As climate change concerns intensify, major corporations are increasingly turning to carbon credits to offset their carbon footprints and meet their sustainability goals. These companies span various sectors, from energy and technology to finance and consumer goods. Below is an overview of some of the largest buyers of carbon credits, along with their key statistics and commitments.

1. Energy Companies

Shell

• Carbon Credits Purchased: Approximately 60 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Shell aims to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. The company invests heavily in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and nature-based solutions.

BP

• Carbon Credits Purchased: Around 40 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: BP targets net-zero emissions across its operations and production by 2050. It has invested in various carbon offset projects globally.

ExxonMobil

• Carbon Credits Purchased: Approximately 30 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: ExxonMobil is focusing on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 15-20% by 2025 from 2016 levels and is investing in CCS technologies.

2. Tech Companies

Microsoft

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 25 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030, meaning it plans to remove more carbon than it emits. The company has invested in reforestation and soil carbon sequestration projects.

Google

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 20 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Google has been carbon neutral since 2007 and aims to run entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. It has invested in renewable energy projects and carbon offset initiatives.

Apple

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 15 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Apple plans to have a net-zero carbon footprint across its entire business, including its supply chain and product lifecycle, by 2030.

3. Financial Institutions

Bank of America

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 10 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Bank of America aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its financing activities, operations, and supply chain before 2050. It supports various carbon offset projects, including reforestation and renewable energy.

Goldman Sachs

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 8 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Goldman Sachs is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2030 and has invested in carbon offset projects and green energy solutions.

JPMorgan Chase

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 12 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: JPMorgan Chase aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 across its financing and operations. It is investing in a range of sustainable projects and carbon offset initiatives.

4. Manufacturing Companies

General Motors

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 10 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: GM plans to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2040. The company is investing in renewable energy and carbon offset projects.

Ford

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 9 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Ford aims for carbon neutrality globally by 2050. It is investing in electric vehicles and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Siemens

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 7 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Siemens targets carbon neutrality by 2030 and is investing in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects.

5. Retail and Consumer Goods

Walmart

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 20 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Walmart aims to achieve zero emissions by 2040 without relying on offsets. It is investing in renewable energy and sustainable supply chain practices.

Unilever

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 15 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Unilever plans to achieve net-zero emissions from all its products by 2039. It supports various carbon offset projects, including reforestation and carbon capture.

Nestlé

• Carbon Credits Purchased: 13 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023.
• Commitments: Nestlé aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects.

The purchase of carbon credits by these major corporations is a critical component of their broader sustainability strategies. By investing in carbon offsets, these companies are taking significant steps towards mitigating their environmental impact while supporting global efforts to combat climate change. As regulatory frameworks tighten and public awareness grows, the demand for carbon credits is expected to rise, further driving innovation and investment in sustainable solutions.