Grievance Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1. SCR (hereinafter referred to as "SCR" or the "Registry") is a standard and registry for carbon credits. Our mission is to ensure that carbon removal and offsetting projects are conducted responsibly, transparently, and with integrity.

1.2. This document ("Policy") sets out the procedure for timely and effective resolution of grievances relating to SCR’s operations, including its role as a standard and registry.

1.3. The term “grievance” refers to a complaint, dispute, challenge, conflict, or any similar expression of dissatisfaction regarding SCR’s procedures, governance, or functioning as a carbon credit registry.

1.4. The grievance procedure applies to two key areas:

1.4.1. Eligibility and Crediting, including but not limited to:

• Project eligibility under SCR standards and protocols

• Internal evaluation, verification, and quantification processes

• Approval of verification bodies and execution of verification processes

• Public disclosure, documentation, and data privacy

1.4.2. Registry Services, including but not limited to:

• Issuance, transfer, retirement, and other credit lifecycle transactions

• Registration and deregistration of account holders (projects and buyers)

• Fees, payments, and contractual obligations

1.5. Assessment Criteria:

• Eligibility and Crediting: Grievances are assessed based on whether SCR acted in accordance with its published standards, protocols, and policies.

• Registry Services: Grievances are assessed based on whether SCR acted in accordance with contractual obligations between SCR and the complaining party.

1.6. This policy does not apply to grievances related to individual carbon removal project performance; these are addressed through the SCR Standard Stakeholder Input Process.

1.7. SCR reserves the right to determine how grievances are addressed. Grievances may be submitted anonymously. While SCR will consider anonymous submissions, responses may not be possible. SCR commits to maintaining confidentiality of the complainant’s identity and submission details, subject to legal requirements.

1.8. SCR reserves the right to file grievances against verification bodies, marketplaces, or other related parties where necessary.

2. Procedure

2.1. Grievances must be submitted in writing via email to legal@scregistry.io, including:

• Contact Details: Name, organization, email address

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Any relationships that could affect the grievance

• Description of the Complaint: Nature, timeframe, perceived impact, and reference to relevant SCR standards, protocols, or procedures

• Supporting Evidence

• Confirmations:

1. Accuracy and Disclosure Confirmation

“I hereby confirm that I, on behalf of [Organization/Individual Name], represent and warrant to SCR that all information provided in this grievance submission is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I have not knowingly provided, and will not provide, any false, misleading, or fraudulent statements or information. I also attest that I have disclosed all actual or potential conflicts of interest regarding any party involved in this grievance.”

2. Acknowledgment of Submission and Processing

“I hereby confirm that I acknowledge this grievance submission is complete, and I understand that SCR will process the grievance based on the information provided, including supporting documentation. I understand that SCR may, at its discretion, request additional information or clarification to assess and resolve the grievance, and that the process and timelines will be governed by the SCR Grievance Policy.”

2.2. SCR will conduct an initial review within 30 days to determine eligibility of the grievance. External experts may be involved if required.

2.3. Following initial review:

• Notification: Complainant will be informed if the grievance is eligible or if further evidence is required

• Ineligible Grievances: SCR will provide an explanation and guidance on proper Submission

2.4. SCR may attempt informal resolution through discussion or mediation unless deemedUnnecessary.

2.5. If unresolved, a formal investigation will be conducted within 90 days of the initial review. Timelines may be extended if required, with notification to the complainant.

2.6. Decision Communication: SCR will provide the results of the investigation in writing. Complainants may appeal decisions.

2.7. Appeals: Must be submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving the decision and pertain only to the original grievance. SCR may appoint an independent representative (e.g., law firm or expert) to review the appeal.

2.8. Appeal Conditions: Appeals must reference the findings contested and provide rationale. SCR may dismiss appeals if these conditions are not met.

2.9. Costs: Expenses for independent review are generally borne by the complainant. Exceptions may be made for cases where financial barriers exist (e.g., indigenous or local communities). Estimated costs will be communicated in advance.

2.10. Non-responsive complainants for more than 15 days during review may result in closure of the grievance.

2.11. Decision Details: Written decisions will include:

• Summary of the investigation

• Reasoning behind the decision

• Required corrective actions or follow-ups

2.12. All decisions, including those following an appeal, will be published on the SCR website to ensure transparency.

3. Confidentiality and Protection

• SCR ensures confidentiality of all grievance submissions, subject to legal or regulatory obligations.

• Retaliation against any individual submitting a grievance in good faith is strictly Prohibited.

4. Commitment

SCR is committed to:

• Providing a safe, transparent, and fair grievance mechanism

• Ensuring timely resolution and accountability

• Upholding trust and credibility in the carbon credit market