What are Carbon Offsets? (#)

How does the amount of energy we use to power our every day activities influence carbon emissions and Global Climate Change?  What can you do reduce your carbon emissions by making small behavioral changes in your daily lifestyle? Get ideas by reading more about what changes Energy Works has made in our office to reduce our carbon emissions.

Carbon Dioxide
Causes of Global Climate Change are due to greenhouse gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. These gases include, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Hydrofluorocarbons. These gases are often referred to as Equivalent CO2 (CO2e). Of most concern is the increase of CO2 levels in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) for energy use in the United States. Methane is also of concern, due to the fact that it has more than 20 times the effects as an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, but only represents a lower percentage of gases contributing to Global Climate Change.

Energy Use & CO2
Energy-related CO2 emissions due to human activity are the likely cause of the rapid increase in global average temperatures over the past several decades. Reducing further impact due to human activity will lessen the effects of Climate Change. Using a carbon calculator to measure your carbon emissions tells you how many tons of CO2 entered the atmosphere annually due to your individual carbon-producing activities. This calculation of CO2 tonnage is your carbon footprint.

One metric ton of CO2
Using one gallon of gasoline in your car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions (26 pounds if you account for the processing of the fuel). One metric ton of CO2 is equal to 2205 lbs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one metric ton of CO2 is released to the atmosphere for every 103 gallons of gasoline used. The typical American household produces one metric ton of CO2 to meet the average monthly energy demand. We emit carbon emissions in our day-to-day lifestyles. This is our carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint
Many people are interested in learning more about ways to reduce their carbon footprint, or generation of CO2, and become carbon neutral by balancing their impact. You can reduce your impact on the environment by committing to daily lifestyle choices of conservation, and balance your remaining impact by purchasing carbon offsets to reduce and offset your annual generation of CO2. One carbon offset reduces one metric ton of CO2, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. When you purchase a carbon offset, you are funding clean energy and carbon reduction projects to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Carbon offsets
Carbon offset prices change and exchange rates fluctuate depending on the company and the project. Carbon offsets can be purchased through means of tradable credits from the Chicago Climate Exchange, or can take the form of different carbon reduction projects verified by an accredited third party. There are over 200 types of projects for generating carbon offsets. These projects are grouped into broad category project types.

Energy Works has purchased carbon offsets  to balance our office carbon emissions by supporting carbon reduction projects to offset 68 metric tons of CO2 produced by our office. Many of the projects we support our located in Michigan. Learn more...

Other ways to lessen our impact
Before purchasing carbon offsets, consider how to reduce your carbon emissions by making small behavioral changes in your daily lifestyle. Energy Works has made these changes in our office to reduce our carbon emissions:

1. We purchased used office furniture and supplies, therefore reducing the emissions from the production of new products.
2. We purchased Energy Star computers and an efficient, mini refrigerator that use less energy.
3. When not in use, all computers are set to power off after 15 minutes.
4. Our office building is naturally lit from skylights and windows that require minimal lighting during the day.
5. The thermostat is programmable to 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and 68-70 degrees during occupied hours in the winter, and can easily be adjusted. The thermostat is programmed to 55 degrees when the office is unoccupied, evenings and weekends.
6. We only use biodegradable, natural cleaning products and keep indoor plants for healthy indoor air quality and a healthy environment.
7. Washable cloth towels have replaced paper towels in our bathrooms and kitchen.
8. We purchase 100% recycled paper and other office supplies that contain recycled content. We try to purchase most office supplies locally, to reduce shipping emissions and support our local economy.
9. All one-sided printed paper is reused for printing on the back side.
10. We use eFax to receive all faxes digitally via email to reduce and eliminate the use of paper to receive a fax.
11. We reuse packaging material.
12. We purchase Organic Fair Trade coffee from the local Food Co-op.
13. Only non-disposable dishes and utensils are available in the kitchen.
14. We make an effort to recycle everything in the office, including paper, cardboard, metal, plastic bottles, glass, aluminum, etc.
15. There is a container in the kitchen to collect backyard compost, therefore reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill, and creating richer soil for local gardens.
16. Catalogs and unwanted mail are cancelled by calling to remove our name and address from mailing lists, therefore reducing the amount of wasted paper.