# Voluntary Carbon Markets

**What are voluntary carbon markets?**

Markets for carbon are voluntary or mandatory. The fundamental distinction is that the voluntary market is uncontrolled. Internationally recognized standards, such as the Gold Standard, exist to monitor and verify the quality and validity of carbon credits exchanged on the voluntary market.

<figure><img src="/files/2UCWgNySEB6WVCIvYFWQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Voluntary Carbon Market</p></figcaption></figure>

Currently, compliance methods are directed at the most "energy-intensive" polluters (at a company level). These include power plants, oil refineries, iron and steel production and processing enterprises, cement, glass, and ceramics manufacturers, and the paper and pulp industry.

Businesses (usually blue-chip enterprises), government departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and single individuals that wish to be accountable for their carbon footprint and drive the transition to a low-carbon future use the voluntary market.


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