What is meant by CO₂ compensation?

CO₂ compensation refers to measures in which the amount of CO₂ emissions released at one location is offset by targeted projects at another location. The aim is to improve the overall balance of CO₂ emissions and contribute to climate protection. These projects can include afforestation, renewable energy projects, or energy efficiency improvements.

The CO₂ compensation works through investments in projects that either prevent the emission of greenhouse gases or remove already emitted CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Almost all daily activities and consumer goods influence our ecological CO₂ footprint, as their production and transport consume energy and cause CO₂ emissions. The average CO₂ emission in Germany was over 11 tonnes per person, while a target of a maximum of 2 tonnes of CO₂ per person is aimed at to mitigate climate change. There are numerous measures to reduce the CO₂ footprint, including switching to green energy, using alternative means of transport instead of cars, and adopting a predominantly plant-based, local and seasonal diet. Energy providers often provide CO₂ calculators to estimate one's own CO₂ emissions and find compensation options.

CO₂ equivalents enable the comparison of different activities in terms of their CO₂ emissions. For example, a flight to the Caribbean causes more than five tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Many transport providers, especially airlines, offer the opportunity to invest in climate protection projects for compensation. Stiftung Warentest recommends the non-profit projects "atmosfair", "Klimakollekte" and "Primaklima" as effective options for climate protection.

CO₂ offset in climate protection

CO₂ offsetting is another important approach within the efforts for climate protection and sustainability. It aims to offset the CO₂ emissions generated by activities in daily life, production, or travel by investing in projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gases. This includes not only afforestation projects but also investments in renewable energies and energy efficiency measures. Carbon offsetting thus offers individuals and organisations the opportunity to contribute to global climate protection. Customers of Prokon who opt for green energy tariffs automatically contribute to carbon offsetting, as they support the production and consumption of clean energy, which directly leads to a reduction in CO₂ emissions.

CO₂-Compensation at Companies

Businesses play a central role in the process of CO₂ offsetting. By investing in CO₂ offsetting projects, they can neutralise their own emissions and simultaneously advance their sustainability goals. This can be achieved through direct participation in environmental projects or the purchase of CO₂ certificates. Such measures not only strengthen the company's ecological commitment but often also improve the company's image. Companies that choose Prokon green electricity tariffs also send a strong signal of their commitment to renewable energies and reducing their CO₂ footprint.

Private CO₂ compensation - your contribution to the energy transition

You can make a real difference and achieve something positive with your decision for your electricity supplier because we supply you with 100% genuine green electricity directly from our German wind farms. Prokon is not only a green energy provider, but also a green energy producer. As the only German supplier, we feed significantly more energy into the power grid than our customers consume. The revenues go directly into the construction of new wind turbines - and thus contribute actively to the energy transition. Moreover, we are Germany's largest . As a member of our cooperative, you can experience how your purchased Prokon shares flow into the construction of new renewable energy facilities, while participating directly in the production of clean electricity and benefiting from attractive dividends.

Awarded and Recommended!