Operators of heating or steam boiler systems in North Rhine-Westphalia can participate under certain conditions in the Joint Implementation (JI) model project JIM.NRW by investing in the installation of energy-efficient or renewable boilers and selling the CO₂ emissions saved as verified emission reductions or emission reduction units (ERUs) via the North Rhine-Westphalia Energy Agency. The aim of the model project is to cover the investment costs incurred through the sale of ERUs instead of state subsidies. Bundling the measures simplifies the administrative effort and reduces transaction costs, thus making participation in emissions trading also possible for organisations such as kindergartens and schools.

As an official JI project under the Kyoto Protocol, it is ensured that the emission reductions taking place cannot be used simultaneously to achieve Germany's national emission reduction targets and at the same time to generate additional ERUs. The danger of double counting is thus excluded.