Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is Carbon Offsetting?

    Carbon Offsetting is the process of calculating man-made emissions of carbon dioxide, reducing these emissions and neutralising the impact of the remaining emissions by storing the equivalent amount of carbon, e.g. by planting trees.

    Back to top
  2. How will offsetting my CO2 reduce the threat of climate change?

    Offsetting reduces climate change by making real reductions in amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere, which would not have happened without it.

    By raising awareness of the impact that modern life has on the climate, and understanding the severity of the issue, we can all reduce our emissions where possible, and offset the rest.

    Back to top
  3. What happens to my money?

    We add your contribution to a fund which we use to buy regular batches of tonnes of carbon offset from ethically managed, traceable projects worldwide. You receive a confirmation of your order, and a branded gift to enable you to demonstrate your environmental credentials, and help us spread the carbon offsetting message.

    Our commitment is to offset, on your behalf, the exact equivalent in tonnes of the carbon emissions you have calculated with our site.

    Back to top
  4. How do you choose which projects to fund?

    We support a variety of measurable projects, meeting key criteria including;

    • Delivering multiple benefits – e.g. carbon sequestration and means of income for indigenous peoples
    • Additionality – i.e. That the sequestration of carbon is demonstrably additional to projects and schemes already planned
    • Support biodiversity – e.g. promote and sustain a variety of species of plant and animal life
    • Local ownership – i.e. That the execution of the project is owned and managed locally, giving a greater likelihood of security of completion.

    mycarbondebt.com work with recognised organisations who share our ethical and transparent approach. We are always interested in hearing about any potential projects. If you would like to discuss this, please contact us at enquiries@mycarbondebt.com

    Back to top
  5. How do you calculate the CO2 emissions?

    When calculating the CO2 emissions from your activities, mycarbondebt.com uses officially published figures (e.g. from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to convert quantities of fuel and energy to CO2 emissions. We use average emissions numbers for cars and homes of various sizes provided by the UK government. Our flight calculations are based on data and algorithms provided by Carbon Clear Limited. The greenhouse gas emissions for our nappy package are taken from a study by the Environment Agency.

    Back to top
  6. Is carbon offsetting scientifically sound?

    All growing trees take carbon out of the atmosphere, so regenerating forests act as a good store of carbon. Likewise energy production based on sustainable resources rather than fossil fuel demonstrably reduces carbon emissions. This is an active field of study, and new research is being conducted all the time. We keep up-to-date on new scientific research in order to bring you projects that are scientifically impeccable.

    Back to top
  7. How can we be sure that the carbon offset we purchase is really helping the environment?

    mycarbondebt.com work only with selected organisations with many years experience in managing reforestation and sustainable energy projects, and who work with local partners. We only invest in projects which can scientifically demonstrate additionality, and promote longevity and stability.

    Back to top
  8. Is it expensive?

    Not at all, actions you take to reduce your emissions will usually save you money. To offset emissions that you cannot reduce simply involves purchasing the appropriate number of tonnes of carbon sequestration. To discover how much this will cost you, try our carbon calculators in the What can I do? section of the website, but in general, working on averages, offsetting the emissions from your car will probably cost about the same as a tank of fuel, and offsetting your European holiday flights will set you back around the price of a nice bottle of wine.

    Back to top
  9. Do you use tree planting to offset?

    Yes, but it is not the only type of project we support. Carbon sequestration should be seen as a part of the solution to climate change, but not as the only and complete solution. Climate change should also be addressed by reducing emissions through developing renewable fuel sources or boosting efficiency. We keep up to date with current thinking about types and spread of project portfolio, to deliver increased benefit.

    Back to top
  10. Can we pick a project to give money to?

    Over time, this will be possible. Today mycarbondebt.com operates a 'Current Project' model which enables us to provide substantial funding to an identified project in order to deliver the best results in the quickest way.

    Back to top
  11. Why don't you fund projects in the UK?

    We reduce CO2 emissions beyond those already promised by the UK government through the Kyoto Protocol. So, by funding projects in developing countries without Kyoto targets we ensure that the CO2 emission reductions that you buy go beyond current UK government commitments.

    By investing in developing countries, we also contribute more significantly to economic development, local sustainability and protection of habitats and species.

    As it happens, the location of the project makes no difference to where the carbon benefits are felt as greenhouse gases spread throughout the atmosphere. So releasing pollution anywhere will increase CO2 levels everywhere. And clearing pollution anywhere will slow net emissions growth everywhere.

    Back to top
  12. How can we be sure that your projects are making the CO2 reductions that you claim?

    mycarbondebt.com works only with reputable, ethical project organisations, supported by scientific measurements which are beyond reproach. For each project we are able to measure the results on an ongoing basis to ensure we are delivering the benefits we describe.

    Back to top
  13. What's the difference between 'Carbon Offsets' and 'CO2 Offsets'?

    The term 'carbon' is often used as shorthand for carbon dioxide (CO2), as in 'carbon debt'. However, this isn't just about carbon dioxide. When we talk about clearing carbon, we actually refer to six key pollutants, collectively referred to as 'greenhouse gases' (GHG's):

    • carbon dioxide
    • methane
    • nitrous oxide
    • hydrofluorocarbons
    • perfluorocarbons
    • sulphur hexafluoride

    The main GHG is Carbon Dioxide, so to keep things simple, scientists talk about these gases in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq), so that we can compare apples with apples. So, you're really supporting the cleansing of all six main greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide. Our calculators work out the quantity of greenhouse gases, and express them in the figure of tonnes of CO2. Our projects also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases other than CO2, and convert these to carbon dioxide equivalents

    Back to top
  14. Are you involved in the Kyoto Protocol or EU Emissions Trading Scheme?

    mycarbondebt.com provides emissions reductions for the voluntary market, which means that our offsets cannot yet be traded in the EU scheme, nor yet counted towards the Kyoto targets of member states. However, discussions continue at government level on ways for consumers to participate directly in these schemes.

    Back to top