Sustainability targets are an increasing priority for many businesses, but sometimes it can take time to decarbonise operations, which is why some are turning to carbon offsetting to assist in making those goals, and resellers are well placed to help with this.
Bringing down carbon emissions is a key part of many business’ sustainability goals, but for some, cutting carbon is not that easy, whether it is down to manufacturing processes, the equipment used or amount of power it takes. In these cases, mindful of ESG goals, businesses look for alternative ways to cut carbon emissions – including carbon offsetting.
Emma Boniface, sustainability manager at Exertis, explains that carbon offsetting can support a business’s ESG goals by addressing residual emissions after all feasible reductions have been made. “When used responsibly and only after prioritising genuine, measurable emissions cuts, it reinforces environmental credibility, enhances stakeholder trust and demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainability,” she says.
Richard Eglon, CMO at Nebula Global Services, adds: “For those who place a high importance on decarbonisation within their ESG strategy, carbon offsetting is a popular choice in terms of offsetting Scope 1, 2 & 3 related business activity,” he says. “Integrating carbon offsetting into the ESG goals of a business can also elevate performance, resilience and reputation, becoming a strategic lever to forge closer relationships with customers and partners who demonstrate similar values.”
Evolving strategies
While carbon offsetting is not a new strategy, it has changed in recent years. Richard says that carbon offsetting strategies have undergone a significant transformation, driven by technological innovation and increasing scrutiny over impact and transparency. “While tree planting dominated the offsetting landscape five to 10 years ago – valued for its simplicity and symbolic appeal – it has since been recognised as a long-term solution with delayed climate benefits,” he says. “Today, the market offers a far more diverse and sophisticated portfolio of offsetting options.
“Modern carbon offsetting now includes carbon avoidance – such as renewable energy projects or preventing deforestation – and carbon removal technologies, like direct air capture and enhanced weathering. These approaches are gaining traction because they deliver measurable, near-term climate impact, addressing the urgency of emissions reduction more effectively than waiting decades for trees to mature.
“This evolution reflects a broader shift in the voluntary carbon market: from volume-based offsets to quality, permanence and verifiability. As corporate climate commitments become more ambitious and stakeholders demand greater accountability, the focus is increasingly on offsets that are science-backed, transparent and aligned with net zero pathways.”
Act now
With sustainability a long-term goal for many businesses, carbon offsetting is something that resellers should look to offer to customers.
Richard says that for resellers, the key to impactful decarbonisation is to stop waiting and start acting now. “Begin with small, measurable steps that deliver visible results across your customer base,” he says. “Whether it’s planting a tree for every new customer or offsetting all business travel, these actions show commitment and create momentum.
“With a surge of innovative decarbonisation partners entering the market, resellers are no longer short on choice. There’s no excuse for inaction. The tools are out there – affordable, accessible and ready to deploy.”
When it comes to talking about carbon offsetting to customers, there are certain things that resellers should be highlighting. “Resellers should highlight transparency, impact, and alignment when promoting carbon offsetting,” adds Richard.
“Customers want to know where their money goes, how emissions are reduced or removed, and how the offsets support broader ESG goals. Emphasising verified projects, measurable outcomes, and co-benefits like biodiversity or community support builds trust and engagement within a value chain such as the channel.”
Emma notes that for resellers, while offering carbon offsetting takes some effort such as choosing trusted providers, updating systems, and explaining the benefits to customers, it becomes much easier with the right partners and tools. “Done well, it can be a simple, scalable addition to a broader sustainability offering,” she says.
Emma says that resellers could highlight various points when discussing carbon offsetting. “It’s about real climate action – offsetting should follow, not replace, genuine emissions reductions,” she says. “Also talk about environmental integrity – offsets should deliver verifiable, lasting climate benefits.”
Credibility is also important. “Partner with certified, high-quality offset projects that ensure genuine and verifiable environmental impact,” she says.
Likewise, transparency is key, such as clear reporting and traceability of offset transactions, Emma adds.
Finally, it should align with the customers’ values. “It is about helping customers meet their ESG and sustainability commitments.”
Future
Emma says that carbon offsetting is likely to grow in popularity as more businesses strive to achieve their net zero targets. “However, as companies approach these goals, the challenges of reducing emissions become greater, making effective offsetting strategies more popular,” she says.
“The credibility and impact of carbon offsetting will depend on clear standards, transparency, and the essential principle that offsetting should complement and not replace direct emissions reductions.”
Richard agrees, adding that carbon offsetting must continue to evolve to stay popular and relevant. “As ESG goals become more personalised, providers need to innovate and offer solutions that deliver real impact and align with consumer values,” he says.
“The most successful schemes today are those that combine credibility, immediacy and transparency.”
