Details on How Carbon Offsetting Works
If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to Contact Us
What does "Offset" mean?
Offset - verb (offsetting; past and past part. offset) 1. counterbalance; compensate for. noun 2. something that counterbalances; a compensating equivalent.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain naturally occurring gases and gases emitted as a result of human activities are released into the atmosphere including water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, which become trapped on the ground. Because these gasses stay below the earth's atmosphere, they warm the Earth causing disastrous effects on the Earth's natural ecosystem. The combination of these effects is referred to as greenhouse gases.
How does Carbon Offsetting work?
Greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2), are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. We all emit CO2 emissions when we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste. You can use less energy, travel less, or use public transport, but some emissions are unavoidable.
STI, Kick Global Warming's chosen offsetter, partners with two non-profit organizations to provide Carbon Offsets:
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), a non-profit marketer of renewable energy that sells renewable energy certificates it calls Green Tags.
MyClimate, a Switzerland-based non-for-profit marketer of energy efficiency and renewable energy that sells verified emission reductions it calls Carbon Offsets.
STI and its partners are focused on increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and replacing traditional sources of fuel used for energy including coal, oil and natural gas, with clean and renewable sources like wind and solar power.
Where does my money go?
STI protects the integrity of each transaction in several ways through our strategic partners:
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)reinvests all net revenues from the sale of Green Tags into the development of renewable energy projects across North America.
All of BEF's Green Tags are from 100 percent new, renewable resources found in North America.
BEF renewable sources are certified by Green-e (www.green-e.org), the leading independent United States voluntary certification for renewable energy certificates BEF calls Green Tags.
MyClimate reinvests a minimum of 80 percent of all gross revenues from the sale of Carbon Offsets into the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Africa, Asia and Central America.
MyClimate Carbon Offset projects are based on internationally recognized criteria and are developed in accordance with the highest standards in the market: a) Energy-based Projects. MyClimate only accepts renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Afforestation and reforestation projects are not supported; b) Additionality. MyClimate only supports projects that would not be viable without support from the carbon offset market. c) Sustainable Development. A project is only accepted by MyClimate if it does not cause any harm to the local environment, society and economy. Additionaly, the project should contribute to sustainable development, improved quality of life, transfer of knowledge and technology, local job generation, and reductions in air and water pollution.
All MyClimate Carbon Offset projects have to verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to internationally accepted methodologies. Registration under The Gold Standard (www.cdmgoldstandard.org) is planned for all projects within a few years.
All MyClimate Carbon Offset projects are in operation and are inspected, verified and certified by independent third parties.
For more information, please visit www.myclimate.org
How does STI ensure the integrity of its projects?
All of the projects in STI's portfolio are certified by independent third-party organizations. The on-going performance of each project is monitored by our partners at BEF and MyClimate, their local partners, as well as by the independent certification bodies at least once a year throughout each project's entire life cycle.
Why is climate change my personal responsibility?
According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, the latest scientific data confirms that the Earth's climate is rapidly changing due to a thickening layer of carbon dioxide pollution, mostly from emissions of power plants, automobiles and airplanes. The following are examples of how we all contribute to global warming.
In a grim and powerful assessment of the future of the planet that was released in February of 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - the leading international network of climate scientists - concluded for the first time that global warming is ''unequivocal'' and that human activity is the main driver.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American is responsible for emitting approximately 6.6 tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which equates to almost 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Through our travels we contribute to nearly 1/3 of worldwide climate changing emissions. Travel-related emissions can be offset with each purchase of carbon offsets.
The good news is that we can prevent global warming. The solution is within our grasp and is found in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by supporting the use of renewable energy such as wind and solar technologies used for powering our homes and business, increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and offsetting the environmental impacts of our travel.
You can make the change to a clean, sustainable and renewable energy future, today:
STI offers Carbon Offsets and Green Tags to consumers, tourism providers, corporations, and other concerned organizations, affording them an opportunity to offset unavoidable travel-related emissions.
Your purchase of carbon offsets will have a direct impact on the following:
Diversify our power supply
Reduce dependency on imported fuels
Increase demand for energy efficient products
Protect human health through decreased air and water pollution
Increase the use of renewable energy on our world's power grids
Create new jobs
Protect habitat and wildlife
Ensure a secure, affordable energy future
What are Carbon Offsets?
Carbon Offsets make it possible for individuals and businesses to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they are responsible for, such as product manufacturing and transportation, by reducing or displacing the CO2 in another place, such as reducing the use of fossil fuels used for power. Carbon Offsets can include renewable energy like wind and solar power, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects.
