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Történetek, források és anyagok a Tree.ly csapatától

A szén-dioxid-kibocsátási egységek újragondolása a hatás érdekében

A természetalapú megoldások stratégiájának bolondbiztosítása

TreesFBGJagdberg.webp

Welche Funktionen erfüllt der Wald?

With climate change mitigation now a hot topic, there is a renewed focus on the importance of maintaining woodland and tree stocks around the world and their role as [carbon sinks](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sink). Rainforests rightly get ample coverage due to immediate existential deforestation threats. However, forests and trees of all kinds play absolutely essential roles in maintaining life – human and otherwise - on planet earth, of which [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) is just one aspect.

### Infrastructure protection

If you look at the outskirts of many towns and cities – especially those in hilly or mountainous regions – you will undoubtedly find protective forests. These unsung heroes of urban life play a crucial and often under-appreciated role in minimizing damage to infrastructure in the face of avalanches, erosion, rockfall or flooding. Without them, many towns and cities would suffer exponential increases in natural disasters.

### CO₂ storage and raw materials

The recent IPCC report highlighted the role forests can play as carbon sinks – often many times more than any technology we have yet invented ([see our analysis here](https://tree.ly/blog/ipcc-report)). Meanwhile, sustainably managed forest stock is a vital source of wood, which when turned into houses or objects can store this carbon indefinitely and play a key role in a new circular economy.

### Water storage and flood prevention

The role of trees in carbon sequestration is thankfully now common knowledge; what’s less well known is its role in storing water, maintaining lands, and preventing floods. Forests serve a filtration role, filtering sediment and pollutants before water reaches streams or rivers. Forests also act as a giant sponge, soaking up rainfall for slow release - without them there would be huge increases in flooding. 

### Biodiversity preservation 

Of course, forests are not only there to serve us – they’re home to most land-based life on earth. Indeed, [the UNEP reports](https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en/news/earths-biodiversity-depends-on-the-worlds-forests) that the planet’s forests contain more than 60,000 tree species, 80% of amphibians, 75% of bird species, and 68% of mammalian life. Put simply, take away the forests and we take away the foundations for much of the planet’s [biodiverse](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity) life. 

### Air purification and a place of leisure

As evidenced by the recent “forest bathing” trend, there’s been a new-found appreciation of woodland as places of relaxation away from city life. But this purification role of the forest stretches way beyond human existence – possibly right back to the start of complex life. This is, of course, due to the simple fact that trees absorb [CO₂](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-dioxide) and release oxygen, without which life (as we know it) on Earth would never even have developed. 

With all these factors considered, it’s abundantly clear that the more forest we lose, the more planetary life is endangered. On the flipside: the more we nurture our forests and regenerate tree stocks, the more we’re breathing life back into the very systems which sustain life on this planet. 


What functions does a forest perform? 

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Neuigkeiten von Tree.ly

## We are on the Austrian Forestry Days in Taggenbrunn from 9th to 10th of June 2022!

Tree.ly has been invited to this year's forestry days and the subsequent excursion of [Eckart Senitza](https://www.linkedin.com/in/senitza-eckart-010a9878/), founder of [ProSilva](https://www.prosilva.org/). The excursion will take place on Friday 10th of June in the forests of [Gut Poitschach](http://www.senitza.at/).

[Alexander](mailto:alexander@tree.ly) would be happy to meet you in person on 9th or 10th of June to introduce and share further details on Tree.ly with you.

If you spontaneously decide to participate, please [contact Alexander directly](mailto:alexander@tree.ly).

### Other news from Tree.ly

With [Roman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-breitfuss-schiffer-594518175/) and [Alexander](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandervilsmeier/), we have two new employees on board and continue with reinforcement to further develop our platform.

Two short films were shot with existing project partners - have fun!

Our CEO Jodok Batlogg had a longer interview with [futurezone.at](https://futurezone.at/start-ups/start-up-treely-co2-handel-wald-klimawandel-emissionen-co2-zertifikate/402011454)

### What does Tree.ly do?

Tree.ly is your **regional partner** that provides you with a transparent and **measurable climate protection value of your local forest**.

With **Tree.ly's digital platform**, forest owners have relevant key figures of their forest available at all times.

Currently, we are still focused on inventoried forest areas of more than 500 ha, but **this technological solution will be applicable to smallest areas** and subsequently scaled to the whole of Europe.

### How does a forest project with Tree.ly work?

In a first step, the scope and type of the project is determined with the forest owner in a feasibility study.

The following types are possible with the Tree.ly methodology:
  - [CO₂ conservation](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-conservation) (commitment of 30 years)
  - [CO₂ removal](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-removal) (commitment of 1 – 30 years)
  - Or a combination of the two

After the conclusion out of the feasibility study, a contract is signed between the forest owner and Tree.ly

In a further step, Tree.ly submits the project to TÜV Nord, which validates it and subsequently verifies and issues the tCO₂ certificates annually. There are **no costs** for the forest owner in this state of the project.

Tree.ly manages the certificate register and takes care of the sales of the certificates at the best possible price.

After Tree.ly has received the payment, the amount is immediately forwarded to the forest owner - the money transferred **must be invested in the management of the forest** (forestry management measures, forest personnel costs, etc.).

News from Tree.ly

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Wie wirkt sich der Klimawandel auf die europäischen Wälder aus?

Most of the talk around forests and climate change revolves around their potential to capture carbon and [offset](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions). Indeed, this is at the core of our own company’s mission. But the fact is these same trees are themselves under threat from climatic transformations already under way. Let’s look at how forests in Europe are changing – and what we can do about it.
 
### New tree species

One sure sign of change is the planting of wholly new types of trees, in anticipation of a warmer climate. Caring for forests is a generational game; in the words of an old Greek proverb, “A society grows great when old men [plant trees](https://tree.ly/glossary#tree-planting) whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” This has never been more true, and now these ‘old men’ need to give more consideration than ever as to exactly which trees are planted. For example, several Austrian forestry companies are already experimenting with warmer climate species such as Douglas (pseudotsuga spp.), Robinia pseudoacacia, Paulownia spp. etc.
 
### Older trees more vulnerable

Younger trees may benefit from the foresight of their planters, but those already in the ground have no such luck and are the most vulnerable to climatic extremes. “Their water transportation system has to work under greater stress to transport water,” comments a [Max Planck Institute report](https://www.mpg.de/16501852/climate-change-threatens-european-forests). “As a result, large trees suffer more from drought and are then more susceptible to disease.” Not only this, due to their size older trees are most vulnerable to both storm damage and insect attacks. So while we most often hear about tree planting and reforestation, proforestation – the protection of older growth – has a crucial role to play in [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) efforts.

### Dry periods and fires

When hearing of forest fires, we generally think of far-flung California or Australia. Yet the truth is they’re becoming increasingly common in Europe, as those in Southern Europe can attest to. 2021 was [the second-worst year on record](https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news/eu-2021-wildfire-season-was-second-worst-record-finds-new-commission-report-2022-03-21_en), with 1 113 464 ha burning across 39 countries thanks to a lethal combination of drought and high temperatures. If we’re to take full advantage of trees’ CO₂ capture potential, we need to mitigate the risk of fires which undermine such efforts.
 
### Pests

Higher temperatures and droughts in forests create a perfect storm for harmful bark beetle infestations, on the one hand weakening trees’ defences and on the other accelerating the beetles’ breeding cycles. They are multiplying in such exponential numbers that Central Europe’s backbone of spruce forests are under threat; the Czech Republic alone lost the equivalent of 100,000 football fields in 2018.
 
Thankfully, technologies such as drones and [remote sensing](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/21/3634/pdf?version=1604586979) are helping foresters prevent and mitigate damage, by detecting the early signs of infestation. But there’s a long way to go in overcoming this tiny yet lethal menace.
 
### Windstorms

Windstorms and all the other mentioned calamities are natural occurrences in forest dynamics and can help [regenerate forests and increase [biodiversity](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721070480). However, extreme weather events and more exposed forests increase the risk of serious damage. It is not just the wind itself; [studies in Switzerland](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721070480#bb0525) suggested warmer soil temperatures play a part. Wind damage can be mitigated through adaptation strategies and risk minimization, such as forest planning to take into account the most vulnerable trees or stocks.

### Conclusion: 

If we are to make the most of trees' vast carbon storage potential - which is ultimately our mission at Tree.ly - a timely adaptation and mitigation is essential. As we've explored, many of these changes are part of a forest's natural fluctuations and processes, but they're happening faster than ever before. Thankfully, all the above can be mitigated or prepared for in good time with good forest management and by harnessing the potential of new technologies.

How is climate change affecting European forests?

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Was für Waldklimaschutzprojekte macht Tree.ly? 

As you probably know by now, Tree.ly is a climate tech startup which helps forest owners get compensated for the [ecosystem services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystem_service) they provide. But how do we go about this? Here we take the chance to explain what kind of forests are benefiting, how they are categorised and – most importantly – how we arrive at our [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) potential with which forest owners are compensated.

### First things first: Initial analysis

At present, we’re working with those who own upwards of 500 ha and maintain a forest inventory and management protocols. The first step is for current forest inventory to be determined, so our tech team can work out projected carbon estimations. The optimal stock range is then modeled, based on techniques established by [BOKU](https://boku.ac.at/en/) and [ETH Zürich](https://ethz.ch/). This analysis considers factors such as tree species, vegetation altitude, growth potential, and more. Based on these values, upper and lower boundaries are established, which are key for setting the framework and benchmarks for projects.

Once each project has been assessed, it is assigned into one of two categories: [Carbon Removal](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-removal) or Carbon Conservation [as defined by the IPCC](https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/faq/faq-chapter-4/). Let’s look deeper at these two. 

### Project Type: Carbon Removal (increase of stock)

This is the ‘classic’ afforestation model, which mostly concerns adding to existing tree stock through measures such as forest management and planting activities. 
![increase_of_stock.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/increase_of_stock_f8bf0117f6.png)

The key here is maintaining (and growing) the current stock, using sustainable forestry management to care for and reach the chosen stock commitment. This number is chosen by the owner and agreed with Tree.ly as a realistic goal for the lifetime of the project; the duration can be set between 1 – 30 years. 

In the above example, the commitment is to increase the stock by **50 m³ / ha in 30 years**. In a project area of 1000 ha this would mean 50 m³/ha over the project lifetime – equal to an estimated **2100 tonnes of CO₂** per year.


### Project Type: Carbon Conservation (preservation of stock)

For this project type, we lend kudos to the slightly ‘unsexier’ side of forestry – rather than headline-grabbing [tree planting](https://tree.ly/glossary#tree-planting) ventures, this is all about maintaining existing stocks so that they continue to capture carbon for another generation or more. 

Crucially, older trees are jam-packed with [biodiversity](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity) and provide habitats to a huge array of wildlife. “Forests create an enabling environment for life to flourish,” writes Cambridge sustainability expert [Wayne Visser](https://www.waynevisser.com/). “This is why planting trees is not enough we need to protect and expand forest ecosystems.”

Even with strong forestry laws we have in Central Europe, it is an achievement to keep up a certain amount of stock - an ecosystem service which should be recognised. Thanks to Tree.ly, forest owners finally have a way of monetising the [ecosystem value](https://tree.ly/glossary#ecosystem-value) of their forests. They are thereby rewarded for guaranteeing a certain stockage – instead of cutting down for wood, for example, they are incentivised to commit to a certain stock in the forest.

Here the lower and upper boundaries are key. Let’s say a total project area is 1454 ha, with a current stock of 390 m³/ha.  The forest owner commits to not go under 370 m³/ha and maintain this for 30 years – the default project length. In carbon terms, this commitment is equal to **89 tCO₂/ha**, adding up to **129 406 tCO₂** over 30 years ([contact us](https://tree.ly/) to find out the financial and earning implications).
![preservation_of_stock.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/preservation_of_stock_fc7cc547ef.png)

### Project Type: Removal & Conservation (combined project)

As well as the main two types, forest owners also have the option to combine the above two. 

### What happens next?

An annual report is carried out, on the basis of which the forest owner is paid. The report includes information on activities as well as any calamities which may have occurred. The certification body then issues carbon credits based on this report, which Tree.ly then sells on the [voluntary carbon market](https://tree.ly/glossary#vcm).  

Contact our forestry expert [Alexander Vilsmeier](mailto:alexander@tree.ly) to find out more about our project types, and how to get involved. 

**Typical project timeline:**
![treely project timeline.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/treely_project_timeline_fac4dbdd4c.png)

Explainer: What types of projects does Tree.ly deal with? 

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Einführung in die CO₂-Märkte in 2022

Phrases like [net zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero) plans and emissions [offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) are becoming increasingly part of the corporate lexicon. Nevertheless, the practical means for doing so remain difficult jungles to navigate, are subject to change, and often misunderstood. Given the importance of carbon markets to both Tree.ly’s mission and the future of the planet, here we offer the reader a (relatively) short introduction to the topic as of 2022.

### First step: recording GHG emissions

While the focus of carbon markets is on [offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) – and offsetting is often the cheapest and most appealing option - it’s important to state that the initial focus of any net zero strategy should be avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas ([GHG](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas)) emissions in the first place. A company’s unavoidable emissions can then be offset in an ever-growing number of ways (CDU, DAC, Tree.ly). But the first step in any carbon[ compensation](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-compensation) strategy is to systematically record emissions (CO₂ and others) along the value chain. 

The [GHG Protocol](https://tree.ly/glossary#ghg-protocol) is the most widely used methodological framework for GHG accounting. Coordinated and developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), it defines three areas – Scope [1](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-1),[2](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-2),[3](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-3) - to which GHG emissions are assigned: 

![scope_1-3.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/scope_1_3_89c32a3042.png)
_Source: [www.greenelement.co.uk](https://www.greenelement.co.uk)_

Once the GHG balance is established as a starting point, a company can set long-term reduction targets, target paths and timelines as part of a climate protection strategy. But for these to be meaningful, they must be science-based.

### Science-based targets

The Science Based Targets initiative ([SBTi](https://tree.ly/glossary#sbti)) serves as an excellent guide, showing companies how to set reduction targets for achieving the Paris climate targets. These should include at least 95% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. If more than 40 per cent of GHG emissions are in Scope 3, the SBTi recommends setting ambitious, measurable Scope 3 targets. Since double counting can occur when recording CO₂ emissions in the supply chain, double offsetting by several actors can also arise (more on this below). As there are currently no international regulations in this area, it is recommended to proceed carefully when selecting the recording and target-setting method.

### Compensating based on SBTi

Although offsetting does not help reduce a company's own emissions, it does contribute to achieving net zero emissions outside the company's value chain. Because of this beneficial effect, SBTi calls this approach "[climate positive](https://tree.ly/glossary#climate-positive)". There are two options here: full offsetting or partial offsetting. 

**Full offsetting:** Companies pursue their target path by avoiding and reducing emissions. In this way, companies achieve net zero emissions in the target year, i.e. all emissions along the path are offset by the target year. 

**Partial offsetting:** Here only the difference (the delta) between the actual and the target emissions is offset. The residual emissions of the target path are not offset.

![sbti_graph.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/sbti_graph_7b4655fecb.png)


### On Additionality, Vulnerability and Permanence

Let’s break down three important terms when it comes to implementing meaningful compensation strategies: **_Additionality:_** Climate protection measures from offset projects must be of an additional nature, meaning they come from projects that would not have been initiated without the offset funding. **_Vulnerability:_** The oversupply of certificates and the question of which of the already running projects are dependent on the income from the sale of certificates raises the question of vulnerability. Vulnerable climate protection projects run the risk of not being able to continue emission reductions if the income from the certificates is lost (see more in the research from [DEHSt](https://www.dehst.de/SharedDocs/downloads/EN/project-mechanisms/vulnerability-of-CDM.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3)). **_Permanence:_** Emission savings through climate protection projects must be permanent - the greenhouse gases saved must not be released back into the atmosphere. 

### Project quality and requirements

The quality of climate protection projects is crucial. High-quality and costly projects with high benefits are more likely to be transferred to the new Article G regime under the [Paris Agreement](https://tree.ly/glossary#paris-agreement). It should be noted that there are many cheap certificates on the market. Low-cost certificates can originate from projects carried out even without the additional income from the sale of the certificates, hence not actually helping to reduce emissions. Such measures therefore do not compensate for emissions caused by a company. 

Project quality is therefore paramount. This is where Tree.ly’s high-quality projects in European forests really stand out, with every element and stage of a project mapped out in detail – check out our [portfolio](https://tree.ly/portfolio).

### Double counting
[Double counting](https://tree.ly/glossary#double-counting) of a unit of saved CO₂ occurs when two actors count the same tonne of CO₂ saved. Example: in a project in India, 1 tonne of CO₂ is avoided; this tonne of CO₂ could now compensate for the emissions of a German company. But India as a country could also claim the saving for its [NDC](https://tree.ly/glossary#ndc). There is not only a theoretical conflict here, because two parties - the German company and India - claim the same physical tonne of CO₂ reduction.

The Paris Agreement has laid out rules to deal with [double counting](https://tree.ly/glossary#double-counting), which are currently being negotiated. 

