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BBC -
Less than 30 pence in every pound spent on some carbon offset schemes goes directly to projects designed to reduce emissions, according to a new report.
The research, based on 10 projects, was carried out by Carbon Retirement, which offers an alternative to offsetting.
It highlights the complexity of the carbon off-setting system, which the consumers' association Which? said was "not the same as giving to charity".
They are often aimed at air passengers to counter emissions from flights.
"There is a lack of clarity in much of the carbon offset market about how much money actually reaches the offset project and how offset projects are verified, " said Martin Saville, who has looked at the offset market for Which? Magazine.
Schemes explained
Offsetting starts with a project in a developing country designed to reduce emissions, such as a windfarm.
The projects are mostly run and implemented by local for-profit companies.
On average, the firms spend about 30 pence in every pound paid by consumers on offsets in setting up and running the project, the report by Carbon Retirement said.
And 15p goes to the shareholders of these companies in profit, the report suggested.
Each scheme qualifies for a carbon offset credit for every tonne of carbon dioxide not emitted. These are often bought by investment banks - sometimes before the scheme is up and running - who take another 30p.
They sell the credits on to a retailer, who takes 10p.
The remaining 15p goes on tax, bank interest and fees.
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