Carbon offsets purchased from the market help the UO balance its greenhouse gas emissions portfolio while supporting the development of low carbon technologies. The Office of Sustainability supported the Environmental Issues Committee in the development of rigorous purchasing guidelines.

The policy now requires that purchases must follow the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment standards. Additionally, the following criteria will be factored into decision-making:
(I) The projects offer educational benefits to UO faculty and/or students in the execution, impact, or monitoring thereof.
(II) The carbon offset projects are based in Oregon.
(III) The projects are public in nature, with ancillary beneficiaries being the broadest public possible.

To date, carbon offsets have been purchased over a number of years to offset the impact of the Erb Memorial Union.