Many businesses and individuals use carbon offset programs to voluntarily neutralize their carbon emissions or meet compliance rules set by various regulatory agencies. The carbon removal projects offered by these programs are intended to provide real reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by allowing users to invest in carbon projects locally or throughout the world to help mitigate their carbon footprint.
Two of the most popular and well-respected providers in the carbon offset space are Terrapass and myclimate. But before we dive into the Terrapass vs. myclimate debate and what differentiates them from other carbon market players, let’s first define what a carbon offset program is and why they matter.
What Is a Carbon Offset Program?
A carbon offset is a certificate representing the reduction of one metric ton (2,205 pounds) of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or other greenhouse gases to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. Companies and individuals striving to reach net-zero emissions must calculate how many tons of emissions they are producing and then purchase an equal number of carbon offsets until they zero out.
Buying carbon offsets means indirectly paying project developers worldwide to offset your CO2 emissions by investing in projects that reduce carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions. Common examples of carbon offset programs might include:
- Forest conservation or reforestation
- Development of wind or solar farms
- Landfill gas capture
- Hydropower developments
Do Carbon Offset Programs Work?
While carbon offset programs have steadily risen in popularity as many companies and individuals focus on reaching net-zero initiatives to combat global warming, there are also some valid criticisms of the carbon offset market and its effectiveness in eliminating or reducing global pollution.
Since purchasing carbon offsets can be challenging to measure directly, users must choose a provider with a proven track record of providing quality carbon reduction projects. Some carbon offset providers have been known to make false promises or have relaxed standards, so you want to work with programs that adhere to strict standards and provide complete transparency.
Since not all carbon offset programs can be treated equally, it’s vital to research multiple carbon offset programs and, specifically, third-party verified programs before making an investment in reducing your environmental impact. These programs are only as reliable as the companies offering the product, so it’s essential to seek out trusted providers, such as Terrapass or myclimate, for your carbon removal projects.
Carbon Offset Program Expectations
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a carbon offset provider is the quality of their carbon offset projects. Every program will be unique, with varying degrees of cost and impact, but the following expectations should be considered when choosing your next project:
- Additionality: Does the investment in the carbon offset program help with its inception or continuance, or would the project have happened without your investment?
- Baseline emission levels: Can you determine the greenhouse gas emissions levels before investing in the project so that the real impact can be calculated later? What assumptions might be made to create the baseline?
- Comprehensive benefits: The provider should prove that their programs don’t cause negative environmental impacts nor affect anyone working on or living near said project. Every project should be designed to benefit the environment and the local communities that will be directly affected.
- Permanence: Does the investment provide at least 100 years of reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequestration? Permanence can be achieved through installing and operating technologies that enable the collection and destruction of GHGs.
- Transparency: A reputable provider should also be transparent about its practices by clearly explaining every aspect of its operation and the results of past projects. They should also provide physical confirmation that your offsets are owned by you and will not be resold to another customer as long as you are the owner.
- Third-party verification: All projects should be monitored and verified by at least one independent third-party, such as Verified Carbon Standard, Gold Standard, or the CSA Group. The projects should also be registered to provide proof for any further verification.
- Education: Your carbon offset provider should also be focused on educating its customers by providing abundant tools and resources about the effects of global warming and how different carbon offset projects can positively impact the environment and local communities.
Terrapass vs. myclimate: How They Stack Up
Terrapass and myclimate are two competitive energy retailers that offer carbon-offsetting products to help reduce your overall carbon footprint. Terrapass and myclimate are subject to third-party verifiers and offer various carbon removal projects to positively impact your local communities or ones abroad.
Let’s dive into the Terrapass vs. myclimate debate to see who offers the best carbon offset programs that suit your environmental initiatives.
About Terrapass
Terrapass is a U.S.-based social enterprise headquartered in Houston, Texas, dedicated to fighting climate change by providing educational tools and resources, creating and operating customer-funded emissions reduction projects, and developing custom renewable energy solutions. Terrapass’ mission is to provide whatever resources necessary for companies and individuals to understand and take responsibility for their climate impact.
Carbon removal programs purchased from Terrapass also support emissions reduction projects in communities across North America and the world. Terrapass’ entire offset portfolio is subject to independent third-party organizations, including the Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, Climate Action Reserve, American Carbon Registry, and the CSA Group.