For carbon certificates issued for Tree.ly projects, this issue of double counting is fundamentally avoided.

### Carbon markets: Pitfalls to avoid

Whichever approach companies choose, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. This includes purchasing certificates from projects of poor quality, such as lack of additionality or permanence (see above definitions). Such allowances cannot be used for offsetting, even if the associated emission reductions were achieved before the end of 2020. 

Certificates from unidentifiable projects should also be avoided - companies should ensure they have direct access to all primary project information. Lastly, it should be clear to a company how funds are used and what their money is spent on. 

For each of these pitfalls, Tree.ly projects offer significant advantages, with complete transparency and accuracy, coupled with the fact that any money generated is transparently reinvested back into forest projects.

_Find out more about purchasing carbon credits from verified forest projects right here in Europe, enabling sustainable action in your own backyard: [https://tree.ly/carbon-buyers](https://tree.ly/for-companies)_




An Introduction to Carbon Markets in 2022

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Warum Tree.ly?

The forest and its CO₂ storage potential together with its protection, utility and recreational capabilities is a valuable resource and the basis for many people’s livelihood. We ensure the preservation of the forest by using state-of-the-art technologies and through the execution of regional CO₂ projects with forest owners. These projects lead to a better forest structure, increase the climate resilience of the forest and optimize the CO₂ storage potential.

**Tree.ly stands for**
- preservation of forests
- modern technologies
- regional cooperation
- climate protection
- transparency and fairness
- reliable partnerships with forest owners

## And why do we need Tree.ly?

In Europe, forests have an immense, untapped climate protection potential. They compensate for about seven percent of [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions) in Germany.  Tree.ly stands up for forest – our basis for life – and create opportunities for everyone to participate in climate protection by supporting forest owners in the sustainable management of their forests. We ensure that this valuable resource is preserved for us as well as future generations.
We use state-of-the-art technologies to create incentives for modern and sustainable forest management. Tree.ly, allows regional forest owners to receive fair compensation for their positive contribution to the environment in the form of CO₂ credits. With regional projects, we ensure that emissions are compensated right where they occur, contributing to the consistent, sustainable management of forests. This way, we can have the biggest impact on stopping climate change. For a sustainable, livable and just world. 

Why Tree.ly?

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Was macht Tree.ly?

We work hand in hand with forest owners, combining deep knowledge and climate awareness with the very latest tech, to create a future worth living in.

**Would you like to generate additional capital with your forest?**

**Do you want to play your part in a sustainable future?**


The great CO₂ storage potential of forests is widely known. Less well-known is that this may also be a source of income to make forestry more profitable in today's world. We help bring additional money into your forest while realizing valuable climate protection services.


### Regional and climate friendly

Carbon certifications are associated with high initial costs for forest owners and can be a complex maze to navigate. This is where Tree.ly steps in for forest owners as a reliable and experienced partner. As well as this, our technology makes it possible for forest owners to manage and easily maintain their forest as a [CO₂ sink](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sink) without high investment costs. We design climate protection projects that aim to optimize CO₂ storage potential and thus increase the removal of [greenhouse gas](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions). The additional revenues generated by our carbon credits help forest owners ensure the ongoing sustainable management of their forest. To contribute to climate protection, additional annual revenue is to be used exclusively for forestry measures related to the forest area covered by the project.

### High-tech solution for the climate

As a technology company, Tree.ly creates accurate biomass surveys via remote sensing with their proprietary machine learning models. This creates digital twins of forests using satellite imagery, LIDAR data, elevation level maps and tree species distribution maps. With Tree.ly's digital platform, you can access relevant key figures about your forest at all times. This technological solution can also be applied to very small areas and is scalable to the whole of Europe. This is a breakthrough climate tech which paves the way for an automated EU-wide forest inventory with multiple fields of application.

### Tree.ly offers you:

- Feasibility studies for specific implementation
- Calculation of the CO₂ storage potential
- Calculation of the ideal overall forest stock 
- Provision of relevant key figures for forest management
- Tips for forest management optimized for carbon certification
- Access to Tree.ly’s digital forest management platform
- Organization and administration of the certification process
- Organization of monitoring and auditing activities
- Creation of a risk pool for damaging events 

### Increased income through climate protection services

In the first step, Tree.ly is serving forestry operations with an inventoried forest area above 500 hectares. However, in the near future, Tree.ly’s platform will enable whole forest inventory, thus opening up the possibility to small forest owners too. We are currently in contact with a large number of forest owners of all sizes. To date, we have already carried out feasibility studies for around 15,000 hectares of forest. 

Tree.ly was founded with the aim of combining state-of-the-art technology, full transparency, and forest conservation, putting climate protection into practice through regional cooperation and financial viability. 

It’s time for forest resources and good forestry practice to be truly valued and appreciated. You too can help drive climate protection and sustainable development in Europe. Let the forest work for you.


[Claim your forest now.](https://tree.ly/sign-up/step-1)



What does Tree.ly do?

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Wir stellen vor: Boemly, unsere Komponenten- bibliothek für React

I’m very happy to introduce our brand new component library for React - Boemly. Boemly is based on the widely known open-source component library [ChakraUI](https://chakra-ui.com/), which is focused on accessibility and speed. Boemly focuses on the same values and enriches ChakraUI with some neat components conceptualised and built by the Tree.ly team. Boemly offers a very limited amount of customizations to keep it simple, only core tokens like fonts, colours, border radii, … can be customised.

## How to use Boemly?

Boemly tries to be as easy to use as possible. It’s based on the widely known [provider pattern](https://reactjs.org/docs/context.html) in React. You have to wrap the whole app in the BoemlyThemeProvider and then use the components of the library. A little example:

```js
import { Button, BoemlyThemeProvider } from 'boemly';

function App() {
  return (
    <BoemlyThemeProvider>
      <Button>Button</Button>
    </BoemlyThemeProvider>
  );
}

export default App;
```

### Useful links:

- Full documentation → https://boemly.tree.ly 
- GitHub → https://github.com/treely/boemly (Don’t forget to star!)
- NPM → https://www.npmjs.com/package/boemly 

### Technical details

Boemly is 100 % written in Typescript and follows the high coding standards at Tree.ly. Same as ChakraUI, Boemly uses [Emotion](https://emotion.sh/) for styling and [Framer Motion](https://www.framer.com/docs/) for smooth animations. To ensure code quality an automated linting, testing, and publishing pipeline is set up. Deploy early, fail fast!

### Open source

Boemly is an open-source project and has already found some contributors. We at Tree.ly believe in the valuability of an engaged developer community. That’s why we want to open-source as much as possible and encourage employees to contribute to open-source projects whenever they want. Boemly is the first open-source project of our young company - contributions are highly appreciated - don’t be afraid of being wrong.


Introducing Boemly, our component library for React

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Wälder und Kohlenstoffbindung: das Fazit des neuesten IPCC-Berichts

As if we needed any further reminders of the seriousness of the climate emergency, the IPCC have released the [final part of its Sixth Assessment Report](https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg3/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf). While it lays out in no uncertain terms the extent of the challenge, there is cause for optimism as the focus is on “the linkages between climate change mitigation, adaptation and development”.

Firstly, the bad news: clearly the window of opportunity to limit serious temperature rises is fast closing. Not only have[ emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions) not reduced, they continue to rise. 

But this report was less about the bad news, and more about what we can do to fix this. Alongside a recommendation for “rapid and deep” emissions reductions to limit global warming to less than 1.5 or 2°C, there was a new focus given to carbon dioxide removal ([CDR](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-removal)) in all its forms: “The deployment of CDR to counterbalance residual emissions is unavoidable if net zero CO₂ or [GHG](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) emissions are to be achieved.” (Section C.3)

This insightful table essentially puts man-made solutions side by side with [nature-based solutions](https://tree.ly/glossary#nbs) in the clearest way ever:

![IPPC_Report_Graph.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/IPPC_Report_Graph_a30729effe.png)
*Source: IPCC, Figure SPM.7: Overview of mitigation options and their estimated ranges of costs and potentials in 2030.

Here it’s clear that, for now, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is both inefficient at cutting carbon and incredibly costly. Thankfully a technology exists which is cost-effective, efficient, readily available, and whose impact literally grows over time. 

#### Yes, we’re talking about trees.  

In fact, when combined, forest-based solutions represent the biggest climate mitigation options of all, taking into account reduced [deforestation](https://tree.ly/glossary#deforestration), afforestation, and sustainable forest management. 

Let’s take a look at the IPCC report’s main findings regarding the role of forests in climate change mitigation. 


### Cost-effective solution

It’s important to note that the “net lifetime cost” of tree-based solutions in the above table is also comparatively low. On this economic mitigation, the report states that the largest share comes from the “conservation, improved management, and restoration of forests and other ecosystems.” Clearly, we all have a huge incentive to maintain existing forest stocks. 

### Climatic impacts on trees

The changing climate is a double-edged sword for forests themselves – on the one hand, higher CO₂ levels may “enhance tree growth rates, [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration), and timber and biomass production” but on the other, climate change could lead to “greater frequency and intensity of disturbance events in forests”. However, the net effect remains to be seen. 

### Sustainable forestry 

The report clearly recognizes the role of “Indigenous Peoples, private forest owners, local farmers and communities manage a significant share of global forests and agricultural land and play a central role in land-based mitigation options.” At the same time, there is a role too for sustainably sourced wood products and the locked-in carbon storage this entails: “When done in a sustainable way, more regrowth will occur and is stimulated by management, resulting in a net sink.”

### Urban expansion

The report states that urban land may well triple between now and 2050, and that given past trends, this expansion “is expected to take place on agricultural lands and forests, with implications for the loss of carbon stocks.” But at the same time, a ‘greening’ of urban areas (including urban forestry) could both help cooling effects and play a carbon capture role, seeing as urban trees currently store 7.4 billion tonnes of carbon, and sequester approximately 217 million tonnes of carbon annually.

### Zero deforestation

It goes without saying that the report recommends redoubling efforts to end deforestation at all levels. This includes a “High Carbon Stock (HCS) approach” that combines carbon stock values with the protection of HCS areas. They call, however, for greater degrees of transparency and legislative powers to “improve the enforcement of forest laws and regulations”.

### Forest financing

As the costs of delivering the proposed forest-related [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) and emission reduction may reach $400 billion a year by 2050, the IPCC recommend maximizing the horizontal engagement between business, NGOs, and communities to meet the financing needs. Furthermore, they state that “enhanced monitoring, reporting and verification capacity” play a crucial role in establishing trust across this “wide array of actors”.

–––––––––

Overall, the report is positive on the effect sustainable forestry can have on mitigating climate change, with the potential to deliver 5-6 gigatons of CO₂ per year in sequestration and emission reduction. Moreover, they spell out the clear interrelation between sustainable forest management and the path of sustainable development – and the clear benefit not only to the planet but to society and human advancement at all levels. 


Forests and carbon capture: the verdict from the latest IPCC report

Treetops.jpg

Was sind Carbon Removals und warum brauchen wir sie?

As the term suggests, [carbon removals](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-removal), also known as carbon dioxide removals ([CDR](https://tree.ly/glossary#cdr)), are nature-based or technological methods of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and result in negative CO₂ [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions).

The[ Paris Climate Agreement](https://tree.ly/glossary#paris-agreement) calls for limiting man-made global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, or even 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible, compared to pre-industrial levels.

### Why exactly 1.5 °C?

According to climate scientists, a global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius is the limit to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finds that the atmosphere can only absorb 313 gigatons (Gt) of CO₂ to stay below the 1.5 degree limit. In 2020, about 36 gigatons of CO₂ were emitted globally. If we assume that the world will continue to emit this much CO₂, the CO₂ budget will be used up in less than nine years. Therefore, reducing our CO₂ emissions alone is not enough to achieve the climate targets.

![1.5C.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/1_5_C_ff18b64c69.png)

As you can see from the graph, we cannot reduce our [carbon footprint](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-footprint) fast enough through conventional methods, such as renewable energy, to reach "net zero" by 2050. Carbon removals are needed to [offset](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) the unavoidable emissions.

Carbon removal varies depending on how the CO₂ is removed from the air and for how long it is then stored. Often these two characteristics are related. A distinction can be made between nature-based methods, such as forestry projects, and machine-based methods, such as direct air capture (DAC). Nature-based methods store CO₂ for a shorter period of time than machine-based methods. However, they are more efficient and scalable. Machine-based methods such as DAC are still in the early stages of development, have low CO₂ storage volumes, and have extremely high development and construction costs.

[Tree.ly](https://tree.ly/blog/why-treely) focuses on forest projects. As trees grow, they convert CO₂ to biomass through photosynthesis. A mature tree can absorb up to 22 kilograms of carbon from the atmosphere per year and at the same time producing enough oxygen for four people per day. Furthermore, [CO₂ projects with forest owners](https://tree.ly/blog/what-does-treely-do) have additional environmental benefits, such as purifying drinking water and protecting the livelihoods of a wide range of animal and plant species.

[IPCC - Why exactly 1.5 °C?](https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/)

 What are carbon removals and why do we need them to reach our climate goals?

Forest_From_Above.jpg

Waldkohlenstoffmanagement: Grundsätze für den Verkauf von CO₂ Gutschriften

The Austrian Chamber of Agriculture has finalized the position paper on carbon management in forests with the principles for the sale of CO₂ credits. In addition to some wording changes, the earmarking of the proceeds was neglected in this final version. Thus, reinvesting the profits generated from the sale of CO₂ credits in silvicultural measures is no longer a principle. The final document can be found here: 

**[Download: Position paper of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/CO_2_Gutschriften_Grundsaetze_Juli22_ce6df83c4b.pdf?updated_at=2022-09-15T12:39:25.315Z&utm_source=website_co2_lk&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=carbon_credits)**

## Carbon management in forests

As one of the greatest challenges of the next decades, the climate crisis defines our time. The European Union's goal is to stop releasing net [greenhouse gas](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, the use of fossil raw materials must be reduced immediately and unavoidable CO₂ [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions) must be compensated for in sinks. In this development, biogenic climate protection projects are becoming increasingly important. 

In the wake of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation or the Taxonomy Regulation, agriculture and forestry are increasingly becoming the focus of [carbon sequestration](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration). As a result, the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture has formulated a set of principles for the sale of carbon credits. 

### General principles

The priority is to phase out fossil fuels and increase raw material and energy efficiency. It is significant that [CO₂ compensation](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-compensation) is accompanied by [CO₂ reduction](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-reduction). Avoiding emissions comes before reducing and [offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting). Offsetting companies should therefore demonstrate a fossil CO₂ emissions reduction plan. In addition, sound business practices, through, for example, measurability, no double-billing, as well as transparency, should be followed. The latter can be ensured by documentation in a publicly accessible register. 

In principle, carbon storage in biomass is a climate protection service. According to the European Union, land managers should sell carbon credits in the same way as their traditional products. This trade takes place voluntarily between two contracting parties, and the state can also act as such. Credits are traded specifically, this trade is different from the emission certificate sector. 

The contract period between the two partners should be between 20 and 30 years, thus guaranteeing independence for the future generation. With regard to the remuneration of the climate protection services, market-based mechanisms are used. It is particularly important that no [double counting](https://tree.ly/glossary#double-counting) takes place, therefore the trade is limited so far to the national borders. 

Accredited certification is an important prerequisite here. This should, for example, also enable small structures to participate. In Europe, the ISO 14064-1 to 3 series of standards are suitable for this purpose. Outside Europe, the [GOLD standard](https://tree.ly/glossary#gold-standard) and VERRA in particular have become established.

### Special aspects of forest management

The current marketing of carbon sequestered in wood is limited to sawmill, industrial or energy wood products. As an additional product, CO₂ credits open up new opportunities for forestry. 

In the carbon management of forestry, only the wood stock has been considered so far. Compared to carbon in the forest soil, this is easy to measure and can be developed more quickly. The wood stock is regulated by law, thus preventing drastic deforestation and safeguarding the functions of the forest. A [baseline](https://tree.ly/glossary#baseline-and-credit-systems) can be set above which deliberate non-use constitutes a climate protection service.

The long-term storage effect of the forest should also be secured. In the wake of the climate crisis, the calamity risk for forest stands increases significantly. Increasing the number of participants and thus the size of the area reduces the risk. Annual payments can be stopped immediately in case of calamity and it is possible to create reserves for such a case. 

The CO₂ products of forestry are stock building and stock preservation, rewetting of peatlands, and building with wood. Regarding timber stock, it should also be possible for operations that have built up a high stock in recent years and are now facing the regeneration phase to participate in the trade. In addition, participation in timber certification schemes should be considered and can increase the value of credits.

### Basic differences from agriculture

Unlike forestry, where the focus is on above-ground biomass, agriculture looks at humus buildup in the soil. Likewise, there are hardly any approaches to stronger carbon sequestration in forestry. Whereas in agriculture, targeted measures already exist within the framework of ÖPUL. 

