Businesses in the UK and beyond are looking for effective ways to offset their carbon emissions as they work towards achieving net zero. In this list, we share our top picks for offset providers in 2023 to help companies reach their goals.
Carbon offsetting is an effective way for individuals and businesses to compensate for their carbon emissions by supporting projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Carbon credits represent these reductions or removals, and choosing the right offset provider is essential to ensure the effectiveness of your offset.
Native Energy
Established in 2000, Native Energy is a leading carbon offset program. It has over 80 third-party verified projects, meeting strict social and environmental standards, like Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, and Climate Action Reserve. With a team of specialists, including scientists and engineers, Native Energy collaborates with organisations to create sustainable solutions.
The company is also a Certified B Corp and won ‘Best for the World’ in 2017. To date, it has gained support from 500+ corporate supporters and has verified and validated 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
3Degrees
Founded in 2007, 3Degrees is a standout carbon offset program designed for businesses and utilities. They offer various services, including decarbonisation, consulting, renewable energy, and green tariffs.
As a Certified B Corporation, 3Degrees practices what it preaches by offsetting its emissions and supporting renewable energy. They provide global solutions for every stage of your decarbonisation journey, making them an excellent choice for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Their renewable energy offset projects are Green-e Energy certified.
Sustainable Travel International
Since 2002, Sustainable Travel International has been dedicated to transforming the travel and tourism industry by minimising negative impacts and promoting positive change. Their projects focus on forest and biodiversity conservation, clean energy, and community assistance, fostering a more sustainable model of tourism.
Their carbon offset projects are verified by third-party standards like Gold Standard and Plan Vivo, ensuring legitimacy and accountability.
Terrapass
Terrapass offers a convenient Carbon Balanced Business Plan, making it a top choice for monthly subscriptions. Since 2004, Terrapass has enabled individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint through various offset solutions.
Committed to education and practical carbon calculators, Terrapass ensures accessibility and understanding of climate action. All their offset projects undergo independent third-party review, enhancing their credibility.
Myclimate
Myclimate stands out for its extensive array of carbon offset projects, covering multiple environmental impact options, including biogas, energy efficiency, wind, water, forestry, and solar waste management.
As an award-winning not-for-profit program, Myclimate has conducted numerous projects globally, creating jobs and improving living conditions. All their projects adhere to third-party quality standards like Gold Standard and VCS, ensuring tangible and lasting CO2 reductions.
To date, Myclimate has financed 16.38 million tonnes of carbon reduction projects.
Carbon Checkout
Carbon Checkout is a leading carbon offset retail network that helps e-commerce businesses offset their carbon emissions and improve their brand image. The company works with Google under the Startup Adviser: SDG program to scale the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Carbon Checkout has also been co-funded by the European Innovation Council of the European Union, and was honoured by The World Bank as one of the top 5 startups combating climate change.
Carbon Checkout funds third-party verified carbon offset projects that have been approved by Climate Action Reserve (CAR), Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), The Gold Standard, and/or The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). These projects help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment, while also providing social and economic benefits to local communities.
How to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon offsets:
- Due Diligence: Make sure your offset is genuine and impactful by reviewing critical documentation and data. You can seek the assistance of experts for this process.
- Pricing: Be cautious of cheap offsets, as they may indicate low-quality projects. A price range of $1–$2 per tonne could be a red flag. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Low-Risk Projects: Opt for carbon credits from lower-risk projects like direct air carbon capture and storage, rather than fugitive gas capture or avoidance.
- Ratings: Choose a provider that employs strict methodologies to distinguish effective projects from ineffective ones.
