Carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting is ‘…the process of compensating for the remaining carbon emissions balance by contributing, usually financially, towards solutions to reduce emissions elsewhere. Typically, this is put in practice by establishing carbon offset funds which then invest in renewable energy and other carbon reduction measures.’ Ref Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change targets, published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) in January 2020.
Zero carbon building, Performance standard, Version 2, Published by the Canada Green Building Council in March 2021, defines carbon offset as: ‘A credit for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that occur somewhere else and that can be purchased to compensate for the emissions of a company or project. High quality carbon offsets include third party verification of emissions reductions as well as additionality, longevity, and leakage criteria.’
Keeping 1.5°C Alive: Closing the Gap in the 2020s, version 1.0, published by the Energy Transitions Commission in September 2021, defines Carbon offsets as: ‘Reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) or greenhouse gases made by a company, sector, or economy to compensate for emissions made elsewhere in the economy.’
PAS 2080:2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure, second edition, published by The British Standards Institution in March 2023, defines carbon offset as: ‘discrete reduction in greenhouse gas emissions not arising from the defined subject, made available in the form of a carbon credit meeting a defined set of requirements (as per PAS 2060:2014) and used to counteract emissions from the defined subject. NOTE Offsets can be generated via a variety of activities, including those that avoid or reduce emissions and those that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Additional information on offset categories is available in the Oxford principles for net zero aligned carbon offsetting (2020).’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.