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Revolutionising carbon credits for a future beyond offsetting

Carbon neutral is old news. We’re building a movement to help businesses protect the future by restoring nature and enabling local people to earn sustainable income from their forests.

What is Balance?

The path to a brighter future

Thanks to our actions, we are nearing biodiversity and climatic tipping points. But the climate crisis can’t be solved by the broken offsetting system. Our methodology transforms carbon credits by increasing the time scale of forest protection from 40 to 100 years in line with the life cycle of CO2 in the atmosphere. Our three pillars are nature restoration, community empowerment, and tackling the root causes of climate breakdown. This means funding and maintaining sustainable forest ecosystems that nurture wildlife, provide local jobs and capture a verified tonnage of carbon. When one business adopts Balance, it causes a ripple effect—partners and suppliers follow suit, multiplying the impact across entire supply chains; one by one, tonne by tonne.

Efficiency, Reduction, Balance; one by one, tonne by tonne

Efficiency first, reduction second, then Balance. Once you’ve streamlined your business operations and reduced your carbon footprint, Balance helps you address what remains by restoring nature and supporting local economies. Offsets became a ‘pay-to-pollute’ scam. Balance is about protecting the future.

Fixing a broken system

Imagine creating something to save the planet, only to watch it turn into a monster. That’s what happened to Dan Morrell. In 1988, in a bid to address the growing climate crisis, Dan co-coined the term ‘carbon neutral’ and founded Future Forests, a leading carbon credit company. It was a great success—over 250 blue-chip businesses went carbon neutral, and even Leonardo DiCaprio became America’s first carbon neutral citizen. But something went wrong.

As carbon trading took off, Dan started to see the flaws in the system. Traders were making money, but ignoring biodiversity and communities. Not only that, carbon credits were linked to a measly 40-year guarantee, which is not even half the life cycle of CO2 in the atmosphere. Combined, these issues meant that the business Dan created to tackle the climate crisis was not fulfilling its purpose. Disheartened, Dan left the company.

Rather than licking his wounds, he gathered a team of experts–including James Cameron, barrister and senior negotiator of the Kyoto Protocol, and Professor Felix Dodds, one of the architects of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They focused their energy on creating a new approach.

After years of work, drawing on their decades of collective experience to solve the thorny problems at the heart of the carbon finance industry, they came up with a better way: Balance. Combining biodiversity, socio-economic benefits and climate action, Balance moves beyond offsets, empowering businesses and individuals to become part of a movement for change.

The
Balance
Team

The Balance team is made up of climate science and human rights experts, sustainability advocates, technology innovators, marketing and communications professionals, and industry leaders. Our mission is to deliver biodiversity enhancing solutions that businesses can trust to address climate change—now and for at least 100 years to come.
Daniel Morrell

Daniel Morrell

CEO & Founder

David Pullan

David Pullan

Head of Marketing

Steve Middleton

Steve Middleton

Technology Director

Oliver Rieche

Oliver Rieche

Director of Legal Affairs, Carbon Procurement & NDC Partnership

Joseph Kelly

Joseph Kelly

Finance Director

Kyle Edwards

Kyle Edwards

Technology Consultant

JohnMichael Jurgensen

JohnMichael Jurgensen

Research & Government Affairs

Sean Gardner

Sean Gardner

Head of Web3 Development

Arif Haq

Arif Haq

Brand Portfolio Development

Tara Watney

Tara Watney

Project Manager

Jessica Sue Rasmussen

Jessica Sue Rasmussen

Non-Executive Director

James Cameron

James Cameron

Carbon and Climate Advisor

Martin Glover (Youth)

Martin Glover (Youth)

Production & Music Development

John Shaw

John Shaw

Copy and Tone of Voice

Felix Dodds

Felix Dodds

Advisor Methodology Development. UNFCCC/COP

Standards
& partners

We collaborate with leaders in climate science and forestry to enhance existing standards through our six-point methodology. Our focus on biodiversity and community wellbeing ensures each Balance Unit contributes to lasting environmental and social change, not just carbon reduction. These are just some of the standards and partners we work with.

Staying ahead of the curve

Most sectors aren’t regulated yet, but they will be. Balance helps businesses prepare for future regulations with our peer-reviewed approach. Carbon credits put the wellbeing of the planet in the hands of the financial services community. No more. By supporting nature restoration and local economic growth to address climate change, we help you stay ahead as the drive to net zero intensifies.

Woodland Carbon Code

The Woodland Carbon Code is the UK standard for climate change mitigation via woodland projects, ensuring transparency and long-term carbon storage. Every Balance project in the UK meets this code and builds on it by creating additional biodiversity and socioeconomic impact.

PLAN VIVO

Plan Vivo has been supporting communities on the forefront of the climate crisis for over 25 years. Aligning with our methodology, setting the standard for projects that protect and restore the environment, tackle climate change and support climate-sensitive communities.

Forest of Marston Vale

As a long-term partner, the Forest of Marston Vale demonstrates Balance’s commitment to lasting biodiversity restoration. This partnership shows how sustainable forestry can surpass carbon capture to regenerate ecosystems and empower local communities over the long term.

Ready to join the movement?

