The UK Government's Quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon Offsetting

Steps towards approval:

Applying to have an offset approved so that it can carry the Scheme’s Quality Mark is a simple four-step process.

1 Registration

Before any applications can be made, an offset provider has to register with this site. Then, within a secure environment, applications can be made. Offset providers can also login and view how applications are progressing. Registration requires some background information to be supplied including:

• Company name, status (i.e. ltd, plc) registration number at Companies House or national equivalent, and address
• Primary and secondary contact details

2 Application

Once registered, offset providers may make applications at any time. A short series of questions needs to be answered at the time of application. The following information is required to complete the application:

• Offset provider’s most recent Profit and Loss sheet or Income Statement.
• Information to demonstrate how the Scheme’s consumer information requirements will be met (e.g. mock-up website or marketing material designs, website screenshots (or the address to your website)
• Details of emissions factors to be used with an offset.
• Factors and supporting evidence base where non-standard emission factors are proposed.

3 Assessment

Applications will be assessed within 30 working days from receipt of application and cleared fees (20 days for renewals).

Within this time the Approval Body will confirm approval of an offset and send a hard copy of a Licence Agreement for countersigning and return. The Licence Agreement, includes a declaration that approved offsets will meet the requirements of the Scheme and obliges the offset provider to adhere to usage guidelines associated with the Scheme’s Quality Mark.

The Approval Body will make the Quality Mark available to the offset provider on approval of an offset to the Scheme.

Feedback will be given where an offset has not met the Scheme’s requirements. The application may be resubmitted one further time within 12 months from the date of feedback being provided. No further fees will be required for the resubmitted application. Fees for withdrawn applications will not be refunded.

4 Issuance of the Quality Mark

On granting of approval offset providers will be issued with a link to the Quality Mark.

If it is intended to be used with hardcopy material then contact carbon_offset@aeat.co.uk and relevant file formats will be provided.