 The value of an emissions credit is determined by a national cap in emissions and the degree to which the credit confers a right to pollute.The ultimate value of an emissions credit is realised when it is surrendered to avoid punitive fines for emitting.Emissions reduction currency is also different from a voluntary carbon offset where a payment is made, typically to fund alternative energy or reforestation, the emissions reduction or sequestration resulting from which is used to reduce or cancel the payers responsibility for emissions produced by themselves.