International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2020-03-20
The UN affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports agreement on rules governing the eligibility of carbon offset programs for the initial pilot phase of the aviation industry's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which runs from 2021 to 2023.

Accordingly, the ICAO will allow airlines to purchase CO2 offset units from six programs under CORSIA in order to meet its emissions reduction targets up to 2023. The approved schemes include the U.N. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon Offsets under the CORSIA mechanism are set to be established using total emissions for 2019 and 2020 as the baseline.. (Source: ICAO, GreenBiz, 18 Mar., 2020) Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Carbon Credits,  Aviation Emissions,  CORSIA,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

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,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2020-03-11
In Ottawa, the The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) reports it is zeroing in on carbon reduction with updates to its Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard. Launched today, Version 2 is designed to accelerate adoption of zero carbon building practices and help Canada meet its climate targets while spurring innovation and job growth.

Canada's buildings are a top contributor to carbon emissions, and updates to the ZCB Standard reflect the urgent need for change. Today, building operations represent 17 pct of Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or closer to 30 pct when embodied carbon from construction and materials are factored in.

CaGBC's made-in-Canada ZCB Standard provides the industry with a zero-carbon approach that works for any type of new or existing building. Version 2 draws on learnings from over 20 real-world ZCB-projects. These projects demonstrate that the industry is ready to raise the bar on expanded requirements for embodied carbon and energy efficiency. At the same time, Version 2 aims to get more buildings to zero, faster, by providing more options for different design strategies and by recognizing high-quality carbon offsets when necessary.

These updates balance the rigour needed to meaningfully eliminate carbon, while also being flexible enough for zero-carbon buildings to reach the mainstream. Since the ZCB Standard launched in 2017, CaGBC has proven through real-world projects and research, that zero- carbon buildings are technically and financially viable today -- across a wide spectrum of building types including schools, offices, multi-residential, commercial, and even industrial buildings. The updates provide the guidance for more owners and developers to build to zero now and as part of their plans for the future.

ZCB Standard v2 provides two pathways for any type of building to get to zero-carbon. ZCB-Design guides the design of new buildings, as well as the retrofit of existing structures. ZCB-Performance provides a framework for verifying buildings have achieved zero- carbon and must be revisited annually.

ZCB Standard v2 updates focus on these key components:

Embodied Carbon -- Projects must now reduce and offset carbon emissions for the building's life-cycle including those associated with the manufacture and use of construction materials.

Refrigerants -- ZCB Standard v2 encourages best practices to minimize potential leaks of refrigerants that, when released, can have significant short-term impacts on climate.

Energy Efficiency -- ZCB Standard v2 promotes the efficient use of clean energy with more stringent energy efficiency and air-tightness requirements.

Innovation -- ZCB-Design encourages innovation by requiring projects demonstrate two innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

(Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Mar., 2020) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Peter Whitred, Senior Manager, Green Building Programs, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org; Zero Carbon Building Standard, www.CaGBC.org/zerocarbon

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zero-Carbon,  Canada Green Building Council ,  Energy Efficiency,  

Magellan Jets,Terrapass
Date: 2020-03-06
Boston-based private charter air carrier Magellan Jets is reporting its collaboration with U.S.-based carbon offsetter terrapass, to offset 100 pct of Magellan's office operations. Magellan Jets now offers carbon offsetting options for every solution in our private aviation portfolio.

All members now have the option to offset their memberships, while charter customers can choose to offset their travel on a per-flight or on all business travel basis.

Projects through terrapass have reduced greenhouse gases in the atmosphere equivalent to billions of pounds of carbon dioxide since 2004, according to terrapass. (Source: Magellan Jets, PR, OA Online, Mar., 2020) Contact: Magellan Jets , Joshua Hebert. CEO, www.magellanjets.com

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

Finniar
Date: 2020-03-02
Finland's national airline Finnair reports it is adjusting its voluntary "Push for Change" emissions offset and biofuel programmes which to date have offset nearly 6,900 tonnes of CO2.

Going forward, instead of being voluntary, the company's carbon offset and biofuel purchase schemes will be sold to customers as they order tickets. The cost of offsetting a round trip domestic flight was €1 while European and international return flights cost €2 and €6 respectively.

