Carbon offset providers under the spotlight

Australian carbon offset providers will be placed under the spotlight with the first independent ranking of the sector to be released 16 September by Total Environment Centre (TEC), CHOICE and the Institute of Sustainable Futures (ISF).

Carbon Offset Watch will help increase consumers' confidence about whether what they’re buying will actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Carbon Offset Watch is forcing the industry to grow up by sorting the best and most reliable from the rest. The industry has grown exponentially in the last 18 months and it’s not surprising that individuals and business are confused with so many claims, product offerings and carbon calculators. The credibility of the entire carbon offset industry has been in question. Our independent survey steps in where government regulation is yet to tread,” said Jeff Angel, TEC director.

"For consumers keen to avoid greenwash in the largely unregulated carbon offset market, Carbon Offset Watch provides the first clear ranking showing which ones we consider are better buys," said Kate Norris, senior policy officer at CHOICE.

Public concern about climate change has grown rapidly and one result has been the increased demand for carbon offsets which reduce greenhouse gas emissions from one activity to compensate for the emissions of another.

There are now over 50 carbon offset providers in Australia but there is little transparent information about products and inadequate regulation. Carbon Offset Watch has investigated the quality of carbon offset products to help reduce confusion and improve confidence amongst consumers.