Industrial Bank C.
Date: 2021-08-23
China's Industrial Bank Co., Ltd reports the issuance of a carbon sink loan totaling roughly $2.77 million to an unnamed company managing coastal wetlands in Jiaozhou Bay in east China's Shandong Province. The loan proceeds will be used for purchasing and planting crops with higher carbon uptake capacity on wetland for ecological conservation, according to the bank.

The issuance of the loan took into account an overall analysis on the wetland's carbon sequestration capacity as a fundamental factor, and the loan amount was based on the transaction prices in the national carbon market, with the wetland's long-term income from carbon trading as collateral, the bank noted.

China previously announced it will strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. (Source: China.org,, 21 Aug., 2021) Contact: Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., www.cib.com.cn/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Sink,  China Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Climate Neutral Group
Date: 2021-08-18
Utrecht, Netherlands-based global environmental consultancy Climate Neutral Group (CNG) reports it is managing South Africa's recently launched AgriCarbon Programme, the country's first internationally recognised carbon offset programme for the agricultural sector.

The AgriCarbon Programme provides farmers with an additional source of income by helping them certify and sell high-demand agricultural carbon credits. CNG determines the amount of carbon credits generated on the farm through soil data which is submitted to the carbon auditor and finally the Verra carbon standard. Including multiple farms under the AgriCarbon Programme substantially reduces carbon development and auditing costs per farm, thereby maximizing income to the farmers. (Source: Climate Neutral Group, PR, Engineering News, 18 Aug., 2021) Contact: Climate Neutral Group, +31 30 232 6175, www.climateneutralgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit news,  Carbon Market news,  

Carbon Market
Date: 2021-08-02
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-headquartered Renewable Energy Hub reports the launch of its Core Markets Carbon and Clean Energy Workbench, an over-the-counter platform for wholesale market proponents, project developers and end users.

The Core Markets platform provides access to spot and forward contracts in carbon and electricity markets with a new suite of clean energy products developed by Renewable Energy Hub, and a full complement data and insights on price, co-benefits visibility and benchmarking of carbon credits and environmental market certificates.

Renewable Energy Hub has also announced the execution of its first ACCU "Put option" carbon transaction in 100.000 units. (Source: Renewable Energy Hub, PR, RenewEconomy, 2 Aug, 2021) Contact: Renewable Energy Hub, Chris Holliwell, +61 2 9135 4932, www.renewableenergyhub.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2021-07-30
"I think it's (carbon tax) not a bad thing. We know that there is a huge economic cost to greenhouse gas emissions, which comes home at some point in time, not immediately; but it could come later, a year later, a decade later, but these are the externalities. So I think we need to recognize that climate change is a result of unmanaged externalities."

"Carbon markets and carbon taxes are two sides of the same coin in the sense that these are alternative ways of ensuring that polluters pay and carbon is a form of pollution." -- Pavan Sukhdev , WWF International, Pres.; Deutsche Bank, Former Managing Director

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Offset
Date: 2021-07-12
Banking majors NatWest, CIBC, ITAU and NAB report they have joined forces to create Project Carbon, a blockchain-based marketplace for the sale and purchase of carbon offsets used as a tool by many businesses to help reduce their environmental impact.

Launching as a pilot in August, Project Carbon will act as a place where the four banks' corporate customers buy and sell carbon offsets with clear and consistent pricing and standards. More banks are expected to join at a later date. (Source: Finextra, 12 July, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset news,  Carbon Market news,  

China Carbon Market,Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange
Date: 2021-07-09
Following up on our June 30th coverage, the South China Morning Post is reporting the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange -- a crucial market-based mechanism to put China on track to reach carbon-neutral status by 2060 -- will begin trading of roughly 4 billion tonnes of carbon emissions contracts before the end of this month, July, 2021.

The Shanghai exchange is expected to surpass the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), currently the largest, which seeks to cap 1.61 billion tonnes of carbon emission this year. With an average traded price of $28.28 a tonne, the scheme raised $21.8 billion last year. Some $80.7 billion have been raised on the EU ETS since trading stared in 2005, according to International Carbon Action Partnership.

China's industrial sector reportedly accounted for 28.7 pct of carbon emissions in 2019, while the transport industry made up 8.6 pct and buildings contributed 7 pct, according to the Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research. (Source: China Center for Energy Economics Research, Xiamen University, Xinhua, South China Morning Post, 8 July, 2021) Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, www.en.ndrc.gov.cn; China Center for Energy Economics Research, Xiamen University, www.energyxmu.edu.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange,  EU ETS,  Carbon Price,  China Carbon Market,  Carbon Trading,  Carbon Emissions,  

China Carbon Market
Date: 2021-06-30
According to the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, China's stalled national carbon market may start trading as soon as next month, but with more moderate standards than originally planned. Even so, the launch of what will be the world's largest carbon market is not expected to have an impact on the country's goal of hitting peak emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, analysts noted.

The long-awaited national carbon market will put a price on carbon and set emission permits and quotas for energy-intensive industries, will initially cover more than 2,200 companies in China's power sector. When finally online, China's market will overtake the EU ETS to become the world's largest, covering 12 pct of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange.

The release noted, the biggest barrier for launching a national market lies in the establishment of a multi-dimensional and flexible trading mechanism "It is very difficult to set a unified cap on carbon emissions because CO2 emissions vary in different regions, as does demand for electricity. Some provinces' energy consumption tilts to hydropower, while others rely on coal and accordingly standards for carbon emissions set at the beginning might be relatively moderate and prudent to reduce the impact on the overall economy," according to the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange.

Although China's total energy consumption is expected to be controlled within 6 billion tons of standard coal equivalent by 2030, government anticipates "moderate" carbon emissions growth, and the country's energy consumption from 2020 to 2030 should peak at 800 million tons of standard coal equivalent. (Source: China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, China National Development and Reform Commission, Global Times, 28 June, 2021) Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, www.en.ndrc.gov.cn; China Center for Energy Economics Research, Xiamen University, www.energyxmu.edu.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  China National Development and Reform Commission,  China Carbon Market,  

Boomitra
Date: 2021-06-23
Silicon Valley, California-headquartered Boomitra. -- fka ConserWater -- a technology start-up working on removal of atmospheric carbon by using artificial intelligence in agriculture, reports having raised $4 million from Yara Growth Ventures, the VC arm of fertiliser major Yara International. Other investors include Chevron Technology Ventures, Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo, Tom Steyer and Kat Taylor.

Boomitra's satellite and Artificial Intelligence-based technology directly measures soil carbon levels without using sensors or soil sampling which enables soil carbon sequestration to be scaled on a global level. It also enables farmers worldwide to participate and increase their incomes, according to the company.

Boomitra operates an international soil carbon market, where corporations and governments are able to get the lowest-cost internationally certified carbon removal credits and farmers are incentivised to increase soil organic carbon, sequestering CO2.

