Offset Credits result from reductions of specified gases from activities not covered by the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation. The intent of the Alberta Offset System is to encourage emissions reductions that would not otherwise have occurred. Offset Credits cannot be generated from reductions that occur at regulated facilities.
The Specified Gas Emitters Regulation requires that Offset Credits meet the following criteria to be considered valid emissions reductions under the SGER. The reductions must:
- Occur in Alberta;
- Result from actions not otherwise required by law;
- Result from actions taken on or after January 1, 2002;
- Occur on or after January 1, 2002;
- Be real, demonstrable, and quantifiable;
- Have clearly established ownership; and
- Be counted only once for compliance purposes. In addition to the requirements stated above, Alberta Environment also requires that offset projects be:
- Implemented according to a quantification protocol approved by Alberta Environment;
- Be third party verified by a qualified person(s) meeting the requirements for a Third Party Auditor under Section 18 of the SGER; and
- Be registered on the Alberta Emissions Offset Registry.