The collected funds support emissions reduction projects in Mozambique, Africa through the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco), a financial institution founded by governments of the five Nordic countries in 1990. The funds are applied to the purchase of biofuels and emissions reductions projects which support the use of fuel efficient stoves in Mozambique, according to the company. (Source: Finnair, Yle, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: Finniar, www.finnair.com/fi/gb/pushforchange

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

Heathrow Airport
Date: 2020-02-24
In the UK, carbon neutral Heathrow Airport reports it has cut emissions 93 pct since 1990 after investing £100 million in energy efficiency measures and onsite power generation facilities. Heathrow noted it uses strictly "Clean" energy as needed, purchased carbon credits for 2019-21, and aims to achieve zero emissions from its operations within the next fifteen years.

As we previously reported, Heathrow's four-part action plan to reduce and offset the growth in emissions builds on the momentum of technological change within the aviation industry to make travel more sustainable. The plan outlines action on four key areas including: cleaner aircraft performance and technology; improvements to airspace and ground operations; increased use of sustainable aviation fuels; and developing and promoting new carbon offsetting technologies and options. Additionally, Heathrow is calling on the ICAO -- the UN body for international aviation -- to develop global goals for the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels, and calling for the UK Government to engage ICAO and fellow member states to agree on a 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal for international aviation

Other UK airports and airlines have committed to bring UK aviation to net-zero status by 2050 -- Gatwick Airport claimed carbon neutrality through renewable energy and offsets in 2018 and Birmingham Airport has committed to net-zero by 2033. (Source: Heathrow Airport, PR Feb 21, 2020) Contact: Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, CEO, +44 0 8443 351801, www.heathrow.com

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

AstraZeneca
Date: 2020-01-24
Cambridge, UK-based British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca reports it will invest $1 billion to reach zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2025, and ensure its entire value chain is carbon negative by 2030 -- as outlined in the company's just released Ambition Zero Carbonstrategy.

To that end, AstraZeneca plans to cut carbon emissions to net-zero emissions within its own operations without relying on offset schemes, use 100 pct renewable energy, and reduce total energy consumption by 10 pct from a 2015 base, all by 2025. The pharmaceuticals maker is also planning a 50,000,000 tree reforestation initiative named AZ Forest which will launch in Australis this February. (Source: AstraZeneka, PR, BusinessGreen, 20 Jan., 2020) Contact: AstraZeneca, Pascal Soirot, CEO, +44 (0)20 3749 5000, www.astrazeneka.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon Emissions,  Reforestation,  Carbon Offsets,  

Bank of America
Date: 2020-01-24
Bank of America Corp reports it has reached carbon neutrality ahead of projections by cutting CO2 emissions, a commitment to 100 pct renewable energy and the purchase of carbon offsets. According to a statement, the banking giant cut its facilities emissions by half since 2010.(Source: Bank of America, Jan. 2020) Contact: Bank of America, www.bankofamerica.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  Bank of America,  

Etihad Airways
Date: 2020-01-17
The UAE national air carrier, Etihad Airways, reports plans to halve its 2019 net emission levels by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The airline plans to reach its goal through a combination of internal initiatives, collaboration with industry partners, carbon offsets and optimized fuel management. Etihad is also committed to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) biofuelsand is supporting the development of sustainable jet fuel made from municipal waste in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Etihad Airways, Biofuels Int'l. 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, CEO, Groupwww.etihad.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways,  SAF Fuel,  Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

Air France,CORSIA
Date: 2020-01-15
Air France reports its 57,000 passengers per day can now vote on the internationally certified projects that will help offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of the air carrier's 450 daily domestic flights.

Qualifying projects include a forest preservation project in Brazil's Amazon River delta, a photovoltaic program in Senegal, a biogas production program in Vietnam and others. The program receiving the highest number of votes will, starting this year, be included in Air France's offsetting initiative.

A global carbon offset scheme for international flights is also being introduced and is backed by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (CORSIA) to reduce aviation CO2 emissions by 2.5 billion tonnes from 2020 to 2035. (Source: Air France, AirLine Ratings, 14 Jan., 2020)

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

FetBlue,Neste
Date: 2020-01-08
U.S. air carrier JetBlue reports as of July, 2020 it will offset jet fuel CO2 emissions from all domestic flights. The airline will also use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights departing San Francisco International Airport, beginning in July.

JetBlue has run targeted offset programs since 2008, addressing a total of 2.6 billion pounds of emissions. The new program aims to offset 15-17 billion pounds each year.

