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A clear methodology for corporate sustainability and climate action 

For an established or even a young company, the road to sustainability is a very complex path. We've therefore developed our own methodology to help you become a sustainable company.

To build credibility and impact, companies need a clear and consistent approach to sustainability. In this article, we present our integrated methodology — combining CO₂ accounting, resource allocation (time & money), and climate‑positive solutions — in one framework.

You’ll learn:

  • Why offsetting must be part of a broader strategy

  • How to quantify emissions and set smart goals

  • How to allocate resources effectively

  • What “climate-positive” actions look like in practice

1. Why offset matters (emissions accounting & purpose)

The first step is understanding your company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint and why offsetting is a meaningful part of a sustainability strategy.

  • Measure your emissions. Use recognized standards (e.g. GHG Protocol, ISO 14064) to quantify your direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3 where relevant).

  • Set reduction goals. Offsets alone won’t be enough. Prioritize emission reductions (energy efficiency, renewable energy, supply chain improvements).

  • Offset as part of a holistic strategy. The purpose of offsetting is not just to “cancel” emissions, but to complement reductions with investments in real restoration or absorption.

  • Communicate transparently. When you claim offsets, disclose how they were selected, their certification, and limitations.

2. Time & money methodology — balancing effort with resources

Even the best sustainability goals require realistic resource allocation. This part of the methodology helps you budget both human time and financial investment.

  • Allocate budget for offsetting + calculation. Estimate what portion of your operating or CSR budget you’ll dedicate to purchasing verified offsets, planting projects, or consulting.

  • Dedicate internal time & roles. Appoint a team or sustainability lead who oversees emissions inventory, project selection, and communications.

  • Use phased investment. Don’t try to do everything in year one. You might start by offsetting a subset of emissions (e.g. business travel or operations) and scale from there.

  • Track ROI and impact. Evaluate social, reputational, and brand outcomes in addition to carbon metrics.

3. Climate-positive solutions — going beyond neutral

To stand out, companies can aim not just for carbon neutral status, but for climate positive performance — meaning your total net impact is better than zero.

  • Reforestation & afforestation projects. Choose high-quality, certified projects globally or (where regulation permits) locally.

  • Biodiversity & ecosystem services. Seek projects that also restore biodiversity, improve soil and water systems, or support local communities.

  • Additionality & permanence. Prioritize projects with verifiable additional carbon capture (i.e. that wouldn’t exist without your support) and mechanisms for long-term preservation.

  • Continuous improvement. Commit to gradually increasing your offsetting footprint or paying to restore beyond your emissions.

4. Putting it all together: your sustainability framework

Use these steps as your internal framework for CSR and public communication:

Phase Focus Key Activities
1. Baseline & strategy Measure, reduce & plan Emissions inventory, reduction roadmap, stakeholder alignment
2. Resource allocation Time + budget Assign roles, allocate financial resources, plan multi-year rollout
3. Offset & implement Execute climate-positive actions Select projects, plant, track, report
4. Communicate & review Share, monitor, adapt Public reports, web dashboards, periodic reviews & adjustments

Ready to take the first step?

Don’t wait for the perfect plan — the most important thing is to start. Whether your goal is to offset your carbon footprint or contribute to global reforestation, taking action now is better than delaying out of uncertainty or fear of greenwashing.

In our experience, many companies hesitate for too long — caught in internal discussions or afraid of saying the wrong thing. But doing nothing is the biggest risk of all.

🌱 Start small, stay transparent, and build from there.

If you need help choosing your first Planting Action, we’re here to guide you.
Check out our getting-started guide or contact our team for support.