Portfolio Requirements

Our portfolio is created in collaboration with George Washington University's Environmental and Energy Management Institute to ensure they meet the following requirements:

Additional

GHG emission reduction is (1) not already mandated, (2) not a widespread practice, and (3) offset helps overcome financial, technological, or institutional barriers.

Baseline

Baseline/base year emissions calculated using an accepted method, clearly presented, and verified.

Collateral Damage

Potential negative effects of the project considered and ruled out or accurately reported and compensated.

Corresponding Adjustments

Source country of emissions reductions adjusted its own emissions inventory.

Leakage

Project unlikely to shift the source of emissions to jurisdictions with less ambitious policies. Presumed leakage rate specified. Measures in place to monitor, mitigate, and compensate incidents of material leakage.

Liquidity

Project offsets are sold on one or more readily accessible markets. Market transactions are executed and recorded rapidly and reliably.

Permanence

Expected duration of emission reduction or avoidance specified.  Detection systems and compensation mechanisms (financial instruments and buffer mechanisms) are in place.*

Price Stability

Price, sale, and retirement history of projects blend to maintain an acceptable trajectory.

Project Emissions Netted

GHG emissions (including scope 3) associated with execution of the project are documented, verified, and netted from offset claims.

Real

Contract guarantees that offsets represent actual substantiated changes from baseline (accounting standards followed). Banked credits cover default or other legal recourse. Any forward crediting has a scientific rationale.

Transparency

Complete offset documentation is available. Contact information is provided and has been tested.

Timely

Offsets start impacting greenhouse gasses quickly.

Verified

GHG emission reduction is confirmed and, for continuing projects, monitored throughout the stipulated lifetime. Monitoring system follows a clear protocol.

Diversified

Projects are diversified over multiple types, geographies, and methodologies.

* We follow IPCC requirements of a minimum of 100 years for non-forestry/agricultural methods, and ACR requirements of 40 years for forestry offsets.

Our portfolio of projects also includes a number of co-benefits in addition to the elimination of greenhouse gasses. When and where possible aim to maximize the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.