Monthly Carbon Balance Calculator

Carbon balance and net-zero accounting

A carbon balance subtracts compensated or sequestered tonnes from gross emissions: balance = emissions − offsets/sequestration. When the balance is zero or negative, the activity is called carbon neutral or net zero. Example: a company emits 1,200 t CO₂e/year and buys 1,200 t in verified credits → balance = 0. Brazil benefits from a ~75% renewable matrix (mostly hydro), reducing energy-related emissions. Credits trade between US$ 5-50/tCO₂e depending on the standard: VCS (Verra), Gold Standard, Cercarbono (Brazil), CDM. Project types include REDD+ (avoided deforestation), reforestation, methane capture and renewable energy.

Applications

Corporate ESG and net-zero targets, carbon-neutral events (Tokyo 2020 Olympics), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programs by airlines such as Latam, UN Global Compact reporting, internal carbon pricing, regulated markets such as the EU ETS and the future Brazilian SBCE.

FAQ

Is buying offsets the same as reducing emissions? No. The mitigation hierarchy is avoid → reduce → substitute → only then compensate the residual. Buying credits without reducing is criticised as greenwashing.

Which standard is most credible? Gold Standard and Verra (VCS) lead the voluntary market. Look for third-party verification, additionality and a clear baseline. In Brazil, Cercarbono follows ISO 14064.

What is the difference between carbon-neutral and net-zero? Carbon-neutral usually allows full compensation via offsets. Net-zero (per SBTi) requires deep absolute reductions first, with offsets only for residual emissions that cannot be eliminated.