Trees are perhaps the best carbon sequestration tool on the planet. As carbon emissions remain at very high levels, carbon credits, also called carbon offsets, are a powerful tool to help companies meet their climate commitments as they work to operate in a more carbon-efficient manner.
Carbon credits (a transferable unit that represents a ton of carbon dioxide removed or avoided from emission) have been around for years. In conjunction with a variety of other carbon efficient operating methods, they are a part of many companies’ carbon reduction strategies.
There are companies that are forest carbon experts and are focused on creating verified, high-quality carbon credits through Improved Forest Management plans and afforestation and reforestation projects.
What is a Forest Carbon Program?
Forest carbon projects conserve and restore forests to create high-quality carbon credits by reducing and avoiding carbon emissions. Credits are generated based on the verified amount of carbon sequestered in forests that are conserved from alternative uses.
Large corporate landowners have been involved in forest carbon programs for many years.
However, it has traditionally been difficult for small landowners to participate in forest carbon programs due to significant entry barriers they face for creating verified carbon credits. Landowners who own as few as forty acres can partner with a firm to support their land legacy at no cost to the landowner.
Who Buys Carbon Credits?
Companies committed to lowering their carbon emissions are buying carbon credits as part of a robust sustainability program. Carbon credits are not the only tool companies use to meet their climate commitments, but high-quality credits can help companies establish a necessary bridge to offset their emissions while working to become carbon neutral in their operations and across their supply chains.
It is important to look for a firm who works alongside energy, retail, banking, and technology companies to develop forest carbon projects in communities where their customers and employees live and work.
How do Rural Landowners Benefit from Carbon Credits?
Enrolling in a forest carbon program can be a very beneficial method for conserving your forests for future generations and your community. The benefits include:
- A new income stream from the sale of carbon credits
- Higher property and timber values over time through optimization of your forest
- Improved wildlife habitats and water quality
How do Landowners become involved?
It is important to understand the legal, financial, and forest management aspects of any forest carbon program before enrolling. Among the criteria to consider before enrolling include:
- Relationship with the developer and their understanding of your land and region
- Forest management and how the developer will help manage and grow your trees in the healthiest manner
- Legal and financial conditions and what happens if you sell your land, the impact on your heirs, and similar issues
Sign up for Daily E-news
