Carbon Offsets 101

What are Carbon Offsets? Carbon Offsets are certificates you can buy that represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the funding of emissions-reducing projects. At BEF, we see a carbon offset as an investment in clean energy. And since burning fossil fuels for energy is the primary cause of global warming, we decided to focus our efforts there, at the root of the problem. BEF Carbon Offsets fund the development of clean, renewable energy sources like solar power and wind farms. When you purchase a Carbon Offset, you're canceling out (offsetting) a set amount of greenhouse gases your activities release into the environment.

But there's more to it. A carbon offset represents an opportunity and a responsibility. Instead of dirty fossil fuels, you are choosing to support and invest in clean renewable energy. When we produce clean energy and feed it into the system, or "Energy Pool", the dirty, non-renewable sources are scaled back as wind and solar take over - which means less carbon dioxide emitted into our air and atmosphere.

A good rule of thumb: One BEF Carbon Offset represents enough renewable energy to offset the greenhouse gas pollution produced by a typical home for a month.

• Putting 1,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy onto North America's power grids
• Offsetting emissions from a standard car for 1,500 miles

BEF currently offers three types of Carbon Offsets. Each one offsets a defined amount of greenhouse gases. Why not collect the whole green set?

• BEF Wind Offsets (offsets 1,500 lbs. of greenhouse gases)
• BEF Solar Offsets (offsets 1,295 lbs. of greenhouse gases)
• BEF Wind and Solar Blend Offsets - 50% solar, 50% wind (offsets 1,500 lbs. of greenhouse gases)

Not all organizations operate in quite the same way. Before purchasing any offset, we recommend you educate yourself on where your money goes. Below are some helpful questions to ask before purchasing Carbon Offsets. You may also find our Carbon Offset FAQ section helpful.

• 1. Are they nonprofit?

  Why this is important: Many companies that provide offsets are for profit – which doesn't mean they're bad – it just means that their profits go to shareholders.

  About BEF: BEF is a nonprofit organization. Our profits (or "net revenues" in nonprofit lingo) go to the planet. We spend our profits on putting solar panels on schools across the country, educating tomorrow's leaders (kids) on the power of renewable energy, restoring and protecting habitats (for fish and wildlife, and building new sources of renewable energy. All that and, as a 501(c)(3), you may be eligible to deduct your contribution to BEF from your taxes. Wow!

• 2. Do their offset projects meet criteria established by independent environmental organizations?

  Why this is important: You want to be a savvy shopper and make sure that all of the projects that you support are making the most positive impact possible.

  About BEF: Years ago, before we started selling carbon offsets, we sat down with three leading environmental organizations and asked them to help us create the criteria for a good renewable energy project - one that was as beneficial for the environment as it was for the people. These environmental groups, including Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), created the criteria that we use today. Before we buy offsets from any project, the project has to pass our environmental screening criteria. So, you can rest assured that all of the renewable energy projects that you support through BEF are having a positive impact on the planet

• 3. Have the projects been verified by an independent, third party?

  Why this is important: Let's face it, although carbon offsets have very positive and tangible benefits, the offsets themselves are rather intangible products. Third-party verification is important because it allows you, as a consumer, to rest assured that the organization is doing what it says it's doing with your hard earned money.

  About BEF: BEF was an early supporter of Green-e, an independent, national auditing organization run by the Center for Resource Solutions. The folks at CRS and Green-e do annual audits of all of BEF's offset purchases, marketing materials, etc. They make sure that we're delivering what we say we're delivering - that we're not over-promising or promising you something and delivering something else. Green-e just launched its most stringent level of certification yet - the Green-e Climate program. BEF was an early and avid supporter of these stringent standards. We push ourselves to deliver the highest-quality, most effective products to you in as transparent a manner as possible. As an offset consumer, you should look for Green-e Climate certified products.

• 4. Are the carbon offsets real, permanent and who keeps track?

  Why this is important: You want to make sure your money is going to support projects that are going to make a real, lasting impact on the energy system and the environment.

  About BEF: We subscribe to the Green-e Climate code of conduct. This code of conduct ensures that all of the projects that we support are real, have been built since 2005, and offer lasting impact to the planet.

• 5. How does the organization spend its net revenues?

  Why this is important: As we've mentioned in other parts of the site, some of the organizations that provide offsets are for profit companies – which means their net revenues are paid to their shareholders.

  About BEF: As a 501(c)(3) certified nonprofit organization, BEF invests its net revenues in the planet. We spend our profits on educating kids about renewable energy, building new sources of renewable energy and conducting long-term watershed restoration activities.

• 6. Does the offset support a technology that can end our reliance on fossil fuels?

  Why this is important: Not all offsets are alike. Some offsets support tree-planting efforts, some offsets support the development of new types of clean, renewable energy technology.

  About BEF: BEF's offsets all support the development of new sources of clean, renewable energy technology. Our current, fossil fuel-based energy system is at the root of the climate-change problem. Working to transition our country from fossil fuels to thoughtfully developed renewable fuels will have a dramatic and lasting impact on our atmosphere. In other words, some offsets treat symptoms (pollution that has already occurred), whereas renewable energy offsets treat the problem directly and eliminate the source of the pollution.

• 7. Can I select what program my money is used for?

  Why this is important: Different companies use your money to fund different programs. Some people have a preference in which type of renewable energy they invest in.

  About BEF: At BEF, we offer three different types of carbon offsets: wind offsets, solar offsets and a solar-wind blend of offsets. Each of these three types of offsets are audited by Green-e and meet our environmental criteria. So, whichever type of clean, renewable energy resource you choose to support, you can rest assured that your money will be invested with integrity and will achieve results.