How companies use carbon offsetting to hit emissions goals

Step 1

Offsetting project set up

A project is established to mitigate global heating. Many are avoided-emission projects that prevent greenhouse gases from being released from deforestation or fossil fuels, but do not remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Step 2

Credits are calculated

Carbon credits are calculated using dozens of methods. Avoided-deforestation projects estimate what would happen if the project was not there. Projects claim the difference between what happens and what could have as credits.

Step 3

Company makes net zero strategy

Firms work out the emissions they are producing every year from their own activities. In order to meet their net zero strategy, alongside efforts to cut emissions, some companies decide to buy carbon offsets.

Step 4

Company acquires carbon credits

Firms get carbon credits through a specialist broker, others go directly to a project. Most offsets are approved by Verra and Gold Standard. These credits are used to offset emissions, allowing them to claim large net reductions.

Step 5

Company makes climate claim

Once a firm has worked out the amount of carbon they want to offset, they buy the equivalent amount of credits. Many then claim the company or product they are selling has become carbon neutral.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Credits are calculated

Company makes net zero strategy

Offsetting project set up

A project is established to mitigate global heating. Many are avoided-emission projects that prevent greenhouse gases from being released from deforestation or fossil fuels, but do not remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Carbon credits are calculated using dozens of methods. Avoided-deforestation projects estimate what would happen if the project was not there. Projects claim the difference between what happens and what could have as credits.

Firms work out the emissions they are producing every year from their own activities. In order to meet their net zero strategy, alongside efforts to cut emissions, some companies decide to buy carbon offsets.

Step 4

Step 5

Company searches for carbon credits

Company makes climate claim

Firms get carbon credits through a specialist broker, others go directly to a project. Most offsets are approved by Verra and Gold Standard. These credits are used to offset emissions, allowing them to claim large net reductions.

Once a firm has worked out the amount of carbon they want to offset, they buy the equivalent amount of credits. Many then claim the company or product they are selling has become carbon neutral.

Step 2

Step 1

Step 3

Offsetting project set up

Credits are calculated

Company makes net zero strategy

A project is established to mitigate global heating. Many are avoided-emission projects that prevent greenhouse gases from being released from deforestation or fossil fuels, but do not remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Firms work out the emissions they are producing every year from their own activities. In order to meet their net zero strategy, alongside efforts to cut emissions, some companies decide to buy carbon offsets.

Carbon credits are calculated using dozens of methods. Avoided-deforestation projects estimate what would happen if the project was not there. Projects claim the difference between what happens and what could have as credits.

Step 4

Step 5

Company acquires carbon credits

Company makes climate claim

Firms get carbon credits through a specialist broker, others go directly to a project. Most offsets are approved by Verra and Gold Standard. These credits are used to offset emissions, allowing them to claim large net reductions.

Once a firm has worked out the amount of carbon they want to offset, they buy the equivalent amount of credits. Many then claim the company or product they are selling has become carbon neutral.