Boomitra works with ground partners across more than 2 million acres in countries such as Mexico, Kenya and India and is in the process of generating and certifying more than 10 million tonnes of carbon removal this year. (Source: Boomitra, PR, Website, 22 June, 2021) Contact: Boomitra, Aadith Moorthy, CEO, info @ boomitra .com, www.boomitra.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Removal,  Soil Carbon,  Boomitra,  

Singapore
Date: 2021-06-18
Singapore last month launched Climate Impact X (CIX), a carbon trading marketplace based on nature conservancy projects and backed by its state investment firm, stock exchange , largest bank and the UK Standard Chartered Bank. The CIX initiative has two main platforms: a marketplace for nature-based projects, and an exchange where carbon credits can be freely traded in larger quantities.

Demand for nature-based carbon credits, such as those from forest conservation and reforestation programs, or wetlands and grasslands restoration projects, has been growing in recent years. Verra, one of the main standard-setting bodies for voluntary carbon markets, reported that nature-based solutions represented 68 pct of its total issuances in Q1 of this year, compared with 38 pct in 2016.

In 2019, the supply of nature-based projects fell but demand remained strong, resulting in a 30 pct price surge across voluntary markets. That same year, nature-based offsets were three times pricier, on average, than renewable energy ones, data from Ecosystem Marketplace showed. (Source: Ecosystem Marketplace ,Mongabay, 16 June, 2021) Contact: Ecosystem Marketplace, www.ecosystemmarketplace.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Maket,  Carbon Credit,  

Nasdaq, Fortum
Date: 2021-06-02
Helsinki-headquartered Finnish state-owned utility Fortum and financial services company Nasdaq report they have joined forces to develop puro.earth, a trading platform for carbon removal credits.

Backed by Fortum, puro.earth offers verifiable and tradable carbon removal credits on an open, online platform, with existing corporate clients that include Microsoft, and other majors. Puro.earth CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) are based on technologies for long-term carbon removal, such as storing carbon in a solid structures made from industrial waste.

Nasdaq is taking a majority stake in the puro.earth platform for an undisclosed sum. (Source: Nasdaq, Fortum, June, 2021) Contact: puro.earth, +358 40 5233880, contact@puro.earth, www.puro.earth; Fortum Oyi, www3.fortum.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nasdaq,  Fortum,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Market,  

CleanBay Renewables, Climate Action Reserve
Date: 2021-05-14
Annapolis, Maryland-based enviro-tech company CleanBay Renewables Inc. reports it is working with the Los Angeles-headquartered carbon offset registry Climate Action Reserve (CAR) to establish a nitrous oxide (N2O) avoidance framework and a protocol for carbon credit accounting associated with fuel and fertilizer derived from poultry manure.

The Climate Action Reserve will initially focus on quantifying the emission reductions from the conversion of agricultural byproducts, like poultry manure, into controlled-release fertilizers and establish mechanisms to calculate the displacement of fossil transportation fuels through the use of agriculture-derived renewable natural gas (RNG). The end goal is to develop a science-based framework applicable across the entire agricultural sector, enabling science-based carbon credit accounting for agricultural N2O emission reductions.

CleanBay is developing a portfolio of bioconversion facilities across the U.S., each of which will recycle more than 150,000 tpy of chicken litter to generate over 750,000 MMBtus of sustainable renewable natural gas (RNG), 125,000 tpy of organic fertilizer, and an estimated 500,000 tpy of CO2 equivalent emission abatement that will be available for purchase in carbon markets. (Source: CleanBay Renewables Inc., PR, 12 May, 2021) Contact: CleanBay Renewables Inc., 410-514-6488, info@cleanbayrenewables.com, www.cleanbayrenewables.com; Climate Action Reserve, (213) 891-1444, fax: (213) 623-6716, reserve@climateactionreserve.org, www.climateactionreserve.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Climate Action Reserve,  

Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance
Date: 2021-05-05
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) has developed the following specific recommendations for how the U.S. USDA should approach a potential carbon bank -- a voluntary policy mechanism to help reduce barriers that producers and landowners face to participating in voluntary carbon markets and adopting climate-smart practices.

FACA recommends that USDA lay the foundation for a potential carbon bank by first developing a series of pilot projects aimed at:

Scaling climate solutions -- Pilot projects should help increase adoption of climate-smart practices that reduce, directly capture or sequester greenhouse gas emissions, and/or increase climate resilience. Pilots should deploy "critical climate infrastructure" to increase the capacity of farmers, ranchers and forest owners to adapt to climate change, while ensuring food and economic security.

Removing barriers to adoption -- Pilot projects should encourage the widespread adoption of climate-smart practices and critical climate infrastructure by removing barriers and making it easier for producers and landowners to adopt these practices.

Improving carbon accounting standards -- USDA should develop consistent and credible criteria to account for the carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction benefits of climate-smart agriculture and forestry projects and practices.

Ensuring equitable opportunities -- Pilot projects must be developed with and provide equitable opportunities for minority, socially disadvantaged and small-scale producers.

Information gained from the pilots will serve two critical purposes -- First, it will help USDA build a durable foundation for a carbon bank that gains long-term bipartisan congressional support. Second, it will help USDA build confidence in how to verify the climate benefits delivered by specific practices and management approaches.

According to the FACA, this approach will lay essential building blocks for a voluntary carbon bank that creates opportunities for all producers and landowners to participate in rapidly developing voluntary private markets and leverages private investment in agricultural and forestry climate solutions. As USDA develops a carbon bank, it must protect all existing funding for farm bill conservation and insurance programs, and it must ensure that a USDA-led carbon bank doesn't undermine voluntary private markets.

The FACA consists of 70 member organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, sportsmen, and environmental advocates. These groups have broken through historical barriers to develop and promote shared climate policy priorities across the entire agriculture, food and forestry value chains, according to its website. (Source: FACA, Website PR, 3 Apr., 2021) Contact: FACA, www.agclimatealliance.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Voluntary Carbon Market,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Carbon Bank,  Carbon Storage,  CCS,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2021-04-30
For greater clarity, the Fifth Estate has offered the following brief clarifications of the plethora of commonly used carbon emissions related terms:

Net Zero Energy -- There's two ways of looking at this. The first is based on simple math, and means a building, precinct, process or region generates as much energy within its own boundaries or site as it pulls in from elsewhere over a specific period -- most often a year. The other definition is a building or precinct or region that generates 100 pct of its own energy needs on site or within its boundaries.

Net Positive Energy -- When a building or precinct generates more energy than it uses and shares that energy through either a local microgrid or by sending it into the main grid, it becomes energy positive.

Carbon Negative -- Carbon negative is used for larger scales than individual buildings, such as precincts, regions, businesses or even entire nations. It means absorbing more carbon than all combined carbon emissions within the specific area or operation.

Carbon Neutral -- Carbon neutral is basically a balancing act where a building, business or region sequesters or offsets as much carbon as it emits.

Carbon Offsets -- All offsets are not created equal -- there are dirt-cheap offsets sloshing around the global carbon market from questionable projects in far-flung places. But not only are they scientifically and ethically questionable, they also will not meet the standards required for formal third-party carbon neutral certification. The best offsets deliver co-benefits beyond just sequestering carbon, such as improving biodiversity, increasing water quality or catchment protection, generating social benefits, local economic benefits or supporting Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge.

