Strategic Focus: The Five Dominant Attitudes To Voluntary Carbon Offsets And Net Zero

Executive Summary

This report, based on findings from our 2023 global corporate survey of 350 net zero leaders, contrasts different views on the use of carbon offsets globally. Sustainability executives and net zero software and services suppliers can use the study to form a view on the carbon offsets market and how it may develop across regions and within sectors. The report finds that net zero leaders are deeply divided on how and when to use offsets, with the largest group unlikely to enter the market for many years. However, most respondents feel that offsets have a role to play in net zero strategies, especially after firms have achieved deep cuts in their operations, and once offset quality criteria improve and customer demand for net zero products and brands increases. Across regions, regulation has driven behaviour, and will continue to do so. Across sectors, the relative ease of decarbonizing operations is a major influence, as is control over supply chain emissions. This report finds that carbon offset adoption is still in its early stages – but that it will remain a tool in the broader net zero strategy.