Metrics your University Can Showcase

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Universities participating in the Carbon Onsetting program will receive reports with the following metrics depending which plan and community they partner with. These metrics can be used to showcase their commitment to sustainability and the impact of their efforts to its community of parents, students and other stakeholders:

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1. Biomass and Reforestation:

   • Increase in Biomass: Demonstrate the increase in biomass through the growth of trees and other vegetation in reforested areas.

   • Acres of Restored Land: Track the number of restored acres in both the Amazon and Andean ecosystems.

   • Tree Species Planted: Document the variety and number of native tree species planted, enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.

2. Biodiversity Improvement:

   • Species Protected: Record the number of endangered and native species supported through habitat restoration and protection.

   • Habitat Restoration: Report on the creation, maintenance and improvement of habitats that support a diverse range of flora and fauna.

   • Wildlife Sightings: Monitor and report sightings of key wildlife species in restored areas, indicating the health of the ecosystem.

3. Community Impact:

   • Families Benefited: Report the number of families directly benefiting from the program, including those involved in restoration and trading organic products.

   • Economic Improvement: Showcase the increase in income and economic stability for participating families through sustainable practices and product sales.

   • Continuing Education Outcomes: Highlight the number of community members receiving environmental education, the number of certifications, and the expansion of educational programs to new communities. Share results from questionnaires related to the community’s growth, change and development. 

4. Youth Education:

   • Students Educated: Count the number of students participating in the Forest School, as well as those participating in forest protector workshops and other educational initiatives.

   • Curriculum Development: Describe and share new educational materials and curricula developed to support environmental education.

5. Water Conservation:

   • Water Projects Implemented: Count the number of water conservation and decontamination projects established.

   • Water Quality Improvement: Measure improvements in water quality in streams and rivers affected by the projects.

6. Community Engagement:

   • Volunteer Participation: Track the number of visitors (including students, faculty, and staff) who participate in community-based restoration activities.

   • Partnerships Formed: Report on new partnerships with local communities and other organizations supporting sustainability efforts.

7. Cultural Revitalization:

   • Traditional Practices Restored: Document traditional practices that communities claim are being revived through the program.

   • Cultural Education: Measure the impact of cultural education on community members, particularly the younger generation, through questionnaires to the community.

8. Involvement of Women and Girls:

   • Economic Return: Highlight the return on investment from involving women in the program (research shows that for each dollar invested in women, there is a return of $3 due to increased productivity and economic activity - World Economic Forum, 2023).

   • Women in Leadership: Track the number of women in leadership roles within the projects.

   • Empowerment Programs: Report on programs or projects specifically designed to empower women and girls, enhancing their skills and economic opportunities.

9. Trade of Organic Products:

   • Volume of Organic Products Traded: Measure the quantity and variety of organic products produced and sold by the communities.

   • Market Expansion: Report the growth in markets for organic products, both within the communities and externally.

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Ways to Grow and Share​

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We encourage our college partners to integrate the Carbon Onsets program into their classes, community engagement initiatives, and campus life, fostering institutional growth and community building. For partners with exclusivity or partial exclusivity plans, we collaborate with staff, faculty, and students to develop a tailored integration strategy.

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1. Integrate into existing classes:

   • Develop class projects that strengthen your community partner relationship.

   • Co-create case studies or curricula with your partner community.

   • Incorporate community-led challenges or topics into coursework.

2. Research opportunities:

   • Align existing research initiatives with your community partnership goals.

   • Collaborate with your partner community to conduct field studies or participatory research.

3. Study Abroad:

   • Participate in our semester-long program embedded in your partner community.

   • Develop short-term study programs for immersive learning experiences.

4. Community Engagement:

   • Host virtual engagement projects like language exchanges or tutoring programs with local students.

   • Plan alternative breaks or service-learning trips to your partner community.

5. Knowledge Exchange:

   • Invite community leaders to speak at classes, clubs, or campus events virtually.

   • Offer virtual guest lectures from faculty, staff, or students for partner community schools or organizations

6. Tell your stories:

   • Use social media to highlight your partnership’s impact and inspire support.

   • Create an annual event or symposium to celebrate and share achievements.