Watershed's Bold Move: A 1-Megaton Carbon Removal Initiative

Watershed, a leader in corporate climate action, has announced a groundbreaking request for proposals (RFP) to acquire 1 megaton of carbon removal credits. This ambitious move aims to bolster its decarbonization efforts for a diverse clientele, including industry giants like Airbnb, FedEx, General Motors, Visa, and Walmart. With this initiative, Watershed is not only securing high-impact carbon removal solutions but also driving meaningful change in corporate sustainability.

A Diverse Clientele Driving Change

Watershed's extensive client base spans over 500 companies across various sectors and regions. Notably, it serves four of the top six U.S. banks and six of the top ten private equity firms, underscoring the pressing need for a broad range of carbon removal solutions.

This RFP is designed to ensure that organizations of all sizes can access high-quality, long-term carbon removal projects. Many companies struggle with securing viable decarbonization options, especially those traditionally reserved for the largest buyers. Watershed aims to bridge that gap, offering scalable solutions for businesses looking to make a real impact.

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Expanding Carbon Removal Strategies

Traditionally, Watershed has provided its clients with a curated selection of permanent, nature-based carbon removal projects, alongside clean energy and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) options. Some of its past collaborations include an innovative partnership with Frontier, pioneering virtual power purchase agreements, and purchasing sustainable aviation fuel certificates.

With this RFP, Watershed is looking to expand beyond its existing offerings. The goal is to source both nature-based and engineered carbon removal methods, increasing the variety of projects available to customers. This expansion ensures that businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint can select solutions that best align with their operational and environmental goals.

According to Watershed, the need for both engineered and nature-based solutions is critical. While engineered solutions like direct air capture (DAC) offer long-term carbon storage, nature-based methods like reforestation and soil carbon sequestration provide immediate climate benefits. By combining these approaches, Watershed is creating a well-rounded, high-impact portfolio for corporate buyers.

Benefits for Carbon Removal Suppliers

Suppliers that participate in this RFP will gain several key advantages:

1. Streamlined Access to Buyers

The Watershed Marketplace connects suppliers with an aggregated buyer group, simplifying the sales and contracting process. Instead of negotiating individual contracts with multiple companies, suppliers can work directly with Watershed to reach a wider audience efficiently.

2. Long-Term Partnerships with Leading Companies

Watershed’s rapidly growing customer base means that selected suppliers will have opportunities to establish enduring relationships with leading corporations committed to decarbonization. This provides suppliers with consistent demand and predictable revenue streams.

3. Priority for Future Contracts

Suppliers selected through this RFP will be first in line for future purchase cycles, including multi-year contracts. As more companies commit to long-term climate goals, securing these contracts can provide valuable stability and growth opportunities for carbon removal providers.

Advantages for Watershed's Clients

Companies that participate in Watershed’s carbon removal portfolio will also benefit in multiple ways:

1. Access to High-Quality Carbon Removal Projects

Many of the best carbon removal projects are typically only available to the largest buyers due to high demand. Through Watershed, companies of all sizes can gain access to these top-tier initiatives without having to navigate complex procurement processes on their own.

2. Cost Efficiency and Collective Buying Power

By aggregating demand, Watershed enables its customers to lower costs through bulk purchasing. This also helps streamline contract negotiations, reducing the time and effort required to finalize agreements.

3. Secure Supply in a Competitive Market

Carbon removal supply is limited, and demand is increasing as more companies commit to net-zero goals. Participating in Watershed’s marketplace ensures that businesses have reliable access to verified projects, preventing delays in their sustainability plans.

According to Watershed, many companies struggle with securing sufficient carbon removal credits due to market constraints. This initiative is designed to address that challenge head-on by guaranteeing a consistent and high-quality supply for its clients.

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Application Process and Deadline

Interested carbon removal suppliers must submit their applications by March 31, 2025. Suppliers are encouraged to review Watershed’s supplier FAQs and application guidelines to ensure eligibility. The selection process will prioritize high-quality, scientifically backed, and scalable carbon removal solutions.

As part of the evaluation, Watershed will assess each supplier’s ability to deliver long-term carbon removal benefits. This means that projects must demonstrate verifiable impact, transparent reporting, and strong environmental integrity. Suppliers with innovative approaches and proven track records will have the best chance of being selected.

Watershed’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation

One of the key advantages of Watershed’s Marketplace is its rigorous vetting process. Unlike open marketplaces where buyers must sift through various unverified projects, Watershed carefully curates its list of carbon removal suppliers.

Each supplier must meet strict environmental and scientific criteria, ensuring that only the most effective projects are available for purchase. This approach protects buyers from low-quality offsets while guaranteeing real, measurable climate impact.

Additionally, Watershed’s expert advisory team works closely with its customers to help them build customized carbon removal portfolios. By leveraging data and scientific analysis, Watershed ensures that its clients make strategic, impactful sustainability decisions.

A Pioneering Step for Corporate Sustainability

Watershed’s 1-megaton carbon removal RFP represents a major step forward in corporate sustainability efforts. By bringing together high-quality suppliers and committed buyers, the company is setting a new standard for scalable, impactful climate solutions.

As more businesses commit to net-zero goals, initiatives like this will be crucial for driving real, measurable change. With a strong focus on innovation, transparency, and collaboration, Watershed continues to lead the way in corporate climate action - proving that businesses can play a pivotal role in fighting climate change at scale.