Operational Emissions -- Most carbon accounting undertaken for the purposes of carbon neutral certification focus on carbon emissions generated by the operation of a building, business or region. It's not just emissions from energy or fuel use though. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines three "scopes" or categories of carbon emissions as follows -- Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from "owned or controlled sources" such as a fleet of vehicles, a power plant or a manufacturing plant. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of energy used within a building, plant or region. Scope 3 emissions are all the indirect emissions in a business, process or region's value chain both upstream and downstream. This would include something like methane emissions from waste sent to landfill, or the emissions from energy used to make the widgets that a business procures then retails.

Embodied Carbon -- Basically, almost everything we use from a smartphone to a building, has embodied carbon. Embodied or upfront carbon refers to the emissions released during the manufacture and transport of building materials, and the construction as well the end-of-life-phases of built assets. (Source: Fifth Estate Australia)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

California Air Resources Board
Date: 2021-03-22
In Quebec City, the Quebec Ministere de l'Environnement et de la Lutte Contre les Changements Climatiques (MELCC) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in Sacrament have announced the next joint carbon market auction will be held on May 19, 2021.

The Auction Notice, which includes the number of emissions units for sale, minimum prices and application requirements, marks the beginning of the application period which closes on April 19, 2021.

Download auction details HERE. (Source: MELCC, PR, 19 Mar., 2021) Contact: MELCC, www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca; Contact: CARB, Richard Perry, CEO, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  Carbon Emissions,  Quebec Carbon Emissions,  

Nutrien
Date: 2021-03-12
Saskatoon-based crop nutrient products -- nitrogen, phosphate and potash products -- supplier Nutrien is touting a new "carbon farm" carbon credit pilot program that works with growers interested in producing and selling carbon offsets in voluntary offset markets.

Nutrien was hoping to have about 100,000 acres in Western Canada and the United States corn belt states of Illinois and Ohio subscribed to its "carbon farm" program in 2021.

Under the program, growers will have the option of adopting a variety of agronomic practices scientifically proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can be used to produce offsets ranging from the adoption of minimal tilling low disturbance cropping practices to the use of specialized crop nutrient products such as slow-release fertilizers, nitrogen inhibitors, biological and micro-nutrients, and variable rate fertilizer prescriptions. The entire system will be supported by digital platforms and data collection programs that enable monitoring and quantification.

As the markets for voluntary carbon credits and GHG offsets become more established, it is expected that more farmers and land managers will recognize carbon offsets as a new revenue stream that can supplement net farm incomes, the release notes. Nutrien estimates growers could eventually earn as much as $30 to $50 per acre under its program. Potential revenues will ultimately depend on carbon credit valuations in voluntary markets. (Source: Nutrien Ag Solutions, PR, Website, Mar., 2021) Contact: Nutrien, Mark Thompson, Exec. VP, (306) 933-8500 www.nutrien.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nutrien,  Carbon Farming,  Carbon Offset,  Carbon Market,  

CME Group, CORSIA
Date: 2021-03-05
Chicago-based derivatives marketplace CME is reporting the launch and availability for trading of its Global Emissions Offset (GEO) futures.

GEO futures, which were designed to help customers manage the risks associated with voluntary decarbonization strategies, are based on the selection criteria and review process developed for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). GEO futures allow for delivery of CORSIA eligible voluntary offset credits from three ICAO approved registries and are listed by and subject to the rules of NYMEX. (Source: CME Group, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: CME Group, www.cmegroup.com/geo

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Market,  CORSIA,  

China Carbon Market
Date: 2021-02-05
In Beijing, a set of interim rules for carbon emissions trading management in China came into effect on Monday, marking a key step in the establishment of a unified national emissions trading system (ETS). A total of 2,225 power firms across the country assigned with CO2 emission caps can now trade their emission quotas via the system whereby firms that exceed their caps can purchase unused quotas from those with low emissions. A stable carbon trading among power generators will pave the way for the gradual expansion of the national ETS to include more industries, trading varieties and trading modes, thus promoting the system's healthy and sustainable development.

In an effort to build a national ETS, the country has been piloting emissions trading at the regional level since 2011, covering seven provinces and cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. As previously reported, China aims to bring its carbon emissions to a peak before 2030 and become carbon neutral before 2060. (Source: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China Daily Global, Xinhua, 3 Feb., 2021) Contact: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Markets,  China ETS,  

China Carbon Market
Date: 2021-01-04
In Beijing, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment is reporting China will set up the trading platform of its long-awaited nationwide emission trade scheme (ETS) in Shanghai and the registry platform in the central city of Wuhan. Shanghai and Wuhan are among seven cities that have carried out pilot trading schemes since 2011.

The long-delayed scheme is expected to cover 2,267 power plants across China in its first phase and encourage firms to cut their greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase and sale of emission permits. Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to bring the country's carbon emission to a peak before 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality around 2060. Chine is presently the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

As reported in Dec., the China Securities Regulatory Commission is considering emissions trading futures to boost green development and help Beijing fulfill its promise to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.(Source: China Daily, Various Others, Jan., 2020)Contact: China Securities Regulatory Commission, www.csrc.gov.cnChinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Markets,  China ETS,  

European Union,EC
Date: 2020-12-28
In Brussels, leaders of the 27 member states have agreed to cut their net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 pct from 1990 levels by 2030, substantially toughening an existing 40 pct target and putting the bloc "on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050".

To that end, EU emissions trading market already seeks to put a price on the carbon emissions that drive climate change. The price of permits rose to an all-time high above €31 euros a tonne on expectations that the supply of permits would be cut, to force deeper emissions cuts. The target is a compromise between wealthier, mostly western and Nordic EU countries that want more ambitious action and eastern states with coal-dependent power sectors and energy-intensive industries, which wanted specific conditions attached to emissions cuts.

The final deal gives a commitment to address "imbalances" in carbon market funding that could leave poorer countries worse off. The leaders agreed to meet again next year to tackle the question of GDP-based emissions targets. The Commission's proposals will speed a shift to electric vehicles and aim to mobilise investments in the huge low-carbon infrastructure that will now be needed - including a requirement for extra energy sector investments of €350 billion ($420 billion) per year this decade. (Source: EU, ET Auto, Dec., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Union,  European Commission,  Carbon Emissions,  

Securities Regulatory Commission
Date: 2020-12-21
Yesterday, the China Securities Regulatory Commission reported it is considering emissions trading futures to boost green development and help Beijing fulfill its promise to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

As previously reported, China has piloted emissions trading in seven provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, since 2011 to explore market-based mechanisms to control greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: China Securities Regulatory Commission, China.org, Xinhua, 20 Dec., 2020) Contact: China Securities Regulatory Commission, www.csrc.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Markets,  

Climatetrade,Algorand,
Date: 2020-12-04
Valencia, Spain-based carbon offsetter Climatetrade, a blockchain-marketplace for CO2 carbon offsetting, announced today it will leverage Algorand's scalable, secure and decentralized digital blockchain technology network to bring its technology to the next level.

Climatetrade brings transparency and traceability into carbon markets with blockchain solutions services to large corporations. Climatetrade and its customers will be use Algorand as its primary infrastructure layer and leverage its carbon offsetting capabilities.

