Approved Buyers
Wilder Carbon Units can be purchased by companies who demonstrably align with the Wilder Carbon Principles.
In order to be eligible, Approved Buyers must demonstrate that they:
- are a UK registered company
- have a public commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
- have a credible plan to achieve net zero emissions that follows recognised criteria derived from the Science-Based Targets and has been approved by a verified Wilder Carbon assessor.
- are committed to avoiding any specifically excluded activities.
Approved Buyer Fees
Approved Buyers will be subject to a one off first year certification fee once Approved Buyer status has been granted.
1st Year Certification Fee - £795. Reduced SME/ Charity price £495
(We define an SME as an independent, non-subsidiary company with fewer than 250 employees.)
VAT - All prices shown above exclude VAT, which will be charged as appropriate at the prevailing rate (currently 20%). Pricing to be reviewed after 6 months during the pilot stage. Subsequent review will take place annually in line with inflation.
As an Approved Buyer you will be part of our broader Community of Practice which seeks to act as a forum for continuous improvement in carbon reduction best practice. You will benefit from;
- Access to the Wilder Carbon Buyer Community of Practice platform
- Use of the Wilder Carbon logo to promote your Approved Buyer status
- Exclusive access to purchase EIUs ahead of them being verified as Wilder Carbon Units
- Wilder Carbon UnitsView our Standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase →
- Approved Buyer AgreementView our Approved Buyer Standard Agreement →
- Wilder Carbon ProjectsView our registered projects →
- Wilder Carbon StandardsRead more about our Wilder Carbon Standards →
FAQs
What happens if you lose Approved Buyer status?
Any Approved buyer found to not be delivering their emissions reduction strategy due to factors within their control will, after opportunity for recourse, have their approved status revoked. The same will apply to those who are found to have acted against the principles of Wilder Carbon and threaten to bring the scheme into disrepute.
Approved buyers fees and any payments made towards EIUs will not be returned. Any EIUs issued will be made publicly invalid for carbon accounting purposes via the website and registry. Any orders for future EIUs will be cancelled and any monies unspent will be returned.
What is the eligibility criteria to become an Approved Buyer?
In order to be eligible, Buyers must demonstrate that they:
- are a UK registered company
- have a public commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
- have a credible plan to achieve net zero emissions that follows recognised criteria derived from the Science-Based Targets and has been approved by a verified Wilder Carbon assessor.
- are committed to avoiding any specifically excluded activities.
In addition, Approved Buyers must provide the Wilder Carbon team with any evidence required for due diligence or spot checking purposes in a timely manner to maintain their Approved Buyer status.
Eligibility documentation
Credit Buyers/ Investors will need to supply the Wilder Carbon team with the following eligibility documents to support their application.
- Net Zero Strategy
- Latest annual report
- Proof of Science Based Targets
- Latest sustainability/ ESG report
- Relevant policy information
Should a prospective Credit Buyer/ Investor not have an environmental policy and/or a net positive biodiversity policy, a reasonable timeframe for the delivery of such policies will be expected.
Information is gathered on the Global Parent company, if one exists, in order to mitigate reputational risk. If the Global Parent company falls short of the eligibility criteria, this does not necessarily mean the Credit Buyer will be denied eligibility.
What monitoring will Approved Buyers be subject to?
Monitoring
Once confirmed as an Approved Buyer/ Investor, spot check monitoring will be carried out by Wilder Carbon to ensure continued compliance. Should it be brought to Wilder Carbon’s attention that a Approved Buyer/ Investor is no longer compliant, either through monitoring or independent sources, a full investigation will be carried out and necessary action taken.
What are the Wilder Carbon excluded/exempted activities?
Excluded Activities
In line with the Wilder Carbon Principles, the following are specifically excluded activities. Industries which engage with these activities will not be considered as potential Credit Buyers or Investors. This list has been compiled using the Sarasin Guide to Ethical Restrictions (2021) and the Triodos Bank Minimum Standards (2020).
Climate related exclusions:
- Fossil fuel extraction
- Therma coal extraction
- Production of oil from tar sands
- Global deforestation
- Breaches of national or international environmental law within the last 10 years
- Deep Sea Mining
Ethical related exclusions:
- Cluster bomb and landmine manufacturers
- Armaments and firearms
- Forced labour
- Child labour
- Pornography
- Gambling
- Tobacco
- Bribery and corruption
- Support for oppressive regimes
- Support for terrorism, extremism, or extreme political parties
References
Sarasin and Partners (2021) Guide to Ethical Restrictions guide-to-ethical-restrictions.pdf (sarasinandpartners.com)
Triodos Bank (2020) Our Minimum Standards our-minimum-standards.pdf
What if I don't meet the eligibility criteria to become an Approved Buyer?
Should you not yet meet the eligibility requirements to, Wilder Carbon can work with you directly or by pairing you with a Trusted Deliverer or an accredited sustainability consultant.