Description

Module overview

This self-directed module about “Carbon Markets and Offsetting” aims to provide participants with a thorough understanding of how carbon markets operate, the role of carbon offsetting, and their significance within the New Zealand context. This includes comprehension of the regulatory framework, participation mechanisms, the economic and environmental impacts, and the challenges and opportunities associated with carbon markets and offsetting practices.

Video duration: 2.5 hours approximately.

CPD: 3 points (CEP Framework)

Download

CEP1017: Carbon Markets and Offsetting Module Outline (PDF)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Understand the structure and function of carbon markets globally and within Aotearoa New Zealand, including the distinction between regulatory (compliance) markets and voluntary markets.
2. Identify the types of carbon offsets available in Aotearoa New Zealand, including their sources, verification processes and how they contribute to emission reduction targets.
3. Discuss the role of the voluntary carbon market programmes and standards and organisations like ICVCM in carbon markets and assess the criteria for voluntary carbon offsets focusing on transparency, additionality, permanence, leakage and how these criteria are applied in Aotearoa New Zealand’s context.
4. Evaluate the role of carbon pricing in incentivising emission reductions and what impact regulatory and voluntary markets have had on global and local emissions.
5. Analyse the benefits and limitations of carbon markets and offsetting as tools for achieving Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change objectives, considering environmental integrity, social equity and economic efficiency.
6. Discuss the role of indigenous knowledge and perspectives in shaping carbon offset projects in Aotearoa New Zealand, with attention to kaitiakitanga.

Instructions

• To complete this module, you will need to open each lesson video by clicking the play button.
• To enable subtitle captions, hover over the bottom of the video and click CC. Click again to remove the captions.
• Each lesson is an important part of this module, it is recommended you minimise distractions while viewing the videos.
• This module includes several short gateway quizzes that need to be passed for progression.
• Once you have completed all lessons, you will have access to a completion quiz to help prepare you for the badge exam.
• There is no limit on the number of times you can access the completion quiz, we recommend you repeat the exercise until you have achieved at least 75%.
• A certificate of completion will be available if you meet or surpass the 75% threshold in the completion quiz.

Demonstrate and promote your knowledge

• This module has a matching credential which carries a verifiable digital badge. You can get the credential and the digital badge for this module by passing an online badge exam.
• Completing this module does not qualify you for the credential and badge. However, it is your best preparation for exam success.
• Your digital badge can be linked to popular social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
• Clients or employers can easily verify your credential through the secure Accredible badge platform.

Certification requirements

You will achieve your full Certified Professional in Carbon^TM (CPC) certification after you have:

• Obtained all of the required badges (within a 5 year timeframe).
• Successfully completed an experience assessment.
• Accepted our Code of Ethics, Code of Professional Conduct and our Disciplinary procedures.
• Registered for the CEP Certification Scheme.

Copyright

All content in this module is copyright, 2026, Carbon and Energy Professionals New Zealand.