Carbon Footprint

What is a Carbon Footprint?

2008-09-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

What is a “Carbon Footprint?”

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.

The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tones (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The pie chart above shows the main elements which make up the total of an typical person's carbon footprint in the developed world.

A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint (shown by the green slices of the pie chart) and the secondary footprint (shown as the yellow slices).

1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.

2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

To calculate your carbon footprint - click here

For tips to reduce your footprint - click here

Climate Change

2008-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Global Warming

Global warming is the name given by scientists for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth's surface that has worsened since the industrial revolution.

Over the past two decades the effect has become more marked. Considerable evidence exists that most of this warming has been caused by human activities... that's to say we have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through a buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

What if we do nothing? Rising global temperatures will cause sea level to rise and alter local climate conditions, affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It may also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand and some of our countryside may be permanently altered.

What will happen in the future if we do nothing?

Climate model simulations predict an increase in average surface air temperature of about 2.5°C by the year 2100 (Kattenberg et al., 1996).

The likelihood of "killer" heat waves during the warm season will increase (Karl et al., 1997)

The IPCC Second Assessment Report estimates that sea-levels will rise by approximately 49 cm over the next 100 years, with a range of uncertainty of 20-86 cm.

Sea-level rise will lead to increased coastal flooding through direct inundation and an increase in the base for storm surges, allowing flooding of larger areas and higher elevations.

Further melting of the Arctic Ice Caps (at the current rate) could be sufficient to turn off the ocean currents that drive the Gulf Stream, which keeps Britain up to 6°C warmer than it would otherwise be.

What can I do?

You have to go to work and we all like being consumers - but there are many ways you can help. Firstly, you need to recognise how you personally impact global warming. Carbon Footprint will show you how to minimise your impact - starting today - and show you how to make the right product choices in the future.

Evidence Of Climate Change

2008-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

In February 2007, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) issued its latest assessment report on climate change, which concluded that global warming is "unequivocal" and gave the strongest warning yet that it is very likely (> 90%) caused by human activities

The evidence for global warming and climate change includes the following:-

Sea temperatures have risen by on average 0.5 degrees C (0.9 degree F) over the last 40 years [Tim Barnett, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California]

20,000 square kilometers of fresh water ice melted in the Arctic between 1965 and 1995 [Ruth Curry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Connecticut]

Worldwide measurements from tidal gauges indicate that global mean sea level has risen between 10 and 25 cm (18 cm average) during the last 100 years [Warrick et al., 1996]

Global surface temperatures have risen about 0.7°C in the past 100 years [Met Office]

11 of the last 12 years rank amongst the 12 warmest years on record for global temperatures (since 1850) [IPCC, 2007]

Since 1975, the increase of the 5-year mean temperature is about 0.5°C - a rate that is faster than for any previous period of equal length [NASA, 1999]

Average annual temperature in the Arctic has increased by about 1° C over the last century -- a rate that is approximately double that of global average temperatures [IPCC, 1998]

There is widespread evidence that glaciers are retreating in many mountain areas of the world. For example, since 1850 the glaciers of the European Alps have lost about 30 to 40% of their surface area and about half of their volume [Haeberli and Beniston, 1998]

Global Dimming

2008-09-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's now established that when particulate material (e.g. soot and carbon products), generated from vehicle exhausts, aircraft and industry, enters the atmosphere, then less light reaches the ground - this is known as 'Global Dimming'.

Since the 1950s sunlight reaching the Earth has significantly reduced. In Israel, where the first measurements were taken, sunlight intensity has reduced by some 22% and in the UK it has reduced by about 10%.

Why is this important? Global dimming causes a drop in temperature around the world that can upset established climates - altering season length and characteristics, and change the Earth's monsoon patterns. Scientists believe that global dimming was a key cause of the Ethiopian droughts back in the 1980s.

Does Global Dimming counteract Global warming? Global Dimming can, and actually has, slowed the effects of Global Warming. However, the Earth's population is now doing something about the amount of carbon particulates being released in to the atmosphere, by fitting catalytic converters to cars and reducing emissions from power stations etc. Many scientists now believe that the rate of global warming has been significantly underestimated because of global dimming, and global warming will accelerate giving us even less time than originally thought to take action.

Questions And Answers for Carbon Footprint

2008-09-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

How do we know climate change is linked to CO2 in the atmosphere?

Over the last 650,000 years the natural range for CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere has been between 180 to 300 parts per million (ppm). This data has been found through ice core surveys, where air trapped as the ice froze hundreds of thousands of years ago, has been carefully analysed.

