Brighter Planet

What is the estimation methodology for carbon offset amounts?

The amount of carbon dioxide offset by particular renewable energy projects and the amount of carbon reduction funded by the Brighter Planet community are estimates. These amounts cannot be measured directly, so we use indirect measurements from our trusted partner, NativeEnergy.

NativeEnergy uses specific and conservative estimation procedures for different types of renewable energy projects:

1. Estimates for farm methane abatement projects
2. Estimates for wind projects

NativeEnergy significantly discounts these estimates to be conservative. For example, in one case, the same farm methane abatement project that would produce (non-discounted) 2,297 tons of CO₂e in year one are assumed to produce only 822 tons CO₂e in year 20.