The Duke Carbon Offset Initiative (DCOI) operates within the academic environment to generate high-quality offset projects that provide community co-benefits and create educational opportunities. DCOI performs project accounting in-house, and gathers implementation partners and interested professors to produce high-value offsets that facilitate real-world research for Duke students. DCOI places a high priority on local offset projects with high co-benefit value.
DCOI makes these resources available to help you develop your projects and achieve your climate goals. We are very interested in your project ideas and carbon offset implementation plans – you can contact us at carbonoffsets@duke.edu to share ideas and ask questions.
Current Projects
Swine Waste-To-Energy
The first project DCOI developed was a swine waste-to-energy project located in Yadkinville, North Carolina. Loyd Ray Farms is a swine operation that has a capacity of more than 8,000 animals, whose waste is captured to create biogas. This biogas is burned on-site in either a 65kW microturbine or flare, creating renewable energy and carbon offsets. Learn more...
Avoided Conversion
DCOI is partnering with a local land trust to protect a forested parcel of land in Durham County. By placing a conservation easement on the parcel, the carbon contained in the trees and soil will be prevented from being released into the atmosphere through development. This project stems from the work of a Nicholas School master's project, and uses a GIS tool those students created. Learn more about avoided conversion projects...
Urban Forestry
This type of offset project provides many opportunities to strengthen university and community relationships through partnerships with local municipalities, businesses, and other schools. It is also provides students with the volunteer opportunities in their local community. Learn more...
Wetland Restoration
DCOI is working with the experts at the Duke Wetland Center and a private landowner to restore a pocosin wetland in Hyde County, North Carolina. This land was once a natural wetland, but was converted to arid agricultural land decades ago. The project will begin as a 300-acre pilot, but could grow to 10,000 acres.
