Carbon Offset Projects to Carbon Credits
With the global push to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nature-based solutions (NBS) have come to the forefront of the battle. Within NBS has emerged the opportunity for carbon offset projects. These projects reduce or remove GHG emissions from the atmosphere. In turn, they produce carbon credits, which can be purchased by consumers to help offset a carbon footprint. Carbon credits help to mitigate the effects of climate change and build towards a more sustainable and carbon neutral future.
Emission Reduction and Removal
In order for carbon offset projects to have verified carbon credits they must produce an emission reduction and removal (ERR). ERRs state how many metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (includes other GHG) emissions were removed, reduced, or avoided through the project. For each metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent diminished from the atmosphere, a carbon credit is produced. However, these credits must be verified and certified under a reputable standard before they can be purchased.
Verifying Carbon Credits
Certifying carbon credits ensures they are credible and high quality. Essentially, proving they did offset (X) amount of metric tons of carbon, and were offset in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way. The standard programs carbon credits go through are meticulous and set by credible nonprofit organizations, including:
Carbon offset projects will be audited by a third-party auditor. The audit will be specific to the carbon accounting methodology and standards set by the project (Ex. Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard). Once the audit is complete and the carbon credits are certified they can be offered for sale on carbon markets.
Sale of Carbon Credits
Carbon credits can be purchased by anyone from individuals to large corporations. These credits are a great step for consumers to make an impact when they can not directly eliminate their carbon footprint. They offer the opportunity to build towards a carbon neutral future and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Mitigation Partners, Inc. Founders Dax Dickson & Tory Christensen
Further Questions?
Mitigation Partners Inc. (MPI) knows carbon offset projects and carbon credits can be a daunting topic and difficult to understand. For more information MPI encourages you to investigate the following resources:
Any internal links
MPI’s carbon credit experts are available to help you look into starting a new carbon offset project, or develop an existing one. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for more information.
Sources:
https://verra.org/programs/verified-carbon-standard/vcs-program-details/
https://sustainability.yale.edu/priorities-progress/climate-action/verified-carbon-offsets
Mitigation Partners, Inc. Founders Dax Dickson & Tory Christensen
