• Mirova signs framework agreements with BeZero Carbon and Sylvera to integrate independent carbon credit ratings into investment decisions.
• Move reinforces market shift toward quality, transparency, and measurable climate impact in voluntary carbon markets.
• Enhanced scrutiny and comparability could improve capital access for credible projects, especially in emerging markets.

Mirova, the sustainable investment affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, has signed framework agreements with independent carbon credit ratings providers BeZero Carbon and Sylvera, reinforcing its push to raise integrity standards across voluntary carbon markets.

The partnerships come amid intensifying scrutiny of carbon credits, as investors, regulators, and corporates demand clearer proof of emissions reductions, biodiversity benefits, and community outcomes. Mirova has invested in nature based and climate positive projects for more than a decade and says the agreements deepen its commitment to channel capital toward high-quality climate solutions.

The firm said the voluntary carbon market is shifting from a volume-driven model toward one centered on quality, transparency, and measurable impact. Projects that demonstrate additionality, deliver durable emissions reductions or removals, and generate tangible co benefits are increasingly seen as essential to maintaining market credibility.

Independent Ratings Gain Infrastructure Status

Independent ratings providers have emerged as a key component of carbon market infrastructure. BeZero Carbon and Sylvera apply science based methodologies that combine geospatial analytics, project documentation reviews, and risk modeling, while publishing ratings to improve transparency.

Their assessments help market participants evaluate project credibility and compare performance across methodologies and geographies.

Mirova stated that the agreements are designed to provide “more confidence and transparency, adding an additional external perspective on project quality and strengthening trust in the integrity of the carbon credits linked to our investments.”

The ratings will complement Mirova’s existing ESG and technical due diligence processes, which rely on both in house expertise and external specialists.

Enhancing Portfolio Quality and Investor Confidence

Mirova said the additional analytical layer aligns with its goal of strengthening the premium positioning of its climate investments while supporting global climate objectives.

The firm noted that the enhanced process will help sharpen its ability to identify credible projects, continuously refine quality standards, contribute to a more transparent and accountable market ecosystem, and reinforce the positioning of its carbon strategies across global markets.

The integration of independent ratings is expected to strengthen investor confidence at a time when concerns about credit quality and greenwashing risks continue to shape corporate climate strategies and regulatory oversight.

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Improving Capital Access for High Integrity Projects

Beyond investor transparency, independent ratings can help project developers demonstrate methodological rigor, monitoring systems, and biodiversity or community outcomes.

Stronger ratings can also accelerate investment decisions by improving comparability and clarity, particularly for innovative projects in emerging markets where access to climate finance remains constrained.

Greater transparency may enable developers to scale impact and design more resilient projects, while encouraging continuous improvement across methodologies.

What Executives and Investors Should Watch

For corporate buyers and institutional investors, the integration of independent ratings into investment processes signals growing professionalization of voluntary carbon markets. Governance expectations are rising, with buyers under pressure to demonstrate the integrity of offsets used in net zero strategies.

As regulators and standard-setters continue shaping disclosure frameworks and climate accountability rules, quality assurance mechanisms such as independent ratings are likely to play a larger role in risk management and procurement decisions.

By embedding third party assessments into its decision-making, Mirova is aligning its carbon strategies with evolving market expectations for transparency, credibility, and measurable impact.

The move reflects a broader global push to restore trust in carbon markets and ensure climate finance flows to projects that deliver verifiable environmental and social outcomes.

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