The facility, which was developed by Renewable Energy Systems Ltd, is the 11th wind park in Southern Power's portfolio comprising 4,510 MW of renewable energy assets, more than 2,100 MW of which are wind farms. The Southern Company unit will oversee the operations and maintenance of the plant while Siemens Gamesa will supply annual maintenance services.
This project is the first to-be-approved carbon offset project under the Verified Carbon Standard Program through an agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises RCL. The carbon offsets generated will be sold to Royal Caribbean under a 12-year power purchase contract. (Source: Southern Company, Southern Power, Zacks, 24 June, 2020) Contact: Southern Power, www.southernpowercompany.com; Renewable Energy Systems Ltd., www.res-group.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Systems, Southern Company, Southern Power, Renewable Energy Systems , Wind,
State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra's office argued against the county's offset scheme on the grounds that it could undermine the state's goals of slashing carbon emissions by 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050.
The court noted that while the state has strict rules for monitoring and ensuring that offsets represent real reductions in greenhouse gas, the county had no such quality controls. Additionally, while the state's program has been largely limited to offset projects in the United States, San Diego county's program would have allowed the use of offsets generated anywhere around the world.
The court also pointed out that the state's program under cap-and-trade has only allowed businesses to cancel out up to 8 pct of their emissions using offsets, while the county program would have allowed projects to offset upwards of 100 pct of their carbon footprint.
While California allows businesses to use offsets under the cap-and-trade program, the state still counts those canceled-out emissions as part of its overall carbon footprint. Offsets were included simply as a cost-containment mechanism under the larger emissions-trading program, the LA Times noted. (Source: LA Times, 17 June, 2020) Contact: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, (916) 210-6000, oag.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset, Xavier Becerra, California Carbon Offset, California Cap-and-Trade,
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,
As previously noted, 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, CAPA, 9 April, 2020) Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in
More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions, ICAO, CORSIA,
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,
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:
(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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
"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
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, Global Warming, Carbon Offsets,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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
More Low-Carbon Energy News Avista Utilities, Renewable Energy, Clean Energy,
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,
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit Trading, Carbon Market,
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit Trading, Carbon Market,
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit Trading, Carbon Market,
"We, the undersigned 4,520 Amazon employees, ask that you adopt the climate plan shareholder resolution and release a company-wide climate plan that incorporates the principles outlined in this letter.
"Amazon has the resources and scale to spark the world's imagination and redefine what is possible and necessary to address the climate crisis. We believe this is a historic opportunity for Amazon to stand with employees and signal to the world that we're ready to be a climate leader.
"Climate change is an existential threat. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report predicts that a warming of 2 degree C, which we're currently on track to surpass, will threaten the lives of hundreds of millions of people and put thousands of species at risk of extinction. We're already seeing devastating climate impacts: unprecedented flooding in India and Mozambique, dry water wells in Africa, coastal displacement in Asia, wildfires and floods in North America, and crop failure in Latin America. Vulnerable communities least responsible for the climate crisis are already paying the highest price.
"Amazon's leadership is urgently needed. We're a company that understands the importance of thinking big, taking ownership of hard problems, and earning trust. These traits have made Amazon a top global innovator but have been missing from the company's approach to climate change. For example: We (Amazon) haven't disclosed a company-wide plan to reach zero carbon emissions within the timeline required; Shipment Zero only commits to net carbon reductions; We have an AWS for oil & gas initiative devoted to helping fossil fuel companies accelerate and expand oil and gas extraction; We donate to climate-delaying legislators (Amazon has joined a variety of sustainability organizations like the Corporate Eco Forum and the American Council on Renewable Energy, we donated to 68 members of congress in 2018 who voted against climate legislation 100 pct of the time) ; and our sustainability goals lack context. "For example, we've set a goal of at least 50 solar installations in warehouse facilities by 2020. This represents only 6 pct of buildings in our global fulfillment network and a fraction of our overall carbon footprint .
"Our customer obsession requires climate obsession. This necessitates an immediate company-wide plan addressing climate change that demonstrates the following principles: Public goals and timelines consistent with science and the IPCC report ; A complete transition away from fossil fuels rather than relying on carbon offsets; Prioritization of climate impact when making business decision; Reduction of harm to the most vulnerable communities first; Advocacy for local, federal, and international policies; Fair treatment of all employees during climate disruptions and extreme weather events.
