At GCC, we have always taken a firm stance against traditional carbon offsetting. Since our founding in 2020, we have discouraged arts organisations from relying on “carbon neutral” or “net zero” targets that depend on offsets, instead advocating for real, measurable carbon reductions. That’s why we are proud to sign Carbon Market Watch’s (CMW) recent statement, Common Ground: Credibly Funding Beyond Value Chain Climate Action, alongside 44 other organisations and individuals.

This initiative aligns directly with GCC’s Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) model, which encourages members to set aside funds—ideally based on a percentage of revenue—to support high-impact climate solutions rather than relying on offsets. Our approach prioritises real emissions reductions within the arts sector while also ensuring meaningful financial contributions to climate action beyond an organisation’s own value chain.

The CMW statement highlights a clear, implementable, and credible alternative to outdated ‘carbon neutrality’ models, outlining key steps for companies and organisations to take when funding climate action outside their operations. These include:

• Measuring and disclosing emissions transparently.

• Prioritising internal decarbonisation to align with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.

• Allocating funds for high-quality climate initiatives beyond their value chain.

• Ensuring due diligence on the credibility and impact of funded projects.

• Communicating climate commitments accurately, without misleading claims.

For too long, corporate climate strategies have depended on flawed offsetting models, failing to deliver the urgent emissions reductions needed. This joint statement signals a shift towards more credible climate action and a growing consensus among NGOs, academia, businesses, and carbon market actors that we need a new approach.

By signing this statement, GCC is reaffirming our commitment to ambitious climate action and calling on others in the arts sector to do the same. We encourage our members and partners to endorse the Carbon Market Watch statement, adopt transparent climate finance models, and move away from offset-based ‘carbon neutrality’ claims that risk delaying meaningful change.

Now is the time to act. The shift away from misleading carbon neutrality models is gaining momentum, with major stakeholders in the voluntary carbon market—including Gold Standard and Compensate Foundation—aligning with this approach. As corporate climate action remains a focus in upcoming policy discussions, from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the EU Green Claims Directive negotiations, we must ensure that arts organisations are part of the solution.

GCC remains dedicated to leading by example and working towards real, measurable emissions reductions. By embracing this new model, the visual arts sector can demonstrate integrity, take meaningful action, and contribute to a global movement towards a just and sustainable future.

We’ve signed the pledge—will you?

Read the full statement here