Selling carbon offsets to the Province

The Province invests in high-quality B.C.-based carbon offset projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions. We use B.C. Offset Units to offset the emissions produced by the provincial public sector each year in support of our legislated commitment to carbon neutrality.

Under the Carbon Neutral Government program, the Province manages a portfolio of B.C. Offset Units on behalf of all provincial public sector organizations. The Carbon Neutral Government program has offset over 9.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions from the provincial public sector between 2010 and 2023. In addition to reducing emissions, offsetting advances green technologies, supports clean job growth and stimulates the economy.

On this page

• How the Province chooses offsets
• How offsets are sold to the Province
• Offset project development

How the Province chooses offsets

As outlined in the Climate Change Accountability Act and the Carbon Neutral Government Regulation, only B.C. Offset Units may be used to achieve the annual legislated requirement for public sector carbon neutrality.

To fulfill the mandate, the Province purchases B.C. Offset Units on behalf of provincial public sector organizations through an open, competitive offset procurement process called the Negotiated Request for Offset Units (NRFOU).

This process ensures that all offsets meet stringent provincial standards for environmental integrity and are sourced through credible, verifiable projects that align with B.C.’s climate goals. The procurement process is designed to encourage broad participation from qualified suppliers, promote innovation in carbon reduction, and drive value for investment in offsets.

Through this mechanism the Province supports the development of a provincial offsets market while ensuring compliance with its climate legislation. Applications are assessed against the criteria in the NRFOU.

How offsets are sold to the Province

Vendors interested in selling B.C. Offset Units to the Province are encouraged to go to BC Bid to view the NRFOU bid. The NRFOU closes on Aug 12, 2025.

Once submitted, applications go through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. The Province will invite vendors who pass this assessment to negotiate an Offset Purchase Agreement. The NRFOU process aligns with B.C.’s broader procurement strategy goals by enhancing transparency, streamlining access for businesses of all sizes, and supporting the Province’s climate objectives through credible carbon offset purchases.

Offset project development

Development of offset protocols is a separate process that is part of provincial offset regulatory requirements; it is distinct from the government’s purchasing process for carbon offsets.

Prospective project proponents are encouraged to review provincial offset regulatory requirements, currently active provincial offset protocols, and associated requirements as a first step prior to planning projects, considering investment decisions, or seeking potential purchasers.