Defra launched a consultation on establishing a Code of Best Practice for the provision of carbon offsetting to UK customers on 18 January 2007. The Code is designed to give consumers clarity and confidence when they choose to offset. It proposes that the most suitable carbon credits for offsetting are those from the regulated market because they are robust and verifiable.

While the first steps in tackling climate change should always be to avoid and reduce carbon emissions, a further option for consideration is offsetting. For consumers to be able to do this, the Government believes it would be helpful to establish a Code of Best Practice with a logo for accredited offset products so that consumers can offset with confidence.

The Code contains the following elements:
- Robust and verifiable emission reduction credits from the compliance market;
- Accurate calculation of emissions to be offset;
- Clear information for consumers regarding the mechanism and/or projects supported;
- Transparent pricing;
- Timescales for cancelling credits, and
- Where offered by a company with other goods and services, those companies will offer a ‘compulsory choice’ for the consumer to offset.

Further information on this consultation is available from the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/carbonoffsetting-cop/consultation.pdfThe closing date for responses is 13 April 2007.

Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 05/02/07)

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