What companies buy carbon credits?

Carbon credits have become a cornerstone of environmental conservation strategies — and some of the world’s biggest companies are driving demand. Microsoft, Apple, Nike, Amazon, Google, and Meta are just a few of the brands actively purchasing carbon credits to meet ambitious sustainability goals. These carbon offsets are not only helping the environment — they’re also shaping a new era of corporate responsibility and financial opportunity in the voluntary carbon market.

In this article, we’ll explore what companies buy carbon credits in the United States, why they do it, and how these carbon offsets are priced, traded, and certified in the growing carbon credit market.

What does buying carbon credits mean?

Buying carbon credits is a mechanism that allows companies to take responsibility for their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting projects that reduce, remove, or prevent emissions elsewhere. Each carbon credit typically represents 1 ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) that has been avoided or removed from the atmosphere by a carbon project. If you’ve ever wondered what is buying carbon credits, it refers to the process of purchasing verified emission reductions to compensate for one's carbon footprint. Carbon credits are thus bought to compensate for past and hard-to-abate emissions and reach net-zero goals. 

A visual representation of what does buying carbon credits mean.

Carbon credits can be sourced from projects such as reforestation and afforestation, energy efficiency projects, or conservation initiatives. These credits are usually verified by third-party standards and can be traded on carbon marketplaces or purchased directly from project developers. While carbon credits do not replace the need for internal emissions reductions within a company, they are a complementary approach used to compensate for emissions that are currently unavoidable and often make a larger positive environmental impact.

Discover more: What are carbon credit funds?

Why do companies buy carbon credits?

There are several strategic and operational reasons why companies buy carbon credits. First, many businesses have made public commitments to achieve net-zero emissions within a certain timeframe. Carbon credits serve as an important tool to offset emissions that cannot yet be eliminated through internal changes.

Additionally, in countries like the U.S., carbon credits may be required for compliance under regulatory frameworks like the California cap and trade program. But beyond compliance, carbon credits also provide reputational value. Investors, consumers, and regulators increasingly expect companies to demonstrate environmental leadership and report on their carbon footprints. Carbon credits help companies show progress while working on long-term emission reductions.

Buying carbon credits is often more cost-effective than retrofitting infrastructure or overhauling supply chains in the short term. As the price of carbon credits rises with growing demand, early buyers can also benefit financially by locking in lower prices.

Discover more: Why carbon credit prices will rise?

Why investors buy carbon credits

Investors are increasingly turning to carbon credits as a way to capture both financial returns and sustainability impact. The market is still in its early stages — offering first-mover advantages — yet is already growing at a rapid pace, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.4% through 2030.

The Global Carbon Credit Market forecasts are one of the main reasons why investors buy carbon credits. Source: Grand View Research.

This growth is driven by surging demand from companies, rising awareness of environmental metrics in finance, and constrained supply of high-quality credits. As a result, carbon credits are emerging as a high-growth alternative asset class.

They offer portfolio diversification, low correlation with traditional assets, and exposure to long-term global trends such as supply-chain decarbonization, ESG integration, and resource accountability.

Who pays for carbon credits?

The primary buyers of carbon credits are corporations with significant emissions profiles and global footprints. These include technology firms, retail giants, automakers, logistics providers, and even entertainment figures. In the voluntary carbon market, companies choose to buy credits not because they are required to, but because they see the environmental, reputational, and financial benefits. In fact, 42% of the Fortune Global 500 have committed to using carbon credits as part of their sustainability strategies.

A chart illustrating what companies buy carbon credits in 2024. Source: Allied Offsets Report

Let’s take a look at some of the leading companies in the U.S. buying carbon credits.

Microsoft's billion-dollar bet on a carbon-negative future

Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030 — meaning it plans to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. As part of this commitment, Microsoft has purchased a large and growing number of carbon credits, with recent deals exceeding 18 million tons in a single agreement. The company has also set up a $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund to support carbon removal technologies and nature-based solutions.

What sets Microsoft apart is its emphasis on durable, high-quality removals rather than just avoidance offsets. The company carefully evaluates each project’s long-term impact and works only with verified providers. This strategic approach is helping Microsoft lead the carbon credit market while demonstrating how companies can prioritize both environmental integrity and innovation.

Discover more: Why invest in carbon credits?

Apple's bold path to carbon neutrality across supply chains

Apple has taken a comprehensive approach to sustainability by committing to carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030. The company has already offset 2.5 million metric tons of CO₂ through investments in renewable energy, forest restoration, and blue carbon projects such as mangrove conservation.

Apple also co-founded the Restore Fund, which blends carbon removal with financial returns. By applying a business mindset to environmental investments, Apple is not just compensating for emissions — it’s reshaping how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Discover more: The future of sustainable investing solutions

Nike's sustainable transformation

Nike is using carbon credits as part of its broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 63% by 2030. The company addresses remaining emissions by purchasing certified carbon offsets from verified projects.

Nike's efforts include investments in reforestation and improved land management practices. The company is also integrating sustainability into its product lines and operations, showing how offsets can complement direct emissions reductions without compromising business performance.

Amazon's nature-based carbon strategy

Amazon has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 as part of The Climate Pledge. To support this goal, Amazon has committed $100 million to nature-based carbon removal projects. The company also launched its own carbon marketplace to encourage other businesses in its network to buy high-quality offsets.

Amazon is focusing heavily on forest preservation and reforestation initiatives, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can play a critical role in meeting corporate sustainability goals.

Discover more: Best investment opportunities in nature for 2025

Google's nature-based blueprint for biodiversity and net zero

Google has made substantial investments in nature-based carbon credits, compensating for over 5.5 million tons of CO₂ across its global operations. Its strategy focuses on projects that not only remove carbon but also enhance biodiversity.

