CarbonBetter
We're building a net-zero future
We’re a privately held firm focused on sustainability & decarbonization services, clean energy & carbon offset project consulting, and energy logistics services for Fortune 1000 companies, utilities, and other organizations that seek to make a positive impact. We’re a creative and diverse team tackling the complex climate challenges that are changing our world by helping organizations transition to a net-zero future—accelerating the societal shifts that will save our planet.
We’re proud to be the largest minority-owned business in Austin and the 9th largest privately-owned business headquartered in Austin.
Learn more at carbonbetter.com/about/.
Recent Posts from CarbonBetter
How CarbonBetter Supports Fierce Whiskers’ Sustainability Journey
Fierce Whiskers, a grain-to-glass Texas whiskey distillery, is leading the industry in sustainability with CarbonBetter’s support.
Fierce Whiskers Distillery 2023 Sustainability Report
Fierce Whiskers, a minority-owned American bourbon distillery, focuses on quality and sustainability from grain to glass. The 2023 report shows a continued reduction in emissions intensity, increased solar energy use, and the launch of its first main product.
Intro to Carbon Offset Registries
An overview of the role carbon offset registries play in the carbon market, and why they matter.
The Materiality of ESG for Ports: A CarbonBetter Perspective
An analysis of ESG factors for ports, emphasizing environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance compliance for long-term success.
Celebrating Earth Day 2023
Our goal for this day of climate action is to show that small steps by many add up to a big positive impact.
California Senate Bill 1036 and Its Impact on Voluntary Carbon Offsets
California Senate Bill 1036 seeks to refine and strengthen the standards by which carbon offsets are verified and certified—and it could introduce new challenges for companies.
New SEC Climate Disclosure Rules: Navigating Opportunities and Legal Boundaries
The SEC's new climate disclosure rules, effective in 2026, mandate transparency in material climate risks without requiring Scope 3 emissions reporting.
Carbon Insetting vs. Offsetting
Learn the difference between carbon insetting and offsetting and how to incorporate both into your carbon reduction strategy.
Decarbonizing: Ports & Maritime
A look at the ports & maritime industry's role in climate change mitigation, focusing on the risks and strategies for decarbonization.
Local Law 97: New York City’s Building Emissions Legislation
How New York City's Local Law 97 impacts large buildings and effective strategies for business compliance.
What I Learned at Sustainable Brands 23 (SB’23) and VERGE 23
Explore the practical challenges and innovative solutions in business sustainability discussed at SB23 and VERGE 23.
Decarbonizing the Financial Services Industry to Support the Climate Transition
A look at the financial services industry's role in climate change mitigation, focusing on the risks and strategies for decarbonization.
SB 253 and SB 261: Navigating California’s Climate Legislation
A detailed guide to California's new climate laws SB 253 and SB 261 for US companies doing business in the state.
Should You Be Stressed About Water Stress?
Discover the critical implications of water stress on businesses and society, what's being done about it, and how CarbonBetter can help you.
Inside the United Nations’ (UN) Definition of Carbon Removal
A look at the UN's take on carbon removal and its expected redefinition at the upcoming COP28, which could affect sustainability efforts worldwide.
Engaging with Employees & Stakeholders in Sustainability
Learn practical steps to foster a culture of active participation in your company's sustainability initiatives.
How Everyone Is a Sustainability Stakeholder
How every department in a business contributes to sustainability, from leadership's role in setting the direction to the importance of forming external relationships when addressing Scope 3 emissions.
Using Materiality Assessments to Unlock Environmental Priorities
Materiality's role in identifying key environmental concerns within business operations and the benefits of partnering with suppliers to drive sustainable change.
The IFRS S1 & S2 Standards Align with TCFD’s Recommendations
Explore the alignment of ISSB's IFRS S1 & S2 standards with TCFD's recommendations. The post sheds light on the nuanced shifts in sustainability disclosures and their significance in the global financial landscape.
The Alphabet Soup of Sustainability
Your guide to the alphabet soup of ESG and sustainability terms—with definitions and context to help you understand each term.
