subject: Carbon Effort - How To Buy Carbon Credits [print this page] Carbon credits are like certificates that represent a reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They are fully fungible financial instruments, and are measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tons CO2e). Carbon sequestration credits or offsets are calculated by the amount of carbon emissions that would have been emitted if a diesel or other traditional polluting electric generator was used to produce the same amount of electricity. Companies and electric utilities in countries can buy these emission reduction carbon credits to replace the emissions from their coal burning electric power plants to meet regulatory requirements. Purchasing carbon credits means making an investment in carbon reduction projects. So, how to buy carbon credits?
The first step you have to do is to calculate your carbon footprint. This number determines how many carbon credits you need to buy to offset your carbon-producing activity. Then, check with your utility company to see if they have a carbon offsetting program. Think it over and make a decision as to what type of projects you want your carbon credit purchase to support. It could be a tree-planting project to recreate natural forests and to prevent deforestation, a renewable energy project, or an energy conservation project.
After deciding on a project, research on carbon credit providers. Then, purchase your carbon credits from your chosen provider. Usually, you can purchase a carbon credit for between five dollars and fifty dollars for every ton of carbon dioxide you emit into the air. The price varies with each carbon credit provider, and so researching on your provider carefully is a smart step to take.
The benefits of carbon credits are many. Carbon credits reduce poverty, provide off-grid electricity, provide employment for carbon sequestration, and boost economic development in rural communities. Remember, though, that they are not free tickets to pollute.
