Understanding Carbon Offsets: A Beginner’s Guide

Carbon offsets are a way for businesses to compensate for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by investing in emission-reduction projects.

• 1. What Are Carbon Offsets?

  They represent 1 tonne of CO2-equivalent emissions avoided or removed from the atmosphere.

• 2. Types of Offset Projects

  These include renewable energy, reforestation, methane capture, and clean cookstove initiatives.

• 3. Voluntary vs. Compliance Markets

  In India, most offsets are traded voluntarily via VCS, Gold Standard, etc., but regulations may expand.

• 4. Why Businesses Buy Them

  To meet net-zero goals, CSR objectives, or ESG targets while working on reducing internal emissions.

• 5. How to Get Started

  Measure your footprint, register with verified projects, and track your credits using a reputable registry.