As climate ambitions grow bolder, companies are beginning to look beyond their own operations. The focus is shifting from only cutting internal emissions to playing a broader role in achieving global climate objectives. This evolution in thinking is where Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) becomes increasingly important.
BVCM refers to climate action that goes beyond a company’s direct operations and value chain. It includes financing high-quality carbon credits, supporting nature-based solutions, or investing in emerging climate technologies – actions that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere.
At Atmoz Restore, we help businesses take meaningful steps beyond their own footprint. Here’s what BVCM is, why it matters, and how to get started.
What is beyond value chain mitigation?
The term comes from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which encourages companies to support global climate action even as they work to reduce their own emissions.
While reducing emissions within your operations and supply chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3) should always come first, BVCM is about going further – making a measurable contribution to the world’s net zero journey.
Typical BVCM activities include:
- Purchasing verified carbon credits
- Investing in reforestation, peatland restoration, or ocean carbon removal
- Supporting low-carbon technologies or clean energy projects in underserved regions
These activities don’t “offset” your footprint in the strictest sense. Instead, they’re a way to take responsibility for your current impact and accelerate climate progress globally.
Why is BVCM important?
- We need to halve emissions by 2030. Even the most ambitious decarbonisation pathways leave a gap. BVCM helps fill that gap by unlocking finance for high-impact mitigation outside your value chain.
- It builds climate credibility. Acting beyond your footprint shows stakeholders – from investors to customers – that you take your climate commitments seriously.
- It drives innovation and equity. Many BVCM investments support developing regions, biodiversity protection, or emerging technologies that need early-stage funding.
- It prepares you for the future. Voluntary contributions today can inform and align with tomorrow’s regulations, supply chain demands, or investor expectations.
What makes a good BVCM strategy?
Not all BVCM is created equal. The most effective strategies are:
- Additional. Your investment should support emissions reductions or removals that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
- High quality. Choose credits or projects that are verified, transparent, and science-aligned.
- Aligned with your climate plan. BVCM should complement your own emissions reductions, not distract from them.
- Transparent. Communicate openly about your actions, spend, and outcomes – including any limitations.
At Atmoz Restore, we only work with trusted partners and Gold Standard-certified projects. Whether you want to support biodiversity, invest in carbon removal, or build a portfolio aligned with science-based targets, we’ll help you navigate the options.
Ready to act beyond your value chain?
BVCM has become a crucial part of credible climate leadership. Whether you’re aiming for net zero or looking to build a climate-positive brand, acting beyond your value chain is one of the most powerful ways to contribute today.
