Carbon Without Borders: Certifying the Emissions Cities Don’t See

Urban areas are responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with Scope 3 emissions– those embedded in the goods and services consumed in cities — often accounting for the largest share. Despite their importance, Scope 3 emissions are still under-accounted for due to their complexity and lack of direct accountability. This paper explores the potential of carbon certification schemes to incentivize technological solutions to reduce these indirect emissions. Examples from Switzerland and Singapore are used to show how innovative design, energy-efficient construction and retrofit initiatives can achieve significant emission reductions. It argues that robust certification mechanisms, particularly those consistent with Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, could open up new ways of recognizing and rewarding low-carbon technologies. The paper also contrasts nature-based and technology-based carbon removal strategies and highlights the challenges of permanence, verification and scalability. Ultimately, it argues for the development of transparent, technology-based certification schemes that can validate and promote technological innovation to accelerate progress toward global climate goals.