How to Buy Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsets are offered by many providers in Europe, North America and Australasia. Some are non-profit organizations while others are profit-making companies. Carbon Catalog lists 96 providers around the world, along with ratings on their transparency and project quality. It is important to choose a provider whose ethos and management you are comfortable with.
Some questions to think about when choosing a provider:
- Do you prefer a non-profit or a commercial organization?
- Is the provider open about its management team and ethos?
- Does the provider explain how your money is spent?
- What type of project does the provider support?
- How does the pricing compare? Is the difference justified?
Offsets are generally priced per metric tonne of carbon dioxide. The price can vary a great deal between providers, due to differences in project cost and administrative overheads.
Individual Buyers of Offsets
For individual purchasers of carbon offsets, most provider websites include a carbon calculator which estimates the carbon dioxide emitted by flights, car journeys or other energy use. The website then allows the offsets to be purchased online using a credit card or PayPal. This money is allocated between the projects supported by the provider, to offset the total amount of carbon purchased.
Business Buyers of Offsets
For businesses or other organizations purchasing offsets, more flexible options are available. Many providers offer larger purchasers a lower price per tonne than retail customers, and let them choose which specific project their funds will be used to support.
Commercial offset purchasers should also consider a broader approach to carbon management. Many offset providers can help companies reduce their carbon emissions from production and other facilities, before using offsets to cover the remainder.
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