Carbon Offset Purchasing Program

Carbon offsets:  A carbon offset is a financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO₂e). One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. Individuals, companies, or governments purchase carbon offsets to mitigate their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and other sources.

By definition, carbon neutral represents the point at which carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible and 100 percent of the remaining emissions have been offset through
1) high quality renewable energy, 2) energy efficiency, and 3) reforestation projects.

Bauer's purchases all three types of carbon credits.

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  Conservation International (CI) "Conservation Carbon" offsets are market-based commodities representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) through reforestation and avoided deforestation. All Conservation Carbon offsets are designed using the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA).

• Bonneville Energy Foundation (BEF) "Green Tags", more formally known as renewable energy certificates (RECs), are market-based commodities representing 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) or 1 megawatt-hour of electricity from new renewable resources like solar, wind, hydro and biomass. 1 (one) Green Tag equates to 1,400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions offset. The Green Tag product offered by BEF to STI and its customers, including the Buyer, shall meet strict environmental and operational criteria, including Green-e® certification, and independent environmental review of the source of supply. Green Tags support renewable energy projects in North America.

• MyClimate Carbon Offsets also known as “Verified Emission Reductions” (VERs) or "Certified Emission Reductions" (CERs) are market-based commodities representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) calculated using Global Warming Potentials, developed in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), concerning:

  • its stipulations that greenhouse gas emissions reductions be real,
  • for the projects to not have happened without the investment that carbon credits provide
  • for the production of project-related social, economic and environmental benefits as well as emissions reductions.
  • All projects are also inspected and validated by CDM accredited Designated Operational Entities (DOEs), such as The Gold Standard, which are independent third-parties accepted by the United Nations.

  MyClimate VERs* and CERs are either Gold Standard certified or in the process of undergoing Gold Standard assessment, and all projects support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

  * The non-Gold Standard VER project portfolio have not been available since Dec. 31, 2007.