Adding value to ecosystem services with certificates
The valorization of the climate performance of German forests in the form of tradable eva certificates makes it possible to activate additional private funds for forest restoration and forst adaptation. In this way, voluntary emissions trading makes an important contribution to achieving Germany's climate targets.
eva certificates
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stand for the climate performance of German forests, which are reforested according to the forest climate standard of eva
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enable companies to support high-quality climate protection projects
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are suitable for reporting in accordance with the European CSR Directive
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aredocumented tamper-proof in the eva-Impact Registry
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guarantee the certified storage performance through a permanent bufferwhich compensates for any deviations due to natural risks
Use of eva certificates in the corporate climate strategy
The EU Commission's CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) came into force on January 5, 2023 and replaces the previously applicable Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD).
Depending on company size and turnover, the CSRD will become mandatory in Germany from the 2024 reporting year or 2025 at the latest.
In future, the reporting of non-financial key figures will also include corporate CO2 emissions: eva certificates are suitable for reporting in accordance with the European CSR Directive* and offer a particularly high level of credibility thanks to the regional anchoring of projects in Germany.
*You are welcome to discuss the details of the recognition of eva certificates with your auditing company.
With transparent sustainability reporting, companies protect their reputation, differentiate themselves from the competition and convince new talent on the job market and potential investors.
Avoidance of double counting
Many companies acquire climate certificates to offset their own residual emissions and make themselves carbon neutral - e.g. by applying the SBTI Net-Zero standard. In this way, they take responsibility for climate protection far beyond their legal obligations. It is important that environmental integrity is maintained in all statements on climate neutrality and the use of eva certificates.
The additional climate performance of the eva projects is counted by the Federal Republic as a lump sum as the climate performance of the forest within the framework of the LULUCF sector*. This climate service is reported exclusively by the Federal Republic to the UN via the EU. There is no double counting that jeopardizes environmental integrity. The UN's global greenhouse balance remains intact. The German government has not yet taken a clear position on this.
Certificate purchasers are requested to adhere to the eva Claims Guideline: Contact us! The eva Impact Registry offers sellers the opportunity to offer their certificates for the Contribution Claim only.
*landuse, landuse change and forestry
Transfer of eva certificates
The eva-Impact Registry enables buyers and sellers to conduct smooth and secure transactions for their certificates. The number of certificates still available and those already retired is displayed transparently and updated daily. The registry also offers a detailed insight into all certified climate projects with their respective geodata and silvicultural concepts.
Permanence buffer
If a forest grows less quickly or partially fails due to calamities, the permanent buffer is used to compensate for this. This buffer is made up of 15% of all eva certificates produced. The buffer percentage is recalculated as soon as 50% of the buffer has been used up, but at the latest every 3 years.