JetBlue will also continue to partner with Carbonfund.org -- a leading U.S. based nonprofit carbon reduction and climate solutions organization. Since 2008, JetBlue has offset more than 2.6 billion pounds of CO2 emissions in partnership with Carbonfund.org. JetBlue's new carbon offsetting partners now also include established experts in the space -- EcoAct and South Pole. JetBlue has also contracted with sustainable aviation fuel producer Neste to help fuel its fleet beginning in mid-2020. (Source: JetBlue, PR, BusinessWire, Jan., 2020) Contact: JetBlue, David Barger, President, CEO, (718) 286-7900, www.jetblue.com; ; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JetBlue,  Aviation Emissio ns,  Carbon Offset,  Neste,  Aviation Biofuel,  

British Airways,CORSIA
Date: 2020-01-03
Following up on our 11th October, 2019 coverage, British Airways reports it will begin offsetting carbon emissions on all flights within the UK, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Customers flying within the UK on flights operated by British Airways will have the carbon emissions from their flights offset by the airline and invested in verified carbon reduction projects such as renewable energy, protection of rainforests and reforestation programmes.

In addition, British Airways' carbon emissions on international flights will be capped at 2020 levels through the United Nations' worldwide carbon pricing scheme called CORSIA, (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).

British Airways has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a range of initiatives, including offsetting emissions, flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, investing in sustainable aviation fuel and changing operating procedures, as well as working with stakeholders and governments to strengthen global climate policy.

The airline and its parent company, IAG will invest a total of $400 million on alternative sustainable fuel development over the next 20 years. (Source: British Airways, PR, 2 Jan., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  CORSIA,  

International Air Transport Association
Date: 2019-12-30
In a recent release, the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that aviation carbon emissions per passenger have declined by more than half since 1990. The improvement is credited in part to industry-wide fuel efficiency improvements of 2.3 pct over the period since 2009, investments in more efficient aircraft and operational efficiencies.

From 2020, the aviation industry aims cap net emissions and cut emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050. To that end, Airlines have invested some $1 trillion in new aircraft since 2009, and signed forward purchase agreements for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) amounting to approximately $6 billion.

In addition, the introduction of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) will ensure carbon-neutral growth on international flights from 2020 and raise around $40 billion in climate finance. (Source: IATA, PR, 28 Dec., 2019) Contact: IATA, Carsten Spohr, Chairman, Michael Gill, Director Aviation Environment, Alexandre de Juniac, CEO, +41 22 770 2967, (514) 874-0202 - Montreal Office, www.iata.org; CORSIA, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  International Air Transport Association,  

Norwegian Airline
Date: 2019-12-09
Norwegian, the low-cost airline reports it will join the UNFCCC's Climate Neutral Now Pledge to measure and report its greenhouse gas emissions, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offset remaining emissions with UN Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

To that end, Norwegian has partnered with the Oslo-based climate company CHOOOSE to make it easy for customers to offset their carbon footprint as part of the ticketing process.

When first selecting a flight, Norwegian informs customers how its flights' emissions compares to industry average. The CO2 emissions calculation is based on the official methodology of the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Norwegian's own flight emissions data. Next, customers are offered a simple option to offset their calculated carbon footprint directly in the checkout process. For customers that opt in, offsetting is then performed through carefully selected CO2-reducing clean energy projects in regions Norwegian flies to. The projects are certified by the UN and the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard also includes contributions to other UN Sustainable Development Goals. (Source: Norwegian, PR, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Norwegian, Geir Karlsen, Acting CEO, www.norwegian.com; CHOOSE, Andreas Slettvoll, CEO, hey@chooose.today, wwwchooose.today; International Council of Clean Transportation, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offsetting,  Airline Emissiuons,  Aviation Emissions,  

EasyJet
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, London-based discount air carrier easyJet reports it is implementing carbon offsetting plans to operate with net-zero carbon emissions across its fleet and flight network. The carbon offset program is expected to start immediately at a projected annual cost of roughly £25 million per year.

EasyJet's scheme exceeds the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) scheme. CORSIA is an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted in October 2016. Measures include primarily offsets and "alternative" fuels. (Source: EasyJet, Various Media, Reuters, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: CORSIA, www.icao.int; EasyJet, www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact

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

Qantas Group
Date: 2019-11-13
Australian air carrier Qantas reports it is committed to cap its net emissions at 2020 levels, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

This includes offsetting all net emissions from Project Sunrise, the carrier's plan to operate non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York, should the project proceed. This will also extend to domestic flying, meaning that growth on key routes like Melbourne-Sydney will be carbon neutral.