Climatetrade aims to help companies achieve their sustainability goals by offsetting CO2 emissions and financing climate change projects. (Source: Cliamatetrade, Algorand Website PR, 2 Dec., 2020) Contact: Cliamtetrade, Francisco Benedito, CEO, www.climatetrade.com; Algorand, www.algorand.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climatetrade,  Carbon Offset,  

UK Woodland Carbon Registry
Date: 2020-12-02
Two key UK-wide carbon markets -- the UK Woodland Carbon Registry and UK Peatland Code -- report they have joined forces to form the new UK Land Carbon Registry, a 'one-stop-shop' for woodland and peatland carbon schemes.

To date, 526 woodland creation projects have registered with the new Woodland Carbon Code, with 40 pct being in Scotland. This represents a doubling of projects compared to the past year alone and these registered projects are predicted to sequester over eight million tonnes CO2 over their lifetime.

"This new joint registry will support nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. This builds on our existing support for the domestic carbon market, driven by our Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme which provides landowners additional long-term income for capturing carbon through new woodlands. Well-managed woodlands and healthy peatlands play essential roles in helping us to reach net zero, " according to Government Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith. (Source: UK Woodland Carbon Registry, FarmingUK, 30 Nov., 2020) Contact: UK Woodland Carbon Registry -- Woodland Carbon Code, www.woodlandcarboncode.org.uk; UK Peatland Code, www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Markets,  

Quantifi,Carbon Cap Management
Date: 2020-11-25
Quantifi, a provider of risk, analytics and trading solutions, reports it has been selected by London-headquartered environmental asset management specialist Carbon Cap Management LLP to support its carbon emissions investment strategies. Carbon Cap's mission is to raise awareness about climate change and to provide solutions directly related to the capping and reduction of CO2 emissions.

Carbon Cap recently launched the World Carbon Fund, a globally diversified fund investing in multiple liquid and regulated carbon markets. The fund pursues an absolute return strategy, seeking to deliver positive returns with a low correlation to traditional and alternative asset classes. It also seeks to have a direct positive impact on climate change.

Quantifi's suite of integrated pre- and post-trade solutions allow market participants to better value, trade and risk manage their exposures and respond more effectively to changing market conditions. (Source: Quantifi, PR, 25 Nov., 2020) Contact: Carbon Cap, Michael Azlen, Founder and CEO, +44204 5265 480, investorinfo@carbon-cap.com, www.carbon-cap.com; Quantifi Solutions, Rohan Douglas, CEO, (212) 784-6815 -- NY, +44 (0) 20 7248 3593 -- London, www.quantifisolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market,  Carbon Cap Management,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

Vietnam
Date: 2020-11-06
The Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is reporting plans to develop a roadmap to implement market-based carbon pricing -- carbon tax -- tools as part of its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ministry has proposed adding the carbon market -- carbon tax to the revised draft Law on Environmental Protection which is expected to be approved by at the upcoming 10th legislative session.

In 2012, Vietnam joined the Partnership for Market Readiness (PMR) which aims to establish carbon markets in developing, emerging countries like Vietnam. Vietnam became a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994 and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002.

Vietnam is one of five countries most affected by climate change. If sea levels rise by one meter, one-fifth of the country's population could become homeless and 12.3 pct of farmland could disappear, experts have warned./. (Source: Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, VNA, 5 Nov., 2020) Contact: Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, (0243) 7956868, (0243) 8359221 -- fax, portal@monre.gov.vn, www.monre.gov.vn/English

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  Vietnam,  Climate Change,  

Hannon Armstrong,Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
Date: 2020-09-25
Annapolis, Maryland-headquartered climate change solutions investor Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. reports it has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), a global industry-led network of more than 70 financial institutions working to establish a common carbon accounting framework. facilitate a consistent and transparent approach to assess and disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with loans and investments in the financial services industry.

Launched in 2019, PCAF will offer a consistent approach to portfolio carbon accounting that provides financial institutions the information required to inform actions and strategy, set climate targets, assess climate transition risks, and disclose progress. This approach feeds into the work of other climate disclosure guidelines and reporting initiatives, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and CDP, according to the release.

As of December 31, 2019, Hannon Armstrong's investments have avoided 3.2 million metric tpy of CO2e. . The company is the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investments in climate change solutions, providing capital to leading companies in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other sustainable infrastructure markets. With more than $6 billion in managed assets as of June 30, 2020. Hannon Armstrong's core purpose is to make climate-positive investments with superior risk-adjusted returns (Source: Hannon Armstrong, Website, PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, www.carbonaccountingfinancials.com; Hannon Armstrong, Jeffrey W. Eckel, CEO, . (410) 571-6189, investors@hannonarmstrong.com, www.hannonarmstrong.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hannon Armstrong,  Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials,  Carbon Market,  Carbon Emission,  

EU,Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-09-23
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is reporting fewer companies will be eligible for state-aid compensation for part of their carbon costs, under new rules aimed at forcing polluting companies to reduce their emissions footprint.

The new state-aid rules of the EU Emission Trading System will enter into force next year, targeting the sectors at risk of carbon leakage. Only 10 sectors will be eligible for this compensation.

Download new state-aid rules details HERE. (Source: EC. EUobserver, Sept., 2020) Contact: EC, www.ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU news,  EU Carbon Emissions news,  

ARPA-E
Date: 2020-09-04
In Washington, the US DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is reporting $16.5 million in funding for six projects as part of the Systems for Monitoring and Analytics for Renewable Transportation Fuels from Agricultural Resources and Management (SMARTFARM) program. These projects will develop technologies that bridge the data gap in the biofuel supply chain by quantifying feedstock-related GHG emissions and soil carbon dynamics at the field-level. These technologies will allow for improved efficiency in feedstock production and enable new ag-sector carbon removal and management opportunities.

SMARTFARM teams will work to design and develop systems to quantify feedstock production life cycle GHG emissions at the field level reliably, accurately, and cost-effectively. Selected projects are capable of delivering a positive return on investment when field-level carbon emissions reductions are connected to associated biofuel carbon markets. The program also focuses on potential economic benefits to feedstock producers and future carbon management markets, potentially complementing yield-based revenues with incentives for input efficiency and restorative practices. This focus will also help to lay the groundwork for market structures to shift away from national averages and toward lower uncertainty field-based estimates for incentivizing efficiency and other services.

Working to make the biofuel supply chain carbon-negative through the removal or sequestration of carbon would greatly improve biofuel's economic and environmental benefits. Achieving reductions in carbon emissions also encourages feedstock producers to adopt new technologies and practices to quantify their impact. SMARTFARM teams are working to develop robust quantification methods through these awards so that management practices can be linked to environmental and economic outcomes simultaneously.

Download SMARTFARM projects funding recipients and details HERE (Source: ARPA-E, Website PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: ARPA-E, Lane Genatowski, Dir., www.arpa-e.energy.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News ARPA-E,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuels,  

Carbon Markets,Institute of International Finance
Date: 2020-09-04
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is reporting Unilever, Nestle, BP and Shell are among the 40 top private sector members of a new Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets spearheaded by former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.

