Overview of carbon offset programs: similarities and differences
This Technical Note provides a summary of the key elements and design features of 11 different carbon offset programs. It discusses the essential differences and similarities between programs, and discusses how these programs address key issues, such as: efficiency, environmental integrity, applicability, and transaction costs. It does not evaluate the implications of the different design features. This note may be useful for countries that are contemplating different designs of carbon offset programs and other crediting mechanisms.