Internship Assignment: Voluntary Carbon Market

Do you want to use your talents for a more sustainable future? Are you interested in market research and CO2 reduction or compensation? Then this internship is perfect for you!

Stichting Nationale Koolstofmarkt (SNK) and Natuur en Milieufederatie Zuid-Holland (NMZH)

SNK issues tradable certificates for emission reductions or carbon sequestration through project measures in the Netherlands. These certificates are traded on the voluntary carbon market in the Netherlands. Project measures are carried out voluntarily, as they are not mandated by current policies. Buyers of certificates are entities that want to voluntarily contribute to climate measures in the Netherlands. SNK provides these certificates and ensures that the emission reductions are additional to policy and standard market practices and are verified by independent experts. NMZH is a partner of SNK. In addition to its own carbon sequestration projects, the NMZH director also serves on SNK’s board.

Research Questions

Two key research questions are central to this internship:

1. The European Commission is developing a European framework for carbon sequestration certificates: the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF). Stichting Nationale Koolstofmarkt (SNK) aims to become a certification scheme under this CRCF. To achieve this, SNK must comply with the CRCF principles. The question is how SNK’s Rulebook for Project Methods on CO2 Reduction aligns with the CRCF rules under development, particularly regarding baseline determination, additionality, permanence (of sequestration), and the monitoring and verification of carbon sequestration through projects.
2. The voluntary carbon certificate market in the Netherlands comprises parties that voluntarily (i.e., without regulatory or incentivizing policies) remove CO2 from the atmosphere and sequester it as carbon or avoid CO2 emissions, as well as parties that want to voluntarily invest in these climate actions by purchasing carbon certificates. Buyers often do so for reasons such as marketing or corporate social responsibility. However, the market is still relatively small. What communication actions can be undertaken to mobilize a larger group of buyers, and what conditions should be met for the supply of projects and certificates to make this possible?

What Will You Do?

During your internship, you will answer these research questions for SNK and provide advice on which actions should be taken to successfully address these issues.

• Conduct field and desk research.
• Engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders within the network.
• Deliver a recommendation report to SNK’s board.

What Do We Offer?

• A unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a socially impactful and innovative project.
• Guidance from an experienced professional.
• An internship allowance of €295 per month plus reimbursement of expenses incurred.
• The opportunity to expand your network in the sustainability sector.

What Do You Bring?

• You are an HBO or WO student in a relevant field.
• You are organized, proactive, communicative, and able to work independently.
• You have an affinity for sustainability, CO2 reduction, and compensation.
• You are proficient with digital tools.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English.

Practical Details

• Start date: Mid-February 2025
• Duration: 6 months
• Location: Natuur en Milieufederatie Zuid-Holland, Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 131E, 2593 BM, The Hague