"In our mission to become 'Earth's most customer-centric company,' we believe our climate impact must be a top consideration in everything we do. We have the power to shift entire industries, inspire global action on climate, and lead on the issue of our lifetimes. We ask that you, as leaders responsible for our strategic direction, adopt the climate plan resolution and release a company-wide plan that incorporates the six principles above." (Source: Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, April, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon, Climate Change, Renewable Energy,
Carbon emissions reductions at the two plants were achieved by installing onsite wind turbines, switching to 100 pct procured renewable energy, using carbon offsets that comply with Verified Carbon Standards (VCS) and switching its boilers to energy-saving models. (Source: Panasonic, edie.met, 24 Mar., 2019) Contact: Panasonic Energy Belgium, +32 13 61 05 11, www.panasonic-batteries.com/en/about-panasonic-energy-belgium
More Low-Carbon Energy News Panasonic, Zero-Carbon,
In addition to joining RE100, PwC has also committed to offsetting unavoidable emissions linked to air travel by investing in a range of voluntary carbon offsets. PwC network firms will select from a portfolio of offsetting projects to reflect their local priorities.
Amongst the project portfolio are a biodiversity reserve in Borneo, a wind farm in Turkey, a cook stove project in China and a landfill gas project in New York state generating electricity for 18,000 homes and creating 420 acres of new wetlands.
(Source: PWC, The Financial, 17 Oct., 2018)Contact: PricewaterhouseCoopers, www.pwc.com; RE100, www.thre100.org; CDP, www.cdp.net
More Low-Carbon Energy News CDP, RE100, PwC, Carbon Emissions, Renewable Energy,
Beyond cutting the amount of carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere, scientists show that we will also need to pull carbon dioxide from the air to avoid catastrophic climate change. There are six so-called “negative-emissions technologies” that can help us get there: afforestation and reforestation; enhanced weathering (using minerals that capture carbon dioxide); soil carbon (tweaking the crops and forests we currently grow to absorb more carbon); biochar (using a special kind charcoal as to trap carbon dioxide); BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, which requires capturing carbon dioxide produced by burning biomass like wood and then burying it underground); and DAC (direct air capture, which involves the use of machines that are essentially trees on steroids to suck carbon dioxide from the air and bury it underground).
Among those negative-emissions technologies, mangrove restoration would be classed as reforestation. The Conservation International project would cover an area of 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) in the Sinu river delta. The NGO will use the money raised for the project to help the 12,000 people in the community who use the mangroves for food, firewood, and livelihoods. Conservation International believes the carbon offsets will provide financial security to the region and develop sustainable ways to support tourism and fisheries.
(Source: Apple, PR, Sept., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Sequestration news, Apple news, Mangrove news,
“Mangroves live at the edge of the land and sea, providing local communities with coastal protection, habitat for their fisheries, and a wealth of biodiversity,” according to Conservation International, an NGO that’s leading the mangrove restoration project. “These and other ocean wetlands store up to 10 times the carbon per unit area as terrestrial forests, making them a vital ally in the fight against climate change.” A 2016 study of 3,000 deforested mangrove patches found that most of them were being cut down for the use of growing rice, palm trees, or expanding fisheries.
Beyond cutting the amount of carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere, scientists show that we will also need to pull carbon dioxide from the air to avoid catastrophic climate change. There are six so-called “negative-emissions technologies” that can help us get there: afforestation and reforestation; enhanced weathering (using minerals that capture carbon dioxide); soil carbon (tweaking the crops and forests we currently grow to absorb more carbon); biochar (using a special kind charcoal as to trap carbon dioxide); BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, which requires capturing carbon dioxide produced by burning biomass like wood and then burying it underground); and DAC (direct air capture, which involves the use of machines that are essentially trees on steroids to suck carbon dioxide from the air and bury it underground).
Among those negative-emissions technologies, mangrove restoration would be classed as reforestation. The Conservation International project would cover an area of 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) in the Sinu river delta. The NGO will use the money raised for the project to help the 12,000 people in the community who use the mangroves for food, firewood, and livelihoods. Conservation International believes the carbon offsets will provide financial security to the region and develop sustainable ways to support tourism and fisheries.
