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The Climate Bonds Standard version 4.3 provides a science-based framework for certifying climate-aligned investments. It covers four primary certification paths: Use of Proceeds (UoP) debt instruments, specific assets, non-financial legal entities, and sustainability-linked debt (SLD). The standard mandates independent verification by approved verifiers and requires adherence to sector-specific criteria. For entity and SLD certifications, the framework emphasizes absolute transition pathways over relative benchmarking, requiring ambitious climate mitigation performance targets (CMPTs) and robust transition plans. Additionally, the standard includes a specialized certification for agri-food entities focusing on deforestation- and conversion-free sourcing.

The Climate Bonds Standard version 4.2 provides a science-based framework for certifying climate-aligned investments. It covers four primary certification paths: Use of Proceeds (UoP) debt instruments, specific assets, non-financial legal entities, and sustainability-linked debt (SLD). Certification requires independent verification by approved third parties and adherence to sector-specific criteria. For entities and SLDs, the standard emphasizes absolute measures tied to transition pathways, requiring climate mitigation performance targets (CMPTs) and robust transition plans. The standard also includes a specialized certification for agri-food entities focusing on deforestation- and conversion-free sourcing.

The document defines the 'Agri-Food Deforestation and Conversion Free Sourcing' criteria for entities in the food value chain. It mandates a cut-off date of 31 December 2020, requiring that sourcing be free from deforestation and natural ecosystem conversion. The criteria specify different traceability and due diligence requirements based on the risk classification of the origin, with a commitment to full geolocation for all commodities by 2030. It also integrates human rights safeguards and annual verification processes to ensure climate integrity for certified entities.

The document outlines the technical requirements for agri-food entities to be certified as deforestation and conversion free (DCF). It establishes a cut-off date of 31 December 2020, mandates geolocation traceability for high-risk origins and specific commodities, and requires rigorous due diligence and annual verification. The criteria align with the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) and the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi), extending protections to all natural ecosystems beyond forests.

The Climate Bonds Standard version 4.1 provides a science-based framework for certifying Use of Proceeds (UoP) debt instruments, physical assets, non-financial legal entities, and sustainability-linked debt (SLD). Certification requires alignment with sector-specific criteria and independent verification by Approved Verifiers. For entities and SLDs, the standard emphasizes 'Hallmarks' of a credibly transitioning company, including Paris-aligned targets, robust transition plans, and public disclosure. The framework includes strict exclusions for the parent group regarding fossil fuel expansion and high-carbon-stock land conversion.

The Climate Bonds Initiative's Hydrogen Criteria define the technical and environmental benchmarks required for hydrogen-related financial instruments to be certified as green. The framework focuses on carbon intensity thresholds, decarbonisation measures, and adaptation and resilience requirements across the hydrogen value chain, from production to storage and delivery.

The Hydropower Criteria define the mitigation and adaptation requirements for hydropower facilities—including run-of-river, impoundment, and pumped storage—to qualify for Climate Bond certification. Mitigation eligibility is based on power density or GHG emissions intensity thresholds, which vary depending on whether the facility became operational before or after 2020. Pumped storage must additionally demonstrate a link to intermittent renewables or grid decarbonisation. Adaptation and resilience are assessed via the ESG Gap Analysis Tool, with strict limits on the number and nature of 'significant gaps' allowed. Issuers must provide evidence of these metrics and publicly disclose ESG assessments and any associated Environmental and Social Action Plans.

The Climate Bonds Standard provides a framework for certifying 'green' bonds, ensuring funds are used for climate-aligned projects. It defines pre- and post-issuance requirements, a two-step eligibility process involving a taxonomy and sector-specific technical criteria, and a certification process overseen by an independent board and verified by third-party auditors.

The Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) has established the Hydropower Criteria to help investors identify hydropower projects that support the Paris Agreement. To be certified, projects must pass a two-part assessment: Mitigation Criteria, which set specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emission thresholds based on the operational date, and Adaptation & Resilience (A&R) Criteria, which use the ESG Gap Analysis Tool to ensure adherence to international best practices across 12 environmental and social dimensions. Certification requires independent verification by accredited assessors licensed by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). The criteria exclude indirect emissions from construction and the economic viability of projects, focusing instead on climate integrity and social responsibility.