Learning and Feasibility Study Carbon Credits for WASH Intervention

The primary goal of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions is to improve public health. Moreover, these interventions offer a promising avenue for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By quantifying and certifying emission reductions, WASH projects can unlock new revenue streams. This additional funding can significantly support the implementation, operation, and maintenance of WASH initiatives. This paper delves into the potential for generating revenue through carbon credits in the WASH sector. Drawing from the experiences of Millennium Water Alliance (MWA) members and partners in Ethiopia, it highlights specific project activities that demonstrate this potential (see Table 1). Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of WASH interventions capable of reducing emissions (see Table 4). Our aim is to demystify the technicalities of carbon credits for WASH projects and offer practical guidance for project implementers considering carbon certification. Integrating climate change considerations into WASH interventions is paramount. The goal is twofold: to ensure resilience to climate change and to minimize the sector’s carbon footprint. While carbon credits offer a mechanism to generate extra funds, they are not the sole method to highlight a project’s environmental benefits. The contribution to reducing emissions stands as a significant action against climate change, irrespective of certification and monetization.

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