Earlier this year, Apple also announced that all of its electricity use in 45 countries is powered by 100% renewable energy. Some of the success of such environmental shifts are down to the lower cost of renewable energy, but much credit also goes to environmental campaigns like Greenpeace’s Click Clean that hold tech companies to account on their sustainability promises. That said, there’s still a long way to go if Apple plans to cut emissions from all its energy use. (Source: Apple, PR, Sept., 2018)
Arbre-Evolution's pioneering approach to carbon offsetting focuses on the "social aspect of planting trees." Arbre-Evolution selects and supports projects from ideas put forward by businesses and community groups seeking to offset their carbon footprints through community tree planting and reforestation projects on publicly or collectively owned land.
In addition to its partnership with Coop Carbone, Arbre-Evolution is working with the Forest Stewardship Council of Canada.
The co-op's approach enables communities and companies to be part of the process rather than simply purchasing carbon credits.
(Source: Coop News, 28 Aug., 2018) Contact: Arbre-Evolution, (514) 207-3686,
(418) 607-0697, info@arbre-evolution.org,
www.arbre-evolution.org; Coop Carbone, Jean Nolet, Pres., http://coopcarbone.coop
More Low-Carbon Energy News Coop Carbone, Carbon Offsets, Carbon Emissions, Reforestation,
The forest, which is located across five northern Vermont communities, was previously part of a 26,000-acre (10,500-hectare) holding by the Vermont Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. In 2016 the two groups began separating the holding into 12 parcels, the majority of which will be working forestland.
The Nature Conservancy acquired the Vermont Land Trust's half-interest for the Burnt Mountain forest which conserved 11,000 privately owned acres. The Nature Conservancy plans to keep the site open for non-motorized recreation activities. (Source: Nature Conservancy,PR, 14 July, 2018) Contact: Nature Conservancy Vermont, Jim Shallow, Director Strategic Conservation Initiatives, Nature Conservancy Vermont, (802) 229-4425, www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/vermont/index.htm?src=r.v_vermont.local.na.vt
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offsets, Nature Conservancy,
Founded in 2017, C4Coin will reward eco-conscious activities that generate verifiable carbon offsets. Users creating these offsets will receive carbon credit tokens called CO2KNs. These tokens can be retired through an innovative consensus protocol to earn a traditional crypto-asset called C4Coin.
The company plans to launch its blockchain in Q4 2018.
The name C4Coin stems from the biological process of carbon fixation. Plants take CO2 and inorganic Carbon 4 and break them down into organic, useable carbon and oxygen.
(Source: C4Coin, PR, 24 May, 2018) Contact: C4Coin, Harrison Perl, CEO, www.c4coin.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset, Carbon Credits, Carbon Trading,
ClimeCo has registered more than 15 million carbon offsets across 172 reporting periods. The company's offset volume stems from reducing greenhouse gas emissions through several project types, to include N2O Abatement, Destruction of Ozone Depleting Substances, Agricultural Methane Capture, and Organic Waste Composting.
ClimeCo is a developer, broker and advisor of both voluntary and compliance grade environmental commodity market products across numerous project types, with specialized expertise in California cap-and-trade, voluntary market advisory and transactional services, and project financing of internal CO2 abatement systems. (Source: ClimeCo, PR, 6 April, 2018) Contact: ClimeCo, Bill Flederbach, President & CEO (484) 415-0501,
nmarshall@climeco.com, www.climeco.com; Climate Action Reserve, www.climateactionreserve.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News ClimeCo, Carbon Emissions, Climate Action Reserve, Carbon Offsets,
The THRIVE program, which is set to launch in April, will reduce consumers' tailpipe emissions on all grades of fuel through certified carbon investment projects such as tree plantings, renewable energy development and others.
In addition to the carbon offsets, the THRIVE program will plant 25,000 trees in Middle Tennessee with the Arbor Day Foundation. The program has also partnered with Nashville-based GROW Enrichment, a non-profit organization focused on community development through urban agriculture and nature conservation education. (Source: Tri Star Energy, Convenience Store Decisions, 13 Mar., 2018) Contact: Tri Star Energy, Steve Hostetter, CEO, www.tristartn.com; GreenPrint, (404) 207-1947, info@GreenPrintCorp.com, www.greenprintcorp.com; Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions, GreenPrint, Transportation Emissions, Carbon Offsets, Arbor Day,
Saskatchewan's Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy doesn't include an explicit carbon tax and lowers the threshold of what is considered a "heavy emitter" from 50,000 tpy of emissions to 25,000 tpy. The provincial plan also calls for carbon offsets to be purchased by heavy emitters as well as a best performance credit for companies demonstrating low emissions or investments in reducing their emissions.
The provincial government is refusing to accept the Canadian federal government's planned imposition of a carbon tax.
