IMD White Paper
Voluntary Biodiversity Credits:
A guide for business
This guide aims to help businesses navigate the rapidly evolving voluntary biodiversity credit (VBC) markets and decide whether and how to engage in VBCs. It is intended for companies that want to help halt biodiversity loss or restore and regenerate biodiversity in the context of nature-positive strategies. It is relevant for those with biodiversity strategies in place, those in the process of developing a biodiversity strategy, or those considering one.
There is growing pressure on businesses to act on biodiversity.
VBCs have emerged as a tool for businesses to contribute to nature conservation and restoration and are encouraged by the Convention on Biological Diversity. Numerous VBC schemes have appeared on the market in the last few years, leaving many companies confused about how to engage and when it is relevant to do so.
Key questions:
- How might VBCs help corporate biodiversity efforts, voluntary frameworks, and nature-positive strategies?
- What do you need to know when considering the purchase of VBCs?
- What makes for a credible VBC?
This guide aims to answer these questions and help you make informed decisions about the current VBC market.
Biodiversity is in crisis, and businesses cannot sit on the sidelines.
Preview version. Click below left to download the full PDF.
Viewpoints from the authors
"An effective sustainability strategy needs to address biodiversity directly. Biodiversity is a business issue. Ignoring it is a risk –
investing in it is a smart strategy."
"Companies that wish to show leadership on
biodiversity could play a significant and influential
role in increasing private funding for biodiversity.
Buying voluntary biodiversity credits (VBCs) is one
way of doing that."
"Although all companies can consider purchasing suitable VBCs, if your business depends on natural resources (land, water, agriculture) or if your operations impact ecosystems, VBCs should be on your radar."
"If your business has operations in or near ecologically sensitive areas or if your customers care about your environmental impact, VBCs offer a way to take credible, measurable action without deep expertise or involvement."
Which industries should care about Voluntary Biodiversity Credits?
1. Food & Beverage
Agriculture and agribusiness depend on pollinators, water, and soil. VBCs support biodiversity directly tied to supply chains.
2. Forestry, Pulp & Paper
Managing vast lands means responsibility. VBCs fund habitat restoration and sustainable land use.
3. Mining & Energy
High-impact industries need nature-positive actions. VBCs help secure their social license to operate.
4. Consumer Goods & Retail
Purpose-led brands gain transparency and loyalty. VBCs boost credibility in sustainability storytelling.
5. Luxury Goods
Align exclusivity with nature protection. VBCs enhance brand appeal by supporting biodiversity.
6. Finance & Investment
Future-proof portfolios. VBCs support portfolio resilience by decreasing nature-related risks, including potential systemic risk.
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