As part of our sustainability policy in Zero Waste City, we purchased carbon credits to offset our contribution to greenhouse gases emissions. We relied on the Gold Standard certified climate projects and decided to support the Nicaforest High Impact Reforestation Program.
What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset refers to any activity that compensates for the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases (measured in carbon dioxide equivalents [CO2e]) by providing for an emission reduction elsewhere. Because greenhouse gases are widespread in Earth’s atmosphere, the climate benefits from emission reductions regardless of where such cutbacks occur. If carbon reductions are equivalent to the total carbon footprint of an activity, then the activity is said to be “carbon neutral.” Carbon offsets can be bought, sold, or traded as part of a carbon market. [Source: Britannica Online Encyclopaedia]
How do we impact climate change?
ZWC help businesses reduce their greenhouse gases emissions, however, we also contribute to them, via:
- The use of computers and IT infrastructure
- Transportation (using taxi or public transport)
- Electricity for air conditioning and so on.
With a series of calculations and estimations, we can estimate the total carbon emissions associated with our activity over the last 12 months.
What is Gold Standard?
Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs to ensure projects that reduced carbon emissions featured the highest levels of environmental integrity and contributed to sustainable development. With the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, they launched a best practice standard for climate and sustainable development interventions, Gold Standard for the Global Goals, to maximise impact, creating value for people around the world and the planet we share. [Source: Gold Standard website]
What is the Nicaforest High Impact Reforestation Program?
The Nicaforest High Impact Reforestation Pilot Program is situated in the south-eastern part of Nicaragua. The program combines reforestation on degraded land for timber production, capture of carbon dioxide and protection of natural forests.
It aims to create a sustainable forestry value-chain by working closely with local landowners in a Shared Benefit Scheme to plant teak and other valuable species. In addition, the program protects the remaining patches of native vegetation and creates additional conservation areas on banks of rivers and other watersheds.
Engage your organisation in the fight for climate change by offsetting your carbon emissions. Find out the projects you would like to support here: https://marketplace.goldstandard.org/collections/projects