Read here the entire [document](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/CO_2_Gutschriften_Grundsaetze_Juli22_ce6df83c4b.pdf?updated_at=2022-09-15T12:39:25.315Z&utm_source=website_co2_lk&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=carbon_credits) of the working group "Carbon Management in Forests" of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, of which Tree.ly CEO Jodok Batlogg is a member.

Learn more about buying carbon credits from verified forestry projects right here in Europe, enabling sustainable action in your own backyard:
[Tree.ly for Business](https://tree.ly/for-companies)


Forest carbon management: principles for selling carbon credits

2022-05-04-Treely-DrohneStango-PiaPiaPia-5.jpg

Die Diskussion der Transparenz: Wie funktioniert eine ehrliche CO₂-Kompensation mit europäischen Wäldern?

Forest owners play an important role in the fight against climate change by implementing projects that help preserve forests. Tree.ly supports European forestry projects and connects them with nearby CO₂ buyers to ensure that the credits actually help reduce emissions and protect our planet.

Recent reports about carbon credits from tropical and subtropical forests ([The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/revealed-forest-carbon-offsets-biggest-provider-worthless-verra-aoe) and [DIE ZEIT](https://www.zeit.de/2023/04/co2-zertifikate-betrug-emissionshandel-klimaschutz/komplettansicht) published news about Verra credits) cast a poor light on CO₂ credits from forests. However, one must clearly distinguish European conditions from those in tropical and subtropical forests.

It is important to understand how forests can be used to provide transparent and high-quality [CO₂ offsets](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-compensation). Forest projects implemented using our methodology ensure the legitimacy of the credits through the following:

###### **1. Digital Platform**
Our platform provides accurate data collection, project forest baseline modeling, a detailed project register, a digital twin, and enables annual monitoring of projects.

###### **2. Third Party Verification**
Validation and verification of our projects is performed by an external accredited testing body, TÜV Austria or TÜV Nord in Germany, in accordance with ISO 14064-2.

###### **3. Risk Buffer**
Secure investments through risk buffers: 10 % of all certificates are set aside as a buffer in case of unexpected events and returned to forest owners when they are not needed.

Our statement on the above main criticisms is as follows:

_"94 % of projects have not reduced [deforestation](https://tree.ly/glossary#deforestration)":_ Projects are continuously monitored and verified by third parties. Certificates are issued only after the fact.

_"The threat to forests has been overestimated by 400 %":_ forestry projects must meet a certain [baseline](https://tree.ly/glossary#baseline-and-credit-systems). If a forest has a stand volume of 270 m³/ha and the lower baseline is 250 m³/ha, we only take into account the 20 m³/ha above the lower limit.

_"Companies such as ..., Shell, EasyJet, ... have bought for environmental reasons. ":_ Tree.ly believes in a world where we 1. avoid carbon, 2. reduce [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions), and only 3. offset. For this reason, our certificates are only sold to companies that keep a carbon account and ideally already have a reduction plan in place.

_"Human Rights Issues":_ We only support European projects and link them to nearby buyers of carbon credits.

In the ORF interview, Jodok Batlogg, Founder & CEO Tree.ly, talks about how to recognize high-quality CO₂ credits and why regional distribution is the key to sustainable climate protection.

Transparent CO₂ compensation with Forest & Tree.ly

The debate on transparency: How does honest CO₂ compensation work for European forests?

cover-merger-pina-earth-treely.webp

Pina Earth und Tree.ly fusionieren

### Merger creates Europe’s first full-stack forest carbon platform and positions it for growth in the expanding market for nature-based solutions


- Pina Earth and Tree.ly merge to form Europe’s leading tech-enabled forest carbon platform, combining operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech, Hungary, and Italy
- The new entity brings together 80,000+ ha of forest, 500,000+ tCO₂ of certified regional carbon credits, and ~100 buyers, positioning it as the market leader in the DACH region
- Backed by top-tier investors, the company is on track for its Series A to scale its full-stack platform for regional, high-integrity carbon projects across Europe

Pina Earth and Tree.ly are European climate tech companies connecting corporate buyers with high-quality carbon projects from local forest owners. In a strategic move, the two have joined forces to build Europe’s first full-stack forest carbon platform. The new entity combines strengths in software, project development, and sales to deliver greater scale, transparency, and regional impact for both landowners and carbon buyers.

### Leading tech platform offers more value for carbon buyers and landowners across Europe

The combined operations span **Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy and Hungary**, with:
**
- 80,000+ hectares of forest under contract
- 500,000+ tCO2 of certified, regional carbon credits
- A network of ~100 corporate buyers**

This makes the new company the **largest tech-enabled forest carbon project developer in Europe** and the clear **market leader in the DACH region with 5x annual revenue growth.**

Carbon buyers can now invest in a broader, more scalable portfolio of nature-based projects, covering multiple methodologies, certification standards, and geographies within the DACH region. Buyers benefit from access to large volumes of certified credits, high transparency and a continued strong focus on biodiversity co-benefits and regional impact.

For ** forest owners**, the combined offering simplifies certification across different project types and geographies with a single, trusted partner and provides improved access to long-term buyers.

_“We founded Pina Earth to ensure Europe has healthy forests for generations to come,” said **Dr. Gesa Biermann**, co-founder of Pina Earth. “I’m so excited to join forces with Tree.ly to scale our impact even faster - and provide companies with the regional, high-integrity carbon credits they’re asking for.”_

Both companies share the conviction that software and automation are key to unlock nature-based solutions at scale. Pina Earth’s proprietary forest simulation software will be integrated into Tree.ly’s broader certification platform, improving project development efficiency, transparency, and expanding support for diverse methodologies.

The combined entity will not only be able to work under different climate standards (e.g. ISO, WKS, and others), but also cover multiple project methodologies such as IFM, ARR, Conservation, and forest adaptation across Europe. This enables more forest owners – regardless of forest size or region – to develop certified climate projects.

_“Technology is the only way we can meet climate targets at the scale required,” said **Jodok Batlogg**, Co-Founder & CEO of Tree.ly. “With this merger, we’re bringing the strongest tools and best teams in the market together to make forest carbon projects faster, simpler, and more reliable – for landowners and buyers alike.”_

### Why now: Climate change, regulation, and market consolidation

As climate change puts increasing pressure on Europe’s forests, the need for scalable, high-integrity nature-based solutions is more urgent than ever. The merger accelerates both companies’ impact to close the vast financing gap for forest protection and biodiversity, while making it easier for companies to invest in audited, regionally sourced carbon credits.

The merger also contributes to a consolidation of Europe’s fragmented carbon developer landscape and positions the combined entity to anticipate future regulation, including evolving EU frameworks such as the **Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)**. These policy shifts underscore the growing importance of quality-driven, European-based carbon removal solutions.

_“This is a defining moment for European forest carbon markets,” said **Nadja Bresous Mehigan**,_ Partner at **XAnge** and lead investor in Pina Earth. _“The merger is a strategic step toward defining the future category leader in European forest carbon, combining scalable tech, methodological excellence, and the trust of both landowners and buyers.”_

### What’s next: Growth, Integration and Series A

The combined company will operate under the **Pina Earth brand** and will be led by Tree.ly founders **Jodok Batlogg** and **Christian Lutz**, both experienced serial founders with a strong track record of scaling tech ventures. After years of building deep-tech companies with a global focus, Jodok is applying his expertise to strengthen climate solutions within Europe. For Christian, this new role marks the culmination of a series of ventures, each leading toward what he sees as his most important mission yet: advancing nature-based climate solutions at scale. Their leadership brings deep operational and strategic expertise for the company’s next growth phase. 

**Pina Earth co-founders, Dr. Gesa Biermann and Florian Fincke**, will transition into **strategic advisory roles** to support integration and help shape the company’s long-term vision. Having successfully built Pina Earth from the ground up and led it through its early growth, the founders will remain closely involved in ensuring the values, rigor, and impact focus remain at the core of the new company.

_“After building and leading Pina Earth through its early growth, this is the right moment to hand over day-to-day leadership,”_ said **Dr. Gesa Biermann**. _“The merger marks a new phase of scale, and I’m excited to continue supporting it strategically, focusing on long-term impact, partnerships, and governance.”_

The company will maintain hubs in **Munich, Berlin, and Dornbirn**. In the coming months, integration efforts will focus on expanding commercial reach, scaling technology, and preparing for a **Series A financing round**.

Together, Pina Earth and Tree.ly are setting a new standard for climate integrity, regional impact, and software-enabled scale in Europe’s carbon markets.

If you are interested in further information or an interview with the founders, please contact [press@pina.earth](mailto:press@pina.earth). 

**Download the [Press Kit](https://hub.tree.ly/hubfs/250728%20Merger%20Comms/Pina%20Earth%20-%20Merger%20Announcement.zip)** | **Visit the [Pina Earth Website](https://www.pina.earth/en)**

### The Team
![pina-team.webp](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/pina_team_2d760512b6.webp)

### The Combined Project Portfolio
![Project Map Square Minimal.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Project_Map_Square_Minimal_03182af812.jpg)

Pina Earth and Tree.ly Merge

2022-05-04_Drone_shot

Umgang mit CO₂-Emissionen und freiwilligen Klimaschutzleistungen

# CO₂ Compensation by Companies

In a world increasingly affected by climate change and pollution, [CO₂ compensation](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-compensation) is becoming more and more important. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the concept of CO₂ compensation and explain how companies can contribute to it. 

## Green Deal of the European Union
The [European Union's Green Deal](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en) aims to limit emissions of climate-damaging [greenhouse gases](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) within the EU to [net zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero) by 2050. Emissions need to be cut by more than half by 2030 compared with 1990. Companies have to record their emissions according to internationally recognized standards and reduce and avoid them step by step along an individual roadmap. Unavoidable emissions can be offset by means of compensation. A guideline for companies for sensible offsetting in accordance with the internationally applicable regulations is provided by the guideline, which was developed by atmosfair gGmbH and expanded by Tree.ly FlexCo.

![Page_8_EN@4x.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Page_8_EN_4x_bf12692e05.jpg)

The original idea of CO₂ compensation goes back to the [Kyoto Protocol](https://tree.ly/glossary#kyoto-protocol). Only industrialised countries were given legally binding obligations to limit and reduce GHG emissions.
To enable them to achieve their reduction targets, mechanisms were set up in the Kyoto Protocol. 

Companies can contribute to climate protection by means of CO₂ compensation.
The question now is where and how these greenhouse gas emissions can be most sensibly offset.

# Download our guide to find out how sensible CO₂ offsetting works for companies. 

How does the correct handling of CO₂ emissions work ?

What solutions are available to companies?

Thank you for your interest in our E-book on CO₂ compensation by companies. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

Dealing with CO₂ emissions and voluntary climate protection services

2022-05-04_forest

Der CO₂-Fußabdruck - Berechnung und Bedeutung 

## The CO₂ footprint

In times of climate change, the[ CO₂-footprint](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-footprint) is a much discussed topic. The amount of [greenhouse gases](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) we produce has a direct impact on global warming (1). Therefore, it is important to become aware of the impact that our own lifestyle and the activity of companies contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.

### What is the CO₂ footprint?

The CO₂ footprint describes the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by certain activities of a product, a person, a company or an entire nation (2). The focus is on greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide, but other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide are also important (6). [Direct](https://tree.ly/glossary#direct-emissions) and [indirect emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#indirect-emissions) are included in the CO₂ footprint (2). A direct emission describes the release of greenhouse gases through the final consumption of goods, such as the fuel consumption of the chainsaw (3). Indirect emissions, on the other hand, describe all emissions that occur for the production of a good, for example, the total emissions that occurred to produce the chainsaw (3).

**The CO₂ footprint is therefor the result of the [CO₂ balance](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-accounting), in which the total emissions of an activity are converted into [carbon dioxide equivalents](https://tree.ly/glossary#co2e) (4).**

### Where, why and for whom is the CO₂ footprint calculated? 

The CO₂ footprint calculation can be performed on an individual level as well as on a corporate and national level. Likewise, a calculation for a single product is possible. For individuals, there are online calculators such as the[ Global Footprint Network](https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en) that can be used to calculate your own CO₂ footprint.

![CO2_Footprint_Austria@2x.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/CO_2_Footprint_Austria_2x_b764d6f1de.jpg)

When calculating the CO₂ footprint of companies, it is important to ensure that this is done on the basis of Scopes [1](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-1), [2](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-2) and [3](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-3). Green Tech Valley Cluster GmbH has compiled a very clear [collection](https://www.greentech.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Liste_CO2_Tool-Kit_230126.pdf) of various calculators on its website.


In general, it can be said about the CO₂ footprint calculation that there is no obligation to apply a uniform calculation method. This affects the comparability of the results. Nevertheless, the calculations help to understand the extent of our impact on climate change in order to ultimately reduce it by avoiding, [reducing](https://tree.ly/glossary#emission-reduction) and [offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) emissions. 

### Forest climate protection projects and the CO₂ footprint

Sustainable forestry helps to reduce the CO₂ footprint of our society and thus makes an important contribution to climate protection. On the one hand, forest climate protection projects with Tree.ly preserve and increase the regional CO₂ reservoir forest, while on the other hand ensuring the possibility of sustainable forestry. Thus, by investing in regional forest climate protection projects and purchasing CO₂ credits, companies can support the CO₂ storage forest and the continued existence of a stable and resilient forest, with all its ecosystem services. If companies are aware of their CO₂ footprint, they can initiate appropriate measures and reductions and therefore contribute to climate protection. 

Together, we want to value the ecosystem services of the native forest and thus guarantee their continued existence for future generations. 

For more information visit our [forest owner](https://tree.ly) or [companies](https://tree.ly/for-companies) page.






Sources:
1. Eric Wolff et. All: [Climate Change: Evidence & Causes 2020](https://royalsociety.org/~/media/royal_society_content/policy/projects/climate-evidence-causes/climate-change-evidence-causes.pdf)
2. Andrew John: [What is a Carbon Footprint? An overview of definitions and methodologies](http://www.vegetableclimate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Discussion-Paper-1_What-is-a-carbon-footprint.pdf)
3. Statistisches Bundesamt: [Umweltökonomische Gesamtrechnungen - Direkte und indirekte Energieflüsse und CO2-Emisisonen](https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft-Umwelt/Umwelt/UGR/energiefluesse-emissionen/Publikationen/Downloads/direkte-und-indirekte-energiefluesse-emissionen-pdf-5859006.pdf?__blob=publicationFile)
4. Green Tech Valley Cluster GmbH: [CO₂ Tool-Kit für Klimapioniere](https://www.greentech.at/tools/co2-tool-kit-fuer-klimapioniere/)
5. Statista: [CO₂-Ausstoß pro Kopf weltweit nach Ländern | Statista](https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/167877/umfrage/co-emissionen-nach-laendern-je-einwohner/) 
6. Selin, Noelle Eckley. "carbon footprint". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2022, [Carbon footprint | Definition, Examples, Calculation, Effects, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/carbon-footprint). Accessed 8 March 2023.

The CO₂ Footprint - calculation and meaning

2022-05-04-Treely-PiaPiaPia-61.jpg

Teil 1: Warum uns das derzeitige Kompensationsmodell im Stich lässt

#Cranking up the Heat

In 2023, wildfires have burned almost 500 thousand hectares of land in Europe and it was estimated to have emitted [at least 20 million tonnes of CO2](https://ieep.eu/news/wildfires-in-the-eu-from-response-to-resilience/) into the atmosphere. As the global temperatures rise and climate change intensifies droughts, reduces mountain top snow, increases lightning, the longer and angrier these wildfires become. A direct cause of our warming climate is from the greenhouse gases trapped in our atmosphere.

The [Paris Agreement ](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement) states how we can slow global warming to 1.5 degrees and remove the amount of man-made greenhouse gases. However, the lack of monitoring, accounting, and reporting of these greenhouse gases leads to an unclear path of action. When we take responsibility for these emissions the right way (not just being carbon neutral) we can make a real contribution to protecting our planet, but the first step is learning why "Carbon Neutral” is not making the climate impact needed.

#Why Compensation Only Is Not Moving Us Forwards
In 1997, the [Kyoto Protocol](https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20Kyoto%20Protocol,accordance%20with%20agreed%20individual%20targets) was introduced to cut greenhouse gas emissions and this is where the idea of offsetting through compensation began. The Kyoto Protocol raised concern of how much emissions were being released into our atmosphere, but it implemented a ''Ton for Ton'' mindset for companies, which isn't aligning with the sustainability goals of the Paris Agreement. If we are able to shift from this current thinking of compensating to supporting climate projects that have real impact then we can reach the full potential of climate action.

#The Track to “Carbon Neutral” Isn't Enough 
The problem with Carbon Neutrality is that this very “neutrality” is hard to define, measure, and prove. This causes delays in climate action and emissions to a truthful “Carbon Neutral” through compensation.

