After successful completion of the Gold Standard’s performance review, UPM’s Sichuan Rural Poor‑Household Biogas Development Programme in China (CDM PoA 2898, GS 1239) has obtained its 13^th and final issuance of Gold Standard VERs covering vintages 2024 and 2025.

After deduction of the applicable share of proceeds to support Gold Standard operations, 139,230 premium-quality GS VERs covering vintages 2024 and 2025 are available for sale to help clients around the globe achieve their climate action and CSR objectives.

With thirteen issuances since the programme began, totalling almost 8 million GS CERs and GS VERs, this PoA ranks among the largest and most reliable suppliers of Gold Standard carbon credits for the voluntary carbon market. The PoA now has reached the end of its crediting period. No more new carbon credits will be issued by this groundbreaking emissions avoidance programme.

Key Achievements of the Programme

• Top-tier independent ratings: In 2025, the programme was awarded a Tier 1 GHG rating (AAA‑D scale) and a 4+ SDG rating (1+‑5+ scale) by Calyx Global, placing it in the top 10% of all rated projects worldwide.
• Massive scale & longevity: Nearly 400,000 poor rural households in Sichuan have benefited since 2012, making it one of the first and longest-running Gold Standard Programmes of Activities (PoA).
• Significant climate impact: Annual GHG emissions reduction reaches ~725,000 tCO2e at full scale.
• Verified SDG contributions: Beyond carbon, the programme delivers exceptional sustainable development benefits, including improved indoor air quality, reduced deforestation, and time savings for women and children. The PoA’s impact on SDGs 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 13 has been monitored, verified and certified under GS4GG on an annual basis.

Martin Dilger, Managing Director of UPM Germany, said: “This final issuance marks both a proud milestone and a bittersweet moment for us. The Sichuan Household Biogas Programme has not only avoided nearly 8 million tonnes of CO2e but has tangibly improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable farming families. It sets a benchmark for what high-integrity, community-focused climate action should look like. While this chapter closes, UPM remains fully committed to developing new household biogas, clean water, and community-based projects that continue protecting the climate and supporting those who need it most.”

Looking ahead

Meanwhile, UPM explores new project opportunities for landfill gas, household biogas, clean water and other community-based project types worldwide to continue protecting the climate, promoting sustainable development and supporting the most needy and vulnerable people on the planet.

Learn more about the PoA and how to support it by visiting its website here.

Your contacts at UPM for the Sichuan Household Biogas PoA and for purchasing its GS VERs are:

Martin Dilger, Managing Director, UPM Germany
mdilger(at)upm-climate.eu, T: +49 89 1222197 – 50

and

Gaiai Guo, Vice General Manager, UPM China
guog(at)upm-climate.eu, T: +86 10 6468 0500