What is carbon neutral?
Most scientists agree that human activities have been responsible for increased levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. Activities such as using carbon-based fuels (gas, oil, coal), land use changes (deforestation) and industrial activities (smokestacks) have led to increased variations in global temperatures, rainfall and other weather patterns. The collective effects of these variations are unpredictable, and are best known as “climate change”. In response, industrial and business practices have been developed to help remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as is put in. These practices mimic and complement the workings of the natural carbon cycle and are known as “carbon sequestration”. Planting trees, preserving soil and stimulating plankton growth are examples of natural methods of carbon sequestration. Carbon credits are a business mechanism whereby polluting businesses can offset their carbon emissions by purchasing credits, generated by carbon sequestering practic
Being carbon neutral means that you produce no net emissions of carbon dioxide. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Firstly by not producing emissions, for example using energy only from renewable sources does not generate greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, by offsetting any emissions that are produced, for example using energy from fossil fuels, generates carbon dioxide emissions, but as long as new trees are planted soak up the carbon, then the level of emissions doesn’t change. But a lot of trees need to be planted to offset the electricity we use in our houses, offices and cars!!!
Carbon neutral is an emerging international trend that can describe products, operations and activities, which have had their emissions calculated and reduced where possible. The remaining carbon dioxide emissions are then “offset” through credits that fund renewable, emission–free energy projects such as wind farms and solar installations. The carbon offset market allows businesses to recognize and financially support the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy. As a partner in the EPA Climate Leaders program, Mohawk is completing an “emission inventory.” The results of this rigorous process will provide the basis for further emission reductions and carbon offsets. Mohawk purchases VERs which support renewable energy projects. These offsets are third–party verified to meet the standards of the Environmental Resources Trust’s GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Registry. The GHG Registry Standard is based on guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the internat
Carbon neutral refers to balancing the amount of carbon dioxide you release with that amount that you can offset. When you become carbon neutral any carbon dioxide that you release through your energy consumption or car emissions can be compensated for when you use renewable energy sources or buy carbon credits. What is a carbon credit? A carbon credit is a way to help individuals and companies reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by offsetting them in a more environmentally friendly way. It is basically a monetary value given by an organization that can be bought and used to pay for carbon dioxide offsetting services that fund renewable energy research and development and other environmental practices. What does a carbon credit buy? For people that want to reduce their carbon footprint, carbon credits can be purchased and exchanged with other environmental organizations. These organizations have been approved to sell carbon credits and provide services to reduce carbon dioxide emissi
Greenthinkers noted the other day that “carbon neutral” may become the next hot phrase in business-environmental circles. But what does it really mean, and how do you approach it? There’s some great information on the venerable David Suzuki’s website. There are also outlines of several programs that can help your company achieve a carbon neutral goal.