The Taskforce will work to take stock of existing voluntary offsetting schemes and identify key challenges to scaling them up while helping businesses meet their own commitments and to align with legally binding climate targets in the markets where they operate. It is also hoped the Taskforce will play a role in boosting carbon prices which stood at a global average of $2 per ton in Oct., 2019.

According to Carney , the current market for offsets will need to grow by at least 15-fold by 2030 if the private sector is to align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C trajectory by 2050. Carney noted it may need to be up to 160 times bigger than in 2020, should corporates rely on offsetting rather than emissions reductions. (Source: IIF, Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, edie, PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: Institute of International Finance, Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, info@iif.org, www.iif.com/tsvcm/Main-Page/Publications/ID/4061/Private-Sector-Voluntary-Carbon-Markets-Taskforce-Established-to-Help-Meet-Climate-Goals

More Low-Carbon Energy News Institute of International Finance ,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Markets,  

GreenCollar
Date: 2020-09-02
In the Land Down Under, Australia's leading environmental markets project developer and investor GreenCollar reports it has secured funding for a series of carbon farming projects under the Queensland Government's $500 million Land Restoration Fund (LRF). The approved projects will generate roughly $9.5 million worth of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) boosting farm-gate returns for regional Queenslanders and deliver multiple environmental and socio-economic co-benefits over the next 15 years.

GreenCollar has more than 200 hundred projects covering over 6 million hectares under the Australian Federal Government's Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), accounting for approximately 50 pct of delivered abatement across the Australian carbon market to date. With its landholder partners, GreenCollar develops land-based carbon projects and facilitates the sale of the resulting credits to private and public organisations to offset their environmental footprint. (Source: GreenCollar, Mirage, 1 Sept., 2020) Contact: GreenCollar, James Schultz, Co-Founder and CEO, +61 2 9252 9828, www.greencollar.cp.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Farming,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Credits,  

Thailand
Date: 2020-08-14
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reporting Thailand, which relies heavily on fossil fuels for its energy needs, is considering carbon pricing in an upcoming Climate Change Act to lead a clean energy transition and green economic development while maintaining energy security, supporting innovation, increasing efficiency and driving retirement of emission-intensive assets. The upcoming Climate Change Act is expected to outline specific instruments to prepare for a national emission trading system, with a cabinet decision due in 2022.

According to the IEA, Thailand's experience of carbon market mechanisms began in 2007, when the government established TGO to implement and manage GHG emissions projects. In 2103, the public body launched the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction programme, a baseline and credit programme. By 2020 it had 191 registered projects that are due to reduce emissions by 5.28 Mt CO2-eq annually and the Thailand Carbon Offsetting Program which encourages public and private organisations to calculate their carbon footprint and buy carbon credits to offset their unavoidable emissions.

In 2015 TGO launched the Thailand Voluntary Emission Trading Scheme to serve as a pilot, setting up the infrastructure to develop a national emission trading system and identify gaps and opportunities. The first phase (2015-17) established and tested the market's design features and the measurement, reporting and verification system. During the second phase (2018-20) TGO aims to encourage wider participation and develop participants' trading capabilities.

Thailand is aiming to reduce GHG emissions to 20.8 pct below the business-as-usual level by 2030. (Source: IEA , New Europe, Aug., 2020)Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  IEA,  

European Commission
Date: 2020-08-07
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is reporting the planned link-up of the EU and Swiss carbon markets is slated to be operational from September 21, this year. The two registries are not yet connected by a permanent link, but will use a provisional system to launch trading this year.

The EU carbon market is the 28-member trading bloc's flagship policy for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which it does by forcing power plants, factories and airlines to buy permits to cover some of the pollution they emit.

The EU carbon market covered just shy of 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) last year. The Swiss carbon market coveredless than 5 million tonnes of CO2e from industrial facilities in 2019. (Source: European Commission, europa.eu, Reuters, Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market,  EU ETS,  Carbon Trading,  

USDA
Date: 2020-07-08
In Washington, the recently tabled Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bipartisan bill seeking to address climate change by placing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a leadership role over voluntary carbon credit markets would "break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices," according to the bill's Senate co-sponsors. While proponents tout the benefits of voluntary conservation practices, critics say the approach will result in limited climate action rather than meaningful change.

The bill creates a certification program at USDA so that farmers and forest landowners can better participate in voluntary carbon credit markets that can help land managers pay for conservation practices, which in turn could help to store carbon in soil, trees, and ecosystem restoration projects.

The bill's lead sponsor, Senator Mike Braun, (R-IN) serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, is joined by Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), along with Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI.) The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife Fund, McDonald's, and Microsoft are among the bill's supporters. (Source: Daily Yonder, 7 July, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit,  USDA,  Carbon Credit Market,  

Carbon Market, EU ETS
Date: 2020-06-03
With the fast approaching Brexit finalization, the UK is floating a UK Emissions Trading System (ETS) to replace the European Union's system (EU ETS) from which it will be excluding at the end of the year.

The British ETS would have a £15 per tonne of CO2 fixed auction reserve price, including a cost containment mechanism to prevent price spikes.

The roughly 1,000 UK factories and plants presently covered under the EU ETS will be covered by the UK system, The British government also noted it would consider a mutually beneficial a link between a UK ETS and the EU ETS . (Source: Financial Post, Various Media, Reuters, June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market,  EU ETS,  Carbon Trading,  

CORSIA, ICAO
Date: 2020-06-03
The Montreal-headquartered U.N International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports its planned scheme for offsetting emissions from international flights will supplement, not replace, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Under the EU ETS, airline flights between European countries are required to purchase permits to cover some emissions from these trips. ICAO wants the EU to remove these flights from its carbon market so that CORSIA can be the only market-based measure tackling international aviation emissions.

With the UN planning a 2021 launch of CORSIA, its global scheme to help airlines offset their carbon emissions, some EU lawmakers and environmental groups want assurances that the European Commission will not remove aviation from the EU ETS.

CORSIA plans to use a system of offsetting to cap emissions from international flights at 2020 levels. From 2021, airlines would be required to buy carbon offset credits to cover any emissions above the 2020 baseline. Critics say this would allow aviation emissions to keep rising, if airlines bought enough offset credits to cover the increase. (Source: ICAO, Pineville Voice, 2 June, 2020))Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, 514-954-8219, 514-954-6077 -- fax, icaohq@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  ICAO,  CORSIA,  

AurCrest Gold,Blue Source Canada
Date: 2020-05-13
Further to our Aug, 2019 coverage, Toronto-headquartered AurCrest Gold Inc. is reporting an agreement with the Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN) and carbon offset developer Blue Source Canada ULC to develop a forest carbon project on the Lac Seul reserve northwest of Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

On December 13, 2019, the Company announced an Emissions Reduction Benefits Management Agreement (ERBMA) with Lac Seul to develop forest carbon sequestration opportunities in the First Nation's territory in Northwestern Ontario. Under the terms of the ERBMA, AurCrest is the sole and exclusive agent for LSFN to manage and develop projects within LSFN traditional territory to harvest ERBs. AurCrest entered into the CDMA with Bluesource to provide the expertise associated with development and monetizing the carbon offsets.

