Carbon Offsetting – Assignment Energy Efficiency ME3023

ROLLE Sabrina
ASTON University
18/11/2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary 4 Introduction 5 Sources of global Greenhouses gases 6 United Kingdom Situation 7 What is Carbon Offsetting? 9 Offset Standards 10 The relation with Energy efficiency 11 First Steps before to choose an offset provider 12 How to choose an offset provider? 13 Carbon offset project types 14 Carbon Offsetting and Press 16 Conclusion 21 References 22 Appendix I 24 Appendix II 26 Appendix III 27 Appendix IV 28 Glossary 30

Summary

Carbon Offsetting is a way to reduce our CO2 emissions by funding projects such as building a wind farm etc. Indeed, the C02 is one of the causes of global warming.
There are two types of carbon offsetting, such as the compliance carbon offsetting and the voluntary carbon offsetting. The difference between the two is that the voluntary carbon offsetting is independent of Kyoto Protocol and local regulatory systems.
Whether you are a business or an individual we can all buy offsets (CERs, VERs…). Therefore each of us can contribute to a greener environment.
To choose which type of offsets to purchase, it is best to visit the official website of "Department of Energy and Climate Change". There is a significant level of advice available to give the best information in order to act in an environmentally friendly manner. This is also in appliance to the Quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon offsetting to help you choose a good quality offset. However, you can find a list of approved projects already by the Government.
There are several types of projects such as the bio sequestration, Methane Capture, Renewable Energy…
From the perspective of the Press, Carbon Offsetting is still inconclusive for a way to solve our current problems even if it is necessary.

Introduction

Walking down the street, watching TV, or buying food, ecology is everywhere.
Indeed, nowadays the