CLG Europe: 10 Business Principles for High-Integrity Nature-Based GHG removals

19 November 2025 - CLG Europe has released a new set of Business Principles for Nature-Based GHG removals, providing a clear blueprint for credible, responsible and science-aligned corporate investment in nature-based solutions.

As nature loss and climate impacts accelerate, businesses are increasingly expected not only to reduce emissions but also to contribute to restoring the ecosystems that underpin our economies. These principles aim to guide companies in delivering real, measurable and trustworthy results.

Read the principles here

Europe is entering a decisive decade. Climate change and biodiversity collapse are interconnected crises that demand integrated solutions. Many companies are turning to nature-based greenhouse gas removals to complement their mitigation strategies, but the real-world value of these solutions depends on strong safeguards, transparency, and alignment with science and local communities.

CLG Europe’s 10 Business Principles for Nature-Based GHG Removals set out what responsible corporate action should look like when delivered with high-integrity. They provide clarity at a time when businesses, investors and policymakers are navigating complex and evolving standards. By following these principles, companies can strengthen trust, improve the quality of nature-based investments, and support Europe’s ambition to build a climate-neutral, nature-positive and resilient economy.

The 10 Business Principles for Nature-Based GHG Removals: Driving Integrity, Impact and Long-Term Value

• Additionality to mitigation first
  Deep emissions reductions must remain the priority. Nature-based removals can add climate value, but never replace or delay mitigation.
• Biodiversity-positive outcomes
  Only solutions that deliver real benefits for both climate and biodiversity should be considered.
• Alignment with science
  Actions must be grounded in the best available science to ensure measurable, lasting and safe outcomes.
• Lasting and resilient
  Removals must be designed to withstand ecological uncertainty through diverse species, adaptive management and local expertise.
• Monitoring and transparent disclosure
  Regular measurement and open reporting are essential to build credibility and enable improvement across the sector.
• Inclusion of local communities
  Engagement from design to implementation should ensure solutions are socially fair, culturally appropriate and more durable.
• Clear accountability and liability
  Defined roles, responsibilities and transparency throughout the value chain ensure appropriate action if projects underperform or cause harm.
• Alignment with EU legislation
  Investments must respect and build upon Europe’s existing regulatory framework, including the Carbon Removal Certification Framework and the Nature Restoration Law.
• Disclosure of long-term value and risk mitigation
  Companies should communicate long-term climate, biodiversity and financial benefits, as well as strategies to manage risks.
• Financial viability of investments
  Durable, high-quality nature-based removals require business models that attract private finance and efficiently leverage public funds.