BeZero Publishes Risk Ratings for 14 Microsoft-Backed Carbon Removal Projects

BeZero Carbon has published independent ex ante ratings for 14 Microsoft-backed projects, moving risk assessment to the stage before credits are issued. The projects span the United States, Argentina, India and Peru.

Long-term corporate purchasing is expanding the carbon-removal market. The rated projects include improved forest management, soil carbon, biochar and agroforestry, each with different risk profiles and delivery timelines.

Pre-issuance projects lack complete delivery and operating histories, so assessment relies on design, baselines, contracts and execution capacity. Additionality, accounting, durability and reversal risk can change over time.

BeZero says the ratings examine additionality, carbon accounting, permanence, execution risk and wider impacts. Buyers can use ratings as diligence inputs, but should retain project documents and continuing monitoring evidence.

The 14 ratings and four-country distribution come from BeZero and ESG News. The report says Microsoft contracted more than 45 million tonnes of removal in fiscal 2025, which represents contracted volume rather than delivered or retired credits.

Public ex ante ratings can improve early-project transparency and influence financing and pricing. Rating models, data updates and conflict management will also become part of market credibility.

SNN editorial analysis: A risk rating is not proof of carbon outcomes. Credible procurement connects initial assessment, contract batches, delivery, monitoring, verification and retirement in a continuously updated evidence chain.

Next checks should track rating changes, issuance, delivery and reversals for each project, together with rating methodology, data sources and buyer use of the assessments.