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One Tribe Editorial Team

Carbon offsets play a critical role in helping businesses address unavoidable emissions as part of their sustainability strategy. But not all carbon offsets are created equal. How can your company ensure it invests in credible, impactful projects? Here are five essential steps, drawn from the insights in our ebook, How to Source High-Integrity Carbon Offsets.

1. Understand the Types of Carbon Credits

Begin by distinguishing between the two primary types of carbon credits:

  • Avoidance Credits: These focus on preventing CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere, such as protecting forests from deforestation.
  • Removals Credits: These projects physically remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, like reforestation, soil carbon capture or direct air capture.

Each type serves a unique purpose. Avoidance credits can halt the problem at its source, while removal credits tackle legacy emissions​.

2. Verify Project Integrity

High-integrity offsets follow strict standards to ensure they genuinely contribute to emissions reductions. Look for these key characteristics:

  • Additionality: Projects must go beyond business-as-usual activities.
  • Permanence: The emissions reductions are long-lasting.
  • No Double Counting: The reductions are not claimed by multiple entities.
    Partner with verified organizations like the Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), or Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to ensure project credibility​.

3. Evaluate Co-Benefits

Carbon offset projects can offer benefits beyond emissions reductions. For instance, nature-based solutions like reforestation can enhance biodiversity, protect water resources, and create local jobs. Projects with strong co-benefits are often more aligned with sustainability goals and social responsibility​.

4. Use  Resources from Third party Rating Agencies and Independent Governing Bodies

Agencies like Sylvera and BeZero provide data-driven ratings of carbon offset projects, while independent governing alliances like ICROA, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative, all empower businesses to make informed decisions by providing guidelines, codes of conduct and auditing to ensure environmental integrity and transparency . 

5. Commit to Transparency

Transparency builds trust. When sourcing offsets, ensure you can trace their origins and confirm their retirement in recognized registries. Share your offset strategy and results with stakeholders to demonstrate your commitment to environmental accountability​.

Final Thoughts

Investing in carbon offsets is more than just compliance — it’s a chance to lead in sustainability and make a genuine impact. By taking these steps, your business can actively contribute to a healthier planet and build a future-focused strategy with confidence.

At One Tribe, we’re committed to helping your business navigate the voluntary carbon market with clarity and assurance. From selecting the right projects to ensuring integrity in every step, we’re here to support you in driving meaningful environmental change.

Download our ebook, How to Source High-Integrity Carbon Offsets, for a deeper dive into actionable strategies or talk to us and let’s work together to get you started or continuing your Net Zero journey.

Click here and Download the Ebook Now

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Eric currently works as an independent consultant at the intersection of nature and climate, focused on catalysing market and non-market solutions to drive the just transition.

He previously was Head of Product at Earthshot Labs, supporting nature conservation and restoration projects across the global south secure project finance. Prior to Earthshot Labs, Eric led nature-based carbon project development for Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and founded the Carbon Cooperative, a global alliance of leading nature conservation and restoration practitioners exploring carbon finance. After serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique out of university, he spent much of his 20s working in community-based conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa interspersed with two startup ventures as co-founder and CEO of a mental health tech startup and COO of a sustainable coffee company. Eric has a dual Masters in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy from Stanford University where he was a NSF Graduate Research Fellow and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.

Alan is a risk management thought-leader, superconnector, and FinTech pioneer. His mission is to enable an Earth Positive economy which includes nature in global accounting systems.

Alan is Founder of Generation Blue, a venture studio dedicated to planetary game changers powered by exponential technologies. Previously, Alan established Natural Capital Markets at Lykke AG, pioneering blockchain based forestry and carbon backed tokens. Alan has over two decades of risk management experience advising global financial institutions, and was a founding member of the RiskMetrics Group, a JPMorgan spin-off. Alan is an investor and advisor to regenerative impact ventures, including TreeBuddy.Earth, Regenativ, and Vlinder Climate.

Lori Whitecalf made history when she became the first woman to be elected Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2011. She served three terms of office from 2011-2017.  

Lori took a two-year hiatus from leadership to expand the family ranch and serve as the FSIN Senior Industry Liaison. She was re-elected on November 29. 2019 and again on November 30, 2021, as Chief of Sweetgrass. Chief Whitecalf practises a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and gathering. She currently sits on the following boards: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, FSIN Lands and Resource Commission, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Council, FSIN Women’s Commission.

Tina is the Chief Business Officer for MLTC Industrial Investments, the Economic Development arm of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. She has a diverse background of experience. Having spent 15 years as a municipal Chief Operating Officer, 20 years involved in Saskatchewan’s Health Authority Board Keewatin Yatthe and 9 years with Northern Lights Board of Education. 

 

She continues as a Board Member with Beaver River Community Futures supporting small business development in her home region. Tina brings a wealth of experience in a variety of fields and many connections to the Indigenous communities of Northern Saskatchewan. In addition Tina holds a BA Advanced from the U of S, a Certificate in Local Government Authority from the U of R and is certified as a Professional Economic Developer for Saskatchewan and a certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).

Tootoosis’ career spans 40+ years in HRM, political leadership, and Indigenous economic development, as a dedicated bridge builder and advocate for Indigenous causes.
As a key member of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) team since 2021, he develops strategies for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report and Call to Action #92.

He is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and a certified Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer. Spearheading various community initiatives while serving as a Chair of the SIEDN while directing ILDII and WIBF. Founder of MGT Consulting Tootoosis is based in Saskatoon, Treaty Six Territory.

Cy Standing (Wakanya Najin in Dakota) has a long and distinguished career including serving overseas as an Electronics Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force, former Chief of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, former Vice Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN), past Executive Director of Community Development Branch of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan as well as an Order in Council appointment to the Federal Parole Board.  

Mr. Standing has served as a Director on many Profit and Non-Profit Corporate Boards, including serving as a Director for Affinity Credit Union with assets of over six billion dollars as well as IMI Brokerage and Wanuskewin and is currently a member of the One Tribe Indigenous Carbon Board.