About CR-I

CR-I provides the framework for registering climate mitigation projects, approving and applying methodologies, independent validation and verification, and the issuance, tracking and retirement of Marketable Carbon Units (MCUs).

Its rules are set out in the Programme Guide, the Carbon Standard and the Validation and Verification Standard, and its decisions are overseen by a Governing Council advised by an Advisory Board.

Read the standards

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At a glance

Operating since 16 September 2021
Carbon Standard and V&V Standard version 1.1 apply from 7 March 2026
One MCU represents one verified tonne of CO2e
Projects are validated and verified by independent, empanelled VVBs

Milestones

From NCCF to CR-I

Jan 2015NCCF founded as a registered society
Sep 2017Forest Management Certification Standard
Aug 2019Trees Outside Forest Certification Standard
Dec 2020Carbon Standard
16 Sep 2021Carbon Registry India launched
24 Sep 2025Standards version 1.1 approved
7 Mar 2026Version 1.1 applies

Leadership

Who leads CR-I

Chairman

Anil Jauhri

Chairs CR-I’s Governing Council.

LinkedIn chairman.cri@nccf.in Full profile →

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Noel Bright

Leads CR-I’s strategy, business development and partnerships.

LinkedIn richard@nccf.in Full profile →

Deputy Director

Neeti Verma

Leads CR-I’s technical panel, standards and accreditation.

LinkedIn neeti@nccf.in Full profile →

Governance

Governing Council and Advisory Board

Final approval of registrations, issuances and methodologies rests with the Governing Council, advised by an Advisory Board of experts from government, industry and research.

Meet the council and board

Part of NCCF

Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests

NCCF came into existence in January 2015 as a registered society of experts, professionals and stakeholders of natural resources. It develops India-specific, globally benchmarked sustainability standards and works on policy advocacy, training and capacity building through multi-stakeholder engagement.

NCCF developed the first Indian forest certification scheme to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and manages PEFC Chain of Custody certification in India. It is also developing standards for non-wood forest products, ecotourism, quality planting material, safe composite wood, protected areas and wetlands, biomass and biofuels, and land degradation neutrality.

NCCF’s work is aligned with the Indian National Strategy for Standardization (INSS) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Visit nccf.in

International memberships

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

Member of the PEFC Alliance from India. NCCF’s forest management standard is PEFC-endorsed.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Member

Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA)

Member

UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Observer status as a civil society organisation

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Observer status as a civil society organisation