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Carbon Projects & Offsetting
CSR Projects (Community-based carbon offset projects)
Community-based carbon offset projects under CSR programmes deliver simultaneous verified emission reductions and measurable social impact — supporting India's Companies Act CSR mandates while generating credible carbon credits under internationally recognised standards.
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 and Schedule VII, eligible CSR activities include promoting rural development, environment sustainability, and clean energy — all of which can be structured as carbon offset projects. Gold Standard's Design for Sustainable Development (DSD) methodology and Verra's Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) framework specifically support community-benefit project design. Gold Standard additionally requires co-benefit measurement against defined SDG indicators (typically SDG 7 Energy Access, SDG 3 Health, SDG 13 Climate Action). The resulting Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (GSVERs) carry independent SDG impact ratings that strengthen the credibility of CSR impact reporting to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and stakeholders. Without structured project design aligned with carbon standards and CSR regulatory requirements, organisations risk generating credits without verifiable co-benefits or producing CSR expenditure reports that demonstrate spend rather than outcomes.
Our approach
A structured approach is used to design and implement CSR-linked carbon offset projects that meet Gold Standard or Verra VCS certification requirements while satisfying Schedule VII eligibility criteria and MCA outcome-based reporting obligations. The process integrates carbon project development methodology with CSR impact measurement frameworks including IRIS+ and SDG indicators. Outputs are designed to deliver verified carbon credits, documented community co-benefits, and compliant MCA CSR reporting.
- Identification of project opportunities eligible under both Gold Standard/VCS carbon methodologies and Schedule VII CSR categories
- Community needs assessment and co-benefit design aligned with Gold Standard SDG Impact Rating requirements (SDG 7, SDG 3, SDG 13)
- Project Design Document (PDD) development in compliance with Gold Standard or Verra VCS methodology requirements
- Measurement framework development covering both carbon emission reductions (MRV) and social impact indicators (IRIS+, SDG metrics)
- Stakeholder consultation and community engagement aligned with Gold Standard procedural requirements
- Coordination with accredited DOEs for Gold Standard or VCS validation and periodic verification
- Integration of project outcomes into MCA CSR annual filing and ESG sustainability reporting
Outcomes
Gold Standard GSVERs or Verra VCUs with independent SDG Impact Ratings confirming community co-benefits
MCA-compliant CSR outcome documentation demonstrating measurable impact against Schedule VII eligible activities
Verified emission reductions meeting ICVCM Core Carbon Principles quality standards
Quantified social impact evidence across SDG 7 (energy access), SDG 3 (health), SDG 13 (climate action), and other applicable goals
Enhanced stakeholder credibility and brand positioning through independently verified CSR and climate impact
Speak with an expert
The team can walk you through exactly how CSR Projects (Community-based carbon offset projects) applies to your organisation's context and objectives.
Get in touch