FrequentlyAskedQuestions

ECM (Environmental Commodities Marketplace) is a leading platform for trading carbon credits and other environmental commodities. It connects buyers and sellers globally, providing transparent pricing, secure transactions, and comprehensive market data. The platform supports both spot trading and forward contracts across multiple carbon standards.

Creating an account is simple. Click the 'Sign Up' button on our homepage, provide your business information, and complete the verification process. For ECM Plus accounts, additional documentation may be required. The entire process typically takes 24-48 hours.

ECM offers two account types: ECM Essential (free) provides access to spot and forward trading, project listings, and basic features. ECM Plus ($1,500/year) includes multiple user accounts, lower transaction fees, pricing data access, third-party ratings, custodial services, and portfolio management tools.

ECM supports trading across all major carbon standards including Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard, Climate Action Reserve (CAR), American Carbon Registry (ACR), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and more. We also support renewable energy certificates and other environmental commodities.

Forward contracts allow you to lock in future prices and secure carbon credit supply. You can enter agreements for delivery at specified future dates, helping manage price risk and supporting project development. Our platform facilitates contract negotiation, documentation, and settlement.

Transaction fees vary based on your account type and transaction volume. ECM Essential users pay standard fees, while ECM Plus members enjoy reduced rates. Fees are transparently displayed before confirming any transaction. Large volume traders may qualify for custom pricing.

For spot transactions, settlement typically occurs within 2-3 business days. Forward contracts settle according to the agreed delivery date. Our platform provides real-time tracking of transaction status and automated notifications at each stage.

All projects listed on ECM undergo rigorous verification. We work with accredited third-party verifiers and use AI-powered analysis to ensure credit authenticity. Each credit's verification status, vintage, and project details are transparently displayed.

Each project listing includes comprehensive details: project type, location, methodology, verification standard, vintage year, available volume, third-party ratings, SDG contributions, and detailed project documentation. Premium accounts access additional analytics and risk assessments.

Yes, ECM facilitates credit retirement across all supported registries. You can retire credits directly through our platform, and we provide official retirement certificates and documentation for your records and reporting needs.

ECM employs bank-grade security including 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and SOC 2 Type II certification. All transactions are secured through smart contracts, and we maintain comprehensive audit trails. Your data and assets are protected by industry-leading security measures.

ECM Plus accounts support multiple users with customizable role-based permissions. You can add team members, assign specific access rights, and track all user activities. This feature is ideal for organizations managing carbon portfolios collaboratively.

Upgrading is easy. Log into your account, navigate to Settings > Subscription, and click 'Upgrade to Plus'. You can pay annually via credit card, bank transfer, or invoice. Benefits activate immediately upon payment confirmation.