Skip to main content
Guide to Carbon Offsetting

ECA has added to its series of carbon reduction information sheets for Members. The latest information, which adds to sheets outlining carbon measurement and footprinting,  outlines ‘carbon offsetting’. Carbon offsetting is where businesses seek to compensate for unavoidable direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions (notably carbon dioxide) by paying for credible carbon reduction projects elsewhere.

According to Paul Reeve, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility “In the right circumstances, carbon offsetting can help businesses with their journey towards overall greenhouse gas reductions and particularly, towards net zero carbon. However, offsetting is not a sustainable substitute for reducing avoidable carbon emissions, and businesses should engage with credible schemes”. 

The new guide outlines various pros, cons and other considerations, including the features underpinning credible carbon offsetting schemes, along with examples. It also highlights the role of PAS 2060, which can help to demonstrate carbon neutrality (for products, buildings or business activity).

In general, offsetting can be part of the three-step approach to carbon reduction:

  1. Measure your GHG footprint (Scope 1, Scope 2 and where possible Scope 3 emissions), in line with the Government’s Environmental Reporting Guidelines
  2. Reduce your GHG footprint (as much as you can) via reduction targets and milestones
  3. Offset the rest (if possible) with Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) via credible schemes.

Find out how carbon offsetting can help your firm’s journey to net zero carbon.

Last updated 09 August 22