Qantas will work with industry, research institutions and governments to develop the long-term solutions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry over the next three decades. The airline currently operates the largest carbon offset program in the aviation industry, with around 10 pct of customers booking flights on Qantas.com choosing to offset their flights.

This additional investment will see Qantas Future Planet, which is already the largest private sector buyer of Australian carbon credits, support more conservation and environmental projects in Australia and around the world. Existing projects include protecting the Great Barrier Reef, working with Indigenous communities to reduce wildfires in Western Australia and securing over 7000 hectares of native Tasmanian forest.

Additionally, Qantas will invest $50 million over the next ten years to support the sustainable aviation fuel industry and continue to reduce its emissions through continued investment in more fuel efficient aircraft, more efficient operations and smarter flight planning to reduce fuel burn. (Source: Qantas Group, RusTourism News, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: Qantas Group, Alan Joyce, CEO, (02) 9691 3636, info@qantas.com, www.qantas.com/au/en.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Qantas Group,  Aviation Emissions,  

Carbon Credit, AirCarbon Pte
Date: 2019-11-01
In Singapore, AirCarbon Pte Ltd. reports its newly launched global blockchain-based AirCarbon Exchange will provide a ready supply of credits (EEUs) to airlines and other corporate buyers wishing to acquire CO2 offsets for compliance and voluntary purposes.

These credits, when approved, will be eligible under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) regime. Each tradable token will be backed by one equivalent tonne of CORSICA-compliant, highly liquid and tradable carbon credits. AirCarbon is applying for the recognized market operator (RMO) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and aims for the exchange to be fully operational in 2020.

AirCarbon also operates the AirCarbon Fund, an investment fund which invests in carbon-mitigating projects such as reforestation, methane capture and carbon emissions reduction. Through these projects, the fund intends to generate CORSIA-compliant tradable carbon offsets, which will then be listed on the exchange. (Source: AirCarbon Pte, Business Times, 30 Oct., 2019) Contact: AirCarbon Pte Ltd., www.aircarbon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit,  EEUs,  Carbon Offset,  ICAO,  

BP, Finite Carbon
Date: 2019-10-30
UK-based oil giant BP reports it has invested $5 million in Finite Resources, parent company of Wayne, Pennsylvania-based Finite Carbon, a forest carbon management company. The investment will enable Finite Carbon to grow a new line of business to incentivize forest management financed by businesses seeking to voluntarily offset carbon emissions, according to a Kallanish Energy reports.

Finite Carbon, is the largest developer of forest carbon offsets in North America, with over 40 forest projects covering nearly 3 million acres. Finite Carbon has developed and transacted more than 60 million compliance offsets, valued at nearly $600 million for landowners. (Source: BP, Kallanish Energy, 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: Finite Carbon, Sean Carney, CEO, 484-586-3080, www.finitecarbon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Finite Carbon,  Carbon Offsets,  BP,  Carbon Emissions,  

Gulfstream
Date: 2019-10-21
General Dynamics subsidiary Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. reports the Gulfstream G650ER, Gulfstream G600, Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G550 and Gulfstream G280 made the company's first carbon-neutral flights, traveling from Savannah, Ga., to Las Vegas using a combination of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offsets.

The flights used a 30/70 blend of low-carbon, drop-in SAF and traditional, petroleum-based Jet A fuel. The emissions associated with using 70 pct Jet A were more than offset by the company's purchase, for a per-flight-hour fee, of verified emission reduction (VERs) credits through a third-party offset provider. The offsets represented more than 200 percent of the carbon emitted during the trip. (Source: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: Gulfstream Aerospace, www.culfstream.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credits,  VERs,  Carbon Neutral,  

ACI Europe, Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2019-10-18
In Brussels, the European airport trade group ACI Europe reports European airports are delivering on their commitment to reach 100 carbon neutral airports by 2030 -- a major interim step towards their Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 vision & pledge. With the upgrade of six Lapland Airports to Level 3+ Neutrality of the global CO2 management standard, Airport Carbon Accreditation, there are now 50 carbon neutral airports in Europe.

