A carbon offset represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that organizations and individuals can use to counter their own emissions. It is measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
How do offsets work?
Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming regardless of where or how they are produced – driving at home, traveling abroad, operating machinery or heating buildings.
Progressive organizations are starting to reduce their emissions, many with the goal of becoming carbon neutral. They start by reducing them directly from the source, for example, by minimizing business travel. Offsetting is the next step - a way to indirectly cut their remaining emissions.
Offsets or carbon savings are generated from changes made to avoid or absorb (sequester) carbon dioxide, or any of the main greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorcarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride). Typically these GHG-reducing activities fall under three categories:
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Renewable energy, such as run-of-river hydro power generation;
-
Energy efficiency, such as industrial energy efficiency or switching from oil to natural gas; and
-
Emissions storage or sinks, such as afforestation (forestation of land not previously forested).
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A company may prevent thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions yearly by switching to a cleaner fuel - for example from diesel to run-of-river power generation. It can then sell the carbon savings as offsets.
Pacific Carbon Trust may purchase these offsets provided they meet requirements and high standards. PCT then offers clients a portfolio of offsets to counter their own carbon emissions.
|
What are the benefits of offsets?
Improves the environment
Encourages innovation and industry
-
The price attached to offsets provides funding for innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gases.
-
Carbon reduction goals drive the demand for offsets and carbon trading, and encourage development of this new industry.
Can save money
- Energy efficiency measures may reduce fuel or electricity consumption, or lead to reduced maintenance and operating costs.
A carbon offset represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that organizations and individuals can use to counter their own emissions. It is measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
How do offsets work?
Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming regardless of where or how they are produced – driving at home, traveling abroad, operating machinery or heating buildings.
Progressive organizations are starting to reduce their emissions, many with the goal of becoming carbon neutral. They start by reducing them directly from the source, for example, by minimizing business travel. Offsetting is the next step - a way to indirectly cut their remaining emissions.
Offsets or carbon savings are generated from changes made to avoid or absorb (sequester) carbon dioxide, or any of the main greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorcarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride). Typically these GHG-reducing activities fall under three categories:
-
Renewable energy, such as run-of-river hydro power generation;
-
Energy efficiency, such as industrial energy efficiency or switching from oil to natural gas; and
-
Emissions storage or sinks, such as afforestation (forestation of land not previously forested).
|
A company may prevent thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions yearly by switching to a cleaner fuel - for example from diesel to run-of-river power generation. It can then sell the carbon savings as offsets.
Pacific Carbon Trust may purchase these offsets provided they meet requirements and high standards. PCT then offers clients a portfolio of offsets to counter their own carbon emissions.
|
What are the benefits of offsets?
Improves the environment
Encourages innovation and industry
-
The price attached to offsets provides funding for innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gases.
-
Carbon reduction goals drive the demand for offsets and carbon trading, and encourage development of this new industry.
Can save money
- Energy efficiency measures may reduce fuel or electricity consumption, or lead to reduced maintenance and operating costs.