Institution-catalyzed carbon offsets are generated by what are commonly referred to as “local offsets” programs. In such programs, institutions offset their greenhouse gas emissions by implementing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the local community.
For example, a local offsets program may engage students in weatherizing homes in the surrounding community. As part of the arrangement with the homeowner, the institution would “own” the emissions reductions that result from the program. Local projects that are to be used as offsets must be third party verified or, at minimum, quantified using a method that is consistent with the World Resources Institute’s GHG Protocol for Project Accounting.