##Greenwashing Claims
In the race to “[Net Zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero)” it was more important to claim being Carbon Neutral – turning compensation costs into a PR win. Companies that already describe themselves or their products and services as climate-neutral are increasingly being accused of greenwashing. Greenwashing is the act of companies claiming positive environmental impact on products and/or services, but oftentimes these are empty claims without any credible proof of environmental responsibility. This tactic creates a false impression of sustainability without any substantial commitment to eco-friendly practices. Actions like this are misleading to the companies consumers and are turning back on companies and organisations as they face accusations of “greenwashing” causing customer distrust (eg. [FIFA in 2022](https://www.techtarget.com/sustainability/feature/Examples-of-greenwashing-claims)). The EU Green Claims Directive is outlawing generic climate-related claims based solely on Offset-Credits. Rigorous scientific evidence will now be required to make such claims. 

The objective of this regulation is to protect customers from greenwashing, and to incentivise companies to make real reductions combined with investments into high quality carbon projects.


##Viewing Carbon Credits as Commodities  
A result of the Kyoto Agreement is that instead of making real reductions it was argued that it didn't matter where in the world these emissions were being reduced since everyone emits into the same atmosphere. **When companies “outsource” their climate action and don’t take responsibility, but just buy the cheapest credits available - and suppliers also create vast amounts of credits (so they can provide these low prices) - credits can be viewed as commodities (“Race to the bottom”)**.

What these companies should ask themselves before offsetting emissions: How long will the carbon be sequestered for in this particular project? Does this project enhance [biodiversity](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity)? Are credits issued for actions that already happened, or is the [sequestration happening](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) in the future? Is the project conservative in estimating the counterfactual, so as not to issue too many credits? So, these credits all come with fluctuating prices and levels of quality and climate action. Yet, almost all credits can be accounted for as eligible even if the credit's environmental integrity isn't clear. Standards and regulations are catching up to these issues. Initiatives like the EU CRCF, ICVCM, VCMI, SBTi, GRI among others are demanding more transparent reporting and are regulating the use and particularly the issuance of credits.

##Carbon Counting is Unclear 
Being “Carbon Neutral” is a claim that many companies like to use. Increased labels claiming neutrality on the tags of the clothes we buy or the labels of our food at the supermarket. How do these companies know if their products really are carbon neutral and how do they determine this number to compensate for?

Calculating a [carbon footprint](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-footprint) is a highly intricate and often challenging task, especially when it comes to evaluating the environmental impact of various products. Factors such as production methods, transportation, and geographical origin all play a role in determining the overall carbon emissions associated with a product. However, it's important to recognize that these services typically focus on Scopes [1](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-1) and [2](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-2) of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which primarily consider emissions generated within the company's premises. Other crucial elements like cultivation, fertilisation, land use change, transportation, and upstream/downstream emissions ([Scope 3](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-3)) may not be accounted for in these calculations. Failing to account for total greenhouse gases across all scopes can result in compensating less emissions than a company is actually releasing into our atmosphere.


#What Now? Summary and Outlook
- Making false claims about “Carbon Neutrality” often leads to customer distrust
- Companies need to research where their credits are coming from and not just invest in the cheapest credits available - these credits can make insufficient environmental impact. Emerging quality labels such as EU CRCF and ICVCM are designed to help companies to choose appropriate projects.
- Carbon counting is unclear and is leading to offsetting the incorrect amount of gases a company is really emitting

In our next blog post we discuss the new approach of a contribution model. Contributing to climate action is focusing on the future, ensuring our planet will thrive and making up for what has already been lost. The contribution model is concerned with advancing climate action with high-quality projects whereas compensation is focused on claiming climate impact like “carbon neutral”.






Part 1: Why the Current Compensation Model is Failing Us

holding baby trees

Teil 2: Ein neuer Ansatz für den Klimaschutz 

# Current status: 
Right now, the policies that countries around the world have in place are expected to cause Earth’s temperature to rise about 2.7°C by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels. The current [net-zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero) policies that 140 countries are following will only bring us to 2.0°C which is not meeting the goals of the [Paris Agreement](https://tree.ly/glossary#paris-agreement), aiming to go well below 2.0°C and ideally to 1.5°C.

![climateactiontracker.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/climateactiontracker_fc78c3f53b.png)
Image from [climate action tracker](https://climateactiontracker.org/global/temperatures/).

The outcome of global warming depends on how effective and efficient countries implement policies to mitigate climate change. In order to ensure that countries and companies are making the impact needed we should rethink our current way of compensating emissions. We encourage a new approach that makes a real climate impact…the contribution model.

# The successor to the compensation model: contributing to climate protection projects
Contributing to climate projects actively supports and participates in initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change. This involvement goes beyond the simple carbon [offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) and involves engaging in projects that directly address the consequences of climate change.

## The old approach: Compensation
The compensation model uses the "Ton for Ton" thinking. Balancing out emissions through the purchase of carbon credits for a company's remaining annual [GHG emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas). In this approach, the emphasis is on the physical quantity of emissions. In this approach, the emphasis is on the physical quantity of emissions. The idea is to essentially achieve a net-zero company carbon footprint by offsetting the emissions produced that year. The benefits of this approach include a clear reference to a company's climate [footprint](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-footprint) and a clear CO₂ metric impact measurement.
However, the pure focus regarding the CO₂ metrics does not allow the systemic transformation needed. The current model implements the focus on X tons of carbon a company emits. The company can then seek out carbon credits to reduce X amount of CO₂ they have emitted to reach “net zero”. This cycle creates a race to the bottom on carbon credit prices and quality, because companies prioritise purchasing cheap, abundant credits rather than reducing their emissions. The environmental integrity of projects that facilitate this is questionable, because they are incentivised to issue as many credits as quickly as possible, leading to pervasive over-crediting due to aggressive baselines combined with poor oversight. This came to a head in 2023 when nature-based projects were heavily criticised for their supposed failure to ensure conservative baselines, additionality, and leakage.

The prominent concern about being deemed “carbon neutral” through the purchase of carbon credits has led to ineffectual projects and harmed the reputation of companies that made voluntary investments into nature and the climate Learn more about why the compensation model is not moving us forward [in part 1](https://tree.ly/blog/compensation-model).

## The new approach: Contribution
Contribution follows a more holistic approach than the compensation model by measuring not only CO₂ emissions but also social and environmental aspects. Corporations allocate a budget towards long-term climate protection projects with the expectation of receiving a partial offset of emissions and the ability to publicise their climate contributions. Contribution holds high promise for the future of our planet, giving the flexibility to contribute towards a wide variety of projects that can have a multitude of positive climate and nature impacts beyond carbon. It avoids the greenwashing trap, because companies do not use carbon credits to counterbalance their emissions, rather they communicate the nature and scale of their investments and their impacts as a matter of corporate responsibility. . So, how should these contributions be financed, as opposed to the “ton-for-ton” model?

**Money for ton**: Instead of looking for the cheapest credits to neutralise emissions, the contribution approach encourages companies to prioritise reduction first, and then define an internal CO₂-price for their remaining emissions. This then serves as the basis for financing high-quality – ideally transformative – climate protection projects outside the company's own value chain.

**Collective effort**: The contribution approach is not about individual claims (“We’re climate neutral”). It’s about the idea of collectively steering climate change towards the global net-zero goal. Global climate protection is a systemic challenge which companies must act on. The contribution approach recognizes this and thus supports the systemic transformation needed. Typically, a contribution claim would be made with reference to the objectives of the Paris Agreement like the achievement of the project host country [NDC](https://tree.ly/glossary#ndc)s, contributions to global climate action on the path to 1.5°C or a contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This also avoids any risk of double counting and eliminates the need for corresponding adjustments under the Paris Agreement, since the credits are not retired by the buyer to offset their own emissions. Taken together, it can be said that the objective is a **global** one, and the perspective is **collective** and **systemic**.

![Screenshot 2023-07-10 at 15.30.39.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Screenshot_2023_07_10_at_15_30_39_0daab08b46.png)
The main differences between the compensation and contribution model
Source: [WWF](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ye99kYzbeFBwuLcz2cl7tw3DkJ9KjKSi/view)

## Contribute to Tree.ly projects
If choosing a project to invest in, it’s wise to pick forest and biodiversity conservation in the geographies in which you operate– it’s visible to your employees, customers, and community members. Tree.lys project portfolio offers high-quality projects to choose from. 100% of the payments are designated to the forest owners to promote sustainable forestry practices, biodiversity, and the regional economy. Each climate project is annually being visited and validated by TÜV AUSTRIA to guarantee a real climate impact. View some of our climate protection projects by visiting our [portfolio page](https://tree.ly/portfolio). 

### What now? Summary and outlook: 
- The current policies in place are not enough to meet the 1.5°C goal
- “Ton for Ton” is the old way of thinking; based on offsetting emissions which is heavily focused on the “race to the bottom” mindset and claiming to be carbon neutral 
- The contribution model follows a holistic approach where the focus is on optimizing climate impact of your sustainability investments 

In our next blog post of our four part mini series, we discuss the benefits of the contribution model for the climate and companies. 

To stay up to date on our mini series, Tree.ly news, and more sign up for our newsletter.




Part 2: A New Approach to Climate Protection

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Der Tree.ly Climate Project Codex: Sicherstellung der höchsten Qualität von Emissionsgutschriften

Inevitably as [carbon neutrality](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-neutral) and [net zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero) hit the headlines, scrutiny of such claims is increasing. Bold claims are all well and good, but only if backed up by tangible measurable action. With this in mind, we feel it’s important to lay out precisely how Tree.ly’s projects resolve several of the carbon market’s wicked problems. 

### Solving “double counting”

The issue of [double counting](https://tree.ly/glossary#double-counting) has plagued carbon markets for years. Simply put, this refers to the need to ensure 1 tonne of CO₂ is counted only once, and though the [Paris Agreement](https://tree.ly/glossary#paris-agreement) made some progress, the issue remains. Tree.ly solves this on two fronts: on the one hand by using the latest technology (t, blockchain, etc.), and on the other hand thanks to an emphasis on regional projects, keeping trading within borders using the so-called “Swiss solution” put forward by the [Swiss federal forest division (BAFU)](https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/office/divisions-sections/forest-division.html). Which brings us to our next point:  

### High-quality regional projects

Only European projects with the strongest forestry laws on the planet are selected by Tree.ly. Quality is guaranteed and vetted through this selection process, after which we work closely with forest owners. Together we generate detailed information using precise measurements such as lidar, science-based stock keeping and vegetation types and harvesting data and forest management science. Last but not least, any income generated must be reinvested into the forest to further boost the robustness of these valuable assets.

### Vulnerability buffers

The commitments forest owners make to Tree.ly also offer our projects a large degree of risk protection. The way projects are distributed also inherently spreads the risk: fast-growing and strong Alpine forests buffer more vulnerable forests in other regions of Europe. The buffer percentages of a high-risk forest project are adapted and higher than for a very safe project. In the recent US forest fires, these buffers literally went up in flames, but in Europe such large forest fires cannot occur due to the shape and size and infrastructure capabilities.

### Ultimate additionality

Standards stipulate that climate protection measures from offset projects must be of an additional nature, meaning they come from projects that would not have been initiated otherwise. We engage in two types of projects ([Carbon Removal](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-removal) & Carbon Conservation), each of which address this “[additionality](https://tree.ly/glossary#additionality)”. With carbon removal projects this is clear, literally adding trees to a forest stock. With carbon conservation, even if conditions and wood prices lead to a lowering of stock, forest owners commit to not going below their agreed-upon lower boundary. (Find out more in our [blogpost](https://tree.ly/blog/treely-project-types)).

### Longest time spans

Permanence is another aspect which sets Tree.ly apart: there are no other similar projects on the planet with 30-year permanence. Coupled with our science-based measurements, this increases reliability and can ensure more of an impact, locking in the forest’s CO₂-capturing capabilities for three decades. Moreover, if long-lasting wood products are subsequently produced (e.g. houses) this is sequestered indefinitely. These factors give Tree.ly’s nature-based climate projects the greatest possible permanence.

### Transparency and high standards

Trust and transparency are indispensable in carbon markets, especially with increasing scrutiny and anti-[greenwashing](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenwashing) movements. With this in mind, [Tree.ly’s registry](https://tree.ly/portfolio) can be seen at any time by all parties (credit purchasers, forest owners, etc.) – it is transparent by design, and based on [ISO 14064-2 norms](https://www.iso.org/standard/66454.html). On the purchasing side, we only sell to hard-to-avoid emitters: buyers need to show their carbon balance, and prove they’ve done everything to reduce and [avoid Scope 1,2 & 3 emissions](https://tree.ly/blog/intro-carbon-markets). Only then can they be accepted to buy carbon credits from Tree.ly. 

Ultimately, such transparency and high standards underly everything we do, meaning forest owners and carbon purchasers alike can rest assured that projects with Tree.ly offer maximal trust, reliability and quality.

### Read more:

[Check out](https://tree.ly/blog/intro-carbon-markets) our concise summary of carbon markets as of 2022.

- [Treely for Forest Owner sign up](https://tree.ly/sign-up/step-1)
- [Treely for Carbon Buyers](https://tree.ly/for-companies)


The Tree.ly Climate Project Codex: Ensuring the highest quality carbon credits

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Tree.ly: Den Wert der Ökosystemleistungen des Waldes anerkennen

Broadly speaking, ecosystem services encompass everything from soil fertility to pollination to recreation. Together, they make human life possible. These services are being increasingly appreciated, but as the [FAO](https://www.fao.org/ecosystem-services-biodiversity/en/) states, “despite an estimated value of $125 trillion, these assets are not adequately accounted for in political and economic policy.” 

A big part of Tree.ly’s mission is finally compensating forests (and by extension forest owners) for the valuable ecosystem services they provide. What are these “services”, and how are they compensated?

### What exactly are the ecosystem services of a forest?

Forests do far more than just provide humans with raw materials. A forest’s ecosystem services include among other things: 

-	preserving [biodiversity](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity) as home to numerous species;
-	[sequestering carbon](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-sequestration) and mitigating climate change;
-	conserving soil and preventing land degradation;
-	acting as water filters and preventing floods;
-	serving as places of recreation and leisure.

![ecosystem_services.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/ecosystem_services_379175bb34.png)

_Source:_ [Earth Observation Based Monitoring of Forests in Germany: A Review](https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Ecosystem-services-of-forests-subdivided-into-provisioning-services-supporting_fig1_345716175)

In mountainous areas, so-called [protective forests](https://info.bml.gv.at/en/topics/forests/austrias-forests/protective-forests.html) serve a further crucial role: protecting human infrastructure. Indeed, [BOKU](https://boku.ac.at/en/) research shows that 1 euro invested in a forest has the same protection quality as 150 euros of technical solutions (avalanche protection, concrete reinforcement, etc). In Austria, this is divided into _Objektschutzwald_ (human infrastructure protection) and _Standortschutzwald_ (protecting the location’s soil habitat from erosion and degrading). 

But it’s not enough to simply recognise ecosystem services as such. To make a real difference, these need to be quantified and measured. This is where Tree.ly really comes into its own. 

### How we're quantifying Europe’s forests

Tree.ly is merging the finest age-old nature-based solution with the very latest technology to build the most accurate models ever constructed of Europe’s forests. Our technical team uses science-based technological solutions - drone imaging, lidar, satellite imaging, ortho-photography and more – to reach these exact measurements of a forest’s ecosystem services. This is ultimately monetized and matched with partners on the carbon markets willing to pay. 

At present this consists primarily of evaluating the photosynthetic value of a forest – the process by which carbon is stored. In tropical forests, similar instruments have existed since 2008, but European forests owners have not been compensated for this valuable ecosystem service – until now. 

A forest stock is analysed, taking into account factors such as tree species, altitude, tree age, and more, to reach an accurate estimation of its carbon capture capabilities over time. For example, the largest forest owner in Vorarlberg (Austria) includes 6,470 ha, an analysis foresees a creditable carbon sink performance of ~353,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 30 years, or ~11,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year for 30 years.

Once quantified, the concept of [additionality](https://tree.ly/glossary#additionality) is crucial in turning this into a carbon market asset. This way, foresters are finally recognized for the valuable work they have done for centuries. What’s more, as part of their agreements with Tree.ly the forest owner agrees to reinvest all profits back into the forest, ensuring its ecosystem services continue far into the future.

### CO₂ and beyond

As well as forests’ carbon capture potential, Tree.ly’s technical team is actively working on solutions to measure and quantify other vital factors such as water filtration and biodiversity, bird species etc. In the coming years, this will make our platform the most comprehensive compendium of European forests ever created. 

Find out more and explore our ever-growing portfolio here: https://tree.ly/portfolio


Tree.ly: Recognizing the value of forest ecosystem services

2022-05-04-Treely-PiaPiaPia-94.jpg

Teil 3: Die Vorteile eines Beitrags zu Klimaschutzprojekten

#So far
In our last two blog posts we discussed the flaws within the [compensation model](https://tree.ly/blog/compensation-model) and introduced a new type of approach “[the contribution model](https://tree.ly/blog/new-approach-climate)” 

Compensation often leads to…
- [Greenwashing](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenwashing) claims: leads to customer distrust 
- [Offsetting](https://tree.ly/glossary#offsetting) CO2 emissions with low quality credits: ineffective climate action 
- Unclear [carbon counting](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-accounting): inaccurate calculation of [greenhouse gasses](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) 

In this post, we will explain the benefits of the contribution model and how this methodology offers solutions to solve these current problems and how it serves a greater impact towards our climate.

