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18/01/2007
Carbon scheme standards to be set in UK
The government is to tackle the lack of clear standards for carbon offsetting schemes.
With an increasing number of people offsetting their carbon emissions the government is seeking greater clarity by the development of a voluntary standard for offsetting.
Environment Secretary David Miliband said the standard and associated code of practice would raise the bar for the offsetting industry.
"Offsetting isn't the answer to climate change. The first step should always be to see how we can avoid and reduce emissions - through thinking about how we use energy in our homes and businesses, and the way we travel.
"However, some emissions can't or won't be avoided. That's where offsetting has a role to play. It's a way of compensating for the emissions produced with an equivalent carbon saving."
Mr Miliband said that consumers needed an assurance that when they offset their emissions, their money is spent on projects that have genuine carbon dioxide emission reductions.
Offsetting is a way of compensating for emissions produced with an equivalent carbon saving, lessening the impact of a consumer's actions.
Consumers can offset a particular activity, such as a flight; their emissions over a period of time, such as their annual car mileage; or across their entire lifestyle or business, including all of the gas and electricity they consume and their emissions from transport.
Carbon offsetting involves calculating emissions and the purchase of equivalent credits from emission reduction projects that have prevented or removed the emission of an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere.
The government's standard would be based on the use of certified credits from the established Kyoto market, through sources such as the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
(SP/EF)
With an increasing number of people offsetting their carbon emissions the government is seeking greater clarity by the development of a voluntary standard for offsetting.
Environment Secretary David Miliband said the standard and associated code of practice would raise the bar for the offsetting industry.
"Offsetting isn't the answer to climate change. The first step should always be to see how we can avoid and reduce emissions - through thinking about how we use energy in our homes and businesses, and the way we travel.
"However, some emissions can't or won't be avoided. That's where offsetting has a role to play. It's a way of compensating for the emissions produced with an equivalent carbon saving."
Mr Miliband said that consumers needed an assurance that when they offset their emissions, their money is spent on projects that have genuine carbon dioxide emission reductions.
Offsetting is a way of compensating for emissions produced with an equivalent carbon saving, lessening the impact of a consumer's actions.
Consumers can offset a particular activity, such as a flight; their emissions over a period of time, such as their annual car mileage; or across their entire lifestyle or business, including all of the gas and electricity they consume and their emissions from transport.
Carbon offsetting involves calculating emissions and the purchase of equivalent credits from emission reduction projects that have prevented or removed the emission of an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere.
The government's standard would be based on the use of certified credits from the established Kyoto market, through sources such as the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
(SP/EF)
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01 September 2009
New Measures To Cut Carbon Emissions
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New Measures To Cut Carbon Emissions
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21 February 2006
Emissions estimates map carbon creation
The Carbon Trust has revealed London as among the least energy efficient places in the UK. London produces 9.46 million tones of carbon a year which is around 1.09 tonnes per capita, this compared with around 0.42 per capita in the lowest areas.
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The Carbon Trust has revealed London as among the least energy efficient places in the UK. London produces 9.46 million tones of carbon a year which is around 1.09 tonnes per capita, this compared with around 0.42 per capita in the lowest areas.
19 February 2008
Wales Maps Out Energy Self Sufficiency
In a move that will be closely watched by supporters of environmentally friendly energy on both sides of the Irish Sea, proposals for making Wales self-sufficient in renewable energy within 20 years are being launched today by the Welsh Assembly Government.
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In a move that will be closely watched by supporters of environmentally friendly energy on both sides of the Irish Sea, proposals for making Wales self-sufficient in renewable energy within 20 years are being launched today by the Welsh Assembly Government.
27 April 2011
Olympics 'Go For Green'
While athletes will be bidding for 'Gold' next year, the methods used in the construction of venues for the Olympic Games aim instead for 'Green'. The event - which will open at the end of July 2012 - aims to cut the carbon footprint by 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Olympics 'Go For Green'
While athletes will be bidding for 'Gold' next year, the methods used in the construction of venues for the Olympic Games aim instead for 'Green'. The event - which will open at the end of July 2012 - aims to cut the carbon footprint by 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
