Carbon Neutral – Offsetting

Carbon Offsetting
When you fly, drive or heat your home you are directly responsible for CO2 emissions. You can offset these emissions by buying carbon credits that are invested in renewable energy projects, in reforestation or in some other activity that results in a net reduction in atmospheric CO2. For every one tonne of CO2 you or your business reduces, one tonne is saved somewhere else in the world. If you buy enough carbon credits you can offset all your emissions and effectively become carbon neutral.

There are two main project types, VERs (Verified Emission Reductions) and CERs (Certified Emission Reductions). VER projects are developed independently of government regulations. Benefits are verified by independent third parties, and standards vary. CER projects are developed using the United Nations Kyoto Protocol process, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Companies going Carbon Neutral
Nowadays, a business’s attitude and actions towards climate change determine its public awareness and success. Many responsible businesses and charities are choosing to set targets for controlling their GHG emissions. It is impossible to reduce our carbon emissions to zero, no matter how hard we try. Large corporate organizations are getting in on the act. These companies recognise their responsibilities to their customers, stakeholders and staff to manage their carbon footprint. This course will help smaller companies do the same and reap the benefits.

Below are a few examples of organizations that are becoming carbon neutral:

• World Cup Soccer, The Super Bowl and other major sporting events are going carbon neutral, as are many athletes.
• Airlines and travel agents are also started offering their customers the choice to offset their flights, and some airlines are offsetting all of their flights. Many hotels are also providing carbon neutral accommodations to their guests.
• Movie studios have offset the emissions from the production of feature films and documentaries, and media companies such as BSkyB, MTV, and News Corp are offsetting the emissions associated with their broadcasts
• Major conferences (e.g. United Nations World Climate Research Programme) and conventions have offset their emissions
• Organizations as diverse as Wells Fargo, Whole Foods, the EPA and the city of Vail, CO have purchased large quantities of renewable energy certificates to offset their electricity use
• Large companies like HSBC, Swiss Re, Google, Nike, Dell, and Vancity have committed to making their entire operations carbon neutral in the coming future
• Many businesses are now offering carbon neutral products or services, such as carpeting, clothing, flower deliveries, coffee, and taxi rides

The following types of projects are the most common investments for carbon offsets:

• Renewable / Alternative Power Generation – includes solar, wind, hydro
• Alternative Fuels – includes biomass (wood, or methane generation)
• Energy Efficiency Projects – e.g. Low energy lightbulbs, insulation, eco building projects
• Reforestation – Plant trees which absorb carbon dioxide
• Industrial Methane – Burn methane generated by landfill sites

Carbon neutral certification also helps your organization in attracting new customers:

• In a recent survey conducted for Climate Friendly, it was revealed that 95% of Australians would like to see more global warming information on goods
• And 90% find that a climate eco-label identifying finest in class products is very attractive
• A certification and mark of Carbon Neutral Company on your goods or products gives you an opportunity to attract all those customers who are conscious about global warming