Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Each corporate buyer is strongly recommended to join Earth Returns Mutual as a member. This provides tax-efficient asset management globally, which will extend to the management of the produced financial products managed by the Living Economy VCC (which will also be a member of Earth Returns Mutual). Membership creates a unified structure that optimises tax treatment while maintaining governance alignment throughout the system.

For producers, membership is mandatory – producers must be members to have their PIE Points purchased by Earth Returns Mutual. Membership includes a modest membership and joining fee and requires commitment to the Mutual’s principles and constitution.

While the exact framework will be finalised through the design thinking process, preliminary guidance suggests:

• Companies with high ecological impacts: Approximately 1% of annual revenue
• Companies with lighter ecological footprints: Approximately 0.5% of annual revenue
• SMEs and specialty cases: Tailored guidance based on specific contexts

These investments are designed to be commercially viable, especially with capital recovery mechanisms through green bonds and sukuk.

Yes. For an additional management fee, companies can request bespoke MCIs constructed with specifically sourced PIE Points. Examples include:

• Fashion brands can purchase MCIs backed by PIE Points from regenerative wool producers in their supply chain
• Food companies can align with regenerative agriculture in specific regions
• Companies concerned about air quality can purchase Clean Air MCIs backed by peatland restoration

Earth Returns is happy to discuss the needs of any potential buyer or producer to help them make a sound decision to participate, as we view it as a long-term commitment once joined. This consultative approach ensures alignment between corporate ESG goals and the ecological work being supported.

Earth Returns assets (MCIs) offer several advantages over traditional offsets:

• They are assets that can be held on balance sheets, not expenses
• They provide ongoing ESG reporting rights, not just one-time claims
• They are backed by verified work already done, not future projections
• They can be structured as collateral for financial instruments, enabling capital recovery

Earth Returns’ ECO Reports are designed to provide data that aligns with major ESG reporting frameworks including GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, TNFD, EU Taxonomy, and UN SDGs. The reports provide verified, auditable data that can strengthen corporate sustainability disclosures.