In 2025, UPM solidified its position as a global leader in high-quality carbon finance and sustainable development consulting. Our achievements span from the recognition of our flagship projects to the expansion of our global service footprint and active participation in pivotal international forums.

Sichuan PoA Receives Top-Tier Global Recognition

UPM was proud to announce that the Sichuan Rural Poor-Household Biogas Development Programme (GS1239) has been awarded a Tier 1 GHG rating (AAA-D scale) and a 4+ SDG rating (1+-5+ scale) by the independent ratings provider Calyx Global. This prestigious evaluation places the programme among the top 10% of all projects rated by Calyx and cements its status as a world-leading household biogas initiative.

This recognition coincides with the programme’s twelfth successful issuance of Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) for vintage 2023, adding 408,000 premium-quality credits to the voluntary carbon market. Over its lifetime, this groundbreaking Programme of Activities (PoA) has supplied over 7.6 million Gold Standard credits, establishing itself as one of the market’s most reliable and impactful suppliers. The PoA is scheduled for its thirteenth and final combined issuance in January 2026, marking the end of its successful crediting period.

Expanding Global Consulting Expertise

Our consulting team extended its impactful work across new regions and sectors in 2025. Key engagements included securing a Framework Agreement with GGGI for Article 6 mitigation activity preparation, delivering specialized training in West Africa, successfully supporting the registration of a second Pakistan wind power plant under the GCC carbon standard and providing ongoing technical due diligence for major institutions like the GIZ and IDCOL in Bangladesh. Our work continues to support methane reduction strategies, renewable energy implementation, and innovative waste management solutions worldwide.

Shaping the Future at International Events

UPM actively contributed to the global dialogue on climate and water in 2025. We hosted a strategic workshop on carbon finance at the IWA Water and Development Congress in Bangkok and participated in leading conferences including the Global WOPs Congress in Bonn, the Sustainable Development Future Forum in Berlin, and World Water Week, sharing expertise and forging partnerships for resilient and equitable solutions.

Looking Ahead: Accelerating New Carbon Project Development in 2026

Building on this momentum, UPM’s strategic focus for the coming year is firmly set on the accelerated development of new high-integrity carbon projects. We are actively exploring and initiating new Programme of Activities (PoAs) and standalone projects in the domains of household biogas, clean water access, and other community-based interventions. Our goal is to replicate the success of our Sichuan PoA by developing a robust pipeline of projects that deliver verifiable climate action and sustainable development benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities. This includes deepening our work on Article 6 readiness and expanding into new geographic markets to meet the growing global demand for premium carbon credits.

"We are incredibly proud of what our team and projects accomplished in 2025," said Martin Dilger, the managing director of UPM. "The top-tier rating for our Sichuan Biogas PoA is a testament to the quality and integrity we uphold. As we look forward, we are channelling this expertise into developing the next generation of carbon projects. Our commitment is to continue delivering tangible environmental and social impact while providing our clients with the highest-quality instruments to meet their climate and sustainability goals."