FAQs and Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should companies offset their carbon emissions?

Company directors have a legal responsibility for the sustainability of their business. Carbon offsetting is an excellent way to achieve this and increasing numbers of blue chip companies are taking this approach. Government is also currently considering a mandatory offset scheme.

How will my offset help reduce the impacts of climate change?

Your offset pays for equipment to conserve current energy use and also for production of clean energy from renewable sources. This means you get twice the carbon savings for your offset.

Isn't offsetting a gimmick or fig leaf?

Yes - in so far that if one does not cut back on energy use and continue to generate energy from unclean sources then none of this will work. However, as part of a programme to reduce energy use and generate from clean sources, then it can help and will make the difference.

Are you part of the EU emissions trading scheme?

No. That is a statutory market which trades in emissions credits. Our scheme is entirely voluntary but suits the needs of businesses and individuals who wish to ensure we have a planet to live on in the future.

Why do your projects work with schools?

We want to make the investment go further by positioning our equipment in public places. We aim to create a generational sea change and this can only happen if people see clean energy being produced using measures such as solar panels and wind turbines.

What about trees?

Trees ensure that carbon is reduced only after having lived for a long time. The reality is if one wishes to cut carbon then there are two options. Use energy more efficiently and produce it in a clean and sustainable way.

How do I know my money is reducing carbon emissions - what projects do I fund?

Your investment pays for the installation of energy efficiency measures such as low energy lighting, motion sensors, insulation of buildings and energy efficient heating systems. It also pays for clean energy production such as wind turbines, solar water heating systems and even fantastic equipment called ground source heat pumps (which work by sucking warm air from the ground and swapping it with cold air in buildings. In summer we reverse the process and cool buildings down).

What project management experience does the carbonline.co.uk have?

Our partnership includes Clarson Goff management who have 18 years project management experience. Their recent projects have included Marks and Spencer Simply Food stores.

How do children benefit from my offsets?

We focus our projects in schools so that children benefit from utilising actual equipment in their schools. Children learn about climate change, citizenship and their own carbon footprint, geography and even maths through equations and use of meters. They learn through doing, using exciting curriculum materials to support them.

What should I offset and why does the government not pay for this?

As an individual or a company you can offset your vehicle use, office or home, and travel. The government cannot offset for your own business or individual carbon generation. They can however make new laws to make a difference over energy efficiency standards in buildings and vehicles - and we lobby for this to happen.

Is this a short term solution to a long term problem?

No, the issue of energy use and clean production will be the highest political issue for this and the next generation. Offsets are one way to help, but ultimately if we do not conserve and generate cleaner energy the world will face crisis.

Does global warming exist?

Yes. Read the Stern Report

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