Carbon Offsetting

In circumstances where carbon emissions cannot be avoided or reduced, e.g. long haul flights, an alternative option exists in carbon offsetting.

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is the practice of counterbalancing carbon intensive activities with those that positively impact the future of the environment and/or remove carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon emissions from individuals and organisations are offset through investment in renewable energy schemes, plantations, conservation projects etc [1].

How can carbon emissions be offset?

A variety of options are available to offset carbon emissions. Some companies offer a carbon offsetting service when purchasing their products e.g. flights. The majority of companies providing flights offer this service including EasyJet, British Airways, Qantas and Virgin. When purchasing a British Airways ticket carbon emissions are calculated for the specific flight and a payment offset offered. The payment is invested directly in renewable energy schemes offsetting the carbon emissions [2].

Carbon emissions can also be offset through independent offsetting organisations e.g. Carbon Footprint, Woodland Trust, and Climate Care (see links below). These organisations are suitable for both individuals and businesses, and, for both sporadic and long term carbon management. Generally the organisations offer the following services:

Carbon emission calculator
Advice on energy & carbon reduction
Receipt of offset payment proportional to calculated carbon emission
Investment of offset payment in specific environmental projects
Case Studies
For businesses – certification of carbon offset

ESW offers our own carbon offsetting service so why not take a look? Purchasing products from us also allows you to consider your carbon footprint, as our Carbon Action Points Scheme will offset carbon emissions according to amount purchased.

How sustainable is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is a viable option for individuals and organisations alike. However, it should be noted, that offsetting carbon emissions is not a means to continue practices as normal, and should only be justified where no means of minimisation or avoidance is possible.

An overwhelming number of carbon offsetting schemes exist and in a small proportion of these their legitimacy and regulation is questionable. The Department of Energy & Climate Change offer a Quality Assurance Scheme which provides guidance on good quality offsetting companies [3].

Further information can be found at:

General carbon offsetting