Template:Offse Aug-07

From Lauraibm

Full article: In Defense of Carbon Offsets (13-Aug-07)

Carbon offsets have gone from being a cool new idea to an object of derision in the blink of an eye. Cynics compare them derisively to indulgences flogged to medieval sinners to shorten their time in purgatory.

An example: The other day, a startup web hosting company called Greenest Host sent me a press release saying its data center will run entirely on solar energy. Its CEO, Mike Corrales, made a point of saying: 'It is important to note that this is NOT a green solution because we are buying Renewable Energy Credits or carbon offsets... We are not paying a penance for our emissions sins, we are just not committing the sins in the first place.'

Business Week and the Financial Times published excellent stories showing how they can be manipulated, delivering less than they promise.

Here are a few thoughts to help guide a sceptical consumer, employee or company through the world of offsets:

• First, look for credible third-party endorsements. Abbott's announcement includes an endorsement from Environmental Defense. That's significant.
• Second, understand that offsets are not as good as directly reducing energy or emissions. If a company announces offsets, see what they have done to directly reduce their carbon impact. Do they operate in LEED-certified buildings? Buy recycled goods? Promote tele-commuting? Buy solar or wind power?
• If any individual buys an offset, has the person tried first to curb consumption? Drive a smaller car? Eat less meat?
• Third, those in the business of buying offsets -- particularly big companies -- ought to find a way to set up an independent verification system to insure that the offsets do what they are supposed to do.
• Sometimes offsets can help finance a renewable energy project that otherwise would not get built.
• Some well-designed offset programs help people in the developing world exchange their dirty kerosene lamps for solar-powered lights or use a solar or biogas cooker instead of burning wood—changes that improve people's quality of life as well as the environment.