(Source: Saskatchewan Environment Minister, Regina Leader-Post, 12 Mar., 2018) Contact: Saskatchewan Environment Minister, Hon. Dustin Duncan, (306) 787-0393,
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/cabinet/honourable-dustin-duncan
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ECO has recommended scrapping at least three of the protocols including additionality, permanence, mitigation potential and leakage. The ECO also recommended that forest management, afforestation and reforestation projects be ineligible to generate carbon offsets for use in the province's carbon market.
Ontario and Quebec -- two of the three WCI member jurisdictions -- are jointly developing the 13 protocols, with California-based Climate Action Reserve tasked with authoring them.
(Source: Province of Ontario, Carbon Pulse, 20 Feb., 2018)Contact: Ontario Environmental Commissioner, https://eco.on.ca
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CCC and RHF put together a package of carbon credits for borrowers equal to the estimated amount of carbon emitted by a similarly sized house over the course of one year, and subsequently, the life of the loan. Calculations are based on square footage and state energy data. The Carbon Neutral Mortgage is currently available in New Jersey, and is expected to expand to more states later this year.
When borrowers close a Carbon Neutral Mortgage, they receive acknowledgement, personalized certification and have a specified number of carbon offsets removed from circulation in the global carbon markets and “retired” in their name — meaning that they, and only they, can ever get credit for reducing those emissions.
The carbon credits included in each package are vetted by Gold Standard, Voluntary Carbon Standard and the Clean Development Mechanism.
Each RHF Carbon Neutral Mortgage amounts to an estimated 100 - 350 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Through the new partnership, CCC and RHF expect to deliver tens of thousands of tons of CO2 emission reductions every year.
(Source: Carbon Credit Capital, Sustainable Brands, 13 Feb., 2018)Contact: Carbon Credit Capital, (212) 925-5697, info@carboncreditcapital.com, www.carboncreditcapital.com; Residential Home Funding Corp. of America, (888) 763-3500, www.rhfunding.com
The SEAL Awards launched in 2017 is an awards-driven environmental advocacy organization that believes environmental progress requires leadership, leadership deserves recognition, and recognition is a form of accountability,
SEAL Awards information and grant applications are
HERE.
(Source: Seal Awards, PR, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: Seal Awards, Matt Hamey, Founder, (619) 878-9015, wwwsealawards.com
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Under the proposed strategy, facilities that exceed their emissions limit will be able to buy carbon offsets from farmers or foresters, a carbon credit from another company with emissions under its allotment or pay into a provincial fund.
According to the Minister, emissions standards are to be be developed but will recognize investments companies have already made to reduce their emissions.
The provincial strategy does not yet outlined or defined the goals, targets nor estimates of the volume of greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced. Transportation, agriculture, home heating, commercial and industrial energy use emissions are largely exempted in the proposed program which is expected to finalized and in place in 2018.
(Source: Office of Saskatchewan Environment Minister, CTV, Canadian Press, 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: Office of Saskatchewan Environment Minister, (306) 787-0393, env.minister@gov.sk.ca,
www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/ministries/environment
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PAC projects are developed and implemented in collaboration with local, community-based organizations that rely on cultural knowledge to manage forest ecosystems. PAC's "measurement-to-monetization" services are provided at no cost to landowners. PAC services are available to verify emission reduction for Paris Agreement signatories.
PAC aims to reduce CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases by restoring nature. The company deploys carbon measurement infrastructure on forest lands to accurately measure carbon offsets for sale as carbon securities and carbon products. (Source: Planet Alpha Corp., PR, PRZen, 28 Nov., 2017) Contact: Planet Alpha Corp., D.V. Marino, CEO, https://planetalphaforest.earth
More Low-Carbon Energy News Deforestation, Planet Alpha, Fotest Carbon, Carbon Credits, Carbon Sequestration,
Fiji, which is the presiding President of the COP23 conference now underway in Bonn to 17 Nov., says COP 23 brings a sense of urgency as several Pacific islands are threatened by rising sea level and could soon disappear underwater. (Source: Fiji Times, 6 Nov., 2017) Contact: COP23 President Fifi, www.cop23.com.fj
More Low-Carbon Energy News CDM, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Offsets, Carbon Footprint,
The organization offset 37 pct of its total reported emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. and is is on track to 100 pct climate-neutrality by 2020, according to the Greening the Blue According to the report 39 of the UN's 69 agencies achieved climate neutrality in 2016 The climate-neutral UN entities include UN Environment (UNEP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the UN Postal Union (UPU), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and others.