The graph below shows the results of the ice core measurements along side temperature up until the year 1950. The graph shows that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere up until 1950 had never exceeded 300ppm.

The atmospheric concentrations of CO2 in 2005 was 370ppm, this far exceeds the natural range over the last 650,000 years (180 to 300 ppm) as determined from ice core surveys.

Over the last 10 years, we have seen the fastest annual growth rate in the carbon dioxide concentration, since the start of direct atmospheric measurements (1960).

How do we know that levels of CO2 don't just increase as temperature increases?

Over the last several hundred thousand years the temperature has varied mainly due to changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun. Over this period changes in temperature did drive the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, now the levels of CO2 are much higher and increasing much faster than at any time over the last 650 thousand years - meaning what is happening now is very different to anything that has happened over the last 650 thousand years.

How do we know that Solar activity isn't causing the warming?

Changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun have been the main driver for temperature change on the Earth over the past 650 thousand years. Up until the early 20th century, the models of temperature against solar, Earth orbit and volcanic activity were well aligned. However the recent warming we have seen over the last 50 years, does not fit within these models and can only be explained when the levels of CO2 from burning fossil fuels are included within the simulations.

The link to solar activity and cosmic rays is purely speculative. Even if they do have an affect on the climate, the measurement of solar irradiance from satellite observations shows no real increase, and therefore does not explain the recent increases in CO2 and temperature.

Don't volcanic eruptions put out more CO2 than a decade of human activity?

No. This is a common misconception. If this was true then the CO2 record would be full of spikes, one for each eruption. From analysing data from dozens of sample stations around the world, we do not see these spikes, instead the CO2 trend is very smooth.

The total rate of CO2 emissions from all the volcanoes is about 1/150th that from human activities.

Comparison of CO2 emissions from volcanoes vs. human activities

Scientists have calculated that volcanoes emit between about 130-230 million tonnes (145-255 million tons) of CO2 into the atmosphere every year (Gerlach, 1999, 1992). This estimate includes both subaerial and submarine volcanoes, about in equal amounts. Emissions of CO2 by human activities, including fossil fuel burning, cement production, and gas flaring, amount to about 22 billion tonnes per year (24 billion tons) (Marland, et al., 1998). Human activities release more than 150 times the amount of CO2 emitted by volcanoes--the equivalent of nearly 17,000 additional volcanoes like Kilauea (Kilauea emits about 13.2 million tonnes/year).

For more information see http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Hazards/What/VolGas/volgas.html

How do we know the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is linked to Human Activity?

The rise in CO2 in the atmosphere is very well established. One way we know this is linked to human activity is by looking at historical records of human activity. Fossil fuels have been burnt since the start of the industrial revolution, along with forested land being cleared at unprecedented rates. These process have been turning the organic compounds into Carbon Dioxide. Enough carbon dioxide has been produced to raise the atmospheric content to 500ppm. Fortunately, these levels haven't been reach because the oceans and biosphere have the ability to absorb some of this CO2. Unfortunately, because we are producing CO2 faster than the oceans and biosphere can absorb them, we see the increased levels.

Another way, we know that the fossil fuels are causing CO2 increase in the atmosphere is by analysing the carbon isotopes, similar to carbon dating. More information can be found at Real Climate.

In the 1970's we were concerned about the coming Ice Age!

This is partly true - in that there were some predictions about an imminent ice age. However, when you compare the warnings then to today's warnings on Global Warming you will find a massive difference.

Today we have widespread scientific consensus that the world is warming, supported by national academies and all major scientific institutions, warning about rising temperatures and the link to CO2 by human activities. in the 1970's there was a book and a few articles in popular press, and a small amount of scientific speculation based on the recently discovered glacier cycles, and a slight cooling trend from "Global Dimming". No daily headlines. No avalanche of scientific papers. No UN treaties. No G8 summit. And nothing like an IPCC.

For more information on the "1970's Ice Age warnings" try visiting the RealClimate.

What is the IPCC?

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme.

The most recent assessment report issued by the IPCC on the 2 February 2007, concluded that global warming is "unequivocal" and gave the strongest warning yet that it is very likely (> 90%) caused by human activities.

Is research being funded to manufacture uncertainty about climate change?

Britain's Royal Society in September 2006, found that the world's largest publicly traded corporation Exxon-Mobil contributed nearly 16 million dollars between 1998 and 2005 to a network of 43 advocacy groups that questioned the increasingly solid consensus that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming.