LOCH NESS
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a vibrant ecosystem is thriving at the Loch Ness Afforestation Project. This 92-hectare landscape, strategically located between two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, serves as a vital migration corridor for a rich array of species. With neighbouring rewinding projects flourishing, the benefits to the local environment are immense.
LOCH NESS
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a vibrant ecosystem is thriving at the Loch Ness Afforestation Project. This 92-hectare landscape, strategically located between two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, serves as a vital migration corridor for a rich array of species. With neighbouring rewinding projects flourishing, the benefits to the local environment are immense.
BLUE SLATE WOOD
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Lancashire, Blue Slate Wood is a testament to the power of nature and its extraordinary capacity for resilience and creating a space of well-being. This diverse native woodland, a collaboration with the River Ribble Trust, champions biodiversity and addresses climate change while creating valuable jobs within the local community.
BLUE SLATE WOOD
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Lancashire, Blue Slate Wood is a testament to the power of nature and its extraordinary capacity for resilience and creating a space of well-being. This diverse native woodland, a collaboration with the River Ribble Trust, champions biodiversity and addresses climate change while creating valuable jobs within the local community.
BLACKFORD FARMS
Located near Gleneagles and the Trossachs National Park, the Blackford Forest Project spans 192 hectares, restoring a vital piece of Scotland’s natural heritage. This ambitious project aims to create 38,162 tCO2e of balance units by planting 489,744 trees and establishing a vibrant mix of native and coniferous woodlands.
BLACKFORD FARMS
Located near Gleneagles and the Trossachs National Park, the Blackford Forest Project spans 192 hectares, restoring a vital piece of Scotland’s natural heritage. This ambitious project aims to create 38,162 tCO2e of balance units by planting 489,744 trees and establishing a vibrant mix of native and coniferous woodlands.
TRUKSINASTA TERRITORY, HONDURAS
Nestled in the heart of La Mosquitia, Honduras, one of the most economically challenged regions renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, the Paskaia Project stands as a testament to resilience and environmental stewardship. This area, known for its lush tropical ecosystem, has faced significant challenges over the years, including exploitation for logging—especially of the Caribbean pine, the forest’s predominant species—and damage from wildfires, which have impeded the natural growth of its flora.
TRUKSINASTA TERRITORY, HONDURAS
Nestled in the heart of La Mosquitia, Honduras, one of the most economically challenged regions renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, the Paskaia Project stands as a testament to resilience and environmental stewardship. This area, known for its lush tropical ecosystem, has faced significant challenges over the years, including exploitation for logging—especially of the Caribbean pine, the forest’s predominant species—and damage from wildfires, which have impeded the natural growth of its flora.
CUMBRIA’S COMMUNITY FOREST
The Raise: Cumbria’s Community Forest is a transformative project reimagining Cumbria’s western coastline. This ambitious initiative creates woodlands, enhances biodiversity, combats climate change, and connects coastal communities with the unique beauty of their natural surroundings.
CUMBRIA’S COMMUNITY FOREST
The Raise: Cumbria’s Community Forest is a transformative project reimagining Cumbria’s western coastline. This ambitious initiative creates woodlands, enhances biodiversity, combats climate change, and connects coastal communities with the unique beauty of their natural surroundings.
NORTH EAST COMMUNITY FOREST
The North East Community Forest is a collaborative vision for a greener, healthier future for Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Durham. This ambitious initiative unites local authorities and environmental organisations to plant trees, enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
NORTH EAST COMMUNITY FOREST
The North East Community Forest is a collaborative vision for a greener, healthier future for Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Durham. This ambitious initiative unites local authorities and environmental organisations to plant trees, enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
THAMES CHASE COMMUNITY
Since 1990, the Thames Chase Community Forest has been redefining the landscape of East London and South West Essex. This ambitious initiative transforms 40 square miles into a vibrant mosaic of woods, nature areas, and open spaces, offering a greener, healthier environment for over 650,000 local residents.
THAMES CHASE COMMUNITY
Since 1990, the Thames Chase Community Forest has been redefining the landscape of East London and South West Essex. This ambitious initiative transforms 40 square miles into a vibrant mosaic of woods, nature areas, and open spaces, offering a greener, healthier environment for over 650,000 local residents.
THE MERSEY FOREST
For over 25 years, The Mersey Forest has been creating vibrant woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside, weaving a tapestry of nature into the lives of over 1.6 million local residents. This ambitious initiative demonstrates the immense power of community collaboration and ‘thinking global, acting local.’ The Mersey Forest has planted over 9 million trees – a testament to the power of collective action. Your support helps ensure this legacy continues.
THE MERSEY FOREST
For over 25 years, The Mersey Forest has been creating vibrant woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside, weaving a tapestry of nature into the lives of over 1.6 million local residents. This ambitious initiative demonstrates the immense power of community collaboration and ‘thinking global, acting local.’ The Mersey Forest has planted over 9 million trees – a testament to the power of collective action. Your support helps ensure this legacy continues.
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.
THE GREAT RESERVE
The Great Reserve is a dual purpose project focused on CO2 removal and biodiversity creation through planting and protection of the Giant Sequoia (AKA Redwood), species currently on the IUCN Endangered Species Red List in their native US habitat due to the impacts of climate change (wildfires, drought, insect infestation). The mission is to replicate what few are left in the US (75,000) by planting 100,000 of these magnificent trees in the UK, creating a new territory for them to thrive via assisted migration, creating The Great Reserve.
THE GREAT RESERVE
The Great Reserve is a dual purpose project focused on CO2 removal and biodiversity creation through planting and protection of the Giant Sequoia (AKA Redwood), species currently on the IUCN Endangered Species Red List in their native US habitat due to the impacts of climate change (wildfires, drought, insect infestation). The mission is to replicate what few are left in the US (75,000) by planting 100,000 of these magnificent trees in the UK, creating a new territory for them to thrive via assisted migration, creating The Great Reserve.