A carbon offset is a voluntary reduction, avoidance or removal enhancement equal to one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). Carbon offsets are generated when someone voluntarily undertakes a project/action that reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere (reduction), prevents greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere (avoidance), or increases the amount of greenhouse gas emissions being taken out of the atmosphere and sequestered (removal enhancement).

It is highly likely that anaerobic digesters will generate legitimate carbon offsets that can then be sold. However, for an anaerobic digestion project to be eligible to generate carbon offsets, it will have to meet the specific criteria of the carbon market in which the offset will be sold. For example, under the Pacific Carbon Trust, projects must meet seven criteria to be eligible to sell carbon offsets. These criteria are: • Within scope • Measurable • Real • Additional • Verifiable • Clear ownership • Counted once For more info, please see the opportunities tab

In B.C., there are currently two principle markets in carbon offsets can be sold. These are the Pacific Carbon Trust and the voluntary market. The Pacific Carbon Trust is a Crown corporation that is mandated to purchases B.C.-generated carbon offsets to enable the Provincial Government to meet its carbon-neutral public sector commitment legislated under the Greenhouse Gas Reductions Target Act. In addition, the PCT plans to purchase offsets for businesses and individuals that are not under the legislation. The voluntary market is composed of individuals and businesses that wish to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This market does not involve a legally binding scheme and each carbon offset project will face varying stringency levels for offset eligibility criteria.

Currently there are several programs in B.C. that could potentially provide funding for anaerobic digestion. For more information, please see the opportunities tab.