In addition to funding reforestation, Google is also pioneering research on carbon offset verification and transparency. The company’s commitment to science-backed solutions and ecosystem co-benefits sets a strong example in the tech industry.

Meta's net-zero vision: A data-driven approach

Meta has achieved net-zero emissions for its global operations and is now working to address emissions across its value chain. Its carbon strategy includes green investments in energy efficiency, carbon-neutral data centers, and certified carbon credits.

By prioritizing data-driven decision-making and transparency, Meta is building trust in its sustainability efforts. The company’s investment in reforestation and renewable energy projects highlights its belief that technology and nature must work together to solve the environmental crises. They've engaged in multiple deals, including a significant one where Meta and Microsoft have committed to purchasing nearly 1.4 million carbon removal credits from a forestry project on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.

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Tesla’s billion-dollar revenue stream: Carbon credits

The carbon credit ecosystem is beginning to transcend traditional corporate boundaries. Some companies are no longer just buyers — they’re also sellers of carbon credits. A prime example of this shift is Tesla.

Tesla generates carbon credits thanks to its production of zero-emission vehicles, which exceed environmental regulations. Other automakers that fail to meet these emission standards can purchase Tesla’s credits to compensate for their environmental impact and avoid regulatory penalties. This dynamic allows Tesla to profit directly from the environmental benefits of its products.

Tesla’s carbon credit sales have significantly bolstered its finances, especially during slow car sales. As automakers race to meet emissions standards, Tesla’s role as a credit provider remains key — enabling reinvestment in innovation and scaling EV production to maintain its competitive edge.

How much does Tesla make selling carbon credits?

Tesla is among the few companies that generate and sell carbon credits at scale. Since 2019, it has earned over $10 billion in revenue from the sale of regulatory credits to automakers that fall short of emissions targets. In 2024 alone, Tesla generated $2.76 billion in revenue from these sales — a 54% year-over-year increase from 2023.

Tesla Annual Carbon Credit Revenue during 2024 was $2.76 Billion. Source: Carboncredits.com

Is Tesla profitable without carbon credits?

Despite recent declines in vehicle sales, Tesla has remained profitable — but its carbon credit revenue has become a critical financial buffer. These credits now play an increasingly important role in supporting the company’s bottom line.

Tesla’s case highlights how carbon credit trading is evolving from a regulatory necessity into a strategic financial asset. The carbon credit ecosystem is also beginning to transcend traditional corporate boundaries — and more recently, celebrities have started engaging with offsets as part of their public sustainability commitments.

Public figures buying carbon credits

More celebrities are turning to carbon credits to offset their emissions, especially from private flights, which form a significant part of their carbon footprint. Public figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Coldplay, and Emma Watson have supported verified offset projects — from forest conservation to clean energy — highlighting the growing role of high-profile individuals in driving awareness and demand for credible environmental action.

Annual emissions of CO₂ equivalent from celebrities private flights (tonnes). Source: Yard.

Does Taylor Swift buy carbon credits?

Yes — in response to the significant carbon footprint of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has proactively purchased verified carbon credits. In fact, reports indicate she bought twice the amount required to fully offset the tour’s emissions.

Her carbon credits support renewable energy and forest conservation projects, aligning her brand with public sustainability goals. By using her platform to address biodiversity conservation, Swift brings attention to the voluntary carbon market, helping to normalize and humanize offsetting efforts for broader audiences.

Discover more: The rise of carbon markets: A new frontier in sustainable investing

How to invest in carbon credits

Carbon credit investment is rapidly rising, with specialized funds making it easier than ever to access this high-growth market. As demand for verified carbon credits accelerates, these funds offer a unique opportunity to combine strong returns with real impact.

For accredited investors looking to invest in carbon credits as a premium asset class, VanderStyn’s Green Carbon Fund provides direct access to high-quality carbon credits while ensuring strong financial returns. 

The Green Carbon Fund secures carbon credits from early-stage investments in a diversified portfolio of nature-based projects through forward contracts at lower prices. Once the projects are verified and the project credits are issued, they are sold at market value, generating returns.

The successful case study of the Green Carbon Fund

• Cash flow payment — Structured payouts provide a steady passive income with a projected 11.25% annual cash flow return, paid quarterly over the 6-8 year investment period.
• Targeted 22.5% IRR — As corporate demand rises, carbon credit prices are set to increase, positioning investors for strong growth.
• Diversified portfolio — Investments span multiple carbon project types and global locations, reducing risk and ensuring stability.
• Exclusive access — Accredited investors can enter a market traditionally dominated by corporations and enjoy access to a fund with expert management.
• Verified, high-quality projects — The fund’s portfolio is backed by leading certification standards, ensuring integrity and long-term value.
• Sustainability with impact — Beyond financial returns, investments drive global reforestation, carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and community upliftment.

Why now is the best time to invest in carbon credits

The carbon credit market is still in its growth phase, with prices set to rise due to stricter environmental regulations, mandatory corporate sustainability reporting, rising corporate demand, and limited supply. As major companies secure large credit volumes, early investments become even more valuable before the market fully matures.

For accredited investors wondering how to invest in carbon credits and who are seeking a stable, high-growth opportunity, carbon credit funds offer unmatched potential. Investing in VanderStyn’s Green Carbon Fund provides access to premium carbon credit projects, consistent returns, and lasting impact.

You already know what companies buy carbon credits. Want to invest in a greener future? AI generated picture. 

Invest in this opportunity today — schedule a meeting with our Fund Manager to secure your stake in this booming market.