Investment manager Octopus Investments and Treeconomy, a nature restoration-focused tech firm, have developed a due diligence tool that aims to enhance transparency and boost trust in nature-based carbon investments. The project’s objective is to pilot and integrate satellite-based analytics and data tools into investment decision-making processes for nature-based carbon projects, such as afforestation. The tool is the outcome of a nine-month grant-funded project awarded by the UK Space Agency as part of the Unlocking Space for Business programme. The due diligence tool leverages Treeconomy’s space-based digital measurement, reporting, and verification technology, combining high-resolution satellite imagery, remote sensing analytics, and more than 60 geospatial datasets to assess the viability and performance of nature-based carbon projects. By defining key investment metrics, refining methodologies, and integrating findings into Octopus’ standard evaluation framework, the product supports decision-making for natural capital investment. Following the product’s launch, Treeconomy is engaging with natural capital investors and project developers as early adopters to refine and enhance the tool’s capabilities. “It’s been a pleasure partnering with Octopus’ ambitious and innovative natural capital team to develop a solution to enable and accelerate data-driven decision-making for nature finance,” said Rob Godfrey, Treeconomy’s Co-founder. “In the hands of a growing number of natural capital investors and nature project developers, our new due diligence and screening tool will help private finance to find and act upon quality restoration opportunities, closing the UK’s £44 billion (US$57 billion) funding gap to achieve its climate and nature targets.”
