The UKCCC Framework
The UK Carbon Code of Conduct (UKCCC) operates a high-integrity standard for nature-based carbon removals and reductions on UK land. The framework is designed to provide transparency, permanence and confidence for project developers, credit buyers and stakeholders.
What UKCCC Certifies
- Soil Carbon
- Woodland creation
- Habitat creation
- Peatland restoration (as a carbon reduction activity)
- UKCCC does not certify REDD+ or avoidance-based projects.
Credit Issuance
One UKCCC Credit represents one tonne of CO₂e removed or reduced.
Credits are only issued once:
- A project has been developed by an approved Project Developer.
- Independent validation has been completed by an approved Validation & Verification Body (VVB).
- The project meets the requirements of the UKCCC Standard.
- Approval is granted by a UKCCC Commissioner.
- The project has demonstrated performance beyond CO₂e Net Zero requirements.
Approved credits are recorded on the UKCCC Registry and linked to a uniquely identified project polygon within the Single Source of Truth Map.
Monitoring & Permanence
- Annual monitoring
- Five-yearly verification
- A minimum commitment of eight approval cycles
- At least 40 years of permanence
This structure helps ensure that carbon benefits are maintained and regularly assessed throughout the lifetime of a project.
Carbon Accounting & Risk Management
- Minimum 25% uncertainty discount factor
- Performance-based release of withheld carbon credits
- 3% National Reserve buffer against reversals and unforeseen losses
Governance
Together, these bodies provide strategic oversight, scientific scrutiny and operational accountability.
Alignment
- ICVCM Core Carbon Principles
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
- Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting
Our mission is to channel high-integrity carbon finance into UK projects that deliver measurable climate action, biodiversity recovery and positive community outcomes in support of the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.