

Pricing forest carbon and putting in place the means and channels to pay for it are necessary conditions to achieve the 2030 mitigation goals. Yet, after more than 15 years of discussion, payments for emissions reductions from forests continue to be unreasonably low, both in terms of price and volume. At the same time, mechanisms already proven in other sectors to increase the catalytic effect of public funds and the participation of the private sector are mostly absent from the toolbox for fighting deforestation and forest degradation. This must change fast. Below is a summary of the main findings from this report: We are in an existential crisis, but forests can deliver for people and planet. 1. HIGH-QUALITY AND HIGH INTEGRITY EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (ERS) FROM REDD+ ARE COSTEFFECTIVE, BUT THEY ARE NOT CHEAP.  2. SECURING FAIR COMPENSATION FOR FOREST CARBON IS LINKED TO INCREASING THE VOLUME OF TRANSACTIONS OF ERS FROM REDD+ ON COMPLIANCE MARKETS.  3. THE ADOPTION OF (ALREADY EXISTING) PRICING INSTRUMENTS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE LEVERAGE EFFECT OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO MOBILIZE PRIVATE FINANCE AND GROW THE SUPPLY OF ERS FROM REDD+.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 16 days ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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