You can download a DRM-free copy of this standard here.

What is BSI Flex 703 about?

Carbon removals and greenhouse gas reductions are key environmental benefits that can be financed through nature markets. A consistent, rigorous approach to supplying credits is essential to support the growth of high-integrity UK nature-based carbon markets.

The nature-based carbon standard, BSI Flex 703 v1.0, which has been released for public consultation, specifies requirements to support real, measurable, lasting and verifiable outcomes.

The standard is currently open for comment and your feedback will help inform development of the next version.

What does the standard cover?

The nature-based carbon standard expands on the overarching principles standard, BSI Flex 701, including for governance, quantification, additionality, lasting benefits, social risks, and trading processes.

BSI Flex 703 v1.0 is intended to:

• Drive increased supply of high-integrity projects and carbon credits.
• Provide consistency across all habitats and land use types.
• Build on international good practice with UK context.

Who is it for?

This BSI Flex is valuable for carbon market participants, including:

• suppliers of nature-based projects (or credits);
• nature-based carbon crediting programmes, including codes, standards and schemes that facilitate the generation of carbon credits; and
• registries, trading platforms and other market intermediaries.

It may also be useful for buyers of nature-based credits and investors in projects, NGOs, verification and validation bodies and other stakeholders.

Download a free copy of the standard here.

This standard is part of the Nature Investment Standards Programme, funded by Defra, and developed by BSI working together with the devolved administrations and industry. You can get further insights, and get involved in related discussions, through the Nature Investment Standards (NIS) Hub.