Download the full report HERE.
(Source: UN, Greening the Blue, IISD, 2 Nov., 2017)
Contact: Greening the Blue, www.greeningtheblue.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Carbon Offsets, Carbon Footprint, Carbon Neutral,
Football fans traveling via Lyft will have their travel to and from Michigan State stadium balanced with carbon offsets purchased by Terrapass. The carbon offsets will be sourced from the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center, MI.
Just Energy specializes in electricity and natural gas commodities, energy efficiency solutions, and renewable energy options in Canada, the UK, Germany and the U.S. The company serves approximately 1.5 million residential and commercial customers. (Source: Just Energy Group. PR 6 Oct., 2017)
Contact: Just Energy Group Inc.,
Morgan Smith, (713) 881.8641,
mpsmith@justenergy.com, www.justenergy.com; Terrapass, www.terrapass.com: Lyft, www.lyft.com
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Since 2006,
Morgan Stanley has lowered its carbon footprint by 36 pct and met its previous goal for cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions earlier than planned.(Source: Morgan Stanley, Renewables Now, Other Media, 22 Sept., 2017) Contact:
Morgan Stanley, (212) 761-4000, www.morganstanley.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral, CDP, RE100,
The project will destroy methane and produce carbon offsets under California's cap-and-trade system. The investment is based on the anticipated ten-year value of carbon credits from a livestock digester project located at West-Star North Dairy farm in California's San Joaquin Valley. Visalia-based California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio) is partnering on the digester project which is expected to begin generating carbon offsets in January 2018 with initial cash flow from the sale of these offsets in 2019.
Climate Trust Capital's Fund I is focused on investing in high-quality, U.S.-based carbon offset projects. Fund I will be the first in a series of Climate Trust Capital-led investment funds built to appeal to institutional and impact investors. The West-Star North project will be developed in accordance to the California Air Resources Board (ARB) Compliance Offset Protocol for Livestock Projects.
(Source: Climate Trust Capital, 21 Sept., 2017) Contact: California Bioenergy Inc., (559) 667-9560, info@calbioenergy.com, www.calbioenergy.com;
Climate Trust Capital,
(5030 238-1915 x211 , www.climatetrust.org
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The privately-owned Haliburton Forest, which has pledged to undertake sustainable forest management practices that will generate 75,000 tpy of additional GHG reductions over the long-term, currently sequesters an estimated 8 million tpy of CO2 and will continue to sequester amounts that significantly exceed what would have occurred through common-practice forest management.
The long-term commitment to reducing GHG emissions will be made in the context of a GHG offset protocol being developed by the Ontario Government as part of the cap-and-trade program. The impending forest management protocol will create binding obligations on Haliburton Forest that provide the security that the GHG reductions will be permanent.
(Source: BlueSource Canada, 15 Sept., 2017) Contact: BlueSource Canada, Jamie MacKinnon, VP of Environmental Solutions, (416) 427- 4888, info@bluesource.com, www.bluesource.com; Haliburton Forest,
Malcolm Cockwell, Managing Director, www.haliburtonforest.com
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Under federal legislation, mine operators are permitted to vent mine methane without penalty. GCS' proposal qualifies under California's cap-and-trade system.
GCS will pay a 12.5-cent royalty per million btu flared, plus $5,000 per year per mine in rent. Carbon offsets are currently selling for $5.80 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.
According to the EPA, coal mines represent 12 pct of all human-caused methane emissions and are the nation's second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after CO2. Even so, methane emissions from mines are exempted from regulation under the Clean Air Act because the gas has to be vented from underground coal deposits to prevent lethal explosions.
To calculate the carbon offsets the methane destruction is worth, GCS is relying on Salt Lake City-based consulting firm Bluesource, which will register the offsets with the Climate Action Reserve. They could then be issued California Air Resources Board (CARB) which has
authorized 7 mines to join the offset program. (Source: GCS, CARB, Salt Lake Tribune, Sept., 2017)
Contact: Global Carbon Strategies, C. Kennedy, VP,
1885 Denver West Court, Lakewood, Colorado, 80401, -- phone and email not presently available; Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, (801) 538-5100, https://trustlands.utah.gov; CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov; Bluesource, www.bluesource.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Bluesource, California ARB, , Global Carbon Strategies, Methane, Carbon Credit ,