FAQ
An environmental instrument is an asset that certifies the owner’s right to a specific positive environmental effect. On the AIX platform and within the Carbon Platform framework, these include:
Carbon assets: Carbon allowances under the Emissions Trading System (ETS) or Voluntary Carbon Units (e.g., verified under Verra or Gold Standard) that confirm the reduction or absorption of one tonne of CO₂ equivalent.
Renewable energy certificates: Certificates such as I-REC that confirm electricity generation from renewable sources.
Currently, International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) are available for trading. In the near future, recognized international voluntary carbon market standards such as Gold Standard and Verra will also be added.
Voluntary carbon units are not part of the National ETS and cannot be used to meet Kazakhstan’s legal emission compliance requirements. Companies purchase them voluntarily to achieve internal carbon neutrality goals, implement ESG strategies, and improve ESG ratings.
If you are a project developer, we will help you select the optimal international standard (Verra, Gold Standard, etc.) and provide guidance on the application process for obtaining voluntary carbon credits. Once the credits are issued, we offer a marketplace for their sale on the Astana International Exchange (AIX).
If you are an investor, we will provide access to high-quality international carbon units traded on AIX.
Purchasing environmental instruments allows companies to offset emissions under Scopes 1, 2, and 3 to achieve carbon neutrality targets and reflect these offsets in ESG reporting. It also strengthens ESG ratings and corporate image. Additionally, funds from these purchases support local environmental projects such as land restoration, reforestation, renewable energy development, and others, while also creating new jobs.
To begin trading, any interested individual or legal entity must sign an agreement with a licensed AIX broker. Further steps to buy or sell certificates are carried out according to standard exchange procedures in cooperation with the broker.
AIX does not set a minimum trading volume for environmental instruments. However, the actual minimum volume you can trade may depend on your agreement with a licensed AIX broker, which may include minimum transaction size, margin requirements, or commission fees.
The commission and fee structure applicable to transactions should be requested directly from licensed AIX brokers, as their pricing policies may vary.
Trading is conducted on AIX, a regulated marketplace that ensures full transparency through public display of current market prices and the complete history of executed trades.
International trading of various types of environmental instruments is fully allowed, except for allowances issued under Kazakhstan’s National ETS.
CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a system created by ICAO to help airlines offset emissions from international flights. Only carbon credits from ICAO-approved programs (such as Verra, Gold Standard, CAR, and Global Carbon Council) and specific issuance years can be used. To obtain CORSIA labeling, participants must also meet ICAO’s additional requirements beyond the standard Verra and Gold Standard procedures.
AIX offers a reliable trading infrastructure that meets international standards. It ensures full market transparency and price discovery, as well as settlement of certificates and funds within three days. This builds trust among international investors and corporations, which is crucial for carbon market liquidity.
Carbon units (credits and allowances) are used to offset direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 3) CO₂ emissions, while I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificates) are used exclusively to claim the use of renewable electricity (Scope 2).
For beginners, we recommend forming an environmental instruments portfolio in close cooperation with your licensed AIX broker, who will help define a strategy aligned with your goals and risk appetite. A good starting point is purchasing I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificates).