Carbon offsets are an important component of most Climate Action Plans (CAPs). While the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments do not require the use of carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality, most Climate Leadership Network Signatories will have some portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cannot be eliminated through other means. This is particularly true for Scope 3 emissions, as commuting and campus-sponsored air travel is often unavoidable. Second Nature provides guidance and support for Signatories to develop robust carbon offset strategies.
Campuses have many options for how they choose to integrate carbon offsets into their CAPs. These options range from developing local offset projects with community benefits to purchasing traditional 3rd party verified offsets through the voluntary carbon market.
Second Nature creates resources and guidance documents to support Signatories in developing robust carbon offset programs.
See resources
The Offset Network is a collaboration of higher education institutions to catalyze and support unique offset projects that provide educational and research opportunities.
Visit the Offset Network website
The Carbon Credit and Purchasing Program (C2P2) helps schools develop and market carbon offsets through the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). Campuses can generate and sell verified offsets from emissions reductions on campus.
Learn more about C2P2
Second Nature is exploring new initiatives and pilot programs to support Signatory institutions in their efforts to purchase carbon offsets and engage with the voluntary carbon market.
Coming Soon!Please email [email protected] with questions or to discuss any of the above resources and initiatives.