How do I know the carbon offset units are credible?

Energy Australia’s carbon neutral electricity product is certified against the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS), to maintain certification we must meet the Standard’s offsets integrity principles.
 
These principles are based on the offsets integrity framework for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) as set out in the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
 
Adhering to the principles will ensure that all offsets purchased and retired meet the following criteria:
  • the emissions reductions are not double counted or would have occurred anyway
  • it must be a permanent reduction in emissions
  • its measurement is supported by clear evidence
  • there is transparent information about the offset’s creation, methodology and monitoring
  • the system the offset was created under accounts for emissions created elsewhere which nullify the offset
  • the offset is verified by an independent third-party
  • the offset must be registered, publically listed and traceable
  • The offsets integrity principles ensure that any unit used to offset emissions as part of a carbon neutral claim under the Standard represents a genuine and credible emission reduction.