Renoster Systems

Renoster Systems operates as a carbon credit rating agency, focusing on enhancing transparency within the voluntary carbon markets for nature-based projects. Founded in 2019 by Saif Bhatti, the Austin-based company initially aimed to prevent big-game poaching using bioacoustic listening devices. The mission evolved in 2022 when Elias Ayrey joined as Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, shifting the company's focus to address the prevalent quality and trust issues in the carbon offset industry.

The founder, Saif Bhatti, holds a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering and Philosophy from Northwestern University and has a background as an environmental strategist and data scientist. This experience informed the company's data-centric approach. The initial idea for Renoster stemmed from Bhatti's realization that rhinos could go extinct in his lifetime, prompting him to develop a smart listening device to detect gunshots and alert rangers. This early work in conservation technology laid the groundwork for the company's later pivot to carbon markets. The business model is centered on providing data platforms and software for the carbon markets, functioning as a research and rating firm. Renoster serves clients such as multinational banks, logistics companies, cosmetics brands, and carbon marketplaces by offering them detailed assessments of carbon projects.

The company's core product is the Mercury Rubric, a framework launched in 2022 to evaluate the quality of forest-based carbon credits. This rubric uses a quantitative, science-based approach, leveraging public satellite data from agencies like NASA to assess projects against six main criteria: additionality, baseline, leakage, verification, permanence, and overall project quality. The ratings provide a clear score, where 1.0 equals one tonne of genuine carbon removal, helping buyers understand the true climate impact of their investments. This service aims to bring "Deep Transparency" to the market, allowing companies to confidently invest in high-quality, legitimate carbon offset projects. Renoster evaluates various nature-based projects, including avoided deforestation (REDD+), improved forest management, and afforestation/reforestation. Keywords: carbon credit rating, voluntary carbon market, nature-based solutions, carbon offset verification, climate finance, deep transparency, forest carbon, REDD+, remote sensing analysis, carbon project due diligence, Mercury Rubric, Saif Bhatti, Elias Ayrey, carbon market data, climate tech, environmental technology, conservation technology, carbon sequestration, offset quality, sustainability consulting