With a market overrun with new schemes, the Government today released for public consultation a voluntary standard for offsetting.

Environment Secretary David Miliband said the standard and associated code of practice would raise the bar for the offsetting industry.

“Offsetting isn’t the answer to climate change. The first step should always be to see how we can avoid and reduce emissions – through thinking about how we use energy in our homes and businesses, and the way we travel.” Warned the minister.

“However, some emissions can’t or won’t be avoided. That’s where offsetting has a role to play. It’s a way of compensating for the emissions produced with an equivalent carbon saving.”

Mr Miliband said that consumers needed an assurance that when they offset their emissions, their money is spent on projects that have genuine carbon dioxide emission reductions. According to reports on BBC News this morning, such projects will need to be focused in the developing world – the regions most affected by the rise of global warming.

“People need to be sure that the way they offset is actually making a difference. The Government’s standard and code of practice, with a quality mark so people can check easily before they choose an offsetting product, will help to provide that certainty.” Continued Mr Miliband.

“Ultimately, this is about providing certainty for consumers in an emerging environmental market.”

As with the Global Cool’s Tonne of Cool, the Government’s standard will be based on the use of certified credits from the established Kyoto market, through sources such as the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). These credits are backed by an international framework and institutions to ensure that real emission reductions take place, as well as providing a clear audit trail.

Click here for more information on the Tonne of Cool