Innovative purchase leverages IFM credits from at-risk U.S. forests to support local clean energy projects and community impact 

NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 -- Chestnut Carbon ("Chestnut"), a leading developer of nature-based carbon removal solutions, announced today that it has sold Improved Forest Management (IFM) credits to Sol Systems, a leading U.S. clean energy firm. 

Chestnut’s carbon removal credits are certified through Verra on the voluntary carbon market (VCM) and reflect Chestnut's commitment to quality and integrity. Their conservative methodology ensures removals that are highly additional and more durable than most IFM projects currently on the market. 

Sol Systems is a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities. The company identifies and selects project sites to maximize environmental and social benefits, incorporates habitat restoration on and around projects, and invests in initiatives that extend long-term value to the surrounding communities through responsible energy development, construction, and operations.  

In addition to sequestering carbon, the long-term conservation of U.S. forestlands brings many similar co-benefits to the project areas, making the companies ideal partners. The credits purchased from Chestnut will offset a portion of Sol Systems’ corporate footprint, as well as emissions tied to construction of their Prairie Creek solar project in Illinois.   

Chestnut’s IFM membership program, called Forest Carbon Works, sources exclusively from privately-owned, at-risk U.S. forests and currently includes landowners in 36 states with more than 160,000 acres enrolled. The pure carbon removal credits are backed by expert foresters, carbon scientists, and land managers committed to the long-term durability and success of natural ecosystems and local communities. Chestnut measures these outcomes against the standards set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the planet. 

“We're thrilled to work with Sol Systems to ensure the carbon neutrality of these important U.S.-based clean energy projects. We have a mutual dedication to being good stewards of the land and good neighbors to the communities we operate in. "said Shannon Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of Chestnut Carbon. 

“At Sol Systems, we prioritize community engagement in every stage of a project’s life cycle, which is why we chose to purchase carbon removal credits from Chestnut. The proximity of their IFM forestland to our Midwest solar projects ensures the carbon removal is truly local, with co-benefits that directly support the surrounding communities” said Juliana Isaac, Director of Sustainability and Ecosystem Impact of Sol Systems. 

About Chestnut Carbon 

Chestnut Carbon ("Chestnut") is a leading developer of nature-based carbon removal credits. Founded in 2022 with the support of energy-focused alternative asset manager Kimmeridge, Chestnut generates U.S.-based, high-quality forest carbon offsets that are additional and verifiable to accelerate the path to net zero across a range of industries. Chestnut uses a proprietary, technology-enabled approach to developing forest carbon offset projects on family-owned forestland and marginal crop and pastureland. Chestnut's expertise is driven by an experienced team, whose diverse backgrounds include forestry, carbon regulation, environment, finance and land management. For additional information on Chestnut, its strategies and environmental stewardship, please visit https://chestnutcarbon.com/.   

About Sol Systems 

Sol Systems is an impact-driven Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities. With over 7 GW of projects across 38 states, Sol integrates energy storage and grid resiliency solutions to deliver reliable, sustainable power to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, and schools. Through strategic partnerships and community reinvestment, Sol ensures clean energy development drives long-term economic and environmental benefits. Founded in 2008 and led by its founder, Sol Systems is dedicated to shaping an energy future we can all believe in. For more information, visit www.solsystems.com. 

Media: 

Chestnut:
Chris Krolak 
Mulberry & Astor 
krolak@mulberryandastor.com 

Sol Systems:
Jacqueline Mayan
pr@solsystems.com