Amazon has launched a new service allowing qualified companies to purchase high-integrity carbon credits through its Sustainability Exchange, an online hub designed to support corporate decarbonisation efforts. The move is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations by 2040, a target aligned with the goals of the Climate Pledge.
A young tree sapling emerges from the soil, with an Amazon van and courier in the background. AI generated picture.
The new service, available to Climate Pledge signatories, suppliers, and business customers in the US, gives vetted access to carbon credits generated by nature-based solutions and carbon removal technologies. Amazon says the offering is designed for companies that already demonstrate a strong environmental commitment—requiring participants to set science-based net-zero targets covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, report regularly on greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt credible decarbonisation strategies.
‘The voluntary carbon market has been challenged with issues of transparency, credibility, and the availability of high-quality carbon credits, which has led to scepticism about nature and technological carbon removal as an effective tool to combat climate change’, said Kara Hurst, Amazon’s chief sustainability officer. ‘We’re using our size and high vetting standards to help promote additional investments in nature.’
The credits will help companies go beyond emissions reduction by supporting critical environmental projects—such as forest restoration and avoided deforestation—that are essential for large-scale carbon removal. This reflects research from the IPCC, which highlights the need to remove up to 1 trillion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere by the end of the century.
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Industry figures have welcomed Amazon’s initiative. ‘Deforestation drives 30% of global emissions—if we don’t end and reverse it, we won't get a handle on climate change’, said Dr M Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International. ‘The game-changer? Major private sector players like Amazon stepping up.’
Early adopters of the service include companies such as Steelcase, Slalom, Corsair, Ryan Companies, Seneca Group, and Flickr. ‘Sourcing high-quality credits is a must for us’, said Kristine Rohls, chief people officer of Slalom. ‘With a trusted partner like Amazon by our side, we’re excited and confident our move into the voluntary carbon market will truly make a difference.’
Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, summed up the urgency: ‘Our planet can’t wait. The need for bold corporate environmental action has never been more urgent.’
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As major players like Amazon double down on high-quality, science-backed carbon credits, it’s clear the market is accelerating. At DGB Group, we’re not just observers of this shift; we’re building it. We create and manage our own nature-based projects, from reforestation to clean cooking solutions, ensuring every carbon unit is rooted in verifiable impact. With each credit independently audited, our clients are contributing to real environmental solutions—while addressing their carbon footprints. The opportunity to lead the change is now.
