Negotiating the Offset Jungle - How to choose an offset programme that's right
for you
by Paul Chiplen, Director of Sales & Marketing
CO2balance
The carbon jungle….
1. Myths
2. What to look for
3. Why
4. The future - its not all about
the carbon
Source: http://www.celsias.com/
Dispelling the carbon myths
• Offsets are the easy way out from taking real action– Offset buyers slashed their direct emissions by almost 17%, while non-
buyers only reduced emissions by less than 5%.
– Companies that purchase offsets are 5 times more likely to internally price carbon.
– Offset buyers were more engaged in direct emission reduction activities compared to non-offset buyers
• Why can’t there be UK projects– We can afford it, it is not “additional”
– Renewable energy and forestry in UK go towards the Gov. carbon targets (Kyoto), claiming as a carbon credit would be double counting.
Dispelling the carbon myths
• Emission reductions are not real– Additionality is key to any carbon offset project
– Standard and annual (UN approved) external auditor and monitoring
– Each credit has a unique reference number
• Carbon neutrality practices are unregulated– ICROA Code of Best Practice
– PAS2060
What to look for…
• Standard
• External Auditor
• Methodology
• Location
• Level of carbon finance
• Additional impacts
What to look for…
Code compliantorganisation Externally
audited
Code of Best Practise
Only use “ICROAApproved” standards
carbon audit, reduction & offsetting services
Independent Advisory Board
Why choose this project?
• What impact do you want to achieve
• Supports your sustainable indicators
• Marketing / greening your supply chain
• Linking your carbon project with your company:
Your impacts – stove project
CARBON FOOTPRINT = 150 tCO2e
• No. of Stoves – 47
• No. families – 47
• Total people impact – 252
• Total children – 145
• Total elderly – 47
• Wood saved – 122 tonnes
• Working time saved – 393 days
• Total respiratory improved cases – 82
Environment
EconomicSocial
Check List
What Standard – is it ICROA approved?
Where is the project – ask yourself: does that country need support?
Percentage of carbon finance – would it have happened anyway
Where are the credits held – evidence & retirement
Who is the project developer – how far along the food chain…..
Additional – quantifiable – impacts
Does the project fit in with your company – either sector or overall ethos
Thank you for your time
Tel: 01823 332233
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.co2balance.com
@co2balance