Group set to evaluate consumer carbon offsets

The Center for Resources Solutions is taking a step to combat greenwashing in the carbon offset market. The San Francisco-based nonprofit announced last week the launch of Green-e Climate, a new program that certifies the validity of greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets.

Green-e Climate, referred to by the center as a "consumer protection program," takes a four-step approach to track and verify GHG offsets sold to consumers. Offsets certified through Green-e Climate must be generated from new projects that were built specifically to reduce GHG emissions and support the growing clean energy industry.

The Center for Resource Solutions also confirms for consumers that their purchases result in measurable offsets that are counted only once and result in emissions reductions that equal the amount advertised by the provider. Green-e Climate follows the same protocols as the Center for Resource Solutions' Green-e Energy program, which has verified renewable energy credits for industry and utilities since 1997.

Green-e Climate is set to officially launch Feb. 26 during the Carbon Forum America conference at San Francisco's Moscone Center.