#Here are the benefits:
If you are considering using the contribution model to improve the state of our climate then here are a couple benefits to sway you out of the outdated compensation model. 

##Transparency
One of the greatest things you can do as a company is to be transparent, especially when it comes to carbon counting and the climate projects you contribute towards. Companies using the compensation model often end up miscounting emissions and then compensating the incorrect amount of emissions with projects that don't make any real impact - causing them to be at risk of greenwashing.

Companies using the contribution model report their support to the climate protection project separately from their own value chain with avoidance and [reduction](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-reduction) plans set in place. No claim is made towards product- or company-level net-zero. Allowing companies to remain away from these accusations of greenwashing along with enhanced customer trust and real climate impact.

##Putting the Environment First
If we can admit that we are facing a global problem and collectively put forth effort to help then real climate impact can be made. It’s important to emphasise the importance of avoidance and reduction practices, this should always come first (after a detailed and accurate GHG calculation). Climate contributions complement reduction/avoidance actions in order to accelerate efforts of accomplishing the United Nations goal to be within 1.5°C global warming.

Contributing has countless benefits for our climate, there are several kinds of projects your company can choose to invest in. The type of project you decide to contribute towards determines the climate impact it will serve. For example, forest projects sequester carbon to mitigate climate change, preserve biodiversity, prevent flooding and land degradation, conserve soil, all while being a place for recreation and leisure. Contributions can also be made without a focus on carbon, but focussing for example solely on biodiversity. They could even be an investment into nascent technologies via buying credits from Direct Air Capture (DAC), a key piece of technology that has high potential for carbon removals, but currently has prohibitively high costs.

##Social Impacts
It is a crucial time to start implementing climate action plans to save the state of our planet. It’s especially important that we make systemic change in the way greenhouse gas emissions are currently being compensated for. The [United Nations](https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2023/) has called for powerful action to reach the SDGs and deliver meaningful progress for the planet by 2030.

“Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been”
**– António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations**

When more companies make it known that they are making a positive climate impact by contributing to high quality climate protection projects it influences other companies to do the same. Being educated about the state of our climate and how to take action will get us to a thriving and habitable planet in the future, creating awareness inside and outside of the company. 

#Tree.lys Benefits
With Tree.ly, your company is choosing to unlock the full potential of European forests, not only buying credits to get your company to “[Net Zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero)”. Contributing to Tree.ly’s forests means you create a significant and measurable climate impact, but again, it’s best to avoid and reduce emissions first. Tree.ly is aware of the constant greenwashing therefore we avoid this at all costs. The project methodology (SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard) is based on ISO 14064:2. The projects are then certified by TÜV and visited annually to ensure that real climate action is happening. 

#What now? Summary and Outlook
- Transparency leads to enhanced customer trust while remaining away from greenwashing accusations 
- Instead of focussing only on getting your company to “[carbon neutral](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-neutral)” admit that we’re dealing with a global problem. 
- Becoming educated yourself is the first step – once you are aware of the problem you can encourage others to become aware of the global problems we face and then take action 

In the final part of our miniseries we discuss how your company can implement this contribution approach. Focusing on the four pillars to get your company to a climate industry leader: reporting, reduction, taking financial responsibility, advocacy and engagement. 


Part 3: The Benefits of the Contribution Model

20221026-BZ6_0416.jpg

Teil 4: 4 Schritte auf dem Weg zum Vorreiter in Sachen Klimawandel 

#What we know now…
The state of our climate is not improving with the [current compensation model](https://tree.ly/blog/compensation-model). In order to limit global warming  to 1.5°C, effective climate action measures need to be put in place. If you can align your company’s values with the [contribution model](https://tree.ly/blog/new-approach-climate) and take action, this will help us reach the goal of 1.5°C. The contribution model recognizes that we are dealing with a global problem and puts forth effort to make a real climate impact. 

Here are some of the [benefits of the contribution approach](https://tree.ly/blog/benefits): 
- **Transparency:** building customer trust and avoiding [greenwashing](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenwashing) accusations
- **Flexibility:** choose what project you think best aligns with your company’s values
- **Positive social & climate impact:** Encouraging others to be aware of the global problems we face and to take action, improving biodiversity and the longevity of ecosystems  

If you like the sounds of these benefits, continue reading to learn how you can implement the contribution model into your business plan.

#4 steps to become a climate change leader: 
##1. Calculate emissions for your entire value chain
The first step: [calculate](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-accounting) an accurate annual report of the total greenhouse gasses your company has emitted. An accurate calculation of your company's [GHG](https://tree.ly/glossary#greenhouse-gas) emissions allows you to see where the majority of your emissions are coming from, be aware of the total impact your company has on the climate, and determine where emissions could be cut.

When calculating your emissions, you need to look at your entire [value chain](https://tree.ly/glossary#value-chain-emissions), not just your [direct emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#direct-emissions). There is increasing regulatory pressure (to meet goals of the Paris Agreement) to take responsibility for [Scope 3](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-3) emissions, which are the GHG emissions from your [upstream](https://tree.ly/glossary#upstream-emissions) and [downstream](https://tree.ly/glossary#downstream-emissions) value chain partners. That can be a massive cost, and you should start taking steps today to measure it and minimize it. 

##2. Reduce emissions throughout your value chain
After calculating your total [emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emissions) the next step is to reduce any climate-damaging emissions. In order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement we must cut global greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reduce them to net zero by 2050 at the latest. Start with reducing [Scope 1](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-1) and [2](https://tree.ly/glossary#scope-2) emissions to immediately lower your annual emissions. 

Next, shadow price the cost-benefit of Scope 3 and start making initiatives to reduce these emissions like picking new partners based, in part on their GHG emissions, and encouraging existing value chain partners to [reduce GHG emissions](https://tree.ly/glossary#emission-reduction).

##3. Take financial responsibility
After you have set your reduction plan in place the next step is to contribute toward climate protection projects. The long term goal is to go completely [net-zero](https://tree.ly/glossary#net-zero) by 2050, but we understand it will take time to get there. In the meantime, start financing climate protection projects to take responsibility and improve your company's [carbon footprint](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-footprint) (“[Money for Ton](https://tree.ly/blog/new-approach-climate)”).

Using the “phase-in” approach to take full financial responsibility for remaining GHG emissions will be the most efficient way for your company to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. According to [WWF](https://www.wwf.ch/sites/default/files/doc-2022-11/20221116_WWF_FFP_B3_Summary%20ENG_final.pdf), start by pricing 100 € for each ton of Scope 1 and 2 CO2e for emissions. Contribute this amount to a high-quality climate protection project of your choice. 

Climate projects that address the crisis of climate change, [biodiversity](https://tree.ly/glossary#biodiversity) loss, and inequitable development are all factors that should guide you into picking the right project. The projects your company decides to invest in should include [nature based solutions](https://tree.ly/glossary#nbs) as well as technological innovations that deliver measurable climate benefits. 

##4. Advocacy and engagement  
The final step, climate advocacy. Invest in climate advocacy in order to maintain a regulatory environment that is favorable to the climate and your company. These additional investments should follow the four principles of being: globally/locally sensitive, consistently science-based, independently funded, and uncompromisingly transparent. Following these guidelines will ensure impactful climate advocacy, ability to communicate with confidence, and create climate change mitigation.

#How can we help? 
A motto at Tree.ly: “First avoid emissions, then reduce, and finally contribute to our local forest projects.” We understand that the most effective thing your company can do is reduce and avoid emissions. However, for those hard to avoid emissions you can contribute to a number of [European forest projects](https://tree.ly/portfolio). Your contribution ensures the preservation of local forests, promoting climate protection, biodiversity, and the regional economy. Your financial contribution is 100% reinvested in the forest, so the forest owner has the means to take additional measures to protect and create climate resilient forests.  

#What Now? Summary and Outlook
In conclusion, to become a climate leader is to use these recommendations for implementing the contribution approach into your company’s climate strategy. These steps lead to real climate impact along with innovations that create ambitious climate change mitigation. 

- Calculate an accurate annual report of the total greenhouse gasses for your companies entire value chain
- Identify where majority of your emissions are and set a reduction plan into place
- Take full financial responsibility for hard to remove emissions by financing nature based climate protection projects
- Invest in climate advocacy to maintain a regulatory environment 


Part 4: 4 Steps to Become a Climate Change Leader

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Wald-Klimaschutzprojekte mit Garantie: Die Rolle des TÜV Austria 

Director of Environmental Protection Business Unit

Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Fleischanderl 

Forests play a crucial role in climate protection efforts, acting as significant carbon sinks in both their timber stocks and soil. They make a substantial contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. At Tree.ly, this valuable CO₂ sequestration performance is rewarded through regional forest climate protection projects. The funds generated enable forest owners to actively promote the transformation of their forests in the context of climate change.
The impacts of climate change can pose threats to forests, such as high levels of damaged wood or calamities that endanger natural or artificially induced forest rejuvenation. This underscores the importance of such projects to give forests long-term resilience and strengthen their role as climate protectors. Only through targeted measures and investments in climate protection can we protect the valuable ecosystems of our forests and preserve them for future generations.
To ensure transparency of the forest climate protection projects in the Tree.ly portfolio, the projects are audited and certified annually by TÜV Austria.

To ensure transparency of the forest climate protection projects in the Tree.ly portfolio, the projects are audited and certified annually by TÜV Austria.
For an insight into this process, the latest TÜV audit was documented with a camera. In this exciting round, Walter Amann from FBG Jagdberg, Christian Lutz & Jodok Batlogg from Tree.ly, and, of course, TÜV Austria take us along and share what happens during an audit. Join us as we explore the forest together:


Are you interested in a forest climate protection project? Feel free to contact us!

TÜV AUSTRIA #wedo verifies the CO₂ sink performance with Tree.ly

# TÜV Certification Process for CO₂ Sequestration Performance
## 1. Theoretical examination of the project area:
The TÜV certification process begins with the written part of the audit to ensure a successful project. Relevant information about the timber stock on the area, forest inventories, forest management plans, and action plans are collected. Subsequently, using the "SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard" methodology based on ISO 14064-2:2019, the CO₂ sequestration performance and a project scenario for the next 30 years are determined.

The audit process lays the foundation for a successful project implementation by identifying potential risks and supporting sustainable goal achievement.

## 2. Verification of the actual forest area:
During the further course of the audit, a thorough inspection of the existing stands covering all stages of forest development takes place. Different aspects are carefully considered, including tree species compositions, rejuvenation situations, and wildlife populations for the coming years, as well as potential risk potentials. The comprehensive evaluation allows for a comprehensive picture of the project area and identifies potential courses of action.

After successful TÜV certification, Tree.ly sells the climate protection contributions (CO₂ credits/VERs) to the forest owners. This gives forest owners the opportunity to generate additional income and manage their forests in a climate-friendly manner in the future. At the same time, environmentally conscious companies have the chance to purchase "Verified Emission Reductions" (VERs) and actively contribute to climate protection. This creates a mutually beneficial partnership that benefits both forests and the climate.

Curious to know how high the CO₂ sequestration performance is in your forest? Contact us at hello@tree.ly or register your plots [here](https://tree.ly/sign-up/step-1).


Forest Climate Protection Projects with Guarantee: The Role of TÜV Austria

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Logo

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Die Bedeutung von CSRD für Ihr Unternehmen ab 2024

Serious sustainability action from companies is crucial in the fight for our climate. There are significant changes in corporate reporting on sustainability efforts. As of June 30th 2024, the new EU directive on corporate sustainability reporting (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, [CSRD](https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en)), which came into effect at the beginning of 2023, must be implemented by member states. The first companies must publish their 2024 report in early 2025. In this post, we aim to provide practical clarity on this matter.

### Am I affected?

For large EU companies of public interest, there have been reporting obligations for sustainability under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive ([NFRD](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2022.322.01.0015.01.DEU&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2022%3A322%3ATOC))for some time. This is now being significantly expanded, affecting around 50,000 companies in the EU.

*Who is specifically affected?*
- All organisations with a net turnover of 40 million euros, total assets of 20 million euros, and more than 250 employees. There will be further adjustments in 2026.
- Non-EU companies with a turnover of 150 million euros and a subsidiary within the EU with 40 million euros. Micro-enterprises are initially exempt (there will likely be deeper thresholds by 2026).

### Why CSRD?
The purpose of the CSRD is to steer the path to Net-Zero by 2050, specifically the flow of funds and capital within companies. This means that investments will flow into initiatives and companies that provide sustainable solutions and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ equivalent emissions.

### What are the requirements?
The major change that will also require a significant shift in mindset is the obligation to include "non-financial" information in the annual report, which must also be externally audited. Furthermore, there are standards (templates), and for the first time, this must be done in a digital format.

### What does this specifically mean?
The aim is to examine and assess companies from the perspective of genuine sustainability. This includes:
- ‌Business model, strategy, and policies.
- Governance structure and transparency of the organisation.
- Corporate and sustainability leadership, sustainability experts in management.
- Double materiality assessment - how it affects the environment, but also how the environment affects the company (for example, a fisherman harvesting fish from the sea, fewer fish affecting the fisherman).
‌
Risk and opportunity management, such as climate and financial risks and opportunities.
The range of topics is broad and aligned with the UN's SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). These include environmental goals (climate protection, water conservation, circular economy), ESRS (environmental and social risks and opportunities), social aspects (workforce, affected communities, end consumers), and the governance of all these aspects (12 ESRS standards are published plus a range of sector-specific standards under development).

### Why act now?
To be best prepared, companies should have already started or should immediately start their individual "Net-Zero journey." On one hand, this is to gain a competitive advantage and generate long-term value as a forward-looking company. It's essentially about achieving a rapid "licence" to operate the company in a future-proof manner. There's a significant shift in that companies are no longer judged solely based on financial metrics, but also on their environmental and sustainability impact.

### What happens if you don't act?
To show results before the first EU-set deadlines, steps should be taken now. Once these deadlines expire, rigid and unresponsive companies will be exposed as non-sustainable entities and will face disadvantages in the market. It's wiser to act now, to stay ahead of the competition, reap the benefits of your efforts, and establish a long-term competitive advantage. Tree.ly is positioned as an impact company, meaning we've put a lot of thought into our impact, our impact model, and the impact ladder. We've defined inputs, outputs, and outcomes and have a strategic plan for how we can contribute to Net-Zero as a small but impactful organisation. We invite you not just to meet the minimum requirements to avoid fines and reduce the risk of regulatory consequences. Instead, be one step ahead in this important change for all humanity. Sustainability transformation is a long-term investment and a change in operations, not a quick overnight action.

### How can Tree.ly assist you?
On the path to Net-Zero, the first step is analysing the carbon footprint and climate balance (we can connect you with professional partners for this). Then comes a plan to reduce emissions (e.g., renewable energy, electric fleet, and specific measures). IN PARALLEL, you should already be making financial contributions to permanent CO₂ reduction, such as through domestic forest climate protection projects.

Tree.ly: 4 building blocks on the way to Net-Zero
![Frame 30.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Frame_30_e17ebd9b91.png)

The difference of immediately supporting meaningful, certified, regional projects (such as domestic forest climate protection projects) or waiting until later (e.g., only after the reduction path) is very apparent here:

![Frame 10.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Frame_10_21a3318145.png)

The impacts are reflected in the 'compensation gap' and illustrate why it is important to support meaningful, certified, and regional projects (such as [regional forest carbon projects](https://tree.ly/portfolio)) now rather than waiting until a later date.

We're here to assist you on your individual journey to Net-Zero 🌲😀! Explore our Austrian [forest climate protection projects](https://tree.ly/portfolio) now. now. Many other projects in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic are already in development and will follow immediately after certification.

Invest in climate protection projects for regional forests, support the work of forest owners and contribute to achieving your climate goals.

Our climate protection offer

We carry out only high-quality projects in European forests. Our methodology currently covers the project types "stock building", "stock preservation", or a combination thereof and also "forest reserves" and "reforestation".

The Importance of CSRD for your Company from 2024

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Kaum Kompensation durch Waldschutz?

## OR: The chance for high-quality, regional projects!

The world's greatest challenge is climate change with its threatening consequences. **Central to this is the reduction and removal of carbon**. By 2040, humanity will have to dramatically reduce carbon, and lower what unfortunately still remains naturally (forests) or technically (minerals), i.e. store it in other forms. Natural carbon uptake by forests reduces the rate at which carbon accumulates in the atmosphere, thus reducing the rate at which climate change occurs. The urgency is high and a long-term solution to the problem is ecologically and also socially important. 

Currently, the media ([Der Spiegel](https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/co2-zertifikate-aus-waldschutzprojekten-laut-einer-studie-meist-wirkungslos-a-b2384b3a-ddfe-4910-bfbf-b1262a04bb7e), [ORF](https://science.orf.at/stories/3220924/)) report that the contribution of forests is sometimes massively overestimated and that 70% of the certificates (mainly certified by VERRA) do not provide the promised compensation (source: Der Spiegel).

