PROJECT GUIDANCE: CARBONIMPACT ANDOFFSETTING
The climate impact has been taken in consideration in the Beyond horizon project. One the objectives in the beyond horizons project is greater understanding of the climate impact of mobility by the partners and associated partner. This is adopted in accordance with the European Network of outdoor Sports policy position paper one the European Green Deal.
The negative climate impact has been measured in kilogram carbon equivalents (CO2e) and monetised in accordance with the scope of the project. The term "monetised" refers to the process of converting something into money or assigning a monetary value to it. In this case has the carbon impacts been limited to the Beyond Horizons project exchanges in Norway, France and Ireland This has been calculated for the purpose of raising awareness about climate change and challenge and allowing project partners and organizations to calculate how much it would cost to offset these impacts
The cost of emitting one ton of carbon dioxide in Europe varies depending on market conditions. According to the latest information from February 2025, the price for emission allowances within the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is approximately 82 euros per ton of CO2e However, prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand in the market, the price should be held as a guideline.
This report is a final summarization on carbon measurement reports 1-6, that has shown the climate impact for each exchange accompanied by a fictional normative exchange scenario based on standard travel, diet and accommodation. The scenario was created as a comparison to a what the climate impact would have resulted in if we did not consider the climate impact. The values are based on taking a normative means of travel and choosing standard food and staying at a hotel
CLIMATE IMPACT
The calculated impact of the three project exchanges to Norway, France and Ireland generated about 13 700 kg of carbon equivalents (CO2e). Shared equally and solidary between all ten partners it accounts for 1 370 kg per project partner.
CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsetting involves compensating for carbon dioxide emissions by funding projects that reduce emissions or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. A practical and reliable way of addressing carbon offsetting is presented below in three steps.
1.Calculateandmonetisethecarbonimpact
Determination of the amount of CO₂e emissions that the investigated activities generate. In the Beyond Horizons project this has been calculated after each exchange The calculations rely on available and credibility research online sources from different studies. The project has limited the carbon emissions from transportation, accommodation and food.
2.Chooseareliableoffsetproject
Select projects that are verified and certified by reputable organizations. These projects can be broadly categorized into:
1.Nature-Based Solutions: these include reforestation, afforestation, and conservation projects that protect and restore forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems.
2.Renewable Energy Projects: Investing in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power projects that replace fossil fuel-based energy sources.
3.Energy Efficiency Projects: Supporting initiatives that improve energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation.
Another option could be to purchase Carbon Credits. Carbon credits represent a reduction of one ton of CO₂ emissions. By purchasing these credits, you fund projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. However, it might be challenging to ensure the credits are from verified sources to guarantee their effectiveness.
3.Monitorandreport
Depending on choice of offset project it can be required to follow the project over time to ensure that the outcome is effective. This can be by monitoring the progress of the offset projects and report on their impact in the organisation. Transparency and accountability are crucial for ensuring the reliability of carbon offsetting efforts.
Despite choosing carbon offsetting as a method, it does not lower the responsibility of continuously seek ways to reduce the organisations carbon emissions. Together with building knowledge and raising awareness about climate change in your organization this approach can maximize your effort to lower the climate impact.
EXAMPLES OF NATURE-BASED CLIMATE COMPENSATION MEASURES
If every partner responsibly acts to offset the climate impact á 1 370 kg of carbon dioxide in Europe, we can use an estimate of how much carbon dioxide a tree absorbs per year According to various sources, a tree absorbs on average between 10 and 40 kg of carbon dioxide per year1, 2.
If we take an average value of 2 kg of carbon dioxide per year per tree, it would be:
To offset 1370 kg of carbon dioxide, one Beyond Horizons partner would need to plant at least approximately 55 trees.
Our project partner Sport Ireland will reforest an area more than equivalent to 1 370 kg to offset their impact. Furthermore, the organisation is in the process of setting higher standards of climate reduction in the organisation and thereby lower the overall climate impact for future activities.
Another feasible example of offsetting is rewetting drained peatland. To offset 1370 kg of carbon dioxide by rewetting drained peatland in forests3, we can use estimates of how much carbon dioxide wetlands can absorb. According to research, wetlands can absorb approximately 118 grams of carbon per square meter per year4
To calculate the area needed, we can use the following formula:
To offset 1370 kg of carbon dioxide, would every Beyond Horizons partner contribute to rewetting a peat-wetland area of approximately 11,6 m2.
Restoration of wetlands by plugging drainage ditches. Peatland has been drainage in many decades in the purpose to plant trees for forestry with poor results. In Sweden these former wetlands have a massive negative impact on the climate, comparable to the whole transportation sector. Illustration by Lotta Ström
Another project partner, the County administrative board of Västernorrland is actively working with multiple wetland restorations in the area. See illustration above In 2024, the County Administrative Board has closed approximately seven kilometres of ditches. Through these measures, 100 hectares of ditched wetlands in boreal forestland have been hydrologically restored5. This is equivalent to restraining 118 000 kg of carbon dioxide from leaking out in the atmosphere per year. We can conclude that this is restoration project offset 8,6 times higher than the climate impact from the Beyond Horizon projects exchanges in one year
CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS
While carbon offsetting is a valuable tool, it is essential to address potential issues such as the credibility of offset projects and the risk of "phantom credits" that do not represent genuine carbon reductions. Ensuring rigorous verification and monitoring can help mitigate these challenges.
Carbon dioxide offsetting can be problematic for several reasons. Firstly, many carbon offset projects do not deliver the promised reductions in CO₂ emissions. For example, tree planting projects may take decades to absorb the amount of CO₂ they are supposed to offset, and there is always the risk that these trees could die prematurely due to droughts, wildfires, or diseases Additionally, while CO₂ emissions can last in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, many offset schemes are only effective for the duration of the project. This means that the benefits of offsetting may be temporary and not provide a long-term solution to climate change.
Another issue is that offsetting can sometimes be used as a way for organisations to appear environmentally friendly without making significant changes to their own practices This can divert attention from the need to reduce emissions directly at the source. Ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of offset projects requires rigorous verification and monitoring. Without proper oversight, there is a risk of "phantom credits" that do not represent genuine carbon reductions. Furthermore, offsetting projects that rely on natural solutions, such as reforestation, are vulnerable to environmental risks like deforestation, climate change impacts, and natural disasters. These risks can undermine the effectiveness of offsetting efforts.
While carbon offsetting can be a valuable tool, it is essential to address these challenges to ensure it contributes effectively to climate change mitigation.
REFERENCES
To calculate distance use
Calculations based on the Swedish National travel Survey 2011-2016
Transport data
Accommodation costs
Tree and carbon capture
Tree and carbon capture
Peatland and carbon emissions
Peatland and carbon emissions
https://ourworldindata org/travel-carbonfootprint
Train, car or plane? - Travel & Climate (travelandclimate org)
Carbon and Usage Calculation MethodsCarbonfund.org
The Carbon Emissions of Staying in a HotelCircular Ecology
How much CO2 does a tree absorb? Let’s get carbon curious!
How Much CO2 Does A Tree Absorb? - One Tree Planted
Peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests
Wetlands, carbon, and climate change | Landscape Ecology
Carbon costs are based on € 82 per tonne from Atmosphere who are contracted by EEA for offsetting
The Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food system https://www thelancet com/commissions/EAT