Carbon Offsets: Neat Way to Cut Your Footprint

A carbon offset is a credit sourced from a project or technology that seeks to reduce or sequester carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon offsets balance out  emissions associated with certain activities through actions or projects that reduce or eliminate other emissions. Examples of projects or technologies that qualify for carbon offsets are:

1. Renewable Energy Generation: This includes solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, biofuels, and marine energy. It is equivalent to purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs).

2. Forest Sequestration: This involves the planting of new trees to absorb carbon dioxide over time (i.e. reforestation and afforestation).

3. Energy Efficiency Projects: This involves the substitution of old, inefficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and structures with more energy efficient ones.

What To Look For When Purchasing Carbon Offsets:

Integrity: Make sure that the projects that your carbon offsets are funding are legitimate and actually reducing carbon emissions. They have to be real projects with measurable results.

Accuracy: The methodology used to calculate carbon offsets must be recognized. Examples of recognized methodologies include the EPA Climate Leaders’ methodology and the World Resources Institute Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Methodologies also should be approved by a third-party organization.

Verifiability: To ensure that projects are verifiable, purchases and sales should be verified by an independent auditing organization. This will ensure that your dollars match the results obtained  in the funded projects.

BeGreen Carbon Offsets

If you are interested in supporting cleaner energy sources like wind, solar and biomass through the purchase of renewable energy credits, look to Green Irene’s BeGreen Carbon Offsets, which allow you to offset the emissions of your home, car, and travel. Green Irene offers different offset packages depending on the size of your home, vehicle, or frequency of airline travel and the subsequent emissions produced. For example, for $144 you can offset 8 metric tons of carbon (estimated emissions for a medium-sized home every month). For more information contact your Local Eco-Consultant.