Investing in Nature As Part of Your Sustainability Strategy
Explore the intertwined relationship between nature and sustainability, and how businesses can adopt nature-positive strategies for a sustainable future.
Sustainability Risk Management: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Learn the business implications of climate risk and the benefits of a proactive stance in navigating an ever-evolving sustainability regulatory landscape.
Project Feature: Eritrea Community Boreholes Project
Explore the transformative impact of the Eritrea Community Boreholes Project, which not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures access to safe water, supports local communities, and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Convenient Fantasies About Plastic
From convenient fantasies to harsh realities, this post unravels the truth about plastic waste and highlights how Dr. Bronner's is leading the way in plastic waste management.
An Overview of “Materiality” in Sustainability
Learn how to identify and assess the environmental issues that are most significant for your business and stakeholders.
Biodiversity’s Role In Sustainability
Uncover the link between biodiversity and business sustainability, the implications of biodiversity loss, and how businesses can take action to protect biodiversity in our latest blog post.
An Introduction to Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards
Learn the importance of the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards in delivering credible carbon offset projects and supporting your brand's sustainability goals.
CSRD Prep: ESRS Draft Act Released (June 2023 Update)
US companies operating in the EU will soon be required to meet CSRD requirements. With the June 2023 release of the ESRS draft delegated acts, here’s what you need to know.
EU’s CSRD: Implications for US Businesses
The recently adopted Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) rule will subject 49,000 companies to new reporting requirements, including some US businesses.
Ways to Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
Learn strategies to manage your organization's Scope 3 emissions effectively by optimizing its supply chain & logistics, and by building sustainable partnerships. Included are real-world examples from companies like Microsoft, BeatBox, and Siemens on their journey toward carbon neutrality.
Common Greenwashing Terms & Examples
Learn about new and emerging greenwashing tactics, including strategies to help you avoid making misleading environmental claims for your organization.
What Are Scope 3 Emissions?
Unpacking Scope 3 carbon emissions by first defining what Scope 3 emissions are, with examples, then sharing three ways to manage these indirect emissions.
Additionality of Carbon Offset Projects
Gain a deeper understanding of additionality in carbon offset projects, empowering you to make well-informed decisions when purchasing carbon credits.
Earth Day 2023 Impacts Report
Our goal for this day of climate action is to show that small steps by many add up to a big positive impact.
Carbon Offsets vs. RECs: How They Impact Your Sustainability Strategy
Learn the crucial differences between carbon offsets and RECs. Unlock insights to empower your organization's sustainability strategy and accelerate your journey towards emissions reduction targets.
How to Make Progress Toward Your Sustainability Goals
Outlining actionable steps for businesses to achieve sustainability targets through continuous progress, strategic milestones, and timely adaptation.
Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Credits
Comparing rating systems vs. protocols and defining top criteria to empower businesses with the knowledge to assess high-quality carbon credits.
Fierce Whiskers Releases Carbon-Neutral Smoke + Mash Volume 1
In its first rye whiskey release, Fierce Whiskers has 454 bottles carbon-neutral bottles from barrels 255 and 270 ready to go.
Permanence Considerations When Buying Carbon Credits
Defining permanence, including how it’s measured, and how to balance permanence with other considerations and co-benefits when buying carbon credits.
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) vs. Other Carbon Credits
How carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects are different from other carbon offsets and why your organization might want to buy carbon removal credits.
How to Implement Carbon Accounting Software Effectively—And Do You Even Need It?
Carbon accounting software is not right for every business, but here's how to implement it effectively when it is necessary to use.
Sustainability Consulting Confusion
What to look for when hiring a sustainability consulting firm for your business, and how CarbonBetter is different.
Can You Trust Your Carbon Accounting Data?
How to ensure your organization's data is accurate and reliable, and avoid the risks associated with bad data.
SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: What’s in It?
A new SEC rule would require “consistent, comparable, and reliable” disclosure of climate-related risks and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from public companies.
CarbonBetter Certified Offset (CBCO) Portfolios vs. Bespoke Carbon Offset Sourcing
Between our CarbonBetter Carbon Offset (CBCO) Portfolios and our bespoke carbon offset service, our team of carbon market experts can help you find the right solution for your business.
