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Carbon Neutral

To become carbon neutral, first reduce all possible emissions and impacts and then contribute to a measured reduction elsewhere to balance the rest

We are faced with the need for large reductions in greenhouse gases emissions over this century in order to minimize dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Outside of legally binding schemes for emission reductions such as the Kyoto Protocol, individuals and organisations can contribute to emission reductions by voluntarily reducing their demand for energy and purchasing carbon offsets to balance their emissions. The purchase of carbon offsets is part of a rapidly growing voluntary market helping to reduce the climate impact of specific activities to zero, otherwise known as becoming carbon neutral.

Although useful on a small scale, growing increases in the voluntary carbon offset market will make its largest contribution by facilitating the rapid development and adoption of legally binding policies.

The Global Carbon Project has published the report "Carbon Reductions and Offsets" with a number of recommendations for individuals and institutions who want to participate in this voluntary market.

Recommendations from Carbon reductions and offsets

Global Carbon Project (2008) Carbon reductions and offsets. Coulter L, Canadell J, Dhakal S. Global Carbon Project Report No. 6, ESSP Report No. 5, Canberra.

Other documents of interest


GCP Operations are Carbon Neutral

The Global Carbon Project is committed to being carbon neutral in our operations.

Gunung Salak Geothermal Project
2013 - The GCP was carbon neutral in its office operations and travelling.
The project supported was the Gunung Salak Geothermal Project in Indonesia.
Project Brief (pdf, 1.6mb)
Carbon Offset Certificate (pdf, 1mb)
Huadian Ningxia windfarm
2009 - The GCP was carbon neutral in its office operations and travelling.
The project supported was the Huadian Ningxia Wind Project in China.
Project Brief (pdf, 2.35mb)
Carbon Offset Certificate (pdf, 1.3mb)
Gudhepanchgani windfarm 2008 - The GCP was carbon neutral in its office operations and travelling.
The project supported was the Gudhepanchgani Wind Farm in Maharashtra, India.
Project Brief (pdf, 2.35mb); large image (jpg, 64kb)
Carbon Offset Certificate (pdf, 964kb)