Terrapass makes carbon removal easy by offering pre-packaged bundles and monthly subscription services for businesses and individuals. For companies, their monthly subscription fee is calculated using the average carbon emissions per employee multiplied by the number of employees in your company. They also offer an easy carbon footprint calculator to help you quickly calculate your individual or business emissions.
About myclimate
Myclimate is a nonprofit climate protection organization based in Switzerland. Myclimate focuses on three climate protection levels: action-oriented educational programs, climate reduction products, and carbon offsetting.
Myclimate focuses on emissions reduction by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and by implementing local afforestation measures with local farmers. Myclimate also serves many customers, including private individuals, nonprofit organizations, and companies of varying sizes.
Myclimate’s climate protection projects are also third-party verified by Gold Standard, Plan Vivo Foundation, Verified Carbon Standard, and Swiss government agencies. These are the highest standards proven to reduce greenhouse gases locally and regionally.
Comparing Rates
Since Terrapass and myclimate only source carbon credits that meet the highest standards, they can’t match the prices offered by other providers who might choose to ignore the same quality standards. But just because they adhere to higher standards doesn’t mean Terrapass and myclimate charge a premium. Instead, they offer competitive pricing plans with multiple options to best meet your needs.
Terrapass offers seven different pricing options for offsetting your carbon footprint, including gifting carbon offsets to someone else. With Terrapass, you have the choice of the following:
- Carbon Balanced Living Plan for households starting at $8.34 per month
- Personal Carbon Offset Plan from $7.49 per month
- Flight Carbon Offset Plan from $8 to $80 depending on how far you fly
- Renewable Energy Certificates for $15 per MWh
- EcoTourist Bundle at $64
- Green Wedding Carbon Offsets from $7.99 to $14.99 per attendee
- Personal BEF Water Restoration Certificates for $4 per 1,000 gallons
Similarly, myclimate offers three different carbon offset options for you to choose from:
- Flight carbon offset calculator priced at $30 per ton of CO2 emitted per trip.
- Monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscription offerings at $30 per ton of CO2
- Carbon offset donation at $29 per ton of CO2
If you’re a cost-sensitive buyer that has found an environmental project through your provider, but your carbon offset total exceeds your budget, you can also consider purchasing fewer offset credits rather than searching for a less expensive and likely, less reputable provider. As the popular adage goes, you get what you pay for.
Other Considerations
Cost-effective projects that meet your offset needs aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing a provider. When it comes down to Terrapass vs. myclimate, you should also take into account the following considerations:
- Offset calculator tools: Both providers have tools for helping you calculate your emissions. Myclimate’s calculator is limited to only calculating your flight emissions, whereas Terrapass’ calculator tools allow you to determine your individual, business, and event emissions as well as your emissions associated with a personal vehicle, public transit, air travel, and home energy use.
- Project portfolio: Some providers specialize in particular project types, while others offer a vast portfolio. Terrapass projects include landfill methane flaring, farm methane digesters, wind power, forestry, farm power, abandoned coal mine methane capture, and BEF water restoration certificates. Myclimate offers a similar portfolio of projects which include biogas, biomass, efficient cook stoves, hydropower, forestry, wind farms, solar farms, waste management and composting, and water purification.
- Convenience: Both Terrapass and myclimate offer convenient solutions such as monthly subscription options and offset calculators to give users more options and make buying easy. Terrapass also offers further convenience through their eco-friendly tourist options for frequent travelers and wedding-day carbon offset packages.
Choose the Right Carbon Offset Program for You
Choosing an offset provider that’s reliable and trustworthy is exactly why Terrapass and myclimate should be considered for purchasing carbon offsets. Knowing which one to choose primarily comes down to determining what type of carbon reduction projects you’re interested in and your budget. Ultimately, both companies are helping to fight the climate crisis with their portfolio of carbon offset projects, like planting trees and establishing wind energy farms.
So how does the Terrapass vs. myclimate decision get settled? Well, if you’re looking for a provider that offers a great user experience with convenient options and monthly subscription products, Terrapass would be the top choice. If you’re looking for the largest selection of carbon removal projects to choose from, myclimate will likely suit your needs.
Learn more about Terrapass’ wide range of carbon credit packages and monthly subscription offerings for individuals and businesses.