EUA – High Prices, Structural Pressure on Corporate Climate Strategies
This week, EU ETS allowances (EUAs) traded in the range of €85–87/tCO₂e, confirming the persistence of elevated price levels. The market reflects a permanent supply constraint and no signals of any relaxation of the EU ETS framework. For large companies, this price level is no longer a cyclical risk, but a structural factor that must be integrated into business strategy and medium-term planning.
SBTi Changes the Paradigm: Carbon Credits Become Part of the Net-Zero Strategy
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is preparing to publish the final version of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard (V2) in 2026, introducing a fundamental shift in how corporate climate performance is assessed. For the first time, the use of carbon credits is explicitly recognized as a legitimate instrument for managing current and residual emissions during the transition to Net-Zero.
Key elements of the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard:
- carbon credits are no longer treated as an exception, but as a formal climate contribution instrument;
- residual emissions are recognized as an operational reality during the transition period;
- corporate evaluation includes both internal reductions and the financing of global emission reductions.
What This Means for Large Companies
Under the new SBTi architecture, a company can be considered Net-Zero aligned even if it has not completely eliminated emissions, provided it demonstrates reductions consistent with 1.5°C pathways and transparently manages remaining emissions. The use of carbon credits is not treated as a shortcut, but as a complementary mechanism, strictly conditioned by integrity and traceability.
In practice, this implies:
- a clear separation between internal reductions and the use of carbon credits;
- transparent reporting of compensated volumes and financed climate impact;
- exclusive use of high-integrity carbon credits.
Consistency with the European Regulatory Framework
This approach is fully consistent with the evolution of European regulation. At company level, the use of carbon credits is permitted and structured, as long as it is communicated transparently and distinctly from internal reductions. What is no longer accepted is climate neutrality claims at product level or presenting carbon credits as a substitute for decarbonization.
The core rule for companies is simple:
- fully report emissions;
- demonstrate internal reductions;
- separately and verifiably explain the role of carbon credits.
The SBTi V2 standard provides the common language needed to do this in a way recognized by the market.
For large companies, the direction is clear:
- Net-Zero will not mean zero emissions in the short term;
- implementation of a decarbonization plan combined with the use of carbon credits;
- carbon credits become a recognized strategic instrument when properly integrated into a robust Net-Zero strategy.
Our “High Integrity Spot” Premium Credit Projects
In the context of corporate alignment with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) requirements and the need to demonstrate the integrity of carbon credit use within corporate climate strategies, project selection becomes essential. The projects below generate (or are in the process of certification to generate) high-integrity credits, based on robust methodologies, full traceability, and real, measurable, and verified emission reductions.
• Greentech, Romania
The first Gold Standard project in Europe generating credits from post-consumer plastic recycling, avoiding significant emissions compared to virgin plastic production and landfill or incineration scenarios.
• AS Metal, Romania
An aluminum recycling project that substantially reduces CO₂ emissions by displacing primary aluminum production, an energy-intensive process with high climate impact.
• Genesis, Romania – under certification
A project developed by Genesis Biotech SRL focused on the development and operation of biogas plants, valorizing organic waste to produce renewable energy and reduce emissions associated with waste management.
• Kofert Organic – under certification
A project based on the aerobic fermentation of poultry manure and organic waste, producing a stable and sanitized fertilizer while reducing emissions from conventional waste management practices.