The climate protection projects supported by GLS Germany are certified according to international standards, such as the Gold Standard (GS), which was developed by the WWF and other environmental organizations. As an international standard for certifying climate protection projects, the GS is characterized not only by its consideration of greenhouse gas emissions but also by its focus on additional positive side effects. Projects certified under the GS thus also make a positive contribution to regional development and environmental protection.

The climate protection projects in which GLS Germany participates in collaboration with ClimatePartner investments differ based on the type of underlying verified emission reductions—known as Verified Emission Reductions (VERs). VERs for emission avoidance (so-called “avoidance carbon credits”) come from projects that prevent potential greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

For example, projects that utilize renewable energy sources—such as wind and solar power—to replace fossil fuel-based power sources help prevent future greenhouse gas emissions. VERs for emissions removal (so-called “removal carbon credits”) come from projects that remove greenhouse gases already emitted into the atmosphere and store them over a long period of time. For example, afforestation and reforestation projects remove greenhouse gases by absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis and storing it in trees.