In the pursuit of a sustainable future, businesses in the UK are increasingly turning to carbon offsetting as a tool to reduce their environmental footprint. But what exactly is carbon offsetting, and is it worth the investment? In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials, discussing the benefits, potential downsides, and whether it’s a genuine environmental effort or just greenwashing.

What is carbon offsetting?

It’s a process by which businesses compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions, also known as GHGs, by investing in projects that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These projects can include reforestation initiatives, renewable energy projects, or methane capture from landfills.

What do carbon offsets do?

When your business purchases carbon offsets, you’re essentially funding projects that counterbalance the emissions your operations produce. These projects help to remove or prevent an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. For example, if your business emits 100 tons of CO2, purchasing 100 carbon offsets can fund projects that prevent an additional 100 tons of CO2 from being released elsewhere.

The benefits of carbon offsetting

Environmental impact: The primary benefit is that it actively contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.

Corporate responsibility: It demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility, showcasing your company as a responsible steward of the planet.

Regulatory compliance: In some cases, it can help your business meet regulatory requirements related to emissions reduction and environmental compliance.

The negatives 

While carbon offsetting can be a valuable tool, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks:

It doesn’t solve the root issue: This method should complement, not replace, efforts to reduce your business’s carbon emissions at the source. It’s not a substitute for sustainability initiatives within your organization.

The quality of projects available varies: Not all carbon offset projects are created equal. Some may be more effective and transparent than others. Due diligence is required to ensure you’re investing in projects that deliver real environmental benefits.

Is carbon offsetting greenwashing?

Greenwashing occurs when a company exaggerates or misrepresents its environmental efforts. Carbon offsetting can be viewed sceptically if it’s used as a marketing tool without genuine efforts to reduce emissions. To avoid greenwashing, ensure your carbon offsetting is part of a broader sustainability strategy.

How much does it cost?

The cost of carbon offsetting is rising and varies widely depending on your emissions and the type of projects you choose to support. Earlier in 2023, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC), found that FTSE 350 companies publicly reported voluntary carbon offset purchases totalling £38 million in 2022. However, BloombergNEF forecast analysis suggests that this same volume of offsets could cost companies more than £154 million – an increase of 256% – by the end of the decade. A professional assessment can provide a more accurate cost estimate tailored to your business.

Summary

Carbon offsetting can be a valuable tool for UK businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. However, you should always look to implement other carbon and energy reduction measures beforehand so you’re only purchasing offsets for those hard to abate emissions.

As part of a wider carbon management and reduction strategy, carbon offsetting is an investment in the future that demonstrates corporate responsibility and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change. However, it’s important to approach carbon offsetting as part of a broader sustainability strategy, rather than a standalone solution. Always choose your offset projects carefully and be transparent in your environmental efforts to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing.

How we can support your carbon offsetting strategy

We can support your business with its carbon management strategy and to purchase carbon offsets where required. Simply fill in our contact us form and one of our team will be in touch.