Welcome to Balance®

Balance makes it simple for organisations to balance their environmental impact over the long term, by planting and protecting biodiverse forests which provide social and economic benefits to local communities.

What is Balance®

Balance® creates biodiversity, addresses climate change, and benefits local communities with a single solution.

It helps to create long-term biodiversity and protect the climate through responsible planting and protection of forests, after organisations have taken necessary efficiency and reduction steps. Our approach takes into account the interests of local communities and delivers sustainable social and economic benefits. Balance is a major step forward from the ‘Carbon Neutral’ concept – going far beyond offsetting to support the enduring biodiversity that is essential to the sustainable future of life on Earth.

Balance® is based on a peer-reviewed, published methodology underpinned by the latest thinking in environmental science. This addresses the historic flaws of carbon offsetting to provide a robust and game-changing solution for organisations (large and small) to mitigate their environmental impact in a substantive and tangible way.

Organisations that purchase existing carbon credits to address their environmental impact risk being accused of greenwashing because of historic flaws in the system. Balance’s revolutionary approach overcomes this by combining biodiversity conservation, tangible climate action and real-world societal benefits for lasting impact that goes beyond mere carbon offsetting. Our rigorous planting methods, extensive biodiversity monitoring, and annual reporting mean that Balance clients can be confident they’re making a lasting impact, not just ticking a box.

How does Balance work?

  1. You establish your carbon footprint as an organisation. There are three ways to do this: You may already have a carbon impact assessment showing your CO2 emissions in tonnes. You can use our quick and simple Balance Calculator to estimate your annual CO2 emissions. This is suitable for organisations with a simple supply chain that trade mainly within the UK. Alternatively, you can commission a carbon impact assessment. We can provide one in conjunction with our partners at Ecometrica, a leader in environmental monitoring and reporting. Please contact us here.
  2. Your organisation purchases one Balance Unit for each tonne of annual carbon emissions.
  3. Each Balance Unit is used to plant and protect biodiverse forests.
  4. The company receives the Balance in Business certificate to show that it has Balanced its carbon impact through the planting and protection of bio-diverse forestry.
  5. In discussion with the client, Balance in Business will also plant an extra tree for each Balance Unit in addition to those used to Balance emissions in a monitored forest. This can visibly support biodiversity near customers, by schools, or on roadsides.

What makes Balance®
different?

  1. Built to last, with minimum 99-year protection of forests. (The carbon cycle is that long, but existing carbon credits only last 40 years).
  2. Science-based, with a detailed, peer-reviewed methodology published in the International Journal of Sustainable Energy. This enables existing carbon credits to be converted into Balance units with confidence.
  3. Rigorous planting methods, with a practical, six-point Planting Partner Contract to ensure genuine biodiversity, and long-term protection in any circumstances.
  4. Community benefits, as the planting projects are guaranteed to provide sustainable income for local communities.
  5. Simple to use, with an innovative calculator that enables smaller businesses to calculate emissions in minutes, not months.
  6. Visible impact, through the planting of extra trees (twinned with the main planting) in locations accessible to clients’ customers and staff, providing specific biodiversity and wildlife benefits

Decades of experience, with a founder known as a pioneer in carbon-conscious forestry.

Inspired by action, based on our movement’s conviction that whatever our circumstances, we all make a difference.

One by One, Tonne by Tonne.

For a business that has already minimised its environmental impact as far as possible, Balance offers great benefits. These are described in detail below, but here are some of the most important ones.

Forestry

‘Balance’ forestry is planted with care, grown from indigenous species, protected for its lifetime, respectful of local communities, and appropriate for the location. It supports true biodiversity rather than just ‘hitting the numbers’ of tree planting targets and CO2 equivalents and offers a major improvement over the old (and soon to be discontinued) system of renewable energy offsets.

Balance Organisation

The management of Balance in Business’s parent, the Balance Organisation, is made up of respected environmental veterans with many years’ practical experience in improving global biodiversity.

The Balance Calculator

Once a company knows its carbon footprint, it’s simple to buy the appropriate number of Balance Tonnes through this site, not only balancing emissions but supporting vital biodiversity.

Balance Tonnes

Companies can choose where their trees are planted in a carbon-monitored forest, and a proportion of the planting can usually be in a site that their staff and customers can visit. The entire process is highly transparent and verifiable and comes with full ‘Balanced’ certification.

Planting Trees

Balance in Business will also plant an extra tree for each Balance Tonne, in addition to those used to balance emissions. This tree is planted specifically to increase biodiversity in locations that would not receive carbon funding. This can be near customers, or schools, or on roadsides helping to form wildlife corridors around urban centres. Each tree is a living symbol of a particular company’s commitment to the planet and all its inhabitants.

Good business owners want to run purpose-driven, responsible businesses anyway. But now this is becoming even more vital as investors, staff, customers, and suppliers all look for evidence of environmental responsibility. They are becoming increasingly knowledgeable and look for a deep-rooted commitment to the environment, not just superficial gestures. That’s what Balance provides. A business is creating Balance in the environment as opposed to just offsetting its CO2.

Balance Calculator

Balance to Sector is based on the national CO2 emissions factor divided by GDP. Every industry has a published sector turnover and CO2 emissions factor. Your company registration number finds your sector in our algorithm. You only need to input your registration number and warrant your turnover. This gives you an average of what you’re responsible for within your sector. Caters for Scope 1 and 2 emissions including domestic flights. However, please use our flight calculator if you fly intentionally.