- Of the 89 million carbon credits likely generated by the REDD+ sites studied in 2020, the study found that about 68 percent - more than 60 million allowances - came from projects that did little or nothing to reduce deforestation.
- The remaining 32 percent of carbon credits also came from projects that did not conserve forest to the extent claimed, according to the study.
- The researchers estimate that of the 89 million credits from these offset programs, 5.4 million - six percent - would be associated with additional carbon reductions from preserved forests.

These are not news anymore. Similar findings were already made by "[The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/revealed-forest-carbon-offsets-biggest-provider-worthless-verra-aoe)" in the spring. We also published our [criteria for high-quality projects](https://tree.ly/de/blog/quality-carbon-credits) as a response.

These scandals are detrimental to the entire global movement of expanding our natural sinks (forests). At the same time, they present a significant opportunity to get things right and shape new thought patterns.

### Credible Corporate Strategies

![Screenshot 2023-08-29 at 11.25.48.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Screenshot_2023_08_29_at_11_25_48_5264b8fa78.png)

1. Transparent Reporting of All GHG Emissions: Scope 1, 2, and 3.
2. Emission Reduction Initiatives.
3. Taking Responsibility by Pricing Emissions and Supporting Climate Protection and Sustainability Projects.
4. Advocacy for Climate Action.

### Transition to the Contribution Model
In the new model, "taking responsibility" no longer involves merely purchasing inexpensive certificates for one ton of emissions. Instead, it entails supporting high-quality climate protection and sustainability projects through financial contributions. All of this is in **addition** to our reduction efforts.

### Climate Neutrality? Offsetting? - The Shift in Mindset

The articles mentioned at the beginning highlight the issues with the old mindset. The good news is that here at Tree.ly, we embrace the new mindset and are excited to embark on a journey with companies where the climate protection and biodiversity contribution of our local forests plays a significant role and is also financially recognized.

![Compensation-Alone-Not-Enough-White-EN.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Compensation_Alone_Not_Enough_White_EN_f9c84a59c3.jpg)

![Compensation-Gap EN.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Compensation_Gap_EN_1028f00fa9.jpg)

### Facts about European Forests

We have come to realize that there is insufficient awareness about facts concerning European forests, and that there is an urgent need for action in this regard. The scientific paper "[The role of forests in the EU climate policy: are we on the right track?](https://cbmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13021-023-00234-0)" states in its summary:

"Regarding the trend, the latest EU greenhouse gas inventory for 2021 reports that the overall reported LULUCF net sink is 46 Mt CO₂/year weaker than the 2016-2018 average. All of these net losses occurred in forest land and the wood product sector, with their combined net sink decreasing by 48 Mt CO₂e between the 2016-2018 period and 2021. In contrast, other LULUCF categories reduced their aggregated net emissions by 2 Mt CO₂e/year during the same period.
This trend indicates that while net emissions in non-forest categories are gradually moving in the right direction – that is, reducing emissions – the sink in forests and HWP is rapidly moving in the opposite direction."

![Screenshot 2023-08-28 at 14.54.59.png](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Screenshot_2023_08_28_at_14_54_59_0b7e6f92b6.png)
Quelle: [biomedcentral](https://cbmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13021-023-00234-0)

European forests hold tremendous potential to counteract climate change. Let's support this effort with high-quality projects. 

To become a climate leader is to use these recommendations for implementing the contribution approach into your company’s climate strategy.

4 Steps to Become a Climate Change Leader

If you're interested in becoming a climate change leader,  read more.

Hardly any compensation through forest protection?

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Die EU-Richtlinie gegen Greenwashing verstehen: Ein Leitfaden für Verbraucher und Unternehmen

In an era where environmental awareness is at its peak, the European Union has taken a decisive step towards a more sustainable future with the enactment of the [EU Greenwashing Law](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230918IPR05412/eu-to-ban-greenwashing-and-improve-consumer-information-on-product-durability). This groundbreaking regulation seeks to put an end to deceptive marketing and advertising generic environmental claims like “[carbon neutral](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-neutral)” or “eco”, ensuring that consumers and businesses alike are equipped with accurate information regarding product sustainability. Anticipated to be approved by Members of the European Parliament in November 2023, this law will have a profound impact on how businesses operate and market their products starting in 2026. Whether you're a vigilant consumer or a business committed to environmental responsibility, comprehending this law is of paramount importance in today's eco-conscious landscape.

## 1. Understanding the EU Greenwashing Law: It’s Significance and Impact

The proposed EU Greenwashing Law represents a legislative milestone aimed at curbing misleading environmental claims. Its core objective is to mandate transparent and accurate disclosures from businesses regarding the sustainability of their products. But why should this law matter to you?
The answer lies in the fundamental importance of informed decision-making. Deceptive claims, such as "carbon neutral" or "[carbon negative](https://tree.ly/glossary#carbon-negative)," often reliant on emissions offsetting schemes, can mislead consumers and significantly impact their choices. Moreover, businesses engaging in greenwashing practices risk damage to their reputation. The EU Greenwashing Law stands as a beacon of truth, guiding both consumers and businesses towards a more sustainable future. This comprehensive guide outlines essential steps for companies to ensure compliance with the EU's greenwashing regulations and foster transparency in their sustainability endeavors.

Biljana Borzan

## 2. Implications for Businesses: Potential Consequences of Greenwashing

The new regulations introduced by the European Union to combat greenwashing and enhance consumer information will have substantial implications for companies. Here are some of the potential consequences:

- **Reputation Damage:** Businesses engaged in greenwashing may experience significant reputational harm, which can erode consumer trust and negatively impact profitability.
- **Legal Consequences:** Non-compliance with greenwashing regulations can lead to legal actions, including fines, sanctions, or, in severe cases, suspension of business operations.
- **Increased Compliance Costs:** Companies may need to allocate additional resources to ensure compliance with these regulations. This may involve hiring legal and sustainability experts or conducting third-party audits of their environmental claims.
- **Competitive Disadvantages:** Companies failing to adhere to greenwashing regulations could find themselves at a competitive disadvantage, as consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally-friendly products and services.

## 3. Key Regulations of the EU Greenwashing Law

The EU Greenwashing Law includes a set of specific measures aimed at promoting transparency and accuracy in environmental claims. These measures are crucial for both businesses and consumers to understand:

- **Banning Generic Environmental Claims:** The EU Greenwashing Law takes a firm stance against generic environmental claims such as "environmentally friendly" or "carbon neutral" when there is no substantiated proof of exceptional environmental performance. This prohibition safeguards consumers from false advertising and encourages businesses to back their claims with evidence. For consumers, it means making more informed choices based on reliable information.
- **Limiting Product Durability Claims:** In a bid to enhance product longevity and reduce waste, the law prohibits marketing goods with design features intended to limit their durability without clear disclosure. This provision encourages responsible product design while promoting consumer trust. For businesses, it underscores the importance of crafting sustainable, durable products.
- **Certified Sustainability Labels:** The EU Greenwashing Law recognizes the value of sustainability labels backed by approved certification schemes or established by public authorities. For businesses, seeking and displaying such labels becomes a mark of authenticity. For consumers, these labels offer a reliable guide for choosing sustainable products.
- **Visibility of Guarantee Information:** To empower consumers, the law mandates more visible guarantee information. Many consumers are unaware of their rights regarding product guarantees, and this provision ensures they are well-informed. It also fosters transparency and builds consumer confidence in product quality.
- **Introduction of Guarantee Extension Label:** A new feature introduced by the law is the guarantee extension label. This label prominently identifies products with extended guarantee periods, making it easier for consumers to select longer-lasting options. It's a win-win, promoting sustainability and consumer satisfaction.
These specific measures are pivotal in ensuring that businesses provide accurate information about their products' environmental impact, helping consumers make informed choices and advancing the cause of sustainability.

## 4. Steps for Ensuring Compliance with the EU Greenwashing Law

To ensure compliance with the EU's greenwashing regulations and to avoid misleading consumers, companies should consider the following steps:

- **Review and Audit Marketing Materials:** Conduct a comprehensive review of all marketing materials and environmental claims to ensure alignment with EU regulations. Seek input from legal and sustainability experts to identify potential areas of concern.
- **Substantiate Environmental Claims:** Provide robust evidence to support environmental claims, utilizing credible and verifiable sources. This may involve scientific studies, third-party certifications, or government data. Be prepared to disclose this information as required by the regulations.
- **Rigorous Carbon Accounting:** To demonstrate environmental impact, companies must support their claims with data. Utilize primary activity data, such as energy invoices and bills, to track scope 1 and 2 emissions. For scope 3 emissions, gather data and provide concrete evidence to substantiate claims.
- **Implement Standardized Environmental Labels:** Consider adopting standardized environmental labels, such as the EU Ecolabel where applicable. These labels offer consumers reliable information about a product's environmental performance, demonstrating compliance with regulations.
- **Employee Training:** Provide training to employees to ensure they understand the implications of greenwashing regulations. Equip relevant personnel with the knowledge to identify potential compliance issues.
- **Continuous Monitoring and Updates:** Regularly review and update marketing materials and environmental claims to ensure ongoing compliance. Stay informed about new developments in sustainability research and changes in the regulatory landscape.

By following these steps, companies can navigate the evolving landscape of greenwashing regulations, build trust with consumers, and contribute to a more sustainable future while aligning with the goals of the EU's greenwashing laws.

## Collaboration with Tree.ly

Explore a partnership with Tree.ly, a digital platform that connects forest owners with environmentally-conscious businesses. Tree.ly wholeheartedly embraces this new regulation as it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote voluntary contributions instead of allowing companies to simply purchase their sustainability credentials. This approach encourages companies to provide financial support for sustainable forestry practices, highlighting the tangible benefits of climate protection efforts rather than merely relying on the purchase of carbon certificates.

Read more about the transition to the “Contribution Model” on our Blog.

For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your commitment to sustainability and transparency is highly valued.


## Conclusion

**The EU Greenwashing Law represents a significant step towards a greener, more transparent future. It underscores the importance of truthful environmental claims, durable products, and sustainability certification. Whether you are a consumer seeking authentic information or a business striving for sustainability, this law serves as a guiding light toward a more eco-conscious world.**

**If you continue to be interested in the topic of carbon related topics and climate protection, we recommend subscribing to our [newsletter](https://lp.tree.ly/newsletter-sign-up) to stay updated on new developments regularly!**

_Note: Members of the European Parliament are anticipated to vote on this set of regulations in November 2023. If approved, member states will have a 24-month window to implement these rules into law, allowing them to come into effect by 2026._


The facts are clear: our climate requires urgent action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. As a company, you can make a significant contribution by integrating the contribution model for climate protection into your strategy. 

Thank you for your message! We look forward to working with you towards a sustainable future.

If you have any futher questions, feel free to contact us.

How to Navigate the EU Greenwashing Law: A Guide for Consumers and Businesses

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Stille Helden des Waldes: Ergebnisse der Bundeswaldinventur 2016–2021

**The results of the last National Forest Inventory in Austria are phenomenal! The efforts of the forestry industry are obvious and should be honoured.**

- Forest area increases to 47 %
- More and more deciduous wood in forests
- The wood stock is increasing, less harvesting than growing 
- More dead wood remains in the forest

In recent times, forests and forestry have been the subject of public discourses. During the hot periods of recent years, some forests have lost vitality and there has been an increase of media coverarge about calamities such as bark beetle invasions, forest fires and storm damage. Therefore, criticism of forestry has become louder and louder. But it is very important to differ forest regions and news about calamities, as most of the forests have a positive development.

At the same time, the performance of forestry remains unnoticed and is taken for granted. Most of the work is done behind the scenes, and the National Forest Inventory of Austria shows for example that foresters work every day to create and maintain a stock-rich, resilient and diverse forest; they act as silent heroes in the forest.

The National Forest Inventory shows that forest area in Austria is steadily increasing. There are 4.02 million hectares are covered with forests, that is 47 percent of the total state area and every day 6 hectares are added. With that Austria has one of the highest percentages of forest cover in Europe. 

The composition of the forests is also changing. Monoculture coniferous stands are continuously being converted into deciduous and mixed stands. Over the last decade, six percent of pure coniferous stands have been transformed into mixed deciduous forests. In addition, deciduous pure stands have increased by eight percent. This development is by no means natural. Conversion of forests is explicitly driven by foresters. If no actions were taken, the existing coniferous areas would be rejuvenated, and the entry of hardwoods would only be gradual. With selective use, light is created in the forest stand and the growth of mixed tree species is enabled and accelerated. 

Another reason to celebrate is the current peak of the timber stock. The Austrian Forest contains 1.1 billion cubic meters of wood and the stock is increasing, 26 million cubic meters are added every year and only 89 % of it is used annually. It can be said that one cubic meter of wood grows every second in Austria. 

At the same time, the proportion of deadwood has increased by 18 % according to the National Forest Inventory. Accordingly, old trees are more often left in the stand and transferred to the natural decay phase. This creates additional habitat for numerous species of animals, plants and fungi and benefit the forest's interior climate. This provides the forest with stability,resilience and diversity. 

The National Forest Inventory shows that forestry strives for a natural and ecologically valuable forest, expands the forest in Austria and at the same time provides the naturally renewable raw material wood for the processes in the wood value chain. This service of foresters to the forest itself and to society deserves greater attention. 

All results of the Austrian National Forest Inventory can be viewed on the website of the [Bundesforschungszentrums für Wald](https://geo.bfw.ac.at/oewi/#/).

**Read more:**
Check out [how climate change affects European forests](https://tree.ly/blog/climate-change-european-forests).
And learn more about [Tree.ly](https://tree.ly/blog/what-does-treely-do).

- [Treely for Forest Owner sign up](https://tree.ly/sign-up/step-1)
- [Treely for Carbon Buyers](https://tree.ly/for-companies)

Silent Heroes: Results of the last Austrian Forest Inventory 2016-2021

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Warum Wälder einen signifikanten Unterschied im Klimaschutz machen

- From the big picture to the project: What has changed as a result of the Paris Climate Agreement and what does the Net Zero target mean in concrete terms
- Understand the role and relevance of nature-based solutions. Read more about why forests make a significant difference to climate protection.
- Why invest? 3 benefits of forest projects and how we can help you realise the full potential of local forests: Efficient carbon sequestration and storage, Promotion of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience,
additional benefits for local communities.

Learn step by step

The global increase in CO₂ emissions is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today and requires immediate, collective action. In view of this, companies are faced with the urgent task of actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Existing regulatory measures are considered mandatory, but are not sufficient in the fight against climate change. We will speak about **the role of nature-based solutions** and their potential to have a positive impact. Forests explicitly act as effective carbon sinks and play a crucial role in global climate regulation.

In numbers, terrestrial ecosystems remove about 30% of human CO₂ emissions annually, of which forests are responsible for the largest share. In the period between 2000 and 2007, 8.8 Gt of a total of 9.5 Gt of CO₂ equivalents per year were reduced from the atmosphere by forests.¹ Investments in forests are therefore not only ecologically sensible, but also strategically important for forward-looking companies.

We need to understand the relevance of forests in the context of nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change and how we can utilise them.

# Let's start from the beginning

## Current status quo on emissions reduction

The primary purpose of emissions regulation is to enable actors such as governments, individuals and companies to offset/neutralise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This takes place within two carbon markets: the regulatory and the voluntary. Voluntary support for projects helps to reduce, prevent or completely eliminate emissions elsewhere and thus go one step further than the required "bare minimum".

The newly defined Paris Climate Agreement, which came into force in 2021, stipulates that all signatory states - not just the industrialised countries included in the Kyoto Protocol - are bound to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. In concrete terms, it stipulates a binding commitment to reduce emissions by 45% relative to 2010 levels by 2030 in order to achieve the goal of **net zero** by 2050.

## What does net zero mean?

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) defines the term net zero in relation to the IPCC Article 6 report as follows: "Net zero" is achieved as soon as the amount of anthropogenic greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere globally is fully offset by equivalent emission reduction or absorption measures.

On the road to net zero, the highest priority is to reduce all emissions by around 90%. The remaining 10% can be offset by nature-based or technical CO₂ removals.

![SBTi Standard EN@2x.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/SB_Ti_Standard_EN_2x_f2a801c07f.jpg)
 ²

The green bars visualise emission reductions within the value chain, with the aim of reducing emissions by around 90% by 2050. During this process, it is important to promote the preservation and expansion of natural CO₂ sinks beyond the value chain (BVCM) to avoid further degradation, which is illustrated by the blue area below. The orange area describes the reductions within the lower range that must be made from a certain point onwards. In the long term, for every tonne of CO₂ emitted, an equivalent amount must be removed from the atmosphere in order to credibly achieve the net-zero target.

Achieving net zero is crucial in the fight against climate change: the endeavour involves reducing CO₂ emissions through more efficient processes, renewable energy and sustainable practices, **while investing in projects such as reforestation or CO₂ sequestration** to offset the remaining 10% of emissions.

