More and more individuals and organisations are looking for ways of keeping their carbon footprint as small as possible. On this page we offer information about the various schemes available for those who are interested in offsetting their carbon footprint.

What Is Carbon Offsetting?

A carbon offset is a financial arrangement aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a variety of situations.

Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO2).

The amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacture of a product, or from a journey, or some other process involving carbon emissions is calculated and then money is contributed to schemes designed to reduce future carbon emissions by the same amount, i.e. renewable energy programmes.

Offsetting impacts on climate change by:

• Creating awareness about emissions and the impact our lifestyles have on climate change.
• Creating funds for renewable energy and energy solutions.
• Making reductions in the amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Programmes include:

• Windfarms
• Hydro Power
• Efficient Stoves
• Tree Planting

Offset schemes have proven popular with large corporations and individuals. HSBC are among the giant companies going carbon neutral and a fair share of celebrities have been keen to take advantage of the concept too, including the rock band Pink Floyd.

Types Of Carbon Offsetting

There are two markets for carbon offsets.

In the larger, compliance market, companies, governments, or other entities buy carbon offsets in order to comply with caps on the total amount of carbon dioxide they are allowed to emit.

In the much smaller, voluntary market, individuals, companies, or governments purchase carbon offsets to mitigate their own greenhouse gas from transportation, electricity use, and other sources.

Many companies offer carbon offsets as an add-on so that customers can mitigate the emissions related to their product or service purchase. This can be anything from a book purchase or any type of consumer purchase, a holiday flight, car rental or hotel accommodation.

Critics Of Carbon Offsetting Schemes

There has been criticism of carbon offsetting suggesting it is cosmetic and is provided to assuage the guilt of consumers; while doing little to prevent emissions.

It has been argued that too much confidence in the effectiveness of offsets by consumers can lead to a rise in net emissions; although generally it is thought that overall it is an effective strategy

Other criticisms include the fact that some schemes such as tree planting take a long time to bear results in terms of the offsetting which was promised. So it is not an instant solution.

As Al Gore said:”The debate has moved on to what forms of carbon offsetting have credibility.”

Climate Neutral Companies

Carbon offsetting is usually outsourced. There are several major companies who provide these services.

Two of the leading Carbon Offsetting Companies:

www.carbonneutral.com/

www.climatecare.org/

Reputable companies provide individual carbon footprint projects with verifiable carbon emissions certificates for both businesses and individuals.