Voluntary Code of Best Practice for carbon offsetting
For the last 12 months Defra in the UK has been consulting on a voluntary Code of Best Practice for carbon offsetting and it was launched in its almost-final form on 19th February (there is another 6 weeks of consultation). The CarbonNeutral Company sells carbon offsets to the public and to businesses which meet this draft code, and we’ll be running a seminar with Defra mid-year to outline what the Code means and how it can be applied.
There’s been a shift in thinking, however, that affects those of our clients who have selected to offset with VERs which were specifically excluded from the 2007 draft of the Code. Defra’s position has changed through the consultation: they have felt the strength of support in the market for VERs from offsetting companies and clients. The carbon offset industry is now invited to propose a common standard for VERs which would cover the generally accepted principles of additionality, carbon leakage, permanence, verification, transparency, double counting. This is positive and the same principles are part of the bedrock of The CarbonNeutral Protocol and the CarbonNeutral programmes we run for clients – whether they have chosen CERs or VERs as their offset portfolio.
The Code is envisaged for emissions reductions offered to consumers in the UK. It does not apply to offset providers per se: they can sell carbon offsets which meet the Defra Code, Gold Standard etc. Other standards have or are being introduced by other governments and organizations around the world – some are more suitable than others depending on individual preferences and requirements.
Our approach is to provide products and services which meet robust guidelines and standards, and to recommend to clients the one which best fits their needs. A requirement to offset at lowest cost could mean a VER portfolio, for example. A requirement to invest in offsets which delivered also substantial local community benefits may result in a Gold Standard VER portfolio. An offset portfolio which uses emission reductions approved as a compliance instrument under the EU Emission Trading Scheme would use CERs. ‘One size fits all’ doesn’t really work; the critical question for our clients remains – how do we reduce greenhouse gas emissions cost effectively, and in ways which deliver clear and proven environmental and commercial benefits.
Related links:
Portfolio offsets from The CarbonNeutral Company
Press release from The Climate Group
Carbon offsetters response to Defra Code
Quality Assurance
Press release on PARC (Policy on Accounting and Reporting Carbon)
