Carbon offsetting is a practice used to compensate for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The idea is to offset the carbon emissions generated by one activity by investing in another activity that removes or reduces an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere. This is typically achieved by purchasing carbon credits or investing in renewable energy or carbon capture and storage projects.
For example, a company that produces large amounts of CO2 may invest in a reforestation project to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon offsets generated by this project can then be used to compensate for the company’s own emissions.
Carbon offsetting is often used as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, it is important to note that carbon offsetting should not be seen as a substitute for reducing carbon emissions at the source. It should be used in conjunction with efforts to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.
What is a carbon credit?
As defined by the UNFCCC, a carbon credit, also known as an “offset”, is a generic term used to assign a value to a reduction, avoidance or capture of GHG emissions achieved by a certified project. It is equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). A carbon credit can be used by a business, organisation or individual to compensate their carbon footprint by financially rewarding an activity that has reduced or sequestered GHGs, and which also brings other sustainable development benefits.
At Organic Carbon we work with out customers to ensure that offsetting fits into wider activities to reduce carbon emissions. We believe that verified carbon credits can help bridge the gap to net-zero in the short term, whilst also providing a long term solution to eliminating residual emissions that might be technically or economically unviable.
