Offsets, also known as carbon credits, can be a complicated topic, even for the experts. Here we break down the basics to help you make the best decision for your company.
Offset Myths
"Offsetting is Cheating"
Reality:
Offsetting is what the most responsible companies do. Emissions reductions are essential, but 88% of offset buyers also have an emissions reduction plan.
"Offsetting is Expensive"
Reality:
Offsetting, or investing in carbon credits, is more affordable than you might think. Many companies can offset with quality, verified offsets for under $10 per employee per month.
"Offsets Cannot Be Measured"
Reality:
Quality offsets can not be created without going through a rigorous peer-reviewed protocol that requires direct measurement when possible or high-confidence modeling when the scale of measurement is too large.
"Offsets Will Not Scale"
Reality:
According to a series of peer-reviewed studies, increasing the natural capacity of the earth to capture carbon dioxide would account for over one fifth of human emissions. There is no path to our climate future without a lot of offsetting.
Types of Offsets
Emission Reduction Offsets
Sometimes the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions is to pay someone else to reduce theirs.
typical project types:
• Renewable Energy Developing • World Cook Stoves • Livestock Methane Capture
Strengths:
Clear Quantification
weaknesses:
Doesn’t Clean Up Mess
Nature Based Carbon Removals
Increases the use of photosynthesis to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.
Relies upon capture of emissions through artificial methods.
typical project types:
• Mechanical Direct Air Capture • Beach Mineralization • Concrete Mineralization
Strengths:
Cleans Up GHGs | Clear Quantification
weaknesses:
Expensive | Still in Research and Development
Offset Quality
Option A:
Look for offsets that are sourced from reputable registries like Climate Action Reserve, Gold Standard, Verra, or American Carbon Registry. Well-established registries require third-party audits on all of their projects.
Option B:
To ensure high quality carbon offsets, especially if you’re sourcing projects from emerging registries, Iook for the project’s verification documents. Documentation of audits will help confirm legitimacy.
In all cases...
Make sure that the offset project's story matches your company's climate objectives.
This can include:
• The project location • The project type • The year of offset production
Our Product
Aclymate is proud to offer the largest selection of ultra-transparent offset projects
We also offer a quiz in the app to help you determine the best offsets for your business, plus carbon offset accounting, accessible through our 33-day free trial.
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