Types of carbon offset projects What’s most important? The most important factors considered when purchasing forest carbon credits
Key Sample size = 80-85 Highly important
Carbon standards
56
33
9 11
Important Somewhat important
Projects ability to generate local community benefits
47 45
Project location
20 12 42
36
Project type
19 1 45
28
Experienced carbon company with a reputable name involved
Recent vintage (age)
14
Participation of a NGO in the development and/or implementation of the project
14
Buying directly from the project developer or through an intermediary
11
Exclusivity of carbon credits
11
29
30%
13
50%
60%
29
70%
6
22
36 40%
5
18
32 27
20%
8
40
18
8 16
41
20
10 10%
35
6
11
28
20
8
20 37
34
5
14
24
25
16
11
25
30
19
Fit with existing CSR activities
29
31
20
Corporate cultural and/or brand fit
16 12 29 1
29
22
If useful for future compliance targets
7
42
27
Projects that complement a company’s geographic operations
14 11
36
35
Price
22
32
42
Experience and credibility of implementing organisations
0%
16 1
Unimportant Not sure
Projects ability to create biodiversity benefits
Participation of a government or regional authority in execution of the project
36
7 11
22 80%
90%
6 100%
•
Carbon standards were rated as the most important factor when purchasing forest carbon credits (considered important or highly important by 89% of respondents).
•
This was closely followed by project location (84%), project type (80%) and the project’s ability to generate additional community and biodiversity benefits (83% and 77% respectively).
•
Experience and credibility of implementing organisation and price are also considered important factors (72% and 70%).