By
·
1 minute read
A misconception is that the main function of carbon credits is to allow companies to offset their emissions. Instead, they can serve as instruments to further innovation and development.
The real merit of carbon credits lies in the significant benefits for sellers. This includes those organizations dedicated to preserving and creating carbon sinks, making circular products, using biobased materials, introducing renewable energy sources and so much more.
By issuing and selling carbon credits the money comes back to those doing the work, allowing them to continue, scale and expand their operations and introduce low-carbon products and practices. This is where the real environmental benefit lies.
How about a couple examples?
In West Africa, the Cashew Captures Carbon Project, led by Away4Africa, is transforming cashew farming in Benin. This project addresses environmental and socio-economic challenges by developing more sustainable farming practices, positively impacting the local community and environment. The project introduces relatively simple new practices, such as agroforestry and improved land management, to create climate benefits.
The Naturevest project in Croatia sequesters about 6,500 tonnes of CO₂e annually with the cultivation of 130,000 paulownia trees. Proba, issues high-quality carbon credits and finds co-financing from supply chain partners who are looking to reduce their Scope 3 footprint.
At Bakkersgrondstof they are reprocessing unsold bread into new products, reducing food waste and emissions. The issuance of carbon credits through Proba is a significant boon for Bakkersgrondstof, as the sale of these credits helps turn this initiative from into a robust project.
These cases demonstrate the real benefits of carbon credits, not just as a means for companies to compensate for their emissions but as a backing for innovation and expansion, leading to a lower carbon economy.