This is an archived version of our certification standards. Read the current version or explore the archive.

Wren’s three layers of climate impact blend together for maximum effect.

Wren is always looking to maximize your impact. And today, we’re taking a big step forward by reframing what it means to offset carbon, and more broadly, what it means to take climate action.

By contributing to Wren, you’re not only offsetting carbon, but also supporting vital climate change mitigation initiatives. We firmly believe that addressing the climate crisis requires a comprehensive approach that funds both quantifiable CO2e removals and reductions, and equally vital unquantifiable solutions, like climate policy. This hybrid strategy allows us to maximize the climate impact per dollar invested and actively contribute to positive, system-wide changes for a carbon-neutral world.

Put plainly, Wren is mixing several layers of impact to create a unique portfolio of climate solutions. Let’s dive in to what those layers are, and how they work together:

Three layers of climate impact

Certified offsets

Certified offsets represent a specified amount of CO2e (carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses) that has been prevented from getting into the air, or has been taken out of it. Certified offsets follow strict rules and are checked by an independent group to make sure everything is done right. In simple terms, certified offsets represent quantified carbon offsets that have already occurred. Certified offsets make up the “tonnes of CO2e offset” figure on Wren impact dashboards.

Example of a certified offset

The Refrigerant destruction project in Wren’s portfolio is an example of a Certified offset. Our project partners that destroy refrigerants use a peer-reviewed methodology that details exactly how CO2e reduction should be measured. They also hire a third-party auditor to come to the project site and double check they got all their calculations right.

Next, the project submits its documentation to a registry that verifies its work and issues the carbon credits. The corresponding carbon credits are listed on a registry so they can only be used once toward an offsetting claim.

In progress offsets

In progress offsets are activities that are currently working to lessen or take away harmful CO2e gas from the air using proven scientific methods. They don't immediately show up in the offset count for subscribers, but they will once the job is done and properly checked. This category is especially important for new technologies that take longer to see results but are key in helping to solve the climate crisis.

Example of an in progress offset

Additional contributions

Additional contributions are investments in activities like making new laws or conserving nature to help reduce harmful greenhouse gases. It's hard to measure exactly how many tonnes of CO2e were avoided or removed from these activities, but we know these activities are vital for creating the systems-change needed for a sustainable future. Even though it's tough to put numbers on these efforts, we still track them with the help of our partners and share the information on our project pages.

Example of an additional contribution

Together, these categories provide clarity and transparency for our approach, allowing Wren to fund a wide range of climate solutions to maximize impact per dollar spent. Our commitment to supporting a variety of initiatives, from policy to conservation and carbon removal technologies, enables us to create lasting change.

When Wren sends money to projects, here’s roughly how it breaks down.

How we’re putting this into practice

Now, whenever you see a “tonnes offset” number on Wren, you can click it to see the impact breakdown. Here’s an example:

Ultimately, we don’t want this system to clutter the Wren experience or confuse anyone. We’ve intentionally designed the system to work quietly behind the scenes, and still be available and transparent to anyone curious enough to look.

What does this mean for offsets purchased prior to this change?

If you've ordered offsets before our system upgrade in August 2023, rest assured, they'll remain untouched, even though our categorizations may have slightly shifted.

Enhancing the Wren portfolio naturally elevates our standards, and we're committed to continuous improvement. Expect the new benchmarks set today to be replaced by even more refined methodologies as the research evolves.

Expand the sections below to discover more.

Wren 2023+ Standard (current)

Wren 2019-2022 Standard

The start of something new

Together, the three layers of climate impact (Certified offsets, In progress offsets, and Additional contributions) bring transparency to Wren’s approach, and combine all the best layers of climate action—like the layers of a rainforest.

We think this hybrid approach is the smartest and most affordable way to take climate action. Many industry leaders agree with our approach, and we see a diverse blend of impact as the future of responsible climate mitigation. Still, there is much more work to be done and we’re grateful to have thousands of individuals and businesses behind us!