Carbon offsets guide helps consumers go green
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Minister for Environment and Climate Change
The first update of the Carbon Offsets Guide shows the market continues to grow, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said today.
Mr Jennings said the comprehensive on-line directory, www.carbonoffsetguide.com.au, shows a 13 per cent growth over its first three months with 36 providers now listed in the directory.
“The Guide, developed by Global Sustainability at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in partnership with Environment Protection Authority (EPA), reveals that more than 16.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents worth in excess of $45.9 million were traded by Australian offset providers in 2006/07,” Mr Jennings said.
“It is expected that this authoritative, independent Guide will provide guidance around the issues and help ensure people are making informed choices about the offsets they purchase. This initiative is another example of the Brumby Government is taking action now to meet the challenges of the future and make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Jennings said.
Global Sustainability at RMIT and EPA launched the Guide in December last year as a resource for businesses, government agencies, non-Government organisations and individuals seeking information about offsets. It provides a list of voluntary carbon offset providers, prices, project locations and accreditation standards, and provides descriptions of each provider.
The Guide is updated every three months, with new providers added to the website and information on existing providers updated.
EPA Chairman Mick Bourke said more and more companies are taking steps to investigate the offsets market.
“RMIT and EPA have found that the growth in the market is influenced by the national emissions trading scheme, as businesses prepare for its introduction. This includes learning about carbon credits and purchasing credits that may be recognised under an emissions trading scheme,” Mr Bourke said.
Global Sustainability at RMIT director Caroline Bayliss said the Guide helps businesses and individuals to navigate their way through the complex issues associated with offsets. It provides information and links to assist purchasers, including tips for purchasing offsets and suggested questions to ask providers.
“In the three months since the Guide was launched, we now see 32 of the 36 listed providers offering offsets accredited to a recognised external national or international standard,” Ms Bayliss said.
Since the Guide was launched, it has been improved to include more user-friendly functions, such as a specific search function by type of accreditation, a glossary and information about how offset purchases work.
