Whether you’re offsetting your vehicle, planning a trip, or addressing your carbon footprint, we’re here to make the process simple and transparent.
Why Purchase Carbon Offsets?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Carbon offsets allow you to take responsibility for emissions you can’t easily eliminate—like those from driving your car. When you purchase offsets through Climate Clean, you’re:
- Supporting Real Projects: Your purchase funds verified emission reduction projects around the world
- Creating Measurable Impact: Every offset represents one metric ton of greenhouse gases that won’t enter the atmosphere
- Taking Immediate Action: While we work toward long-term solutions (like electric vehicles and renewable energy), offsets provide impact today
- Protecting Your Reputation: Climate Clean offsets are verified and transparent, protecting you from greenwashing criticism
How Climate Clean Makes It Easy
We’ve designed our process to be straightforward and transparent. You don’t need to be a carbon market expert—we handle the complexity so you can focus on making a difference.
What Makes Us Different:
- Intelligent Offsets: We match your complete emission signature, not just CO₂
- VIN Calculator: Precise calculations based on your exact vehicle
- Verified Registry: All offsets permanently retired on Markit, the world’s largest registry
- Transparent Process: Full traceability from purchase to retirement
Ways to Purchase Offsets
Climate Clean offers several convenient ways to purchase offsets:
1. Through a Climate Clean Dealer (Recommended for Vehicle Offsets)
Best For: New vehicle purchases, vehicle owners who want financing options
The Process:
- Visit a participating Climate Clean dealer
- Use the VIN Calculator to determine your vehicle’s emissions
- Select your mileage coverage (e.g., 12,000 miles/year for 5 years)
- Choose your preferred offset projects
- Complete your purchase (often integrated into vehicle financing)
Benefits:
- Can be financed with your vehicle purchase
- Small monthly payments instead of lump sum
- Integrated into the vehicle buying experience
- Dealer handles the process for you
2. Direct Purchase Online
Best For: Individual consumers, one-time purchases, non-vehicle offsets
The Process:
- Visit our website
- Use our calculator to determine your emissions
- Select your offset package
- Complete checkout online
- Receive your certificate and verification
Benefits:
- Purchase anytime, anywhere
- Immediate processing
- Full control over your purchase
- Direct access to your offset records
3. Corporate or Fleet Programs
Best For: Businesses, fleet managers, corporate sustainability programs
The Process:
- Contact Climate Clean to discuss your needs
- We’ll help calculate your total emissions
- Customize an offset package for your organization
- Set up billing and reporting
- Receive comprehensive documentation for ESG reporting
Benefits:
- Bulk pricing options
- Customized solutions
- ESG reporting support
- Dedicated account management
Step-by-Step: Purchasing Offsets for Your Vehicle
Let’s walk through the most common scenario—offsetting your vehicle’s emissions through a Climate Clean dealer.
Step 1: Find a Climate Clean Dealer
Start by locating a participating Climate Clean dealer near you. You can find dealers through:
- Our website dealer locator
- Asking at your local dealership
- Contacting Climate Clean directly
Tip: Many dealers are adding Climate Clean to their offerings, so even if your preferred dealer isn’t listed yet, ask them about it!
Step 2: Calculate Your Emissions
This is where our VIN Calculator comes in. Here’s what happens:
- Enter Your VIN: Your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number contains all the information we need about your vehicle
- Select Your Miles: Choose how many miles you want to offset (e.g., 12,000 miles per year)
- Choose Coverage Period: Decide how long you want coverage (1 year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.)
- See Your Results: The calculator shows your vehicle’s precise emission signature
What You’ll See:
- Total emissions in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent
- Breakdown by greenhouse gas type (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, etc.)
- Your vehicle’s specific emission rate
Example:
- Vehicle: 2024 Toyota Camry
- Miles: 12,000/year × 5 years = 60,000 total miles
- Emissions: ~27 tons CO₂e
- Cost: Varies based on project selection and financing terms
Step 3: Choose Your Offset Projects
This is one of the most rewarding parts of the process! You get to choose which types of emission reduction projects you want to support:
Project Types Available:
- Renewable Energy: Wind, solar, and other clean energy projects
- Methane Capture: Landfill gas capture, dairy operations
- Energy Efficiency: Projects that reduce energy consumption
- Forestry: Afforestation and reforestation (when they meet our strict standards)
- Waste Management: Projects reducing emissions from waste
What to Consider:
- Local vs. Global: Some projects are local, others are international
- Project Impact: Each project type has different environmental and social benefits
- Your Values: Choose projects that align with what matters to you
Don’t Worry: If you’re not sure which projects to choose, your dealer or our team can help guide you based on your preferences.