2022 Year in Review
With 2022 in the rearview mirror, we reflect on a year of recognition, impact, and a welcome return of in-person connection.
Central Machine Works Announces Green Collar Beer Is Now Carbon Negative
In November 2022, Central Machine Works (CMW) Brewery in East Austin brewed the Green Collar Beer, a west coast style IPA dry hopped with Strata, Lorien, and Chinook hops from Indie Hop farms located in Oregon. All 3,151 pours of Green Collar beer at the CMW taproom are carbon negative and benefit the Save Our Spring Alliance.
Preparing For Possible New SEC Climate-Related Regulations
Public companies may soon be required to report on climate-related risks and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here’s how to prepare.
Preparing for Potential Climate-Related Disclosure Requirements
Federal suppliers may face new requirements, and it's not too early to prepare. In this post, we navigate the complexities organizations face with the proposed new federal climate-related disclosure rule, and what you can do to prepare for if/when it goes into effect.
Proposed New Emissions Disclosure Requirements for Over 5,000 US Businesses
The US government has issued a proposed new rule that would require most government suppliers to disclose carbon emissions.
The ROI of Sustainability
Companies no longer have to choose between implementing a financially responsible business model and one that is environmentally responsible. Today these goals can—and should—be intertwined with one another.
Sustainability Software vs. Spreadsheets
Sustainability software can help you quantify your carbon emissions, but you still need expertise to get it right.
What Is Blue Carbon?
With coastal blue carbon habitats sequestering carbon at a rate 10 times greater than terrestrial forests, blue carbon ecosystems play an essential role in mitigating climate change and improving human well-being. So, what exactly is blue carbon?
Edition #15 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 15 of Environment Forward. Energy and metals transitions, cow burps, recyclability, and running shoes.
The Intersection of Fashion and Sustainability
Keeping up with the trends can be fun, but that new shirt has a cost that extends beyond your wallet.
Why Is It So Hard to Buy Carbon Credits?
Navigating the carbon market can be unnecessarily complex and opaque without the right support. Here's why.
Fierce Whiskers Launches World’s First Carbon-Negative Bourbon
The Austin distillery Fierce Whiskers is releasing 257 carbon-negative bottles of Five O’Clock Shadow from Barrel #47 in a limited release.
Phlogiston Phase I N2O Abatement
Included in CBCO 22-1, Phlogiston Phase I project was designed to destroy N2O byproducts during the nylon manufacturing process so the GHG is not emitted into the atmosphere. Co-benefits of the project include reduced N2O pollution and GHG emissions into the atmosphere as well as overall improved air and water pollution and ozone recovery.
Sustainability Reporting White Paper
Sustainability reporting serves as a valuable tool to achieve corporate commitments and better manage climate-related business risks. This white paper walks you through what's typically included and what should be considered.
Manantiales Behr Wind Farm
Included in CBCO 22-1, the 99-megawatt Manantiales Behr Wind Farm carbon offset project is helping Argentina reach a target of 20% non-hydro renewables by 2025.
Edition #14 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 14 of Environment Forward. In this edition, we’re looking at podcasts, nature sounds, private jets, and climate legislation.
Shaan Seet Improved Forest Management
The Shaan Seet Improved Forest Management carbon offset project contains over 8,900 acres of old-growth, hemlock-spruce forest that provides critical ecosystem services, including significant climate benefits through carbon sequestration.
Raura Hydro Electric Power Project
The MW Raura Hydro Project provides clean energy to northern India by harnessing renewable electricity from a small, run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, minimizing both the overall environmental impact of the dam and the amount of fossil fuels needed to supply the regional grid.
RNG in Your Decarbonization Strategy
RNG is a key tool in a portfolio approach to decarbonization, but when is the right time to use it?
Geography Considerations When Buying Carbon Credits
When buying carbon credits, geography matters—here are three key considerations.
A Primer on Hydroelectric Power
As a renewable, low-carbon source of energy with many co-benefits, hydropower has the potential to be an important part of the energy transition and the carbon offset market. Here are some pros and cons of hydroelectric power.
