Complete Guide to Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets allow you to compensate for your emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. This guide explains how they work and helps you choose the best programs.

How Carbon Offsets Work

When you purchase a carbon offset, you're funding a project that either:

• Prevents emissions: Renewable energy projects, energy efficiency improvements
• Removes CO₂: Reforestation, carbon capture technology
• Destroys greenhouse gases: Methane capture from landfills

What Makes a Good Carbon Offset?

• Verified: Certified by standards like Gold Standard, VCS, or CAR
• Additional: Project wouldn't have happened without offset funding
• Permanent: Emissions reductions are long-lasting
• Transparent: Clear reporting on project impact

Recommended Offset Programs

See our detailed comparison of 20+ offset programs →

Calculate Your Offset Needs

Use our carbon footprint calculator to determine how many offsets you need.