There are two sides to this story, whilst our projects are eco-friendly it must be remembered that carbon offsetting is secondary to carbon reduction. Companies reducing their greenhouse-gas emissions can expect to experience an ‘upside’ and derive a number of benefits:

• Reduced Operating Costs: Greenhouse gas emission reduction measures go hand in hand with energy-and resource-efficient practices, leading to cost and energy savings. Businesses that improve processes, including transport, buildings efficiency can reduce carbon emissions by 25% to 50% while lowering energy costs.

• Enhanced Brand Recognition and Loyalty: Climate protection is good public relations, especially as consumers begin to notice the effects of global warming and press companies to respond.

• Increased Market Share: Businesses that are flexible can respond to climate change regulations by changing car purchasing patterns, product design or manufacturing operations, or by offering new products and services that address or satisfy climate concerns.

• Improved Productivity and Quality: Companies that examine their operations to inventory and regulate greenhouse gases are likely to find other ways to streamline and improve operations, potentially saving money and increasing productivity.

• Reduced Uncertainty: By participating in voluntary carbon offset markets, companies can prepare themselves for a future that is likely to be “carbon constrained” and reduce the risk of being unprepared for future regulations.

For unavoidable carbon emissions offsetting provides a way of balancing your carbon footprint.

Copyright © Carbon Matters 2007. All rights reserved. Designed by Stone Media. All rights reserved. Updated August 2007