Frequently Asked Questions

How does OffsetOur.ai calculate my organization's carbon footprint?

OffsetOur.ai uses a proprietary algorithm that estimates your AI-related and digital infrastructure emissions by analyzing the type of tools you use, the energy intensity of your usage, and the emissions profile of the energy sources powering that activity. The calculation factors in the footprint of services like ChatGPT, cloud computing, data storage, and other AI tools to provide an accurate annual or monthly estimate.

How is this different from buying carbon credits?

Traditional carbon offset brokers take 30-50% in fees and provide one-time transactions. OffsetOur.ai operates on a transparent 20/40/40 model: 20% for immediate verified offsets (zero markup), 40% to fund community renewable projects, and 40% for advocacy that creates systemic change.

Plus, Leader tier subscribers get quarterly voting rights on community projects, impact dashboards, custom Climate Player Cards with your business information, and IRL event access. You're not just offsetting-you're building long-term infrastructure for climate accountability.

How does the 20/40/40 split work?

Every subscription is divided into three parts:

• 20% Verified Carbon Credits: Goes directly to CNaught for immediate retirement (zero markup)
• 40% Community Projects: Funds renewable energy projects in data center regions (you vote quarterly on which ones)
• 40% Advocacy & Organizing: Funds grassroots advocacy, organizing events, and working with municipalities to hold data centers accountable

Unlike traditional offset brokers that take 30-50% in fees, the majority of your dollars go directly to carbon retirement and community impact.

What benefits do founding members get?

We launched in Summer 2025 and founding member spots are still available. Benefits include:

• Founding Member Badge on your Climate Player Card
• Early Adopter Pricing locked for 12 months
• Voice in Choosing our first community projects
• Direct Access to our founder

Founding members aren't just customers-you're partners in building this movement.

What types of carbon offset projects do you support?

We source our immediate offsets through CNaught, a leader in delivering high-integrity, science-aligned carbon credit portfolios. CNaught's approach emphasizes diversity and quality, following the Oxford Principles for Net-Zero Aligned Offsetting.

For our community project fund, we support:

• Solar installations on schools and nonprofits
• Urban reforestation & afforestation
• Community battery storage systems
• Regenerative agriculture transitions
• Wetland restoration projects

Which communities receive project funding?

We focus on communities hosting major data centers - places like Mount Pleasant (Wisconsin), Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Columbus, and other areas. These communities provide the infrastructure for our digital world but often see little benefit beyond minimal job creation while dealing with massive strain on their power grids and water resources.

Can I choose specific projects to support?

Yes! Leader tier subscribers vote quarterly on which projects receive funding from our community project fund. When we reach funding thresholds (typically $50,000+), Leader tier members receive email invitations to vote on 3-5 vetted project proposals. This democratic approach ensures projects reflect what our climate leaders want to see built.

When do I vote on community projects?

Leader tier subscribers receive voting rights. Quarterly, when we reach funding thresholds of $50,000+, Leader tier members receive an email with 3-5 vetted project proposals in specific data center regions. You have two weeks to vote. Projects with majority support receive funding, and we publish results and implementation timelines after each vote.

How do you verify project impact?

All carbon offsets are third-party verified through CNaught and other certified partners using rigorous due diligence and ratings from top-independent agencies like Sylvera, Renoster, Calyx Global, and BeZero. Local projects report quarterly on progress with photos, metrics, and community testimonials. Every project undergoes verification to ensure real, measurable impact.

Why are data centers such a big part of AI's environmental footprint?

AI isn't just virtual-it runs on vast physical infrastructure. Data centers that power AI tools consume enormous amounts of electricity and water and often rely on carbon-intensive energy sources. While individual users can and should take steps to reduce their footprint, the industry itself must be held accountable.

That's why OffsetOur.ai works on three levels: immediate offsets, community project funding, and advocacy to push data centers to purchase local carbon credits from the very communities they impact.

How do you get data centers to buy local credits?

Through advocacy, community organizing, and creating undeniable value. As more businesses join OffsetOur.ai, we build leverage. When communities have thousands of tons of local carbon credits available from solar installations and forest projects, data centers face public pressure to purchase them instead of cheaper international credits. We're building the market infrastructure that makes local purchasing the standard, not the exception.

Are data centers actually buying local carbon credits?

Yes, it's already happening. Microsoft purchases credits from local developers like Chestnut Carbon for their facilities. Google, Amazon, and Meta have all invested in community renewable projects near their data centers. The model is proven - we're making it accessible to more communities and standardizing the process.

What happens if data centers don't purchase the local carbon credits?

The projects get built regardless. Solar panels still power schools. Trees still clean the air. Farms still build healthy soil. These projects create immediate community benefits - the carbon credits are a bonus revenue stream, not the only value. We can sell credits to other buyers on the voluntary market, but the community improvements are permanent regardless.

Why international offsets if you're focused on local communities?

We do both because both matter. International offsets provide immediate, cost-effective carbon reduction where it's needed most - developed nations emit far more per capita than developing countries. Local projects build long-term infrastructure in data center-affected communities. Together, they create comprehensive impact.

How can I track my carbon offset contributions?

Once subscribed, you'll have access to your own dashboard where you can view:

• Your cumulative offsets
• The projects your contributions are supporting
• Verified certificates
• Impact reporting visuals for sharing

CNaught also provides built-in reporting tools to help meet compliance standards like California's AB1305 and communicate progress with transparency.

What are Climate Player Cards?

Companies offsetting through our Leader tier subscribers receive a custom Climate Player Card-a collectible NFT featuring your logo and verified impact. These cards are distributed to thousands of climate-conscious individuals through OffsetMy.ai, giving your brand organic visibility (15,000+ quarterly impressions).

Cards display your tons of CO2 offset, communities funded, years of commitment, and rarity tier based on impact level. It's not greenwashing-it's proof of real action backed by verified carbon retirement and community project funding.

What are the IRL events about?

All subscribers gain access to regular in-person and virtual events where climate tech founders, policy advocates, and community leaders gather to build the movement for data center accountability.

These aren't generic networking events-they're strategy sessions where we plan municipal campaigns, connect renewable energy developers with communities, and build coalitions for systemic change. Event sponsorship opportunities are available for deeper engagement.

Can you help my business with on-site renewable energy?

Absolutely! Beyond offsets, we help businesses install solar panels and battery storage systems that reduce electricity costs and can even generate revenue through grid services. Current subscribers receive priority access to these services. Solar + storage can reduce your energy costs by 20-40% while making your sustainability commitment visible to customers and employees.

Is this tax-deductible?

Carbon offset subscriptions are typically treated as business expenses rather than charitable donations. Whether this qualifies as a deductible business expense for your organization depends on your specific situation-consult your tax advisor for guidance. We provide detailed receipts and impact reports to support your record-keeping.