Edition #13 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 13 of Environment Forward. In this edition, we’re looking at climate-driven disease, Gmail's carbon footprint, agrivoltaics, and a plastic ban in Canada.
Important Considerations for Carbon Offset Vintages
Understanding carbon offset vintages is important for choosing the right offsets.
A Primer on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Is renewable natural gas an ideal alternative fuel for a carbon-neutral future?
Edition #12 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 12 of Environment Forward. In this edition, we’re looking at renewable energy records, plastic eating worms, regenerative agriculture, and recycling solar panels.
Plastic Waste Challenges
Plastic use creates a double-edged problem of reliance on fossil fuels and mountains of trash. What's the solution?
What does it mean to be carbon-free? | Change the Conversation
I champion anyone working to reduce their carbon impacts. But what does it mean to be carbon-free?
Edition #11 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 11 of Environment Forward. Come explore lab-grown leather, the decline of lichens, blockchain for farmers, and plastic recycling.
Earth Day Austin 2022 Impacts Report
Our goal for this day of climate action is to show that small steps by many add up to a big positive impact.
Edition #10 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 10 of Environment Forward. In this edition, we’re looking at everything from toothpaste tubes to pints of Guinness with some TikTok thrown in.
Edition #9 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 9 of Environment Forward – we’re only a month into 2022 and there has been no shortage of climate news. Here at CarbonBetter, we’re actively preparing to speak at SXSW here in Austin on March 16, 2022, but in the meantime, I’ve been doing a lot of reading.
Your First Sustainability Report
What's next once you have a plan to do your first sustainability report? The right reporting partner will help you gather data, prioritize calculations, and ensure accuracy.
Edition #8 | Environment Forward
Welcome to Edition 8 of Environment Forward and the first of 2022! In this edition we look back at extreme weather in 2021, share some EV humor, ponder some thoughtful ESG questions, and explore how to spot greenwashing.
Edition #7 | Environment Forward
Happiest of holidays to our team, clients, and friends! In this 7th edition of Environment Forward, we explore quick charge batteries, cargo ship kites, hemp concrete, and pop music.
Edition #6 | Environment Forward
In this 6th Edition of Environment Forward we're exploring both innovations and challenges when it comes to food sustainability.
Zero Waste vs 1% Better
The challenge of "zero waste" should not stop us from trying. Most people don't realize how powerful aiming for just 1% improvement can be.
Edition #5 | Environment Forward
Happy Thanksgiving week, friends. Welcome to the 5th Edition of Environment Forward. In this edition, we explore regenerative turkeys, COP26 outcomes, shopping, and trash cleanup.
Edition #4 | Environment Forward
Welcome to the 4th Edition of Environment Forward. In this edition, we explore what's happening at COP26, missing seafood, reducing our waste, and some good climate news.
Provision Retail Energy Sustainability Report
Provision helps customers make a positive environmental impact through certified CarbonBetter energy plans that include 100% clean energy and planting trees. Learn more about this innovative business model in this case study.
Edition #3 | Environment Forward
Welcome to the 3rd Edition of Environment Forward. In this edition, we explore decarbonized Google searches, regenerated fashion, climate tech, and electric vehicle trends.
Edition #2 | Environment Forward
Welcome to the 2nd Edition of Environment Forward. Here are the things that I've been reading (and watching) over the last couple of weeks that have left me feeling both motivated and inspired.
Edition #1 | Environment Forward
In this new bi-weekly series called Environment Forward, Climate Services Manager Nicole Sullivan shares her perspective on news she's following in the ever-changing and fast-paced world of sustainability.
An Old Church Gets a New Life as CarbonBetter HQ
While repurposing an old building was an important start on our path to create a lower impact headquarters, we also made significant efforts to reduce our impact, including salvaged wood desks and using the original foundation.
OKO Forests Agroforestry Case Study
OKO Forests is located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. OKO began as a reforestation project, creating a buffer zone adjacent to the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR). The project protects and enhances biodiversity while creating sustainability socioeconomic benefits from nearby communities.