Step 4: Review Pricing and Payment Options
Understanding the Cost:
Offset pricing is based on:
- Total Emissions: How many tons you need to offset
- Project Selection: Different projects have different costs
- Coverage Period: Longer periods may offer better value
Payment Options:
If Purchasing Through a Dealer:
- Financed: Often integrated into your vehicle financing
- Monthly Payments: Small addition to your car payment (e.g., $10-15/month)
- No Lump Sum: Spread the cost over your loan term
If Purchasing Directly:
- One-Time Payment: Pay in full at checkout
- Credit Card or PayPal: Standard payment methods accepted
- Immediate Processing: Your offsets are processed right away
Transparency:
- All pricing is transparent and explained upfront
- No hidden fees or surprises
- You’ll see exactly what you’re paying for
Step 5: Complete Your Purchase
At a Dealer:
- Review your calculation and project selection
- Confirm your coverage period and pricing
- Sign the agreement (often part of your vehicle purchase paperwork)
- That’s it! The dealer handles the rest
Online:
- Review your cart and selections
- Enter your payment information
- Complete checkout
- Receive immediate confirmation
What Happens Next:
- Climate Clean matches your emissions with appropriate offsets from our portfolio
- Offsets are permanently retired on Markit registry
- Your certificate is generated
- You receive confirmation and documentation
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate and Materials
Within a few days of your purchase, you’ll receive:
Climate Clean Certificate:
- Personalized with your name and vehicle information
- Details about your offset purchase
- Miles covered and projects selected
- Official Climate Clean certification
- Suitable for framing or display
QR Code:
- Links to your offset verification on Markit registry
- Shareable on social media
- Provides proof of your offset purchase
- Transparent and verifiable
Climate Clean Sticker (Optional):
- Display on your vehicle
- Shows your environmental commitment
- Conversation starter
- Climate Clean branding
Understanding What You’re Buying
What is a Carbon Offset?
A carbon offset represents one metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions that has been prevented, reduced, or removed from the atmosphere through a verified project. When you purchase an offset, you’re essentially “canceling out” an equivalent amount of your own emissions.
Why “Intelligent Offsets”?
Climate Clean’s Intelligent Offsets are special because they:
- Match Your Complete Emission Signature: Not just CO₂, but all greenhouse gases your vehicle produces
- Use Precise Calculations: Based on your exact vehicle, not averages
- Support Verified Projects: All projects meet our RSVPE standard
- Provide Full Transparency: Every offset is traceable and verifiable
The RSVPE Standard
Every Climate Clean offset meets our five-condition standard:
- Real: Verified and measurable emission reductions
- Surplus: Also called “additionality”—reductions that wouldn’t have happened without the project
- Verifiable: Third-party validated with low uncertainty
- Permanent: Long-term reductions, not temporary
- Enforceable: Legally binding agreements ensure continued operation
After Your Purchase
Verification and Tracking
Markit Registry:
- Your offsets are permanently retired on Markit Environmental Registry
- This is the world’s largest carbon credit registry
- Provides immutable proof of your offset purchase
- Accessible through your certificate’s QR code
Your Certificate:
- Keep it for your records
- Use it for corporate reporting (if applicable)
- Share it to demonstrate your climate commitment
- Frame it as a reminder of your impact
Renewing or Expanding Coverage
When Your Coverage Ends:
Once you’ve driven the miles covered by your initial offset package, you can:
- Purchase Additional Offsets: Extend your coverage for more miles
- Renew Your Package: Purchase a new package for continued coverage
- Adjust Your Coverage: Change your mileage or coverage period
How to Renew:
- Contact any Climate Clean dealer
- Use the VIN Calculator again (your vehicle info is saved)
- Select your new coverage period
- Complete your purchase
Common Questions
Q: How long does the process take?
A: At a dealer, the entire process typically takes just a few minutes and can be completed during your vehicle purchase. Online purchases are even faster—just a few clicks!
Q: Can I purchase offsets for a used vehicle?
A: Absolutely! Climate Clean offsets work for any vehicle, new or used. Just provide your VIN and we’ll calculate your emissions.
Q: What if I drive more miles than I offset?
A: Your offset package covers the specific number of miles you selected. If you drive more, you can purchase additional offsets to cover the extra miles.
Q: Can I see where my offset money goes?
A: Yes! Your certificate includes information about the projects you selected, and you can verify your offsets on the Markit registry using the QR code.
Q: Are there any ongoing costs?
A: No. Once you purchase your offset package, there are no ongoing fees or subscriptions. You only pay for the offsets you purchase.
Q: What if I sell my vehicle?
A: Your offsets are tied to the specific vehicle and mileage you purchased. If you sell the vehicle, the offsets remain valid for the miles you’ve already driven. The new owner would need to purchase their own offsets if they want to continue offsetting.
Tips for a Great Experience
Before You Purchase
- Do Your Research: Read about different offset project types to understand what you’re supporting
- Calculate Accurately: Be realistic about your annual mileage to ensure adequate coverage
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your dealer or our team about anything you don’t understand
- Consider Your Budget: Offsets can often be financed, making them more affordable
During the Purchase
- Take Your Time: Review your calculation and project selections carefully
- Ask for Clarification: If anything is unclear, ask for explanation
- Review Pricing: Make sure you understand the total cost and payment terms
- Read the Details: Understand what’s included in your package
After Your Purchase
- Keep Your Certificate: Store it safely—it’s your proof of offset
- Display Your Sticker: Show your climate commitment proudly
- Share Your Impact: Use the QR code to share your offset purchase
- Track Your Miles: Keep an eye on your mileage to know when to renew
Ready to Get Started?
Purchasing carbon offsets through Climate Clean is a simple, transparent process that makes a real difference. Whether you’re at a dealer or purchasing online, we’re here to make it easy.
Next Steps:
- Find a Climate Clean Dealer – Locate a participating dealer
- Calculate Your Emissions – Learn how the VIN Calculator works
- Read Our FAQ – Get answers to common questions
- Contact Us – Reach out with any questions
Thank you for choosing to take action on climate change. Every offset purchase makes a difference, and we’re honored to help you make yours.