Carbon neutrality is the highest level of carbon management performance under Airport Carbon Accreditation. In order to reach it, airports need to reduce CO2 emissions from those sources under their control as much as possible, and compensate for the remaining residual emissions with investment in high-quality carbon offsets. Carbon neutral airports at Level 3+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation have to provide evidence of undertaking all the actions required by the programme prior to investing in carbon offsets. (Source: ACI Europe, Travel Daily News, 17 Oct., 2019) (Contact: ACI Europe, Olivier Jankovec, Director General, www.aci-europe.org; Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,  ACI Europe,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offsets,  

Finger Lakes Climate Fund
Date: 2019-10-14
In the Empire State, the Ithaca-based Finger Lakes Climate Fund is touting an online carbon offsetting calculator program that allows donors to estimate their carbon pollution and pay a corresponding amount to support local clean energy, energy efficiency and climate related projects.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund works to promote clean energy projects in the Finger Lakes area while strengthening the regional economy while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings or travel.

Carbon offset donations are used for grants to fund energy efficiency projects and renewables that would not otherwise be possible in low-to-moderate income households in the Finger Lakes region. These grants help pay for insulation, air sealing, energy efficient heating equipment such as heat pumps and pellet stoves, solar panels, and other upgrades to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is also investigating other cost-effective local carbon offset projects such as soil carbon farming. (Source: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, Yale Climate Connection, Oct., 2019) Contact: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, www.fingerlakesclimatefund.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon OffsetsEnergy Efficiency,  Renewables,  GHG,  Climate Change,  

Rick Steves
Date: 2019-10-09
Popular U.S. tour and travel guide operator Rick Steves reports his company plans to donate $1 million directly to non-profits that work in the developing world countries that bear the worst effects of climate change. The donation is based on the recommended $30 carbon offset credit for every round-trip economy class ticket from the US to Europe.

He is particularly keen about organizations that attack the problem at a policy level. (Source: Rick Steves Travel, Quarts, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Rick Steves Travel, www.ricksteves.com

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

Porsche
Date: 2019-08-26
German automaker Porsch AG is touting the launch of Porsche Impact aimed at helping its North American customers lower their carbon footprint.

Porsche Impact is a web-based emissions calculator that allows Porsche owners to assess and compensate for CO2 emissions, based on mileage and average fuel consumption. Customers can then follow a quick link to make financial contributions to environmental projects designed to offset their individual carbon footprint.

Porsche Impact users can choose from four different internationally certified projects to support. The available programs are focused on forest protection in the U.S., hydropower in Vietnam, solar energy in Mexico, and habitat preservation in Zimbabwe.

The Porsche Impact offset programs are managed by South Pole, a Swiss-based provider of carbon offsetting projects and sustainability financing that has been active internationally for more than a decade. Impact has been available to customers in Germany, the UK, and Poland since late 2018. (Source: Porsche AG, PRN, 25 Aug., 2019)

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

Lufthansa
Date: 2019-08-21
In Berlin, German airline Lufthansa's Innovation Hub is reporting the launch of its "Compensaid" sustainability platform focused on carbon-neutral sustainable renewable fuels (SAF). The new platform will allow airline passengers to offset their individual carbon footprint by using SAF, reducing up to 80 pct of their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

"Compensaid" combines a global airline flight tracking tool with a sustainability platform that makes it possible to directly offset individual CO2 emissions. The platform offers two options for carbon offsetting -- the option to replace fossil fuel with SAF, which is calculated through a market-based surcharge on flights, or the alternative is to use Compensaid to support a reforestation project in Nicaragua, reducing CO2 emissions in the long-term. (Source: Lufthansa, Biofuels Int'l., 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Lufthansa Innovation Hub, Gleb Tritus, Dir., https://de.linkedin.com/in/glebtritus, welcome@lh-innovationhub.com; www.lh-innovationhub.com, www.lufthansagroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Sustainable Fuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Lufthansa,  Carbon Offsetting,  Carbon Offset,  

AurCrest Gold, Blue Source
Date: 2019-08-21
Toronto-based AurCrest Gold Inc. reports it and Alberta-headquartered Blue Source Canada have inked a Carbon Development & Marketing Agreement to collaborate to develop forest carbon sequestration opportunities on behalf of Canadian First Nations communities.

As previously reported, three Northwestern Ontario First Nations groups, AurCrest and carbon offset developer Blue Source, will work together to assess the potential of forests to capture and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) within the First Nation's traditional territory for the development of Greenhouse Gas offsets.

AurCrest, a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties, holds a portfolio of properties in Ontario, which include the Richardson Lake and Bridget Lake gold properties. (Source: AurCrest Gold Inc., PR, 19 Aug., 2019) Contact: AurCrest Gold Inc. Christopher Angeconeb , CEO, (807) 737-5353, christopherangeconeb@gmail.com; Blue Source, (403) 262-3026, www.bluesource.com

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

Green New Deal,New York State
Date: 2019-08-16
New York State has adopted Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "Green New Deal of New York" -- the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) -- an aggressive carbon-emissions-reduction plan for the Empire State to derive 100 pct of its electricity from zero-carbon emissions sources by 2040.

