Is carbon offsetting in buildings greenwashing?
Carbon offsetting is not greenwashing as long as property owners and managers first reduce carbon in construction, increase energy efficiency, and commit to renewables. Going straight to carbon offsetting without taking other action to meet a Net Zero target is where the perception of cheating – or greenwashing – comes in.
According to the UKGBC, 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to buildings and infrastructure. With the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy to decarbonise the UK economy by 2050, the built environment will have to do its part.
However, using carbon offsetting as a strategy to avoid the hard work involved in making buildings green will lead to accusations of greenwashing.
Our ESG consultants can help you navigate the complexities of moving to a Net Zero future.
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is achieved by determining the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released by an activity then mitigating that action with schemes which either capture or reduce carbon elsewhere.
The kinds of projects used for carbon offsetting include:
- tree planting and reforestation;
- investing in renewable energy particularly in developing nations;
- methane avoidance in waste management; and
- converting waste to energy.
Carbon offsetting proves most effective when filling gaps in a Net Zero strategy. For instance, if implementing technology for a substantial carbon reduction takes years, offsetting helps mitigate impact during the initial stages.
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing happens when a company prioritises marketing its green image over reducing its carbon footprint. It’s about perception, not impactful environmental improvement, prioritising marketing over substance. Some organisations make false claims that they are meeting emission targets by engaging in offsetting schemes. The reality is that these claims are just another form of greenwashing.
A property portfolio owner can avoid accusations of greenwashing by examining the true impact of their carbon reduction strategies. If it is primarily about mitigation and PR, greenwashing accusations will follow.
So when is carbon offsetting not greenwashing?
Basic carbon reduction measures are the undisputed first step on the path to net zero. Once they have been achieved, the UK Green Building Council says any remaining carbon can legitimately be offset to compensate for residual emissions:
“As an interim measure towards Net Zero 2050, carbon offsetting should be seen as the last step in a proactive approach to; reduce construction carbon, reduce operational energy and increase renewable energy supplies.”
Conclusion
The essential principle is that carbon offsetting is effective when integrated with an ambitious internal carbon reduction strategy. Once you’ve exhausted efforts to minimise carbon emissions in your Net Zero Asset Plan, offsetting becomes a valid and meaningful contribution to your Net Zero targets.
