The Handbook of Carbon Offset Programs provides a systematic and comprehensive review of existing offset programs. It looks at what offsets are, how offset mechanisms function, and the successes and pitfalls they have encountered. Coverage includes offset programs across the full swath of applications including mandatory and voluntary systems, government regulated and private markets, carbon offset funds, and accounting and reporting protocols such as the WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol and ISO 14064. Learning from the successes and failures of these programs will be essential to crafting effective climate policy. This is an essential reference for all regulators, policy makers, business leaders and NGOs concerned with the design and operation of GHG offset programs worldwide.
"The most comprehensive guide available to carbon offset programs around the world."
— Derik Broekhoff, Vice President, Policy, Climate Action Reserve
"This handbook is the most comprehensive guide available to carbon offset programs around the world. An invaluable aid for anyone seeking to make sense of the global thicket of offset standards, rules, and systems, both voluntary and regulatory."
— Derik Broekhoff, Vice President, Policy, Climate Action Reserve
"This reference work provides a uniquely comprehensive collection of facts and analysis of the numerous offset mechanisms in play across the world. I recommend it to anyone interested in the issue of offsets."
— Jean-Jacques Becker, Assistant Director, French Ministry of Energy, Ecology and Sustainable Development
"A must-have resource for state and local policymakers interested in developing offset policies and programs."
— Janice Adair, Special Assistant, Washington State Department of Ecology
"SEI is establishing itself as the 'go-to' source for comprehensive, unbiased information about the rapidly changing field of greenhouse gas offsets. This book will be an extremely valuable reference in a field where the lack of reliable data is a continual challenge."
— Alexia Kelly, Senior Associate, Climate and Energy Program, World Resources Institute
"A uniquely comprehensive compendium on greenhouse gas offset programs throughout the world. And a wonderful reference for anyone from project developers to treaty negotiators."
— Michael Gillenwater, Dean, Greenhouse Gas Management Institute
"This book provides a comprehensive overview of existing greenhouse gas offset programs with a keen eye to issues, options, and alternatives. Policymakers, stakeholders and those interested in the development of a comprehensive market for greenhouse gas emission reductions, will find it a useful reference."
— Janet Peace, Vice President for Markets and Business Strategy, Pew Center on Global Climate Change
"This book provides an excellent overview of the rules for offsetting projects in different programs around the globe. It should be a definitive reference for anyone who wants to understand the key issues and differences in the various offsetting schemes."
— Lambert Schneider, Oeko-Institut