Japan Carbon Offset Forum (J-COF)

Carbon offsetting primarily encourages individuals/businesses to become aware of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions they emit, and to act to reduce them. Offsetting is a way of compensating the unavoidable GHG emissions by purchasing “credits” equivalent to the total or part of the GHG emissions, or investing directly to a reduction/sink project.

• To encourage GHG emission reduction activities by individuals/businesses
• To make individuals/businesses realize that GHG emissions are cost, and make foundation of a low carbon society.
• To expand investment for reduction/sink project, especially the ones simultaneously realize climate change benefits and sustainable development benefits (co-benefit project).

• To share the idea and benefits of carbon offsetting with a wide range of stakeholders.
• To calculate GHG emission to be offset articulately.
• To ensure quality of emission reduction/sink credit.
• To avoid double-counting of credit.
• To ensure transparency of the activities of offset provides.
• To emphasize significance of effort to reduce GHG emissions before offsetting.

• Market-oriented offsetting: Offsetting to use credits in which verified and to have appropriate quality to be marketed.
  • Offsetting products and services: Products or services with offsetting credits. Credit amount is often equivalent to the total or part of GHG emissions resulting production or use of products or services.
  • Offsetting events: Conferences, concerts, and sports matches with offsetting credits.
  • Offsetting GHG emissions from one’s own activities: Individuals and businesses offset GHG emissions associated with their daily lives or business activities by purchasing credits.
• Offsetting among specific individuals and businesses: Offsetting is not necessarily to use verified or certified credit. It includes investing directly to a project for offsetting.

* The guidelines related to Carbon Offsetting are focusing on market-oriented offsetting, as the market is expected to the influence of a great number of stakeholders. The guidelines or certification system is primarily considered for consumer protection.