The CLCPA also commits New York to net-zero carbon emissions, economy-wide, by 2050, with an interim target of slashing emissions 40 pct below the state's 1990 emission levels by 2030. The Act also requires the state and industry to reduce their emissions by 85 pct , with the remaining 15 percent of the net-zero goal coming from carbon offsets.

For oversight and administration, the act will create a 22 member commission a various advisory panels to deal with buildings and construction, industry, land use and zoning, local governments, transportation, and more. These advisory panels are required to consult with a climate justice working group composed of representatives from low-income communities and environmental justice groups. (Source: Office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), Heartland Institute, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), www.governor.ny.gov, www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

More Low-Carbon Energy News Andrew Cuomo,  Green New Deal,  Climate Change,  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,  

Airports Council International Europe
Date: 2019-07-01
Airports Council International Europe (ACIE), which represents over 500 European airports, is reporting passage of a resolution committing the industry to becoming net-zero for carbon emissions under its control by 2050 at the latest , without resorting to carbon offsets. In addition, 194 non-ACIE member airports have individually committed to the same goal, according to ACI Europe.

In 2018, Europe's airports handled a total of 2.34 billion passengers. The new net-zero commitment is expected to eliminate a total of 3.46 million tpy of CO2 emissions as of 2050, the organization says. In 2016 the industry committed to reaching 100 carbon-neutral airports by 2030 (Source: ACIE, Energy Manager, June 28, 2019 ) Contact: ACIE, www.aci-europe.org

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

Armstrong Fluid Technology
Date: 2019-06-28
Toronto, Ontario-based international HVAC specialist Armstrong Fluid Technology reports it has signed on to the World Green Building Council Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment positioning energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization across global portfolios. Signatories to the Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment pledge to reach net-zero carbon operating emissions within their portfolios by 2030.

To meet this commitment, Armstrong will: implement energy efficiency measures to lower electricity and fossil fuel consumption; generate renewable energy on-site; and procure renewable generated electricity and carbon offsets.

The WGBC pledge calls for cities, states and regions to require all new buildings to operate at net-zero carbon from 2030, and all buildings, including existing buildings, operate at net-zero carbon by 2050. In addition to generating and obtaining renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand, the Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization. (Source: Armstrong Fluid Technology, PR, The News, 27 June, 2019) Contact: Armstrong Fluid Technology, Charles Armstrong, CEO, (416) 755-2291, info@armstrongfluidtechnology.com, www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com; World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council www.worldgbc.org/advancing-net-zero-status-report-2019

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  Energy Efficiency,  World Green Building Council,  

Carbon Offsets
Date: 2019-06-19
"UN Environment supports carbon offsets as a temporary measure leading up to 2030, and a tool for speeding up climate action. However, it is not a silver bullet, and the danger is that it can lead to complacency.

"The October 2018 report by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change made it clear that if we are to have any hope of curbing global warming we need to transition away from carbon for good: by traveling electric, embracing renewable energy, eating less meat and wasting less food." -- Niklas Hagelberg, UN Environment Climate Specialist. Contact: UN Environment, Niklas.Hagelberg, Niklas.Hagelberg@un.org

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Carbon Offsets,UN Environment
Date: 2019-06-17
According to the UN Environment's Carbon Offsets are Not Our Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card Report , buying carbon credits in exchange for a clean conscience while burning fossil fuels is under fire by private citizens, scientists and activists concerned with the way carbon offsets have been used by polluters as a free pass for inaction.

Annual emissions have to reduce by 29-32 gigatonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2e) by 2030 to maintain a fighting chance to stay below 1.5 degree C -- a five-fold increase on current ambitions, the report notes.

According to the report, carbon offset schemes were set up to allow the largest polluters who exceed permitted emissions’ levels to fund projects, such as reforestation, that reduce CO2 in the air, essentially balancing out their emissions equation. The types of carbon offset projects that are implemented range from forestry sequestration projects to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects (which reduce future CO2 emissions in the atmosphere).

Carbon offsets are useful while infrastructure and industry make the transition to electric mobility, alternative energy and the new technology necessary for low- and zero-carbon lifestyles. Where there are no viable alternatives in the short term, an offset scheme promises to cancel out the emissions in one place with emission-reducing actions in another.