If you would prefer a detailed assessment including Scope, 3, please go use the Balance to Assessment option.

Get Balanced!

FOREST OF AVON TRUST
For over 30 years, the Forest of Avon Trust has worked tirelessly to connect people with trees across the West of England. This collaborative initiative works with partners and landowners to plant trees, improve woodland management, and engage the community with their natural heritage..
FOREST OF AVON TRUST
For over 30 years, the Forest of Avon Trust has worked tirelessly to connect people with trees across the West of England. This collaborative initiative works with partners and landowners to plant trees, improve woodland management, and engage the community with their natural heritage..
FOREST OF MERCIA
The Forest of Mercia is a testament to the power of tree planting. This dedicated Community Interest Company has revitalised Staffordshire and the West Midlands for decades, creating vibrant ecosystems that benefit the environment and the local community..
FOREST OF MERCIA
The Forest of Mercia is a testament to the power of tree planting. This dedicated Community Interest Company has revitalised Staffordshire and the West Midlands for decades, creating vibrant ecosystems that benefit the environment and the local community..
HUMBER FOREST (HEYWOODS)
The Humber Forest (HEYwoods) is a testament to the transformative power of trees. It celebrates the rich natural history of Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire, weaving a tapestry of woodlands, hedgerows, and green spaces to enhance the landscape and foster a vibrant ecosystem..
HUMBER FOREST (HEYWOODS)
The Forest of Mercia is a testament to the power of tree planting. This dedicated Community Interest Company has revitalised Staffordshire and the West Midlands for decades, creating vibrant ecosystems that benefit the environment and the local community..
PLYMOUTH AND SOUTH DEVON
The Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (P&SD) is a vibrant new initiative, a partnership between Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust. This ambitious project will stretch from the heart of Plymouth to the edge of Dartmoor, creating a thriving mosaic of habitats and enhancing the connection between the city and its beautiful surroundings.
PLYMOUTH AND SOUTH DEVON
The Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (P&SD) is a vibrant new initiative, a partnership between Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust. This ambitious project will stretch from the heart of Plymouth to the edge of Dartmoor, creating a thriving mosaic of habitats and enhancing the connection between the city and its beautiful surroundings.
THE WHITE ROSE FOREST
The White Rose Forest isn’t just a collection of trees – it’s a growing network of woodlands transforming the landscape of North and West Yorkshire. This community-driven initiative strategically plants millions of trees in both urban and rural areas, creating a vibrant, resilient, and diverse natural environment.
THE WHITE ROSE FOREST
The White Rose Forest isn’t just a collection of trees – it’s a growing network of woodlands transforming the landscape of North and West Yorkshire. This community-driven initiative strategically plants millions of trees in both urban and rural areas, creating a vibrant, resilient, and diverse natural environment.
FOREST OF MARSTON VALE
The Forest of Marston Vale is an extraordinary testament to the power of vision and collaboration. For over 20 years, this initiative has transformed 61 square miles of Bedfordshire into a vibrant mosaic of woodlands and green spaces, offering a haven for nature and people alike.
FOREST OF MARSTON VALE
The Forest of Marston Vale is an extraordinary testament to the power of vision and collaboration. For over 20 years, this initiative has transformed 61 square miles of Bedfordshire into a vibrant mosaic of woodlands and green spaces, offering a haven for nature and people alike.
CITY OF TREES
City of Trees is a force of nature, transforming Greater Manchester into a greener, healthier, and more vibrant place to live. This innovative movement goes beyond just planting trees – it’s about restoring woodlands, creating urban green spaces, and forging a deep connection between the community and its natural environment.
CITY OF TREES
City of Trees is a force of nature, transforming Greater Manchester into a greener, healthier, and more vibrant place to live. This innovative movement goes beyond just planting trees – it’s about restoring woodlands, creating urban green spaces, and forging a deep connection between the community and its natural environment.
GREENWOOD COMMUNITY FOREST
Nestled in the heart of historic Nottingham Forest, the Greenwood Community Forest is a testament to Nottinghamshire’s deep connection with nature. Once a vast temperate rainforest, Britain’s woodlands hold a special place in our history. The Greenwood initiative seeks to revitalise this legacy, creating vibrant ecosystems, vital wildlife corridors, and spaces where people can reconnect with their natural heritaget.
GREENWOOD COMMUNITY FOREST
Nestled in the heart of historic Nottingham Forest, the Greenwood Community Forest is a testament to Nottinghamshire’s deep connection with nature. Once a vast temperate rainforest, Britain’s woodlands hold a special place in our history. The Greenwood initiative seeks to revitalise this legacy, creating vibrant ecosystems, vital wildlife corridors, and spaces where people can reconnect with their natural heritaget.
GREAT WESTERN COMMUNITY FOREST
The Great Western Community Forest (GWCF) is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together local people and organisations to create a better environment. With the vibrant town of Swindon at its heart, this ambitious project stretches from the White Chalk Downs to Salisbury Plain and all the way to the River Thames, covering an impressive 39,000 hectares.
GREAT WESTERN COMMUNITY FOREST
The Great Western Community Forest (GWCF) is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together local people and organisations to create a better environment. With the vibrant town of Swindon at its heart, this ambitious project stretches from the White Chalk Downs to Salisbury Plain and all the way to the River Thames, covering an impressive 39,000 hectares.