Carbon offset means emissions have been bought off through a climate project. Carbon neutral implies a structured process of measuring, reducing and offsetting residual emissions. The terms are not interchangeable, and the EU Green Claims Directive is pushing for more nuance.
The right order
- Measure: calculate the footprint using LCA data.
- Reduce: choose sustainable materials, local production and efficient transport.
- Offset: only the residual emissions, through a certified project (Gold Standard, VCS).
What sets a good offset project apart
- Additionality: without the funding, it wouldn’t go ahead.
- Permanence: the CO2 stays locked away for the long term.
- Leakage prevention: emissions don’t simply shift elsewhere.
- Monitoring: independent verification.
- Co-benefits: social or biodiversity effects.
Recommended labels
- Gold Standard (set up by WWF).
- Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
- Plan Vivo (smallholder-based).
More on our carbon footprint page.