Through the sale of Carbon Offsets, STI is making it possible for anyone, anywhere to offset their emissions and contribute to the reduction of climate-altering activities.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Green Tags: BEF's Green Tags are a market-based mechanism used to support the development of new clean, renewable and sustainable sources of energy in North America. Each Green Tag represents the replacement of fossil fuels used for energy with 1,000-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity generated from renewable resources including solar, wind, hydro and biomass.
MyClimate Carbon Offsets: MyClimate Carbon Offsets are a market-based mechanism used to support the development of renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency projects in developing countries. One Carbon Offset is produced for every metric ton of CO2 that is either not released into the environment or is absorbed from the air that otherwise would have remained in the atmosphere.
Want even more detail?
A renewable energy facility produces two distinct "products." The first is electricity. The second is the environmental benefits resulting from not generating the pollution caused by other sources of energy such as fossil fuels. The environmental benefits are sold as Green Tags. Each BEF Green Tag represents the amount of carbon dioxide not being emitted into the air. For example, approximately 11 BEF Green Tags or 11,000 kilowatt-hours of energy produced by using wind or solar power is equal to an average home's energy use for a year and offsets nearly 15,400 pounds of carbon dioxide that would have otherwise been emitted into the air by a power generator using traditional and polluting sources of energy.
Every purchase of BEF Green Tags significantly increases the use of renewable energy onto our power grids and allows anyone to support the further development of renewable sources of power.
Are some Carbon Offsets better than others?
Since carbon offset quality can vary greatly, it is important for businesses and consumers to consider the differences between them.
BEF Green Tags are considered to be among the best renewable energy certificates available in North America because of the Green-e certification (www.green-e.org) and the independent environmental review of BEF's renewable energy sources.
MyClimate Carbon Offset projects are developed in accordance with procedures, criteria and methodologies from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto protocol. All of our projects are inspected and validated by CDM accredited Designated Operational Entities (DOEs), such as The Gold Standard (www.cdmgoldstandard.org), which are independent, third-parties accepted by the United Nations.
For more information, please visit www.carbonoffsets.org.
How can renewable energy and energy efficiency projects reduce greenhouse gas pollution?
Simply put, purchasing Carbon Offsets reduces greenhouse gases emissions by replacing fossil fuels used for power with renewable energy. By employing energy efficiency techniques such as using compact florescent light bulbs and energy efficient appliances we can reduce the energy we use and offset the rest of our energy use by using clean, renewable sources for power.
Who is behind STI's carbon offset projects?
STI is a United States-based 501(c)(3) non-profit and is the exclusive provider of MyClimate Carbon Offsets in North America. STI is also Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF) travel and tourism partner in providing Green Tags.
MyClimate is a Switzerland-based registered charity that falls under the strict requirements of Swiss law, which state that at least 80 percent of the money it receives must benefit the projects it endorses. The MyClimate Charitable Foundation Board defines the standards, criteria and processes to ensure the integrity and credibility of all MyClimate transactions.
BEF is a United States-based non-profit organization. All of the net revenues from the sale of BEF's Green Tags are reinvested into new renewable energy projects across North America and watershed restoration in the United States.
Is my investment tax deductible?
STI is registered as a non-profit organization and has been granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. When you make a contribution to STI for the express purpose of buying Carbon Offsets or Green Tags, you are directing STI to buy the amount of Carbon Offsets and or Green Tags that you desire on your behalf. They are then retired and taken out of the market. Although this means that you won't personally own the emissions offsets as your property, you will help to accomplish the desired environmental outcome - cleaner air and additional renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Upon request, STI will gladly send you an acknowledgement of your contribution, up to 20 percent of which may be tax deductible to the full extent allowed under the law if you operate a U.S.-based business or if you are a U.S. citizen. Please consult with your own tax advisor if you have further questions about the tax deductibility of your contribution.
How does STI estimate how much pollution is reduced?
STI believes operating in a transparent manner is the best way for our business and individual customers to be confident in the value of the Carbon Offsets and Green Tags we provide. Our approach is to conservatively estimate how much pollution is reduced, disclose our estimating methodologies, which are available on-line, and to monitor and disclose how our projects perform. This approach makes us accountable to our customers and to the market. It also enables us to provide a better service.
Are the Carbon Offsets merely a means to reduce guilt?
Purchasing carbon offsets is a great way to compensate for the CO2 pollution you create when driving, flying, or using electricity. Your offset purchase stimulates demand for renewable energy, increases energy efficiency, and provides incentives for increases in the production of renewable energy production.
Offsetting energy isn't an excuse to pollute. It's a way to take responsibility for the pollution that can't be avoided. We encourage you to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste production as much as you can, and then offset the rest of the energy you do use with clean and sustainable sources of energy.