NaturePlus® Standard.
NaturePlus®: A scientifically robust biodiversity credit program that values real, measurable results for nature.
Introducing the NaturePlus® Standard to Accounting for Nature.
Leading the way in biodiversity and environmental markets.
Accounting for Nature is proud to announce the upcoming addition of the NaturePlus® Standard to our growing suite of environmental products and services. This strategic move underscores our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standards of scientific integrity, transparency, and independence in environmental accreditation and certification.
While the announcement has been made now, the full integration of the NaturePlus® Standard into our framework will occur in 2025, with the exact date to be confirmed. As we move forward with this integration, we will enhance our ability to offer comprehensive Environmental Accounts that address broader biodiversity market application.
This addition comes at a time when nature-positive investments are gaining momentum globally, and the demand for robust, transparent environmental reporting is higher than ever.
Why NaturePlus®?
The NaturePlus® Standard offers a ready-to-use credit issuance framework for nature and biodiversity project developers. This allows Account Holders to access environmental markets without the need to develop their own issuance standards, ensuring fast and reliable access to nature credits. Designed to meet the rigorous governance and integrity requirements of Accounting for Nature, NaturePlus® guarantees:
Independence – Free from external influence in both standard setting and credit issuance.
Scientific rigour – Backed by the highest levels of scientific expertise and accountability.
Transparency – Adherence to independent auditing, public reporting, and a secure digital registry.
A commitment to governance and integrity.
Accounting for Nature will establish an Independent Standards & Integrity Committee to ensure that NaturePlus® adheres to the same high standards that guide all of our certifications. This committee will work in tandem with our existing Independent Science Committee to maintain best practices across environmental markets. Key features of NaturePlus® governance include:
Transparency in credit issuance, including through our new digital nature & biodiversity credit registry
Independent assurance requirements
Clear separation of responsibilities in standard setting and issuance
To participate, project developers must first hold an Accounting for Nature® Certified Environmental Account that demonstrates an improvement in nature’s condition. This approach ensures that any uplift in biodiversity is verifiable and can be translated into NaturePlus® credits.
Accounting for Nature will continue to support other third-party standards to issue nature and biodiversity credits under their own brands, where they meet the Accounting for Nature® Rules for the Issuance if Nature & Biodiversity Credits (in development).
Supporting the evolution of the NaturePlus™ Standard.
In 2022, NaturePlus® was piloted by GreenCollar in a two-year initiative that resulted in further refinement of the standard. Accounting for Nature is building on this foundation to evolve the standard to meet the dynamic needs of biodiversity markets globally.
We are also exploring the outsourcing of the administration of NaturePlus® credit issuance to a third party, to strengthen the separation between science, standards management, and credit issuance. This will enhance the independence and trust in the NaturePlus™ Standard.
As we transition NaturePlus® Standard from GreenCollar to Accounting for Nature, we will release an Expression of Interest to assist with the review and refinement of the Natureplus™ Standard, through the Standards & Integrity Committee. All responses will remain strictly confidential to ensure the privacy of your input.
Why this matters?
NaturePlus® offers a transparent and accountable pathway for landholders, investors, and project developers seeking to participate in nature-positive investments. Whether your goal is to restore biodiversity, manage ecosystems sustainably, or invest in environmental outcomes, the NaturePlus® Standard provides a trusted, science-backed solution.
A key element of the transition of the standard is the role of the Independent Administrator, which is vital to ensuring the integrity and success of the NaturePlus® Standard as it moves under the management of Accounting for Nature. As the Independent Administrator, Accounting for Nature will oversee the rigorous certification and verification processes, maintaining transparency, scientific rigor, and impartiality, ensuring stakeholders can trust the certification process.
This independent oversight is essential as global demand for nature-positive investments grows, ensuring NaturePlus® continues to meet high standards of transparency and accountability.
What’s next?
As part of our integration plan, Accounting for Nature is rolling out pilot programs for NaturePlus® to test its global applicability. We are actively seeking input from landholders, conservationists, and market participants to shape the next phase of this standard.
Key milestones in the evolution of NaturePlus®:
Expansion of pilot testing to new geographies, environmental assets and ecosystems.
Continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure the standard meets global biodiversity and market needs.
Development of rules to enhance transparency and separation of responsibilities in environmental markets.
Introduction of a digital platform to support timely due diligence, risk assessments and management interventions for projects anywhere in the world.
Stay Informed
To learn more about how the NaturePlus® Standard can support your biodiversity projects, contact us or follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Learn more read the announcement media release.