Other carbon offset schemes

The EquiClimate carbon offset scheme is just one of several methods being utilised to balance an emission of CO₂ with a reduction in CO₂ somewhere else. Carbon offset projects vary and range from investments in renewable energy like wind, biomass, solar and hydroelectric schemes, to processing industrial and agricultural by-products.

Planting trees – which absorb carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen – and various other ecology restoration (or ‘carbon abatement’) projects have also been offered as a means to carbon offset. Such alternative schemes are valuable, but as a means of making a personal carbon offset they are difficult to measure – or guarantee. With tree planting, for example, the growth rate for trees (and therefore the amount of CO₂ they absorb) depends on local conditions and forest management – not necessarily circumstances over which the carbon offset company has any control. There is also a risk that the trees may be burned or used for combustion, which would release more carbon and therefore cancel out the attempt to carbon offset.

International standards for carbon abatement projects are at an early stage and there are few UN-endorsed carbon offset projects as yet.

Carbon offset with Equiclimate – make a difference

The EquiClimate carbon offset scheme provides a way of protecting the environment from a proportion of CO₂ that directly equates to the amount you have put into it. Significant impact on climate change will only be achieved as nations make a concerted effort to change national patterns of energy usage. But we can help kickstart the process with a personal carbon offset and start to clean up our own act. By using the EquiClimate carbon offset method of buying into the EU’s carbon emissions trading scheme, we harness the power of the market and help to drive it in the right direction to make a substantial difference. The influence of every individual wanting to carbon offset makes an impact.

Calculate your energy usage, or apply to carbon offset with EquiClimate now.