Trefadder is Norway's leading player in biological carbon capture through safe CO2 capture from Norwegian climate forests. The company has developed a robust and recognized framework that ensures certified CO2 removal and storage, and that issues climate credits to companies.
Trefadder has already produced over 125.000 tons of climate credits for almost 200 customers, both in Norway and internationally.
Trefadder AS is based in Haugesund, and is owned by employees and "green" investors from all over the country.
Our Story
Trefadder began with a simple but powerful idea: What if we could fight climate change and strengthen rural communities at the same time?
Founder Anders Kristiansen saw a unique opportunity to accelerate the green transition by planting climate forests on underused farmland, creating jobs in the process. While Norwegian businesses are among the most climate-conscious, many still face residual emissions that cannot yet be avoided through current technology.
In 2019, Trefadder was launched to fill that gap, offering measurable carbon removal, carbon accounting support, and high-integrity climate compensation through reforestation. Today, Trefadder is Norway's largest provider of nature-based carbon capture, trusted by nearly XNUMX partners in Norway and beyond.
Establishment and launch towards the business community
Trefadder AS was launched during Enterprise Day, with then-Minister of Finance Siv Jensen present.
Cooperation with agriculture
Trefadder AS creates local jobs and collaborates with farmers to establish climate forests. Trefadder AS was launched towards agriculture, with the then Minister of Food and Agriculture, Olaug Bollestad, present.
Winner of the ITSA Growt program
Succeeding with a startup often requires significant capital and investors who believe in the company. Trefadder achieved solid recognition by winning the ITSA Growth final, which secured significant funding from several well-known investors.
(Photo: Hilde Garlid)
Winner of the Fauna program
Trefadder came through the eye of the needle of the renowned Fauna program led by Tore and Siv Gjeddebo. After six months of coaching and sparring, Trefadder all the way to the top and won 1 million NOK.
Scaled-up production
Together with our investors Innovation Norway and DNB invested Trefadder in a massive production increase to remove even more CO2 from the atmosphere. During 2023, production was nearly doubled.
Commercial breakthrough
Trefadder helps businesses with climate compensation and delivers annual CO2 removal equivalent to 100 tons.
This represents a significant commercial breakthrough that elevates our production to a high international level.
Our vision
At Trefadder, we believe that meaningful climate action must combine scientific precision with natural solutions. Our vision is to lead the transition toward a carbon-neutral future by turning Norwegian forests into powerful climate assets and biodiversity strongholds.
Through large-scale carbon removal and nature restoration, we create long-term value for businesses, ecosystems, and future generations. Our commitment is not just to reduce emissions, but to regenerate the natural systems that sustain life.
Climate Forests in Norway
Trefadder’s commercial climate forests are rooted in a large-scale national initiative led by Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment (2013–2019).
From 50 to 2015, the Norwegian Environment Agency and leading national forestry institutions invested over NOK 2021 million in climate forest research.
The climate impact of Norwegian forest-based carbon removal is well documented. Together with Norwegian and international partners, Trefadder has further advanced the methodology, implementation practices, and verification processes for climate forestry.
Participating institutions in the national climate forest programme are listed to the right. More information is available at https://www.miljodirektoratet.no/
Trefadder’s Concept Is Backed by Research
The national climate forest research project was administered by the County Governors of Rogaland, Trøndelag, and Nordland.
The project documented key factors such as:
- Carbon capture potential
- Environmental and biodiversity effects
- Criteria for land selection
- Methodology and implementation practices
According to estimates from the Norwegian Environment Agency, Norway has the potential to plant climate forests that could capture up to 447 million tonnes of CO₂. For comparison, the country’s annual emissions are approximately 49 million tonnes.
Norway is therefore well suited for climate forestry, particularly along the west coast, where there is available land and limited impact from the albedo effect.
Building on this research, Trefadder has collaborated with KPMG Canada to develop a commercial methodology for climate forest implementation and documentation. KPMG Canada has for years been a leading authority in certifying and verifying climate forest projects both within and outside of Canada.
Our team
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals with a strong commitment to climate action and deep expertise in forestry, nature, environmental issues, and climate accounting. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or want to learn more.
Board of Directors
Investors
Trefadder is built on what may be Norway’s greenest business idea, attracting investors who are committed to addressing both the climate and nature crises. With our framework in place, we are now able to scale nature-based solutions that will capture and store millions of tonnes of CO₂ directly from the atmosphere over time.
To realise this robust and unique concept, we have been fortunate to bring on board strong and forward-looking investors from the very beginning.
Trefadder creates shared value for the environment, local landowners, our customers, and our shareholders.
Selected investors in Trefadder include:
Arild Augstigaard
The Augstigaard industrial family from Rogaland reinvests in promising green businesses with great potential - and is a strong supporter of Trefadder.
Link Venture Kapital
Link Venture Kapital is a leading green VC fund that has invested in over 70 start-up and growth companies within the green shift. Link is Trefadders largest investor and has played a crucial role in lifting the company from start-up to commercial success.
Karmøy Næringsfond
The Næringsfondet investment fund supports local startups and was an important early investor in Trefadder AS.
Validé Haugesund
Validé Haugesund was an early investor, contributing valuable expertise during Trefadder’s startup phase. In 2022, Trefadder won the Validé ITSA Growth program, which brought significant recognition and helped attract new investors.
Partners
KPMG Canada
Carbon capture framework
KPMG Canada has one of the world's leading professional communities within the verification of climate forest projects.
Trefadder and KPMG Canada have jointly developed the framework for carbon capture behind Norway's first commercial climate forest.
Bahr
Legal framework
The law firm BAHR assists Trefadder probono to develop a legal framework for the climate forest so that we secure the forest's rights for maximum CO2 capture during and after our lifetime.
Microsoft
ForestTech
Microsoft and Trefadder is developing a production platform for climate forests that will both identify the best areas and calculate carbon capture.
Asplan Viak
Professional expertise in old-growth forests
Trefadder has developed its climate forest strategy to also include the protection of old-growth forests - which is a very important climate measure and which safeguards red-listed biodiversity.
One of Norway's leading professional communities on old-growth forests can be found at Asplan Viak, which assists Trefadder with advice on identification, control of areas, inspections and further development of the framework for the protection of old-growth forests.
Beyonder
Circular commodity model
The Beyonder battery factory in Stavanger is developing batteries that use sawdust as a replacement for cobalt and nickel.
Cut from Trefadder their climate forests are used as an input factor, this further leads to Trefadder is also the world's first circular climate forest.
Standard Norway
Our documentation is your peace of mind
Trefadder a producer of high-quality climate credits, which means having solid documentation for the entire business.
Standard Norway assists Trefadder with various ISO certifications both at the business level and for carbon capture.