What is Carbon offsets? Carbon offset is basically the act of utilizing the Carbon, embodied Carbon (CO2) in some activity or process to make or decrease the direct impact of Carbon emissions on the environment. These offsetting activities are generally done in compliance with Carbon neutral programs, though there are some companies who offset their Carbon emissions through offsetting activities that do not fit this criteria.
The main aim of Carbon offsetting is to offset the direct greenhouse gas emission with an indirect one. So for example if you produce a certain amount of Carbon dioxide, but you also produce some heat, the indirect effect will be to reduce your direct emission of greenhouse gases by producing less heat. You can do this either by reusing industrial equipment or producing energy which would otherwise have been used in producing the energy. You could also offset your production of fossil fuels through an efficient use of those fuels or production.
How can you benefit from Carbon offsetting? Carbon emissions can be offsetting is a big deal especially if it helps to preserve the ozone layer and fight climate change. If you have projects in locations that are prone to increasing levels of atmospheric Carbon dioxide, you could be eligible to receive grants from your government. Or you could be eligible for an investment tax credit. You can also ask your utility company to purchase credits that you can then offset against your electricity or natural gas bill.
There are many Carbon offset projects around the world. There are some people who provide training for others in order to establish Carbon offset projects themselves. The tips below can be a good starting point for those who want to start their own Carbon offset project. You should however get advice from Carbon offset specialists before getting started.
One of the first tips is to choose the right kind of project. A good project must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20%. You can then receive financial assistance from the government or a third party institution. In many cases, you will be able to sell the excess energy you produce back to the grid so that you can get money back for your greenhouse gas reduction.
Another tip is to carefully consider where you plan to implement your offsetting activity. If your project is in rural areas, you may need to consult with local officials in order to ensure that the project is implemented properly. If you are going to implement your project in urban areas, you will want to ensure that your supplier uses sources that do not contribute to global warming. You will also want to learn about the Carbon footprint of the company you are buying from as well as the methods they use to reduce their emissions.
