How Projects Are Selected For the List
Environmental Defense Fund supports solutions based on sound science.
We developed quality criteria to identify credible offsets. Only carbon offsets that met these guidelines are featured on the site.
We issued a request-for-proposal for offset projects and rigorous screening was conducted by a panel of internal experts
Additionally, we received advice from a committee of external, independent experts and thought-leaders from the fields of science, engineering and public policy. (See callout box in right column.)
Criteria for quality
Our criteria require that:
- Emission reductions are achieved with sound methodologies and practices.
- All emission reduction claims are verified and verifiable by a third party.
- All emission reductions are permanent. If there is the potential for a reversal, in which emission reductions are returned to the atmosphere in the future, insurance must be maintained to protect against those scenarios.
- The carbon offset was generated in a way that produced net positive environmental and community impacts.
- Offsets are serialized and tracked so that they cannot be sold twice.
Review the complete eligibility criteria.
Posted: 09-Sep-2008; Updated: 22-Aug-2008
