CARBON OFFSET PROJECTS WE SUPPORT

TAKING CONTROL AND GIVING BACK TO THE ENVIRONMENT

We support projects from developing countries that are accredited under Voluntary Carbon Standards (www.v-c-s.org) (these carbon credits are known as VCUs) or Kyoto / UN Protocol Clean Development Mechanism Projects (these credits are known as CERs).

As we mentioned on the Carbon Offsets page, we will always try to make sure that not only do the projects reduce greenhouse gases and are verified as doing that by international bodies, (which is how the Carbon Credits are generated), but also that the local communities are getting benefits from the projects as well.

The following list of projects are examples of the types of projects occurring around the world. We will be purchasing the carbon offset credits from these or similar projects. The decision on which Projects we finally purchase from may be determined based on both the availability of credits at that time and your preferences (when you go tot he calculator, you have the chance to select your preferred Project type).

Greenflight Choice

We will buy credits on your behalf where we believe they will make the most
difference to the environment and the local people . . .

Renewable Power

These projects use solar, geothermal, hydro or wind power to generate electricity. Offset credits help to pay for projects to install these systems . . .

Cooking Fuel Substitutes

Burning wood is an inefficient and wasteful way to cook, because much of the energy
is lost. It also makes life harder for the local people because of the time spent to
gather the wood, as well as reducing forest cover, which decreases CO_2e absorption.
These projects help provide more efficient burners, which are still expensive for
people in developing countries. By purchasing offsets from these projects, you are
helping people to use more efficient cookers . . .

Efficient Power Generation

All methods of generating electricity also generate heat, which usually goes to
waste. Co-generation system projects use this heat to generate more useful energy.
These systems have high set up costs, so an offset from these projects
helps to subsidise these costs . . .

Forestry

Trees absorb carbon dioxide via photosynthesis. Buying REDD forestry offsets means that projects can plant new trees to increase the CO_2e absorption, or buy land to avoid deforestation. These types of credits cover a wide range of project types including
Land Use Change, Reforestation and Avoided Forestation. We are waiting on the United Nations Forum on Climate Change (UNFCC) to clarify some aspects of these projects before we decide which projects to support. Please select and advise us
via the Project type forum about your views on these projects . . .

Efficient Buildings

Many buildings waste much of their power usage. These projects improve the efficiency of buildings with better insulation, air conditioning and temperature
control, and the replacement of les efficient appliances . . .

If you're ready to offset your flights now, go to the Flight CO₂ Calculator page from here