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There are countless ways for companies to offset carbon emissions.
Though not a comprehensive list, here are some popular practices that typically qualify as offset projects:
Investing in renewable energy by funding wind, hydro, geothermal, and solar power generation projects, or switching to such power sources wherever possible.
Improving energy efficiency across the world, for instance by providing more efficient cookstoves to those living in rural or more impoverished regions.
Capturing carbon from the atmosphere and using it to create biofuel, which makes it a carbon-neutral fuel source.
Returning biomass to the soil as mulch after harvest instead of removing or burning. This practice reduces evaporation from the soil surface, which helps to preserve water. The biomass also helps feed soil microbes and earthworms, allowing nutrients to cycle and strengthen soil structure.
Promoting forest regrowth through tree-planting and reforestation projects.
Switching to alternate fuel types, such as lower-carbon biofuels like corn and biomass-derived ethanol and biodiesel.
If you’re wondering how carbon offset and allotment levels are valued and determined through these processes, take a deep breath. Monitoring emissions and reductions can be a challenge for even the most experienced professional.
Know that when it comes to the regulated and voluntary markets, there are third-party auditors who verify, collect, and analyze data to confirm the validity of each offset project.
However, be careful when shopping online or directly from other businesses – not all offset projects are certified by appropriate third parties, and those that aren’t, generally tend to be of dubious quality.