Mountain forest

End-to-end support

Carbon markets are evolving rapidly, with increasing regulatory complexity and global momentum. Our team advises on every aspect of carbon credit trading, offset project development and market participation across compliance and voluntary schemes. We help clients meet their climate goals with confidence, unlock value and manage risk.

Carbon markets are a vital tool in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They enable the allocation of finance to verified emission-reduction activities through the trading of carbon credits.

There are two primary types of carbon markets:

  • Compliance markets, such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and California’s Cap-and-Trade program, where regulated entities trade permits that allow for a specified amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
  • Voluntary markets, which support corporate climate goals by enabling the purchase of CO2e credits from certified emission-reduction or carbon removal projects.

 

What we do

Our team advises clients across the full lifecycle of carbon market participation, including:

  • the acquisition, sale and trading of carbon credits;
  • development of “insetting” programs to reduce emissions within a company’s supply chain;
  • compliance with domestic, regional and international regulatory frameworks;
  • the development and registration of carbon-offset and carbon removal projects; and
  • the resolution of disputes relating to carbon credit transactions

We combine legal insight with market understanding to help clients navigate cap-and-trade systems, carbon-offset programmes and emerging regulatory developments.

From project inception to credit issuance, we guide clients through the full lifecycle of carbon-offset initiatives. Our multidisciplinary team will ensure your project meets recognised standards, generates tradable credits and stands up to scrutiny – wherever you operate.

From strategy to execution, we'll ensure your carbon initiatives are legally sound, commercially viable and aligned with global best practice.

Find out more

Explore key concepts, regulatory developments, and practical guidance on carbon markets. This hub brings together insights from across DLA Piper’s global teams to support your climate and sustainability goals.

Introduction to Carbon Markets

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