Chestnut Carbon, an American developer of nature-based carbon removal initiatives, has announced the issuance of 95,909 new carbon credits featuring Verra’s specialised carbon removal tag. This marks the first time a project based in the United States has received Improved Forest Management (IFM) credits using Verra’s recently launched tool, VT0015, which is designed to distinguish between carbon reductions and actual removals.
Designated under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, these credits are generated through incremental carbon sequestration resulting from annual forest growth. By focusing exclusively on sequestration, the project aims to mitigate the risks of over-crediting and provide greater reputational security for institutional buyers. The introduction of the removal tag is expected to standardise how these credits are identified, offering a higher level of transparency and streamlining the due diligence process for corporate partners.
The project forms a central part of an expansive portfolio that supports over 250 private landowners across 37 states. By providing access to carbon markets, the initiative offers multi-generational financial assistance, allowing landowners to meet immediate economic needs while ensuring the long-term health of their forest ecosystems.
The news follows Chestnut Carbon’s recent achievement as the first U.S. IFM project to be verified for biodiversity conservation impacts by the Forest Stewardship Council. These verified outcomes include the recovery of wildlife habitats, enhanced air and water quality, and increased climate resilience for local communities.
Brian DiMarino, Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at Chestnut Carbon, commented on the development, “We’re pleased to have collaborated with Verra to implement and issue credits with the removals tag. Clear, consistent classification of carbon removal is essential for market confidence. This issuance reflects our commitment to transparency, rigorous verification, and setting a high bar for integrity in nature‑based carbon removal.”