# Nature-based solutions and their role in the fight against climate change

## What are nature-based solutions?

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are measures that aim to utilise and mimic natural processes to address environmental, social and economic challenges. They include approaches such as ecosystem restoration, reforestation, sustainable agriculture and the creation of green infrastructure. These solutions seek to maximise the benefits of ecosystems, such as absorbing CO₂, improving water quality and promoting biodiversity, while helping to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

There are various projects that utilise nature-based solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions. In addition to forests, wetlands (such as peatlands), oceans and soils are also considered natural carbon sinks on Earth. NBS comprise of various measures, including the prevention of fundamental changes in soils, forests and wetlands, the reforestation of forests and the restoration of wetlands, overall improved land management or improved forest management, as well as soil sequestration.

Forests and their storage potential play a significant role in this context, which is why it is essential to maintain and expand the sink capacity of forests. We have summarised three major benefits of forests that make it clear why it makes sense to invest in forest carbon offset projects in order to generate a real, positive impact and go one step further.

# Why forests are worth investing in

## Efficient carbon capture and storage

Forests are natural carbon sinks - forest carbon projects have great potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere: Through improved forest management, natural carbon sinks can be preserved and expanded over large areas. These projects also invest in afforestation and reforestation, i.e. the planting and replanting of previously non-forested areas. Forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis and storing it in their biomass and soils. This capacity for large-scale carbon sequestration makes forest carbon projects particularly effective in combating climate change. Forest carbon credits offer extensive climate protection benefits per unit area through measures such as improved forest management, afforestation and reforestation.

## Promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

Forests support a large number of plant and animal species and are therefore crucial for the preservation of biodiversity. Forest projects integrate measures to protect and restore ecosystems, including wildlife habitats, which helps to protect biodiversity. By conserving and restoring forests, these projects help protect endangered species and maintain ecosystem services on which many communities depend. Forest carbon credits that focus on the conservation of existing forests prevent the loss of irreplaceable carbon sinks and help avoid critical tipping points in nature. This is an effective strategy to provide much-needed financing to promote forest restoration.

## Social co-benefits

Forest carbon projects have immediate, positive impacts and environmental benefits. Forest carbon projects can generate various co-benefits for local communities, including job creation, sustainable livelihoods and improved access to ecosystem services such as clean water and air. When designed and implemented in collaboration with local stakeholders, these projects can strengthen communities' resilience to climate change while promoting socio-economic development.

# What now? How can we help?

**Our mission is to realise the full potential of European forests. What can we do together? We implement transformative forest carbon credit projects with proven impact and offer you the opportunity to take responsibility for your remaining emissions.**

- **Tree.ly forest carbon projects and their benefits:** We currently have more than 100,000 hectares of forest under contract. With Tree.ly, you can support specific and verified projects directly in your region and make an active contribution to regional climate protection. With the help of your contribution, measures are implemented to cultivate climate-resistant tree species in local forests, optimise forestry, expand the natural CO₂ sink capacity and create and preserve the habitat for native species.** [Find a forest project](<https://tree.ly/portfolio>)**

- **CO₂ credits with certified quality:** Our projects are externally validated by TÜV Austria in accordance with ISO standard 14064-2 and our credits are subsequently certified. We accompany the entire certification process and receive annual monitoring by TÜV to ensure that our projects have a positive impact. Together with the forest owners, we develop an action plan that we make transparently accessible to you.** [Understanding the methodology](<https://tree.ly/methodology>)**

- **Promoting regional forests:** Our projects promote regional forests and local communities in your neighbourhood. We can put you in touch with local forest owners to get an idea of the additional benefits they can generate.

Become part of our community, we will keep you up to date

Become a role model for regional commitment and invest in a forest climate protection project from Tree.ly

**Sources:** (All publicly available)

¹ S Hovorka & P Kelemen (2021) "The Building Blocks of CDR Systems: Geological Sequestration" CDR Primer, edited by J Wilcox, B Kolosz, J Freeman, [Link](<https://cdrprimer.org/read/chapter-2#sec-2-4>)

² WBSC (2022) The Role of nature based solutions in strategies for Net Zero. Nature Positive and addressing Inequality, [Link](<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZlOWuD5wj53GOWjCtThoIUZ4Bji-2qJ1/view>)

Why forests make a significant difference in climate change mitigation

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Silvaconsult wird Teil von Tree.ly

On November 14, 2023, the acquisition of Silvaconsult AG by Tree.ly was officially signed. This acquisition grants Tree.ly exclusive rights to the SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard according to ISO 14064-2, creating an ideal starting point to further advance forest climate protection in Europe.

#### _"SILVACONSULT lays the foundation for developing externally certified standards to future-proof the monetization of ecosystem services. Our vision is to provide the best climate protection platform for forest owners and collaborate with companies to secure financial resources needed to protect and expand Europe's key carbon store – the forest."_
Jodok Batlogg, Founder and CEO

## Reasons for Acquiring SILVACONSULT AG
### Immediate Competitive Advantages
Since Tree.ly's founding in 2021, SILVACONSULT and Tree.ly have been collaborating, with existing projects already developed using the SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard methodology. With the acquisition, the methodology and naming rights of SILVACONSULT AG are transferred to Tree.ly. We will now jointly develop the methodology further, including adapting it for new project types such as reforestation projects. This enables Tree.ly to have a greater impact in the world of forest climate protection and offers companies a diverse portfolio for support.

### Expanding the Project Portfolio and Expertise
Through this acquisition, we can offer our customers immediate, reliable projects in multiple countries. With over 30 international reference projects, including forest reserves, our expertise and project portfolio are further expanded. This sets the right course to promote transparent and regional forest climate protection in Europe.

### Additional Professional Expertise in the Tree.ly Team
With the acquisition, Dr. Hubertus Schmidtke, founder of SILVACONSULT AG, becomes part of the Tree.ly team, serving as a "Senior Forest Expert" and new shareholder, actively contributing to operations. Dr. Schmidtke founded SILVACONSULT AG in 1999 as a consulting and technical office in the forestry sector. For over 20 years, SILVACONSULT AG has been active in forest climate protection, developing and evaluating projects on nearly all continents, and in methodology development. Together with experts like Univ. Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer and Dr. Georg Erlacher, Tree.ly is excellently positioned to implement climate protection projects in European forests.

We look forward to working together to secure and expand the forest as a carbon storage!

Want to support a project? [Contact Sales](mailto:bernhard@tree.ly)

Looking to implement a project with your forest? [Contact the Forest-Team](mailto:alexander@tree.ly)

Find out more about our transparent and impactful projects.

Discover our Project Portfolio

SILVACONSULT joins forces with Tree.ly

Transparent, präzise, regional: Wie sich Tree.ly im CO₂-Markt differenziert

Efforts to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees are crucial. However, private funds flowing into climate protection projects worldwide have, unfortunately, been ineffective. In this post, we take a close look at how Tree.ly is setting new standards with transparency, precision, and regional focus.

# Challenges in the CO₂ market

## Ineffectiveness of previous CO₂ project types

- Only about 2% of projects in the Clean Development Mechanism, the first major offsetting program, simultaneously exhibit additional and conservative certificate generation (Cames et al. 2016). Thus, 98% of these projects are either overestimated (generate too many credits) and/or would have occurred anyway.
- A study of all major cookstove projects revealed that only about 1 in 6 issued tCO₂ has actual impact (Gill-Wiehl et al. 2023).
- Improved forestry and REDD+ projects mostly suffer from significant overestimation of impact due to non-conservative baselines, problems with leakage, and inadequate safeguards against setbacks (Guizar-Coutiño et al. 2022, West et al. 2020, West et al. 2023). Learn more in relevant articles, including [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/13/carbon-credits-at-risk-of-link-to-uyghur-forced-labour-bought-by-bp-and-spotify), [Thred](https://thred.com/de/Übernehmen/Emissionsgutschriften%2C-die-möglicherweise-mit-uigurischer-Zwangsarbeit-in-Zusammenhang-stehen/) and [The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/23/the-great-cash-for-carbon-hustle).

# Tree.lys perspective for real impact

The identified problems do not stem from incompetence or malice but from an immature methodology and the challenging circumstances of data, monitoring, and dynamics in developing countries.

The focus is on compensation, offsetting your own carbon footprint

Other providers

Taking responsibility, making a contribution to climate protection

Our approach at Tree.ly

## Regional focus in forest climate protection projects

While capital flows to the Global South must be a key component of global climate efforts, Tree.ly starts at home first. Tree.ly projects take place in the home countries of emitters. This way, we not only avoid double counting under Paris Agreement Article 6 but also contribute to the EU's ambition to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

But how do we avoid endemic issues in forestry projects worldwide? Our methodology according to ISO-14064-2 (2019) has been audited and validated by TÜV Nord. The points mentioned below have been confirmed by TÜV.

## Evidence of effectiveness of CO₂ projects with Tree.ly

- **Additionality** in commercial forests is captured in the baseline based on yield tables, strong historical data in the respective forest, and forestry use.
- Our calculation methods and assumptions have been scrutinized at each step and assessed by TÜV as **conservative**.
- **Internal leakage** is avoided by our forest owners committing with their entire productive forest area. **External leakage** is also demonstrably avoided.

**Tree.ly goes beyond mere intention and relies on transparency, precision, and regional integration to make a real difference in the voluntary CO₂ market.**

**Ready to make a real contribution to the environment? Explore Tree.ly's sustainable projects and join us in the fight against climate change. Together, we can shape a greener and more sustainable future. [Talk to an Expert!](mailto:bernhard@tree.ly)**

Learn more about our transparent and impactful projects

Explore our Project Portfolio

**Sources (all publicly accessible):**

Cames, M., Harthan, R. O., Füssler, J., Lazarus, M., Lee, C. M., Erickson, P., & 
Spalding-Fecher, R. (2016). How additional is the Clean Development Mechanism? 	Öko Institut. [Link](https://ec.europa.eu/clima/system/files/2017-04/clean_dev_mechanism_en.pdf)

Haya, B. & Horosz, M. (2023) Recommendations to the GHG Protocol Survey Responses 
on Market-based Accounting Approaches. UC Berkeley. [Link](https://gspp.berkeley.edu/assets/uploads/page/Comments_to_GHG_Protocol_from_Berkeley_Carbon_Trading_Project.pdf)

Haya, B. K., Evans, S., Brown, L., Bukoski, J., Butsic, V., Cabiyo, B., Jacobson, R., Kerr, A., Potts, M., & Sanchez, D., L. (2023) Comprehensive review of carbon quantification by improved forest management offset protocols. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. 6. [Link](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.958879/full)

Gill-Wiehl, A., Kammen, D., & Haya, B. (2023). Cooking the books: Pervasive over-crediting from cookstoves offset methodologies [Preprint]. In Review. 
[Link](https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2606020/v1)

Guizar-Coutiño, A., Jones, J. P. G., Balmford, A., Carmenta, R., & Coomes, D. A. (2022). A global evaluation of the effectiveness of voluntary REDD+ projects at reducing deforestation and degradation in the moist tropics. Conservation Biology, 36(6). [Link](https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13970)

West, T. A. P., Börner, J., Sills, E. O., & Kontoleon, A. (2020). Overstated carbon emission reductions from voluntary REDD+ projects in the Brazilian Amazon. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(39), 24188–24194. [Link](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2004334117)

West, T. A. P., Wunder, S., Sills, E. O., Börner, J., Rifai, S. W., Neidermeier, A. N., & Kontoleon, A. (2023). Action needed to make carbon offsets from tropical forest conservation work for climate change mitigation. [Link](https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2301.03354)**

Transparent, precise, regional: How Tree.ly differentiates itself in the CO₂ market

Hero_Placeholder.webp

At Tree.ly, our mission centers on unlocking the full potential of Europe’s forests and raising awareness about their multifaceted roles and significant ecological and societal benefits. Join us on January 15th at the CSO Awards, where we'll be teaming up with our partner, Waldklimaschutz Schweiz. The excitement continues on the next day with our Forest Lunch, a perfect setting to enrich your knowledge about forests and the crucial role of climate-resilient forestry. Our series of events concludes with a peaceful, forest-themed meditation session on January 17th. Keep reading to learn more about each of these events and how you can participate.


Event: Spotlight on Europe's Forests

Waldspaziergang als "Höhepunkt der Woche" beim WEF24 in Davos 

**In a recent trilogy of events, sustainability leaders & impact change makers were invited to not only discuss greener solutions, but to actively experience it. From presence at the [Futur/io’s CSO Awards](https://csoawards.eu/), to an educational forest walk and a transformative guided meditation concert, leaders were inspired to move beyond good intentions and to take real action. Thanks goes out to our partners & collaborators [Futur/io](https://futur.io/), [WKSS](https://www.wald-klimaschutz.ch/), [Green Up](https://green-up.ch/) and [Michelle de Bruijn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledebruijn-kensho/)**


Forest Visit & Lunch Recap, World Economic Forum 2024

Hosted by Futur/io, the CSO awards celebrated the remarkable work and achievements of prominent European Chief Sustainability Officers. Besides a celebration of outstanding contributions, Michelle de Bruijn, part of Tree.ly ethics committee, challenged the audience to embed ethics into modern day leadership. We share her opinion, that, ethics should not be a mere concept but a living, breathing entity intricately woven into the fabric of organisational life. This is why at Tree.ly we work with an independent Ethics Committee to help us set up and implement an ethical policy framework.

CSO Awards: Nurturing Ethical Sustainability

Learn more about forest projects in the DACH region

The forest walk was a great reminder that the nature we are committed to protect, can be just a stone's throw away. Local foresters from Davos, together with Wald Klimaschutz Schweiz and Tree.ly provided an educational lunch & learn session in a magical snowy setting. Sustainability leaders learned first hand about sustainable forest management. The outdoors experience was received as "by far the highlight of this week" by the CSO's.

“You have no WiFi in the forest, but you feel more connected than ever." This sentiment from one of the participants captures the essence of Tree.ly's approach— proactively choosing for nature based solutions comes with a range of other benefits; building connections with nature, with each other and with the region. 


Forest Walk: Immersive experience with nature based solutions in our backyard

Stay up to date with Tree.ly news - subscribe to our newsletter here

Concluding the trilogy was a guided meditation concert, where impact makers practised cultivating a sense of awareness for the greater good. The meditation event encouraged leaders to cultivate a conscious type of leadership that starts from within. Amidst the global WEF discussions on 'rebuilding trust', Tree.ly offered a unique approach building on ancient wisdom from the east that’s over 2500 years old. Michelle de Bruijn, guided the audience through a transformative journey of interconnectedness and emotional engagement with the systems of planetary life.

Meditation Event: Cultivating Conscious Leadership

Trilogy of pioneering & immersive experiences

Forest walk dubbed "highlight of the week" at WEF24 in Davos

Tree.ly Statement Neue Bamberger Hutte.png

Stellungnahme zur Neuen Bamberger Hütte DAV x Kappa Privatstiftung

Tree.ly is not involved in the dispute between the Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) Section Bamberg and Kappa Privatstiftung regarding the termination of the material cable car contract supplying the Neue Bamberger Hütte. Tree.ly’s collaboration with Kappa Privatstiftung is strictly focused on sustainable forest management and climate protection projects, with no operational, financial, or legal connection to the Neue Bamberger Hütte or its activities.

**What is the dispute between DAV and Kappa Privatstiftung about?**
The dispute concerns the termination of a long-standing contract for the material cable car that supplied the Neue Bamberger Hütte. The Kappa Privatstiftung, which owns the land, terminated the contract. The DAV (Section Bamberg)  is seeking alternative solutions, including the possibility of using a road, but this involves significant environmental impacts and costs.

**What is Tree.ly’s stance in relation to the dispute?**
Tree.ly is by no means involved in the dispute between DAV and the Kappa Privatstiftung. We are focused solely on creating measurable and sustainable climate impact through climate protection projects through sustainable forest management carbon projects. Our efforts are separate from the operational, financial and legal concerns surrounding the Neue Bamberger Hütte.

**What is Tree.ly’s relationship to Kappa Privatstiftung?**
Tree.ly collaborates with various landowners, including Kappa Privatstiftung, to support sustainable forest management practices through our climate protection projects with the aim to transform to climate-change resilient forests. As a result, Tree.ly's involvement is solely related to environmental projects aimed at climate action, and not to the specific operational or contractual issues regarding the Neue Bamberger Hütte.

**How does the Kappa´s climate protection project relate to Neue Bamberger Hütte?**
It does not. As with all Tree.ly forest climate protection projects a detailed calculation of existing biomass in the forest is the starting point (inventory, laser scans, sample measurements). From here a 30 year project is calculated following established scientific standards projecting the additionality of CO2-storage and CO2-conservation. The calculations are externally verified by TÜV, then the reality in the forest is checked by TÜV-audits (visiting) and after annual monitoring TÜV issues yearly ex-post credits (for the previous year), which then get offered to enterprises, who want to contribute to such projects on their own path to CO2-net-zero. All funds have to be mandatory re-invested into the agreed climate protection measures, which is checked annually. This process shows that all focus is with the actual forest, and there is absolutely no relation to Neue Bamberger Hütte. This can be easily verified in the TÜV certified PDD (Project Definition Document), where there is no reference or relation to that DAV hut.

