What is the difference between CN & other carbon offset providers?

Carbon Neutral Ltd is a 'not for profit' organisation.  Some other organisations are ‘for profit’ and therefore not income tax deductible.

Who should I trust?

Care should be taken when choosing who to trust to offset your emissions.  Unfortunately, at this stage the industry is not regulated and until this happens we suggest that you use the following checklist to assist you in making your decision:
 
The first decision is whether to offset the emissions over time through tree plantings or whether to purchase abatement that has already been created and certified by a Government scheme (tradeable abatement).
 
Assuming that tree planting (forest sinks) are the preferred option, first check if your expenditure to offset your emissions will be tax deductible. For your expenditure to be tax deductible, the organization must be ‘not for profit’ and be registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient.
 
The following is a checklist of questions about the provider to ensure that the claimed CO2 offset will occur:
i.  In Australia there are two Government abatement schemes -Greenhouse Friendly and NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme. Is the organization an Approved Abatement Provider under either of these schemes? (If so then they will satisfy all criteria listed in (ii) below.) 
ii.  If not approved abatement providers:
Do they register all of the CO2 sequestration that has been paid for by clients as acquitted, to ensure that it is not ‘double sold’?

Do they register legally binding carbon rights and covenant deeds over all plantings to ensure they are protected for a period of at least 100 years?

Do they estimate the abatement that will occur using the AGO’s NCAS Toolbox and FullCam Software, as is required by both Government abatement schemes?

 Are all plantings conducted and monitored according to the guidelines of one of the above-mentioned schemes?

Is the growth of the plantings in the carbon pool measured and independently verified periodically?

Does the organization have a substantial history and expertise in tree planting and the capacity to conduct all of the above?

Do they have databases recording all planting details, carbon sequestered and CO2 sold?

Are they in the process of becoming Approved Abatement Providers?

iii.  Do they help you calculate your emissions using verifiable, transparent methods?

iv.  Do they help you to make an ethical statement describing how you are offsetting emissions?

v.  Do they have a web site showing maps, locations, photographs and summary reports describing the progress of the plantings?

vi.  Do they have a clear product statement on their website?

vii.  Do they provide referenced information resources on their website to assist you in reducing your emissions?

viii.  Are they planting native species that are fire and drought tolerant and that have environmental benefits?

ix.  Do they monitor plantings and infill or replant if the survival rate is less than 80%?