Potenziale des freiwilligen Marktes für die Kompensation von Treibhausgasemissionen in Deutschland

Translated title: "The potentials of the voluntary offset market in Germany"

Voluntary carbon offsets support private sector efforts in protecting the climate. They add to – rather than replace – other climate action. The offset market in Germany is growing, yet plays a limited role in terms of the emission volumes it covers. At the same time, there are high quality retailers and certificates available on the market, catering to the needs of different consumer groups. This potential should be exploited in the future.

The report analyses recent developments on the voluntary carbon market in Germany and assesses key traits and potentials of private consumers, companies and other organisations for the offset market. Companies account for the lion’s share of the voluntary carbon market. An analysis of sustainability strategies of the 30 companies listed in the major German stock market index, DAX-30, reveals a plethora of approaches.

A short chapter sheds light on efforts of European airports. About 30 airports in Europe already provide their services in a climate-neutral manner, a number set to more than triple by 2030 – partly by tapping the potential of carbon offsets. The team of authors elaborates conclusions and recommendations for policy makers and business and analyses potential risks, with a focus on domestic projects and possible regulatory approaches that can help better use offset opportunities.