Pinwheel lands 2026 Earthshot nod amid rapid growth

Pinwheel has secured a nomination for The 2026 Earthshot Prize as it reports rapid growth in demand for corporate carbon and biodiversity programmes.

The London-based climate technology company said it recorded 458% compound growth over the past two years. It linked that performance to changes in how large companies approach climate action and nature investment.

The 2026 Earthshot Prize nomination places Pinwheel in a global awards programme founded by Prince William. The prize spotlights organisations working on approaches aimed at environmental repair and regeneration.

Corporate shift

Pinwheel said businesses now show more interest in board-level climate strategies than in conventional offsetting. The company described a move towards science-led programmes and impact measurement across carbon and biodiversity.

Pinwheel works with companies on beyond-value-chain mitigation programmes. It said those programmes align with standards and reporting requirements. Pinwheel also said it integrates carbon and biodiversity activity within the same investment plans.

The company said it seeks board-level alignment for climate and nature investments. It also said it uses behavioural science in its work. It described this as a way to frame climate investment decisions inside commercial organisations.

Portfolio mix

Pinwheel disclosed details of funding allocation across portfolios it supports. It said 37% of carbon funding in those portfolios goes to durable and nature-based removals. Pinwheel compared that with a market average of just under 25%.

It also said 64% of total funding in Pinwheel-supported portfolios is allocated to removals or the destruction or avoidance of super-pollutants. Pinwheel said 20% supports biodiversity and ecosystem-led projects.

The company described the allocation as evidence of changing preferences in corporate climate programmes. It also positioned the figures against what it called volume-based offsetting practices.

Partners and process

Pinwheel said it partners with climate and nature organisations, including Fauna & Flora. Fauna & Flora is a wildlife conservation non-governmental organisation.

Pinwheel said it uses scientific frameworks and established registries for project selection. It said it aims for impact claims that are transparent and auditable.

"Being nominated for The Earthshot Prize is a significant milestone for our team and a validation of the shift we're seeing in the market. Enterprises are moving rapidly beyond offsetting and compliance toward science-led climate and nature strategies that deliver measurable impact and long-term business value," said Gavin Sheppard, Chief Executive Officer, Pinwheel.

Expansion plans

Pinwheel said it plans to scale its technology and its carbon and biodiversity expertise in 2026. It also said it plans to expand its global footprint. The company said it expects demand for high-integrity climate and biodiversity solutions to continue to rise.

The company said it intends to establish a presence in Asia as part of those plans.

Pinwheel also said it will publish an annual analysis of global carbon markets in February.