Almost three quarters of large or multinational organisations have begun implementing internal carbon emission reduction initiatives, according to recent research by EcoSecurities and ClimateBiz.

The Carbon Offsetting Trends Survey 2008 also found that 43% of organisations had already implemented an existing carbon management strategy, with a further 34% of organisations claiming to be in the process of developing one.

“What is extremely encouraging about this research is to see how seriously corporations are taking the issue of climate change, and how proactive many of them are being in developing long-term strategies to minimise their carbon impact,” said Lisa Ashford, head of commercialisation, Europe at EcoSecurities.

“In addition, the survey shows that the voluntary carbon market is becoming much more transparent in terms of pricing, preferred project types and locations of offset projects. Corporate buyers wishing to offset have come a long way up the learning curve in the last year, which is a very positive sign for the future development of the market.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Wheeland, managing editor at ClimateBiz, said: "As the first study to look at the decision-making processes of the large, multinational companies who are purchasing these carbon offsets, this survey adds useful new insight into the factors that are helping to shape the voluntary carbon market.

“It also suggests that companies are looking seriously at offsets as a supplement to their own environmental goals, not just as a marketing tool."

The survey received over 65 responses from leading large and multinational corporations, covering a diverse mix of sectors and industries.

For a full version of the survey, visit www.ecosecurities.com