Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme

The Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme is a global labelling framework launched in 2012 to ensure investments align with a 1.5°C pathway. It utilizes science-based criteria and independent verification to certify debt instruments, assets, and entities, having certified over USD350bn of Use of Proceeds Green Bonds as of 30 September 2025.

• The Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme provides a science-based labelling framework for investments aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. As of 30 September 2025, the scheme has certified more than USD350bn of Use of Proceeds Green Bonds since its inception in 2012.
• Certification is available through four primary offerings: Use of Proceeds (UoP) for specific projects or activities; Asset certification for the environmental credentials of portfolios or projects; Entity certification for non-financial corporates with aligned targets or transition plans; and Sustainability-linked debt (SLDs) for general-purpose debt intended to finance transition or performance targets.
• The scheme utilizes three distinct labels: 'Aligned' for credentials meeting Sector Criteria at certification; 'Transition' for targets that will align by 31st December 2030; and 'DCF' for agrifood entities verified as free from deforestation and ecosystem conversion.
• A 2025 update to the Standard introduced the Climate Bonds Resilience Taxonomy, which expands the scope of certification beyond mitigation to include projects that support adaptation, climate-proofing of assets, and resilience to physical climate risks.
• Certification is based on science-based criteria across several eligible sectors, including Energy (such as Solar, Wind, and Nuclear), Industry (Steel, Cement, Chemicals, Hydrogen), Transport (Land and Shipping), Agrifood and Land Use, and other categories like Buildings, Waste, and Water Infrastructure.

APA

Climate Bonds Initiative (n.d.). Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme. https://www.climatebonds.net/files/documents/publications/CBI-certification-brochure.pdf

Chicago

Climate Bonds Initiative. Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme. n.d. https://www.climatebonds.net/files/documents/publications/CBI-certification-brochure.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Bonds Initiative |title=Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme |url=https://www.climatebonds.net/files/documents/publications/CBI-certification-brochure.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatebondsinitiativendclimate, author = {{Climate Bonds Initiative}}, title = {{Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme}}, institution = {Climate Bonds Initiative}, url = {https://www.climatebonds.net/files/documents/publications/CBI-certification-brochure.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }