The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is essential to contain global warming and minimize the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement establishes the goal of limiting the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C, and to achieve this objective by 2050, companies in all sectors need to adopt sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emission offsets by purchasing carbon credits.
If your company seeks to neutralize its emissions and strengthen its ESG strategy, this guide explains what carbon credits are, how they work in Brazil, and why investing in this solution can be a competitive advantage.
What are Carbon Credits?
Carbon credits emerged with the Kyoto Protocol in the 1990s, as a tool to help countries and companies reduce their CO₂ emissions. Each credit is equivalent to the removal or reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq) from the atmosphere.
They are traded in regulated or voluntary markets:
Regulated market: companies in sectors with mandatory emission reduction targets must buy credits to offset excess emissions.
Voluntary market: companies and individuals purchase credits voluntarily to offset their carbon footprint and strengthen ESG commitments.
Carbon credits help companies offset their emissions across different scopes, according to the GHG Protocol:
✅ Scope 1: direct emissions from the company’s operations.
✅ Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
✅ Scope 3: indirect emissions from the supply chain, such as suppliers, transportation, and corporate travel.
In Brazil: How Does the New Market Work?
Brazil has taken a significant step in regulating the carbon market with the Law 15.042/2024, enacted on December 12. The legislation creates the Brazilian System for the Trade of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (SBCE), allowing companies to offset their emissions through the purchase and sale of carbon credits.
Phases of SBCE Implementation
The regulated carbon market will be implemented in five phases:
1️⃣ Regulation of the law (12 to 24 months).
2️⃣ Implementation of emission measurement and reporting systems (12 months).
3️⃣ Submission of monitoring plans and emission reports (24 months).
4️⃣ First PNA and start of carbon credit trading.
5️⃣ Full implementation of SBCE.
Which Sectors Will be Regulated?
✔️ Emissions below 10,000 tCO₂eq: optional participation in the voluntary market.
✔️ Between 10,000 and 25,000 tCO₂eq: mandatory monitoring and reporting.
✔️ Above 25,000 tCO₂eq: compliance with reduction targets.
🚫 The agricultural sector is outside the scope of SBCE.
Large companies are already using carbon credits to achieve sustainability goals and reduce environmental impacts. In Brazil, companies such as Petrobras, Vale, Itaú Unibanco, Braskem, Ambev, and Natura are among those investing in this strategy to reinforce their ESG commitment.
In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, purchasing carbon credits also enhances corporate reputation, increases competitiveness, and meets the expectations of investors and consumers.
Invest in Carbon Credits with Ecom Carbon
Ecom Carbon offers comprehensive solutions for companies wishing to offset their emissions and strengthen their ESG practices. Our Carbon Credit Desk works with certified credits recognized globally.
Advantages of purchasing carbon credits with Ecom Carbon:
✔️ Commitment to sustainability: neutralize your emissions and contribute to a greener future.
✔️ International certification: we work with high-standard credits recognized worldwide.
✔️ Strategic solution: meet market demands and reinforce your ESG positioning.
🚀 Take the next step!
Is your company ready to lead the transition to a more sustainable future? Simulate now and discover how investing in carbon credits can transform your business.
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