The UK Government's Quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon Offsetting

What is carbon offsetting?

Climate Change is one of the biggest threats we face. Everyday actions like driving a car and flying consume energy and produce emissions of greenhouse gases - such as carbon dioxide - which contribute to climate change. Government, businesses and individuals are all responsible for reducing the carbon emissions they create. You can compensate for your unavoidable emissions by paying someone to make an equivalent greenhouse gas saving. This is called ‘carbon offsetting’. Is it

More and more individuals and businesses are volunteering to offset their emissions. Offsetting is not a ‘cure’ for climate change. The most effective way to combat climate change is to reduce our emissions. However, if done in the right way, offsetting can reduce the impact of our actions and help raise awareness of the issue.

Why offset?

Everybody has a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint - for example by using public transport more often or turning down thermostats. First you should identify how you can avoid or reduce your emissions. Where it is not possible or practical to reduce emissions you can then offset them.

1. calculate the carbon emissions you produce
2. reduce your emissions
3. offset your unavoidable emissions

Measuring your emissions is a vital first step, so that you really understand the extent of your carbon footprint. To calculate the carbon emissions you produce, visit the government's Act on CO2 carbon footprinting calculator.

For more information relating to climate change and offsetting please visit DirectGov. For businesses interested in offsetting visit Business Link.