49 CARBON OFFSETS

HOW DO CARBON OFFSETS WORK?

Even if complete carbon neutrality feels like a reach for your small business, carbon offsets can still help you even out your carbon emissions. But, how exactly do these offsets work?

In most cases, this isn’t going to be a grassroots movement (like the tree planting example we used earlier). Instead, your business will actually purchase carbon offsets, which you’ll likely hear referred to as carbon credits, through an established carbon offset program.

programs offer as part of the purchase process).

When you know your emissions, you’re better equipped to understand how much you need to offset. Again, if you want to be carbon neutral, emitting 25 metric tons of CO2 per year means you’d want to offset 25 metric tons per year.

The established initiatives will walk you through how to invest in their carbon offset programs and counteract your emissions. Regardless of which one you go with, the basic premise remains the same: You’re committing money to a program that benefits the environment to balance out your business’s carbon footprint.

Benefits Of Carbon Offsets

Does your small business need carbon offsets?

The short answer is no—you don’t need them. They aren’t mandated or required for businesses. However, offsetting your business’s carbon emissions offers several benefits: and businesses. In fact, 64% of Americans say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable products, and 78% say they’re more likely to purchase a product labeled as environmentally friendly. Offsetting your carbon emissions shows people that you’re invested in the health of the planet.

You might get a tax deduction: Your business might be able to write off your purchase of carbon offsets as a tax-deductible business expense. As always, it’s a smart idea to check this over with your accountant first.

Even if you don’t manage to be carbon neutral (or even carbon negative), investing in carbon offsets can still be a smart move.

Small Steps Lead To Big Changes

How much does a carbon offset cost? Or how much do you need to invest to truly counteract your business’s emissions?

That answer varies from business to business and project to project. If your goal is carbon neutrality, then you’ll need to start by calculating your business’s total carbon emissions. It doesn’t need to be complicated, especially if you use an online calculator (which most

You’ll help the planet: Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Carbon offsets help your business address climate change which, first and foremost, is good for the planet.

You’ll boost your business’s reputation: More than ever, people are looking for eco-friendly products

Carbon offsets are an effective and impactful way that small businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future. And best of all? They don’t require a ton of time and resources.

Remember, committing to seemingly small changes can make a big difference in the future of your business—and that holds true for the environment too.