Buying offsets needs careful checks. Companies must review project quality, proof, and long-term impact. A strong due diligence plan looks at:
- Additionality – Would the project happen without carbon funding?
- Permanence – Will the carbon stay locked away for many years?
- Third-Party Verification – Is the project checked by trusted groups like Verra (VCS) or the Gold Standard?
- Monitoring – Does the project track and report results over time?
Verification Standards and Quality Indicators
Verra’s VCS covers about 70% of voluntary credits. Projects must go through strict checks and audits.
The Gold Standard adds more focus on local benefits, like jobs, clean water, and biodiversity.
Other signs of quality include the year the credits were issued (vintage), the location of the project, and any extra social or environmental benefits.
There are already 4,000 projects that issued 1.7 billion credits, with 3,800 more on the way. Picking wisely is key.
Implementation: From Assessment to Procurement
The process starts with measuring a company’s full carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2, and 3). After cutting as much as possible, firms use offsets for what is left.
Most leaders split their offset spend: 60–80% in nature-based projects and 20–40% in new tech like direct air capture.
Steps in buying credits:
- Plan a Portfolio – Spread risk across types and regions.
- Select Vendors – Work with brokers or direct project developers.
- Negotiate Contracts – Make sure of delivery, quality, and fair price.
- Track in Registries – Retire credits and report clearly to stakeholders.
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