Bluesource helps forest owners evaluate opportunities and generate value in diverse carbon markets by developing and monetizing offsets on their behalf. (Source: AurCrest Gold Inc., PR, 11 May, 2020) Contact: AurCrest Gold Inc., Christopher Angeconeb, Pres., CEO, (807) 737-5353, christopherangeconeb@gmail.com, Ian Brodie-Brown, Dir. Bus. Dev., (416) 844-9969, ianbrodiebrown@gmail.com, www.aurcrest.ca; Blue Source Canada, (403) 262-3026, www.bluesource.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AurCrest Gold,  Blue Source Canada,  Carbon Offset,  

ICE Global Carbon
Date: 2020-04-24
Exchange operator ICE reports the launch of a new carbon market index, joining a growing number of companies seeking to track allowance prices in the world's major greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

The new ICE Global Carbon Futures Index is made up of prices from the EU ETS, the California-Quebec Market and RGGI markets which together represent some of the largest regional economies in the world. To date, 46 nations and more than 30 cities, states and regions have imposed a price -- carbon tax -- on carbon emissions.(Source: ICE, 23 April, 2020) Contact: ICE Global Carbon, www.theice.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICE Global Carbon,  Carbon Market,  

EU ETS
Date: 2020-04-08
"This (COVID-19 pandemic) is a perfect storm for Europe's carbon market, and it may well lead to some challenging questions about its role in Europe's decarbonisation strategy once the COVID-19 crisis has passed." -- Coralie Laurencin, IHS Markit Dir. (Note: Europe's carbon price has dropped 40 pct since early March when they were still trading at roughly €24 ($26) per metric ton to €16-18 per metric ton. In 2019 the high was €29 per metric ton.)

"All of society, from consumers, to businesses, to governments, recognised the need to accelerate global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," -- Ben van Beurden, CEO,Shell Oil, April, 2020

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market,  EU ETS,  

American Forest Foundation
Date: 2020-03-30
The American Forest Foundation (AFF), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is touting its introduced the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP). The program addresses barriers that deter family forest owners from participating in carbon markets while providing companies an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Family Forest Carbon Program offers a practice-based approach, where landowners are given incentive payments to implement science-based sustainable forest practices guaranteed to produce additional carbon sequestration. This unique, practice-based methodology takes into account the constraints of small forest ownership, yet is more credible and scalable, to allow small landowners to contribute at a landscape level. The program also provides a range of co-benefits that address biodiversity, forest health, water quality, ecosystem resilience and related issues.

Download Family Forest Carbon Program details HERE . (Source: American Forest Foundation, Sustainable Brands, Mar. Apr., 2020) Contact: Family Forest Carbon Program, Tom Martin, President & CEO, 202-765-3472, tmartin@forestfoundation.org, www.forestfoundation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Forest Foundation,  Carbon Credits,  ,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-03-16
From the Land Down Under, The Fifth Estate has offered the following brief clarifications of the plethora of commonly used carbon emissions related terms:

Net Zero Energy -- There's two ways of looking at this. The first is based on simple math, and means a building, precinct, process or region generates as much energy within its own boundaries or site as it pulls in from elsewhere over a specific period -- most often a year. The other definition is a building or precinct or region that generates 100 per cent of its own energy needs on site or within its boundaries.

Net Positive Energy -- When a building or precinct generates more energy than it uses and shares that energy through either a local microgrid or by sending it into the main grid, it becomes energy positive.

Carbon Negative -- Carbon negative is used for larger scales than individual buildings, such as precincts, regions, businesses or even entire nations. It means absorbing more carbon than all combined carbon emissions within the specific area or operation.

Carbon Neutral -- Carbon neutral is basically a balancing act where a building, business or region sequesters or offsets as much carbon as it emits.

Carbon Offsets -- All offsets are not created equal -- there are dirt-cheap offsets sloshing around the global carbon market from questionable projects in far-flung places. But not only are they scientifically and ethically questionable, they also will not meet the standards required for formal third-party carbon neutral certification. The best offsets deliver co-benefits beyond just sequestering carbon, such as improving biodiversity, increasing water quality or catchment protection, generating social benefits, local economic benefits or supporting Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge.

Operational Emissions -- Most carbon accounting undertaken for the purposes of carbon neutral certification focus on carbon emissions generated by the operation of a building, business or region. It's not just emissions from energy or fuel use though. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines three "scopes" or categories of carbon emissions as follows -- Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from "owned or controlled sources" such as a fleet of vehicles, a power plant or a manufacturing plant. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of energy used within a building, plant or region. Scope 3 emissions are all the indirect emissions in a business, process or region's value chain both upstream and downstream. This would include something like methane emissions from waste sent to landfill, or the emissions from energy used to make the widgets that a business procures then retails.

Embodied Carbon -- Basically, almost everything we use from a smartphone to a building, has embodied carbon. Embodied or upfront carbon refers to the emissions released during the manufacture and transport of building materials, and the construction as well the end-of-life-phases of built assets. (Source: Fifth Estate Australia, Mar, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon,  Carbon Emissions,  

EU,EC,EU ETS
Date: 2020-01-17
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is reporting a proposal to reduce the number of industries eligible for compensation for the costs incurred from their inclusion in the EU's carbon market Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Under the proposal, reparations would be "conditional upon decarbonisation efforts by the companies concerned."

The industries affected by the proposal include: Iron ore mining; man-made fiber manufacturing; copper production; preparation and spinning of textile fibers; organic basic chemicals manufacturing; nitrogen compounds and fertilizer manufacturing; and mining of chemical and fertilizer minerals.

In a statement, the European Commission defended the The new state aid guidelines are inline with the European Green Deal which aims to cut global warming emissions, according to the EC release. (Source: EC, EURACTIV, 16 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  EU ETS,  EC,  EU,  

COP25,Amnesty International
Date: 2019-12-20
" 'What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? NOW!!!' If you have been to just one climate march in your life, you will have certainly heard this slogan. It has become omnipresent whenever people are expressing concerns over the climate crisis. Behind this simple chant, there are deep demands rooted in human rights principles. There is the call for fast climate action by government and corporations, to avoid even more catastrophic human rights impacts than what we are seeing now. There is the appeal to wealthier industrialized states which have contributed the most to the climate crisis to step up and pay up in order to redress some of the injustices accentuated by climate change. There is the reminder that climate action needs to have people's participation and human rights, including Indigenous peoples' rights, at its centre. At all costs it needs to avoid human rights violations and contribute to making society a more equal, just and inclusive place for all.

"Yet human rights considerations still play a marginal role in climate negotiations. The outcomes of the Madrid climate talks (COP25) are just another proof of it. Following a year of school climate strikes and mass mobilization in many countries of the world, states were expected to act in line with the urgency proved by scientists and increasingly felt by people. Instead, most wealthier countries and other high emitting countries remained stuck in selfish and short-sighted considerations which prevented real progress.

