Climex, formerly called New Values, was founded in 2003 by Axel Posthumus and Tames Rietdijk, with shareholders Rabobank and TenneT. (Read more about the Company Structure.)

During 2004, Climex developed an online trade platform, which was initially implemented for several environmental products. It facilitated trade in nitrogen oxides (NOx) for the local Dutch market, and in Certificates of Origin (for green electricity). Much experience was gained and the software was further improved. Another platform was launched for the trade in CO2 emission rights, in preparation for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

In March 2005, the CO2 market opened up. During a successful first year of CO2 emission trading, Climex focused on this market. It helped form the pan-European Climex Alliance, an important step towards a transparent international CO2 market. In collaboration with Asia Carbon Exchange (ACX-Change), New Values organized the world’s first online auction for CERs.

By 2008, Climex offers both EUA and CER Spot Trading and regular EUA, CER and VER Auctions.