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) credits have also come under fire with a 2016 study found 85 pct of the offsets had a "low likelihood" of creating real reductions, and the UN has struggled to reconcile its support for offsets with evidence that they are problematic.

Download the UN Carbon Offsets are Not Our Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card report HERE; (Source: UN Environment, Pro Publica, 10 June, 2019) Contact: UN Environment, Niklas.Hagelberg, Niklas.Hagelberg@un.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News CDM,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offsets,  

Carbon Neutral
Date: 2019-06-03
In the Land Down Under, the $11 billion Local Government Super superannuation fund reports its buildings portfolio has achieved carbon neutral certification by NABERS, a New South Wales Government administered building environmental rating program. To meet the requirements of the standard, Local Government Super purchased dual credit offset units supplied by Greenfleet, which will result in 5000 native trees being planted in Eastern Australia. In 2017, Local Government Super achieved a separate five star "green" rating for its direct property portfolio's energy efficiency -- first property portfolio to achieve that rating in Australia.

Local Government Super's property portfolio is the first NABERS rated portfolio to achieve carbon neutral certification against the National Carbon Offset Standard for Buildings. (Source: Local Government Super Financial Standard, 28 May, 2019) Contact: Local Government Super, www.lgsuper.com.au

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

Date: 2019-06-03
In the Land Down Under, the $11 billion Local Government Super superannuation fund reports its buildings portfolio has achieved carbon neutral certification by NABERS, a New South Wales Government administered building environmental rating program.

To meet the requirements of the standard, Local Government Super purchased dual credit offset units supplied by Greenfleet, which will result in 5000 native trees being planted in Eastern Australia.

In 2017, Local Government Super achieved a separate five star "green" rating for its direct property portfolio -- it was also the first property portfolio to achieve that rating in Australia.

Local Government Super's property portfolio is the first NABERS rated portfolio to achieve carbon neutral certification against the National Carbon Offset Standard for Buildings. (Source: Local Government Super Financial Standard, 28 May, 2019) Contact: Local Government Super, www.lgsuper.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2019-05-29
According to Travel Pulse, virtually every U.S.-based airline has voluntarily agreed to the a UN's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) plan that caps emissions at 2020 levels and is administered by the U.N.-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),

The participating airline majors include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United as well as smaller airlines like Piedmont and Republic and others.

CORSIA is designed to become mandatory after 2027. ICAO will use 2020 figures to determine the emissions cap. The airline industry as a whole has a problematic record when it comes to carbon footprints, and it was only set to get worse with the expected almost tripling of air travel by 2050. (Source: Travel Pulse, 27 May, 2019) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  Aviation Emissions,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

Bates College
Date: 2019-05-17
In Lewiston, Maine, Bates College reports it has achieved carbon neutrality one year ahead of its own commitment. The college reduced its campus carbon emissions by 95 pct and will account for its remaining footprint through the purchase of carbon offsets.

Out of some 700 U.S. colleges and universities to sign a carbon neutrality pledge in 2007, Bates is one of only seven to date that have reached that goal. Bates cut its carbon footprint by: reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures; strengthening the culture of sustainability on campus and changing behaviors in concrete ways; and switching to renewable energy sources -- specifically, Renewable Fuel Oil (RFO), a wood-derived liquid that serves as the primary fuel for the college's central heating plant. (Source: Bates College, PR 16 May, 2019) Contact: Bates College, Marjorie Hall, (207) 786-8248, mhall@bates.edu, www.bates.edu

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

AurCrest Gold, Lac Seul First Nation
Date: 2019-05-08
Toronto-headquartered Canadian minerals exploration specialist AurCrest Gold Inc. reports it and the Lac Seul First Nation are partnering to investigate carbon sequestration opportunities in the First Nation's traditional territory in Northwestern Ontario.

Lac Seul First Nations seeks to determine the feasibility of valuing their traditional territory for purposes of CCS and monetizing carbon offset credits for sale to the benefit of the First Nation and its business partners.

AurCrest and its subsidiary Wiigwaasaatig Energy Inc. will work with the First Nation to finalize a definitive carbon credit management agreement to develop and implement sequestration project opportunities. (Source: AurCrest Gold Inc., Accesswire, 7 May, 2019) Contact: AurCrest Gold, www.aurcrest.ca; Lac Seul First Nation, www.lacseul.firstnation.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  

Verizon
Date: 2019-04-26
NYC-headquartered telecommunications giant Verizon Communications Inc. is touting it plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 through a program of direct emissions reduction, the purchase of renewable energy, carbon offsets and other measures. For 2025, Verizon aims for a 50 pct carbon intensity reduction.