"While the final COP25 decision recognized the urgency of enhancing climate action, it failed to set a clear obligation for states to come up with ambitious national climate plans in 2020 capable of keeping the global average temperature rise below 1.5 degrees C. This shows a complete disregard for the human rights of people who will be most affected by spiking climate impacts. For millions of people around the world, the formulation and, above all, the implementation of strong climate plans simply means a difference between life and death.

"Wealthy countries are responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions and have for years profited from them, while people in poorest countries are suffering most of the damages inflicted by the climate crisis. In Madrid, they had the opportunity to recognize this historic imbalance and accept their duty to pay for the devastation already wreaked by climate impacts such as cyclones, droughts and sea-level rise. Instead, they opposed the mobilization of new and additional resources to support affected people. This in practice means turning their back to the almost 4 million people who have lost their homes, livelihoods or access to public services in the two cyclones in Mozambique earlier this year, or to residents of Pacific islands in urgent need of relocation due to sea-level rise.

"Similarly, states were once again unable to reach an agreement on mechanisms allowing countries to trade emission reductions. Countries like Australia, Brazil and China continued to push for loopholes which would have ultimately resulted in weakening the effects of climate mitigation measures, in violation of the rights of those who stand most at risk from climate impacts.

"Also, worryingly, there was insufficient willingness from states to include explicit reference to human rights safeguards in carbon trading rules. Such guarantees are necessary to ensure that negative human rights impacts can be assessed and addressed prior to adopting climate mitigation projects and that people directly impacted by carbon market projects have a say in shaping such measures. This is a very strong demand from Indigenous peoples, as they too often have paid the price of ill-conceived climate projects, such as hydroelectric dams or biogas initiatives initiated without their free, prior and informed consent and resulting in forced evictions, water contamination, or permanent damage to their cultural rights.

"What came out of this last round of climate negotiations paints a grim picture. It was certainly a source of frustration at COP25, prompting civil society observers to take a massive direct action inside the negotiation venue on 11 December. This move was met with an unprecedented decision by UN security officers to expel more than 300 observers for the day.

"In 2020 we need to step up our game. We need to forge strong coalitions at national level to demand ambitious and human rights-compliant climate action that achieves a just transition away from fossil fuels. We need to mobilize like never before. The world's most important struggle needs the world's most powerful, diverse and united people's mass movement ever assembled. As the year ends, we can all start 2020 by making our new or renewed commitment to climate justice our New Year's resolution." (Source: Amnesty International, 17 Dec., 2019) Contact: Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

COP25
Date: 2019-12-18
"We're disappointed with the lack of willingness by some parties to work together to ensure environmental integrity, to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable communities, and to build upon rather than undermine the Paris agreement." -- Sonam Wangdi, Chair, Least Developed Countries negotiating group.

"Some countries are championing double counting and pre-2020 rollovers... they are undermining environmental integrity” -- Grenada Environment Minister

"It's time to move on. Countries that are serious about using carbon markets to increase ambition should move forward to set their own strong rules for high integrity international emissions trading." -- Nat Keohane, Snr. VP Climate, US Environmental Defense Fund. (Source: Various Media, Montel, 17 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25,  

EURIMA
Date: 2019-11-29
The European Commission is assessing whether to extend the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to cover the emissions associated with the heating and cooling of buildings. This paper points out several reasons why this would not be the best approach to deliver a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2 emitter. Our homes, offices and buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2emitters, as well as its single largest energy user. Decreasing and decarbonising the energy consumption to heat, cool and use buildings is crucial for the transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 at the latest. Since most of the buildings that we will occupy in 2050 are already built, the main challenge is to renovate these 210 million existing buildings to make them less energy-hungry. At the current rate of renovation, it would take another century to achieve a decarbonised building stock, instead of the targeted30 years. Further inaction risks the EU missing its climate objectives by up to 400 million tonnes of CO21.Around 50 million people still live in energy poverty. Deep renovation of their homes would lower their energy bills and make their houses more comfortable and healthy. Well-insulated buildings moreover offer the flexibility to receive energy when it is available, thereby allowing the effective integration of renewables in the energy system during the entire year

.Integrating buildings in the EU ETS is complex and time-consuming. Urgent action on buildings is vital to overcome the climate and social crises facing Europe today. Integrating the building sector in the EU ETS is complex and likely to take at least several years. That is time we do not have, and which diverts attention from more effective short-term measures. The EU should instead prioritize a Green Deal for housing to unlock vast investments for building renovations, while creating local jobs and more energy-efficient and affordable housing.

What is the EU ETS? The EUETS sets a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations from the power, industry and aviation sectors. The cap is reduced over time so that emissions go down. Within the cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with each other, thereby creating a carbon price. The building sector is already covered by a cap on how much greenhouse gases can be emitted as part of the Effort Sharing Regulation; the EU’s other climate legislation targeting sectors not included in the EU ETS.

Carbon pricing does not deliver more affordable, energy-efficient homes. According to the International Energy Agency2, most of the energy efficiency potential is available at a negative cost. This means that these efficiency measures already pay for themselves, even in the absence of a carbon price. The reasons why these measures, such as energy renovation, are not taken are usually not economic in nature, but rather the result of market-barriers and -imperfections. In the case of the building sector, these barriers include split incentives between those making investments (i.e. home-owners) and those paying energy bills (i.e. tenants), the inability to come up with high upfront costs and a lack of information on renovation opportunities and financing options. Including the building sector in the EU ETS would do nothing to overcome these barriers to make buildings more energy-efficient. Even worse, the introduction of a carbon price for the heating and cooling of buildings could lead to higher energy bills for tenants or homeowners who are not able to, or cannot afford to, renovate their homes.

Governments should remain responsible for the built environment. Extending the EU ETS to buildings would mean that governments are no longer accountable for introducing measures to decarbonise the building stock under the Effort Sharing legislation. Under the Effort Sharing Regulation, each Member State has annual climate targets that it needs to meet. By integrating buildings in the EU ETS, the sector would be taken out of the Effort Sharing Regulation, putting the responsibility of climate action instead on heating fuel suppliers. The integration of the building sector in the EU ETS could lead to the dismantling or shying away from more effective EU and national energy efficiency legislation, under the pretext that this would undermine the functioning of the carbon market. This would be dangerous as the decarbonisation of the building stock requires dedicated policies beyond a carbon price. It is up to governments to put in place programmes to accelerate renovation, to introduce minimum energy performance standards for buildings and to prioritize measures to alleviate energy poverty. These actions will not happen through the EU ETS, but by policymakers taking ownership of the transition to a climate-neutral built environment.

Green Deal for housing should be a key priority for Europe. Without urgent and accelerated action to renovate up to 97% of the European building stock by 2050, it will be impossible to meet the EU’s climate objectives. Fortunately, buildings’ operational emissions can be cut by 100%, mostly by using already commercially available solutions such as insulation. Including the building sector in the EU ETS distracts from taking effective measures to overcome the main barriers hampering the renovation of the EU building stock and the alleviation of energy poverty. The EU instead needs to put in place an enabling framework to ensure that the worst energy performing buildings are phased out over time, to guarantee quality homes for people and clear a pathway to climate-neutrality. The European Green Deal presents a perfect opportunity to deliver on comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient housing. This Green Deal can help unlock 130 billion euro per year to fill the investment gap for energy-efficient buildings3. Over 2 million jobs in Europe could be created throughsuch investments in energy efficiency –in particular in the deep renovation of buildings4. (Source:EURIMA - European Insulation Manufacturers Association, Nov., 2019) Contact: EURIMA, Femke de Jong, femke.dejong@eurima.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Insulation news,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Insulation,  

Nature Conservancy,USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Date: 2019-11-15
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Nature Conservancy (TNC) are reporting their partnership to support sustainable forests and carbon market development and the creation of the Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP).

