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CO2 offsetting: a ranking to guide you in your choice
The Fédération Inter-Environnement Wallonie analysed the performances of the different programs proposed in Belgium.  Voluntary CO2 offsetting has become very popular for enterprises as well as for individuals. Initiatives to calculate ones carbon emissions and to “cancel” them out by financing projects that counterbalance the negative global warming impact of their activities are increasing. However with the lack of a clear regulatory framework, choosing an offsetting program turns out to be particularly difficult.
The Fédération IEW asked André Heughebaert, researcher at ULB, to carry out a study in order to have an independent judgment on the current available actors in this sector. The objective is to allow consumers to choose knowingly… and, secondarily, to stimulate the sector to progress. The survey (2007) is limited to the main CO2 offsetting programs accessible to private individuals in Belgium, namely Atmosfair, CO2logic, MyClimate, ActionCarbone, CompenCO2, Clim Act and CNG GreenSeat. These programs are judged on the offsetting quality they offer, regarding the environment, ethics but also in terms of equality between North and the South. The classification is based on the following criteria:
- The quality of the certificates (evaluation of the guarantee offered to the clients to reduce the emissions);
- The quality of the projects supported by the programs, with a preference for small projects answering to local needs;
- The quality of the project certification standards;
- The project location, with a preference to the poorer countries;
- The educational aspect integrated in the offsetting action. With a preference and emphasis on source reductions prior to offsetting.
- The structure of the offsetting program management, with a preference for mixed structures with low administration costs:
- The transparency of the program, measured by the quality and the availability of activity reporting. The survey ranks Atmosfair, CO2logic and Myclimate, as the most recommended programs. You will find in attachment a copy of the complete survey. With insistence IEW remind participants that before considering offsetting, it is important that individuals and companies seek to reduce their carbon emissions at the source. source: www.iewonline.be
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