Carbon Offsets

Carbon Offsetting is investing in reduction programs to offset (compensate) for the greenhouse gas emissions you produce every day.

Before you invest in an offset reduction program, ensure you have done everything possible to reduce your greenhouse emissions and purchase GreenPower.

There are two types of offsets; tree-planting programs and energy efficiency programs.

Trees remove carbon from the atmosphere and can benefit conservation and wildlife. Some things to consider:

• Ensure the trees are native trees to assist with conservation efforts
  
• Will the trees be logged after a certain time for commercial purposes?
  
• How are the trees protected from bushfires or illegal logging?
  
• How are the emission reductions calculated?
  
• Is the program independently accredited?

Energy efficiency programs can reduce future greenhouse emissions but do not actually absorb the carbon you have produced. Some things to consider:

• Is the program well set up so the energy reductions are real and ongoing? (eg giving out free compact fluorescent globes doesn't mean they'll be used)
  
• Should I be investing in this program or is it something that should be happening anyway? (eg are you paying for a large company to reduce their emissions when they really should be doing this themselves)
  
• Is the program independently accredited?

Climate Change Action Officer
Ph: 8470 8514
Email: indy.lingam@darebin.vic.gov.au