**What does Tree.ly do?**
Tree.ly develops forest climate protection projects in Austria and Europe - Our goal is to unlock the full potential of local forests and actively utilise them for climate protection. Tree.ly brings companies together with forest owners and enables corporate investments in the forest through high-quality, TÜV-certified CO₂ credits with co-benefits. This enables companies to make a measurable and regional contribution to climate protection as part of their corporate sustainability strategy. 

**How are the funds from carbon credits used?**
The funds generated from the sale of carbon credits are reinvested into environmental conservation projects. These funds are earmarked for maintaining and enhancing forest ecosystems, improving environmental sustainability and increasing the carbon storage potential of the local forests. Tree.ly ensures transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated with concrete measurement and investment plans for each project.

**How does Tree.ly ensure positive climate impact?**
Tree.ly ensures a positive climate impact by adhering to rigorous standards for carbon credit verification. Our projects are built on ISO 14064-2:2019 certified standard for the development of climate protection projects in European temperate forests. The SILVACONSULT® Forest Carbon Standard works with conservative baselines and ensures project additionality, permanence and avoids leakage, read more [here](https://www.silvaconsult.ch/#silvaconsult-quality-criteria). The projects are audited by TÜV NORD and TÜV Austria to ensure the actual reduction of carbon emissions. Forest owners are held accountable through openly available investment plans that are monitored and recertified yearly. 

Do want to learn more about greenwashing within the carbon credit market and learn how to avoid it by choosing high quality climate protection projects? Read more [here](https://tree.ly/blog/greenwashing-vermeiden).








Statement in relation to Neue Bamberger Hütte DAV x Kappa Privatstiftung

Fohramoos_Bödele.jpg

Ein Tree.ly Guide: SBTi und Science Based Targets

# A few hard facts to get you started:
Current data reveals that as of this year, 7,685 companies have set Science Based Targets to reduce emissions under the SBTi framework. Of these, 4,601 have been officially recognised by the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative). Compared to 2023, this results in 1,771 more companies following SBTi, of which a total of 106 companies come from Germany and thus a total increase of 1,329 officially confirmed science-based targets.

In its 2021 annual report, SBTi reported that the companies that have set validated targets using its method have a combined market capitalisation of $38 trillion, representing around a third of the global market value. In 2021, a total of 1.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ were recorded by these companies according to the SBTi standard, reducing CO₂ emissions by around 53 million tonnes this year alone.

The figures speak for themselves: more and more companies are deciding to set credible climate protection targets by pursuing science-based targets (SBTs) using the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) standard. Supported by renowned organisations such as CDP, the UN Global Compact, WRI and WWF, the SBTi provides a structured and credible way for companies to set meaningful and achievable emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement.

## In this blog post we talk about:

- Briefly explained: Science-based targets and the SBTi framework.
- The SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and the current status quo 2024.
- Why forest carbon projects are suitable as a BVCM investment under SBTi: Read more about how Tree.ly projects fit into the SBTi framework and what needs to be done as a next step.


# What is SBTi? How is the framework structured?

The Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) is a co-operation between CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This initiative defines and supports best practices for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Companies receive technical support to declare science-based targets (SBTs). Through the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, they define a pioneering framework for companies to set net-zero targets.

Put simply, the Science-based-targets Initiative (SBTi) does the following:

- Describes and supports optimal GHG reduction strategies to achieve the goal of net-zero in the context of science-based climate action
- Provides methodologies and insights to help organisations set emission reduction targets.
- Has a team of specialists and scientists who conduct unbiased assessments and verification of science-based targets.


# How does the framework fit into the Net-Zero Goal?

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard: In October 2021, the SBTi published the Corporate Net-Zero Standard, which provides guidance, criteria and recommendations for companies to set long-term climate targets that are aligned with the overarching goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Both graphics visualise the underlying principle of the SBTi Net-Zero Standard: the hierarchy of emissions reduction and a clear recommendation on how companies should approach their target setting. The standard builds on the existing SBTi methodology, which enables companies to set short-term emission reduction targets, and defines three necessary steps towards Net-Zero (see graphic).

![Abatement-BVCM-Neutralization@2x.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Abatement_BVCM_Neutralization_2x_c03e13995c.jpg)

Companies can only claim to have achieved net zero when long-term, science-based targets are met for all areas and remaining emissions are continuously neutralised.

- **Step 1: "Abatement"**\- what does that mean? 


The "bare minimum" for reduction towards net zero lies within the value chain of companies. SBTi uses the area shown here in green to illustrate which emissions need to be taken into account within short-term and long-term targets. In the short term, this means that companies must set 5-10 year targets to reduce emissions within their value chain in line with the path to the global net zero target. They need to set long-term science-based targets to reduce emissions within the value chain to a residual level in line with the 1.5°C scenario by 2050 at the latest.

- **Step 2: Beyond value chain mitigation**


Beyond value chain mitigation concerns any emission reduction targets that lie outside a company's value chain. SBTi explicitly encourages companies to invest in immediate, consistent action (see grey area in the graphic) to go beyond the bare minimum. BVCM targets are essential on the road to net zero, even if they are voluntary, as is the next step described below.

- **Step 3: Neutralisation**


The final absolutely necessary step towards sustainability is called neutralisation: companies must neutralise the climate impact of any remaining emissions outside the value chain in the net zero target year and all GHG emissions released into the atmosphere thereafter by permanently removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. This area primarily includes nature-based solutions for efficient carbon sequestration and storage through, for example, (regional) forests and their sustainable management.

**Criterion (C12) and recommendation (R9) - two particularly relevant regulations by SBTi that you should be aware of:**

SBTi provides clear recommendations in the Net-Zero Standard on how CO₂ credits can be correctly included in sustainability reporting within the guidelines. The relevant rules for this are defined by the criterion (C12) and the recommendation (R9):

- Criterion C12: The use of carbon credits must **not** be counted as an emission reduction towards the achievement of the companies' short-term or long-term science-based targets. They may only be used as an option to offset residual emissions that cannot be avoided or to finance additional climate protection measures that go beyond the defined targets.
- R9 provides recommendations on BVCM investments: SBTi strongly recommends that companies make investments outside of their own value chains to mitigate GHG emissions in addition to their short- and long-term science-based targets. This includes annual support for projects, programmes and solutions that provide **quantifiable climate benefits** especially those that generate additional positive effects for people and nature - e.g. **forest carbon offset projects**. But what are the standards for these measures? 

In February 2024, the Science Based Targets Initiative published specific standards for BVCM investments and their reporting as part of its Corporate Net-Zero Standard. This is primarily intended to improve credibility and counteract existing uncertainties on the part of investors. In June 2023, SBTi conducted a survey of companies to find out which aspects of BVCM activities should be regulated by SBTi. The results were published in summary form by the initiative in September and communicated this year in a comprehensive report.

In April, the Science Based Targets Initiative announced that - as part of the comprehensive revision of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard - the rules on the use of CO₂ certificates will be changed and also that SBTi will allow the use of such certificates to achieve Scope 3 targets. The conditions under which this will be possible and initial insights into the new draft are expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, it has already been communicated that the SBTi will publish its assessment of the evidence of the effectiveness of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) in relation to companies' climate targets in July 2024. This is also expected to clarify the organization's position on CO₂ certificates.

In the next section you will learn what you can do now and why Tree.ly forest carbon projects are suitable as a BVCM investment under SBTi.


# More than the "bare minimum"
## Why it makes sense to invest in BVCM projects now:

We were able to show how the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard is composed and what clear instructions are given for developing a best practice approach. SBTi makes a clear recommendation to invest in projects outside the value chain (BVCM) - despite current imprecise or missing guidance from SBTi, immediate investment in BVCM projects is sensible and necessary.

Our forest climate protection projects are focused on reducing emissions beyond value chain mitigation. As Natural-Based Solutions (NBS), they primarily involve projects aimed at preventing emissions by leveraging the natural ability of forests to absorb carbon. Additionally, these projects offer a limited opportunity for neutralizing residual emissions.

If you are wondering how you can include a Tree.ly forest carbon offset project in your sustainability report as part of the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard, we have summarised here how our credits fit into this framework:

- Buy carbon credits that have quality


Our **[methodology](<https://tree.ly/de/methodology>)** according to ISO-14064-2 is tried, tested and externally validated. It fulfils the highest quality standards in the forest project category. Our projects therefore represent a safe and effective investment in BVCM on your SBTi pathway. Our certificates must be disclosed as contribution claims separately from any offset certificates in your environmental reporting. Please also take into account the instructions on BVCM and the use of SBTi carbon credits in the Net-Zero Standard R9 and C12. Also observe the requirements of your ESG or sustainability reporting standard. We will be happy to provide you with examples and support you in communicating your contributions effectively and transparently.

- We focus on **regionality**


We focus on regional forest climate protection. Why? In our blog series on sustainable forest management in Central Europe, we make it clear why European forests need our support more than ever. Read now part one of the series [here](https://tree.ly/blog/modern-management-for-climate-protection). Our projects promote regional forest management and the preservation and expansion of regional, natural carbon sinks - our forests in Europe. If you invest in regional projects, you also invest in their co-benefits, which have direct advantages for the region and the people who live there.

- Concrete action plans with the forest owners


So that you can find out more about what will be done for the local forest after your investment in a Tree.ly project, we draw up concrete action plans with the forest owners of the project areas and share with you transparently what is to be implemented specifically for regional climate protection. You will receive access to our project register and their documentation plans. We also want to enable you and your employees to take a break in the forest: We are happy to help you with this and organise a walk & talk between you and the forest owner of the project area you are supporting.

Stay up to date, we will inform you about upcoming updates regarding guidelines and framework conditions in our newsletter. Would you like to know what your Tree.ly project report could look like as an example?


Let's unlock the full potential of forests. Together.  

Sources: all publicly available.

- SBTi Progress Report (2021). SCIENCE-BASED NET-ZERO Scaling Urgent Corporate Climate Action Worldwide, Version 1.2 - UPDATED JUNE 2022 [Link](https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/files/SBTiProgressReport2021.pdf)
- SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard (2023). SBTi CORPORATE NETZERO STANDARD Version 1.1 April 2023 [Link](https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/files/Net-Zero-Standard.pdf)

A Tree.ly Guide: SBTi and Science Based Targets

DSC02028.jpg

Teil 1: Nachhaltige Forstwirtschaft in Mitteleuropa

# Forests in Europe
Considering that more than three quarters of Europe's land area was originally covered by forest landscapes, today's proportion sounds small in comparison: 39% of European land is currently classified as forest.

The long-term protection and restoration of our forests is due, among other things, to Hans Carl von Carlowitz, the chief mining administrator who shaped the concept of sustainability in 1713. It was only through the application of the sustainability principle of only using as much wood as can grow back that it was possible to counteract the severe overexploitation of forests from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 19th century. As a result, the forest area in Europe has increased by around 9% since 1990, in contrast to the global trend of increasing reduction. 

- The recovery of Europe's heavily overexploited forests thanks to the invention of sustainable forestry
- The cycle of sustainable forest management: promoting long-term forest dynamics through regeneration, cultural management and thinning as well as the integration of ecological principles 
- The benefits of sustainable forest management: raw material extraction, biodiversity conservation and reduction of Carbon emissions for climate protection.

Learn more about 

# Management
Even though the introduction of sustainable forestry has been able to halt deforestation in Europe, many people who visit forests for recreation may wonder why the use of machinery and measures such as tree removal are necessary for the sustainable management of forests.

Many people think of a forest as a permanently densely wooded area. However, even the remaining European primeval forest areas (2% of the total forest area) are not static, unchanging units, but rather a small-scale patchwork of different, cyclically repeating stages of development (succession stages) of emergence, growth and decay. This concept of a natural mosaic cycle forms the basis of management measures in modern commercial forests. The seedlings of the desired tree species grow into trees until they are felled after a certain period of time (rotation period) to make way for the next generation. This cycle is accompanied by forest managers 

# The sustainable management cycle
With the challenges of climate change in mind, the need for sustainable forest management has never been more urgent. Based on the life cycle of a forest stand, we present some innovative methods and technologies for sustainable forest management.

## 1. Rejuvenation stage
Instead of planting only one tree species with a high growth rate (e.g. spruce), the establishment of two or more site-adapted and climate-robust tree species on the same area through natural regeneration is favoured today, from which stable mixed stands grow (e.g. by adding fir and sycamore maple to spruce). Naturally regenerated stands are characterised by a higher adaptability and develop heterogeneous structures in the long term, which correspond more to a natural forest image. Planting is only carried out if there are no vital mother trees of the desired tree species in the immediate vicinity. 
This is the case, for example, if the tree species composition is to be expanded with more climate-resilient tree species. In Central Europe, for example, forest conversion from over-represented homogeneous, even-aged spruce stands to species-rich mixed deciduous forests is often initiated during the regeneration phase. In the meantime, the "selection cutting" method is also being used more frequently, which mixes native species such as beech, oak and spruce in all their age stages in a single stand and thus imitates natural forest ecosystems.

![2022-05-04-Treely-PiaPiaPia-38 copy.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/2022_05_04_Treely_Pia_Pia_Pia_38_copy_ab0e59f127.jpg)

## 2. Cultural management
In order for regeneration to establish itself successfully, it is necessary to achieve site-adapted game populations with the help of ecological hunting methods. Excessive game influence, e.g. heavy browsing by roe or red deer, leads to a segregation of the stand, as some tree species are browsed more heavily than others, or to the loss of natural regeneration. The regeneration of tree species favoured by game, such as silver fir, can also be protected by various mechanical protection measures (fences, individual protection with biodegradable growth covers that are already available) or special tree species- and site-specific planting methods. 
Cultivation care also includes, for example, pruning afforestation to free the young plants from the proliferating ground vegetation in summer and thus ensure their survival.

## 3. Thinning 
As the forest matures, thinning becomes crucial to promote healthy growth. Thinning from above, as practised in the Bavarian State Forests, for example, involves removing the less developed trees in the dominant layer in order to provide the remaining trees with space and resources. Attention is also paid in the thinnings to achieve the greatest possible heterogeneity in tree diameters and heights. This promotes optimal tree development, reduces competition and increases the overall vitality of the forest.

![2022-05-04-Treely-DrohneStango-PiaPiaPia-5.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/2022_05_04_Treely_Drohne_Stango_Pia_Pia_Pia_5_7c49034cdd.jpg)

## 4. Biodiversity conservation
The conservation of biodiversity hotspots within the forest is central to sustainable forest management. To this end, habitats for certain animal groups are supported through active silviculture. For example, the creation of deadwood islands or the labelling of habitat trees offers a wide range of insect and bird species good living conditions to establish themselves and thus form a resilient ecosystem. This has been happening in many forest enterprises on a voluntary basis for decades.

![Bödele-Fohramoos.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Boedele_Fohramoos_7249f06f37.jpg)

## 5. Carbon sink
Forests act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in plant material and soils. By sequestering carbon, forests help to reduce the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring forests not only preserves biodiversity, but also contributes to climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration. In addition, healthy forests play an important role in regulating local and regional climate systems. They support the water cycle and provide numerous ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being.

## 6. Final utilisation and regeneration
At the end of its life cycle, a forest stand undergoes the final harvest and paves the way for the subsequent regeneration phase. Sustainable logging practices prioritise, where possible, selective logging through single-tree harvesting. The aim of final harvesting is to ensure the continuity of forest ecosystems and to extract the valuable raw material of round timber. Selective logging involves the targeted removal of mature trees, while young and healthy specimens are left standing in order to maintain the natural dynamics of the forest. In order to maintain the forest climate and produce seeds for the next generation, so-called seed trees are left on the site. After harvesting, the area is carefully monitored to promote healthy and diverse natural regeneration and thus strengthen the resilience of the new forest.
The cycle of a forest stand from creation to harvest epitomises the harmonious interplay between human intervention and natural processes. Through innovative practices based on ecological responsibility, Central Europe's forests are places of sustainable sources of raw materials, biodiversity and climate resilience. European ecosystems must be carefully managed and protected to ensure that they are preserved for future generations.

![Snow_Bödele.jpg](https://cdn.tree.ly/strapi/Snow_Boedele_f29d92b50d.jpg)

## Outlook
In our next two blog posts in the series " Sustainable forest management in Central Europe", you can read about the challenges and risks facing European forests and how Tree.ly's climate protection projects specifically support forest owners in establishing and maintaining resilient forests.

Part 1: Modern management practices for climate protection

Vorbereitung-zur-Durchforstung.webp

Teil 2: Die Herausforderungen der europäischen Forstwirtschaft  


 As already described in the [first part](https://tree.ly/de/blog/modern-management-for-climate-protection) of this blog post series, only 2 % of primeval forest remains in Europe. The rest has been influenced by humans over the centuries. Many forest areas are stocked in a non-natural way and suffer repeatedly from the consequences of climate change due to their low stability and resilience. Non-natural monocultures with excessively high game densities are particularly susceptible to damaging events and require very high investments from forest owners in order to be converted into near-natural forests. This blog post takes a closer look at the challenges and risks facing European forests.
 
## Learn more about
-  The problems surrounding non site adapted monocultures, high game densities and more frequent damaging events
- The tricky situation of European forest owners
- The need to monetize ecosystem services with the help of Tree.ly