The program offers financial assistance in the form of easement payments for specific conservation actions on private forest and tribal lands in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Under the program, landowners develop a carbon forest project with TNC and get assistance with carbon credit development and marketing as well as some potential additional income from the sale of credits.

The program offers a 30-year term and permanent easement options for private landowners or a 30-year contract for tribal lands. The USDA will pay 75 pct of the value of the land enrolled in 30-year easements plus 75 pct of the average cost of the approved conservation practices. Landowners who select the permanent easement option can get 100 pct of the easement value of the enrolled property. (Source: NRCS, Nature Conservancy,CBS 19, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Nature Conservancy, Steve Lineman or Greg Meade, (276) 676-2209, (703) 841-5300, www.nature.org; USDA NRCS, Easement Program Manager Diane Dunaway, (804) 287-1634 www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/fl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nature Conservancy,  Reforestation,  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,  

RFS,Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,
Date: 2019-10-07
"We welcome the (Trump RFS) proposal to restore integrity to the RFS. We will work with our champions and the White House to make sure the EPA's final rules ensure that a 15 billion-gallon RFS will actually be a 15 billion-gallon RFS. If that is accomplished, the integrity of the RFS will have been restored and President Trump's promise to protect and uphold the RFS will have been redeemed." - Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, (Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, 5 Oct., 2019)Contact: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org, (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org

"It's up to each individual entity, but the innovation of taking advantage of low-carbon markets. I think if we can differentiate ourselves within the state of North Dakota, to take advantage of those and be long survivors in this industry." - Gerald Bachmeier, CEO, Red Trail Energy (Source: Red Trail Energy, West Dakota Fox, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Red Trail Energy, 701-974-3308, www.redtrailenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  Red Trail Energy,  

IHS Markit, Climate Finance Partners
Date: 2019-09-27
London, UK-headquartered information and analytics provider IHS Markit reports the launch of its Global Carbon Index, the first benchmark for the global price of carbon credits.

The Index tracks the performance of the largest, most liquid and most accessible tradable carbon markets -- the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), the California Cap-and-Trade Program, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The index is calculated using OPIS data and carbon credit futures pricing in those markets.

The IHS Markit Global Carbon Index was developed in consultation with Climate Finance Partners, a specialist in climate finance. IHS Markit is also well known for its daily OPIS Carbon Market Report, national carbon policies database and for developing industry standard methodologies for greenhouse gas accounting and disclosures. Its research and expertise on carbon policy impact, low-carbon and cleantech technologies and carbon risk management guide companies in energy, petrochemical, automotive, shipping, agriculture and other sectors critical to the global economy. (Source: IHS Markit , 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: IHS Markit, www.ihsmarkit.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  EU ETS,  IHS Markit Carbon Market,  Carbon Credit,  

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Date: 2019-09-16
The London, UK-headquartered European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reports it has committed to support Kazakhstan's drive to promote renewable energy, with the help of a second phase of the Bank's Kazakhstan Renewables Framework of up to €300 million.

The first phase supported the creation of 262 MW of renewable power-generation capacity across the country, attracted four private international investors and supported a grid-strengthening project.

In addition to the EBRD funding, the Framework will be supported by concessional finance from the Green Climate Fund and benefit from a comprehensive technical cooperation programme, which will support competitive tendering for wind projects and the development of a carbon market in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's renewable energy target aims for 3 pct of power generation by 2020 and 50 pct by 2050.

To date, the EBRD has invested over €8.3 billion ($9.1 billion) through 262 projects in the economy of Kazakhstan. Over €2 billion of this funding has supported Green Economy Transition projects. The Bank is the largest international investor in the country's economy outside of the oil and gas sectors and has a wide presence in Kazakhstan. (Source: EBRD, kazinform, 15 Sept., 2019)Contact: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, +44 (0) 207 338 6000, www.ebrd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EBRD,  Renewable Energy,  

Delta, Air France, KLM,Vigin Atlantic
Date: 2019-08-05
International Air carriers Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic report they will offset more than 1,800 metric tons of carbon emissions from more than 15,000 flights to and from Chicago during the 2019 GBTA airline industry trade show. Most of the carbon-offsets will be by way of purchases that fund the International Small Group and Tree Planting program (TIST).

TIST encourages subsistence farmers to improve their local environment and farms by planting and maintaining trees on degraded and/or unused land in India, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. As the trees grow, carbon captured is quantified and verified and certified greenhouse gas credits are sold in the global carbon market. More than 88,000 farmers in four countries have successfully planted 18 million trees and captured nearly five million metric tons of carbon dioxide to date.

Additionally, Delta is now piloting a program to build in carbon offsets for corporate accounts and is looking to expand. Since 2005, delta has cut its carbon emissions 11 pct as part of its goal of achieving carbon-neutral growth and reducing carbon emissions by 50 pct by 2050.

Since 2011 Air France reduced its CO2 emissions by 20 pct(g.CO2/passenger/km). KLM is reducing CO2 emissions by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel and by offsetting emissions and other initiatives. For its part, Virgin Atlantic's "Change is in the Air" program primarily focuses on climate action, supply chain activities and nonprofit partnerships. In 2007 Virgin targeted of 30 pct reduction in CO2 (by passengers and cargo carried) by 2021. (Source: DTNews, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: International Small Group and Tree Planting, www.tist.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

Universal Solar Technology
Date: 2019-07-15
Houston-headquartered Universal Solar Technology reports it is partnering with Entrex Capital Markets and its Blockchain enabled trading platform and other associated partnerships in solar utility sectors.

To that end, the company's strategic plan for the second half of fiscal year 2019 includes: completion of the next round of funding for Entrex Carbon Markets and other partnerships; moving from strategic startup phase to functional operating phase by Q4 2019; recruiting the necessary executive leadership; take steps to develop first entry into Diversified Solar Utility; formalize investor relations efforts to stay in front of news cycles and improve accountability to shareholders; and target upgrading the stock from OTC Pink to OTC QB within the next 18 months. (Source: Universal Solar Technology Inc., PR, EIN, 12 July, 2019) Contact: Universal Solar Technology Inc., Paul D. Landrew, (832) -229-7046, www.universalsolartechnology.com

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China Carbon Market
Date: 2019-07-12
In Beijing, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment reporting China's carbon emissions allowances trading reached 337 million tonnes at the country's nine carbon markets with a turnover of 7.3 billion yuan ($1.06 billion) by the end of June.

In June alone, the trading at nine carbon markets across the country were up 81.3 pct and 38.3 percent month on month, respectively, Xinhua said. (Source: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Xinhua, 11 July, 2019) Contact: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn

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