Due to increasing concerns about the quality and effectiveness of carbon offset projects and the validity of the offsets being sold by the growing number of provider companies, an international standard has been introduced to differentiate the higher quality offsets. Projects carrying the Gold Standard ensure their integrity and that certain key environmental criterea have been met. Only projects focused on improving energy efficiency and development of renewable energy are applicable for the Gold Standard; traditional tree planting projects are explicity excluded.

Gold Standard projects are also independently verified by third parties to ensure they are delivering their promises, as well as being sensitive to the environment in which they operate.

HotonEarth has a number of Gold Standard projects listed on the site, alongside a variety of tree planting projects, which we still feel are valid for improving our environment, even if the carbon they are offsetting is limited in the short term.

Resources

• The Gold Standard - The Gold Standard is an independently audited, globally applicable best practice methodology for project development that delivers high quality carbon credits of premium value.