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What is Carbon Offset Watch?

Carbon Offset Watch is the first independent ranking of Australian offset providers. Completed in August 2008, information and products can change - please check for new information from providers and use our tips for buying offsets.

Total Environment Centre
the Institute for Sustainable Futures
choice
Tips for buying offsets PDF Print E-mail
You need to ask the right questions and get key information before buying carbon offsets
  • Before you consider buying offsets, try to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. For tips on reducing your carbon footprint see Global Warming Cool it. http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/gwci/.
  • Only buy offsets from offset retailers who provide detailed information about their products and services, and the projects they use to generate offsets. Projects may be in Australia or overseas. Ask for more information if you need it.
  • Choose retailers that help you estimate your carbon footprint and explain how the footprint is calculated.
  • Choose offsets that are independently accredited by a recognised scheme or standard. Of those included in Carbon Offset Watch, we consider offsets accredited under the international Gold Standard and Clean Development Mechanism to be the best quality. Offsets accredited by VCS, VER+ and Greenhouse Friendly are also of a very high quality. Many voluntary carbon retailers are flexible and can get different kinds of offsets on request.
  • Choose offset projects that change or prevent the underlying activities that create greenhouse gases. These are best for combating climate change in the long-term. Such projects include those that:
    • improve energy efficiency
    • increase renewable energy
    • prevent waste going to landfill
    • protect existing forests.
  • Other types of projects, like tree planting projects, can have different benefits (such as restoring ecosystems or rehabilitating land).
  • Get documentary evidence of your offset purchase. Ensure that the retailer guarantees to 'retire' the offset from the market on your behalf, or transfers ownership of the offset to you so that you can retire it yourself. This is the best way to be sure that the emissions you have saved aren’t claimed by someone else.
  • Choose offsets that are listed in a registry that tracks ownership of the offset and records that the offset has been removed from the market. This helps to ensure that the offset you bought is not sold again.