Yes, carbon compensation can be employed to achieve carbon neutrality. Carbon neutrality refers to balancing the amount of carbon emissions produced with an equivalent amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. By purchasing carbon units from carbon offset initiatives, such as reforestation and afforestation initiatives, individuals and businesses can compensate for emissions they cannot reduce, effectively balancing their carbon footprint. This practice demonstrates your commitment to reducing your environmental impact and contributes to the broader goal of restoring nature.
Carbon offsetting through carbon units from nature-based projects is seen as the best way to achieve environmental goals due to all the additional advantages such projects offer, including restoring biodiversity and establishing new habitats. Carbon offsetting is a pivotal strategy in becoming sustainable, restoring nature, and mitigating environmental impacts and biodiversity decline. Organisations should note that to be carbon neutral requires a holistic approach, and organisations should ensure they comply with all regulatory requirements, such as those set out in the VCMI’s Claims Code of Practice and the guidelines of the SBTi, before making any claims of carbon neutrality.