The private sector is leading the way in the support of green power via renewable energy certificates (RECs). But did you know that another major opportunity exists for companies to improve their environmental performance and meet their sustainability goals through the purchase of credible, third-party certified carbon offsets?

Emission TypesThe greenhouse gases your company emits fall into one of three scopes. While RECs can help you offset your Scope 2 emissions, carbon offsets can help you mitigate all three scopes.

Did you Know?Carbon Offsets

DID YOU KNOW? One round-trip flight from New York to San Francisco creates a warming effect equivalent to 2 tons of carbon dioxide per person—and the average American generates about 19 tons of carbon dioxide per year!

SOURCES OF CO2 YOU CAN OFFSET

D Natural gas combustion (heating) D Corporate fleet D Air travel D Employee commute

How Carbon Offsets WorkOrganizations may find it cost prohibitive or operationally challenging to reduce emissions through on-site reductions, but they can still achieve their environmental goals by supporting projects that remove greenhouse gas emissions from the air. These projects employ a variety of technologies from forestry to landfill gas capture.

Companies that purchase carbon offsets—also known as Verified Emissions Reductions—counterbalance the emissions generated by their organization with the reduction or destruction of emissions that occur elsewhere.

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ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING PROJECT

The project at the Everett facility in Everett, WA consists of food waste to an aerobic composting facility, where the waste is composted. The project achieves emissions reductions by diverting organic waste from landfills and composting the waste in a way that avoids the release of greenhouse gases. In addition, the process transforms the waste into nutrient-rich compost-based products for use in the area.

METHANE/LANDFILL GAS UTILIZATION PROJECT

The Greenville County Landfill Gas Utilization Project prevents the release of methane generated by the breakdown of biogenic materials in municipal solid waste. A gas collection system captures the methane, which is then used to generate electricity in two 1.6 megawatt generators. The generators are backed up by a flare system to combust any methane not used. In addition to reducing emissions, the project improves local air quality, reduces the risk of explosion from the accumulation of methane at the landfill, and provides long-term employment opportunities.

METHANE/AGRICULTURAL CAPTURE & DESTRUCTION

Green Meadow Dairy Farms captures and utilizes methane generated from herd manure that is anaerobically digested. Green Meadows pioneered this technology with the implementation of a 3,000,000 gallon capacity system. The process generates renewable energy from an 800 Kw capacity engine and steam boiler. Residual biogas is destroyed in a flare. The process creates by-products that can be sold as compost or used as fertilizer.

IMPROVED FORESTRY MANAGEMENT

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy Improved Forest Management project will preserve intact approximately 1200 ha of hardwood forest. These lands will be maintained as a self-sustaining ecosystem ensuring the preservation of natural forest structure, biodiversity, and carbon stocks. Approximately 94,000 tons of carbon is contained in harvestable trees. The project will protect and quantify harvestable carbon. In addition, the project will preserve the carbon contained in smaller trees, shrubs, and in the soil.

SAMPLE CARBON OFFSET PROJECT TYPES

LOCATION: Pacific NW, USA

REGISTRY: Climate Action Reserve

LOCATION: Southeast, USA

REGISTRY: Verified Carbon Standard

LOCATION: Midwest, USA

REGISTRY: Climate Action Reserve

LOCATION: Ontario, Canada

REGISTRY: Verified Carbon Standard

About Renewable ChoiceRenewable Choice Energy works with Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, municipalities, small businesses, and green buildings to help them understand and reduce environmental impact. In 2012, Renewable Choice received the Green Power Provider of the Year award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to support and expand the renewable energy and carbon offset market.

To learn more, visit www.renewablechoice.com.