The company aims to neutralise its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions -- all direct sources of emissions owned or controlled by Verizon, the main ones being fuel to power fleet, heat buildings and power back-up generators. Scope 2 concerns indirect emissions sources generated off-site but purchased by Verizon.

As previously reported, in February, Verizon launched a $1-billion green bond to fund both new and existing environmentally friendly investments. (Source: Verizon, Renewables, 24 April, 2019) Contact: Verizon, Jim Gowen, Chief Sustainability Officer, www.linkedin.com/in/james-gowen-6b4619143, www.verizon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Verizon,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  

BikeFlights
Date: 2019-04-24
Bicycle shipping specialist BikeFlights.com is touting the launch of a new sustainability initiative to reduce and offset the carbon emissions resulting from all of its shipments.

Under its initiative, BikeFlights.com purchases high quality carbon offsets through its partner carrier UPS which then retires an equivalent amount of carbon offsets from verified carbon reduction projects. Target projects have included improved forest management, methane and landfill gas destruction and wastewater treatment.

BikeFlights .com has also adopted other environmentally-friendly practices to be more sustainable, including helping to reduce the impact of customer travel, having a remote workforce, reducing its own materials consumption, sourcing boxes locally and recycling. It also works toward the sustainability of cycling as a sport. (Source: BikeFlights.com, PR, BikeBiz, 23 April, 2019) Contact: BikeFlights.com, Sue George, VP, (541) 705-2453, www.bikeflights.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offsets,  Carbon Credits,  

Green Mountain Energy
Date: 2019-04-22
In the Lone Star State, Houston-headquartered Green Mountain Energy and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have announced the completion of solar installations totaling more than 67 KW producing over 95,000 kWh pf power at three state parks across Texas as part of their ongoing sustainability partnership.

Previously, Green Mountain Energy provided a 21 KW rooftop solar array at TPWD's Sea Center Texas, a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center. Additionally, the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club made a $40,000 donation to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to help purchase and install a 11.2 KW solar array on the park's welcome center.

According to the company's website, "Green Mountain Energy Company is the nation's longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. The company was founded in 1997 with a simple mission: to change the way power is made. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid more than 63 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions." (Source: Green Mountain Energy, April, 2019) Contact: Green Mountain Energy, www.greenmountainenergy.com; TPWD, www.tpwd.texas.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Mountain Energy,  Solar,  

Avista Utilities
Date: 2019-04-22
Last week in Spokane, Avista Utilities reported it is committing to 100 pct clean energy by 2045 and to have a carbon neutral supply of electricity by 2027. According to the company's website, "reaching this goal will require further improvements in costs and technology associated with clean electric generation and energy storage as well as regulatory support." About 60 pct of of the utility's power presently is drawn from renewable energy sources, according to the website which notes the company may acquire carbon offsets to reach its goal.

Avista serves customers in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and northeastern Oregon. (Source: Avista Utilities, Lewiston Tribune, 19 April, 2019) Contact: Avisya Utilities, Dennis Vermillion, Pres., Heather Rosentrater, VP, www.avistautilities.com

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Date: 2019-04-19
The newly released Global Voluntary Carbon Credit Tradin Market Report -- 2018-2023 report from Market Research covers market characteristics, sizes and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive scenario, market share, trends and strategies, key players and other relevant issues.

The report finds the Asia-Pacific region will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions. In North America, the he United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Voluntary Carbon Credit Trading.

The report identifies Top manufacturers/players: Carbon Credit Capital, Terrapass, Renewable Choice, 3Degrees, NativeEnergy, GreenTrees, South Pole Group, Aera Group, Allcot Group, Carbon Clear, Forest Carbon, Bioassets, Biofìlica, WayCarbon, CBEEX, Guangzhou Greenstone. Market Segment by Type, applications (REDD carbon offsets, renewable energy landfill methane projects and others) and regions.

Report details are HERE. Report Sample Copy HERE; Browse Full Report HERE (Source: Industry Research, Marilyn Coleman, 16 April, 2019) Contact: Industry Research, +1 424 253 0807 / +44 203 239 8187, sales@industryresearch.co

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

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