"ExxonMobil has manufactured uncertainty about the human causes of global warming just as tobacco companies denied their product caused lung cancer," said Alden Meyer, UCS's director of strategy and policy.

The global oil and gas market generated total revenues of $3200.9 billion in 2005, representing an increase of 27.4% on the previous year’s value.

What is Ozone Depletion?

Most people are well aware that the World's Ozone layer is being depleted. Until recent times , aerosol products have contained CFC propellant chemicals, now proven to destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere. Most countries have introduced regulations to ban / minimise use of CFCs.

Why does this matter? Holes in the Ozone layer expose us to harmful UV light, linked strongly with skin cancer, cataracts and impaired immune systems. It is also thought to reduce crop yields and have deleterious effects on ocean and amphibious populations worldwide.

Common misconceptions about ozone depletion include:-

“Holes” in the ozone layer let more sun rays reach the ground, causing global warming X

Increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes ozone depletion X

The sun burns holes in the ozone layer X

Even though the hole in the ozone layer doesn't contribute to global warming. We should still be concerned about the affects of increased UV light.

What can I do? Some CFC products are still in use - most commonly in air conditioning units. Your car and maybe also your home have air conditioning units that feature ozone depleting refrigerant chemicals; if these are released into the atmosphere, they will cause harm. Make sure that you choose a reputable services company, who will safely recover the refrigerant chemicals when you have your equipment serviced... then you will avoid risk to the environment.

Carbon Footprint Calculator

2008-09-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the web's leading carbon footprint calculator.

First, please choose your country: why?

Next, select the appropriate tab above to calculate the part of your lifestyle you are most interested in, e.g. your flights.

Or, visit each of the tabs above to calculate your full carbon footprint.

Following your calculation, you can offset / neutralise your emissions through one of our climate-friendly projects.

Sources of our calculations

The calculations for the primary emissions are based on a combination of metrics from the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK's Department for Transport, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The calculations for the secondary emissions are based on estimates developed by Carbon Footprint to illustrate the impact on the environment from your day-to-day activities. Your actual secondary footprint may in reality be either lower or greater than that estimated here.

The total carbon footprint of an individual is the sum of their primary and secondary emissions.

The average carbon footprint per individual for each country is sourced from the EPA.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

2008-09-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Today it is more important than ever before to minimize your footprint.

Not only are the developed western countries producing more and more carbon emissions, but there is a growing problem as the population in Africa and Asia start living improved lifestyles which consume more energy.

We need to lead the way...

Did you know... Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions, so every time you make a coffee or turn the television on you are adding to global warming.

Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately

These will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in this list will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you money.

Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero

Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. etc. ...) Click here to find out which electrical items in your household are contribute the most to your Carbon Footprint

Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)

Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)

Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work

Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder

Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging

Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly

Do your weekly shopping in a single trip

Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it

Go for a run rather than drive to the gym

The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment

They should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.

Fit energy saving light bulbs

Install thermostatic valves on your radiators

Insulate your hot water tank, your loft and your walls

35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls. Installing cavity wall installation to a medium size house could reduce your heating bills by up to £100 per year

By installing 180mm thick loft insulation you could stop about 25% of your heating escaping through the roof

Recycle your grey water

Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"

Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler

Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.

Car share to work, or for the kids school run

Use the bus or a train rather than your car

For short journeys either walk or cycle

Don't use domestic flights (e.g. from London to Edinburgh), use a train or a coach.

Take the ferry or channel tunnel instead of flying to France

See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week

Next time you replace your car - check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel. Find out more about Biodiesel.

When on holiday - hire a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car

When staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room

Ask for your room towels to be washed every other day, rather than every day

As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.

If you buy foods out of season at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away - all adding to your carbon footprint.

Reduce your consumption of meat

Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away)

Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own

Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in

Try to buy products made closer to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands)

Buy organic produce

Don't buy over packaged products

Recycle as much as possible

Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting etc. etc...

In addition there is your footprint at work.

Do you leave your computer and monitor on when you are away from your desk? Do you leave the lights on when you leave the office? Do you print documents unnecessarily - and could you print two pages to a side and double sided?

Green Energy -The Wind Energy

2008-09-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

Renewable energy is clean, safe, and inexhaustible…

but it’s also vastly under-used. Currently UK suppliers are only required by law to buy green energy as 3% of their total spend - that seems like lip-service to us, and we know we're not alone...

60% of people surveyed in a recent BMRB poll said they consider pollution and climate change the biggest environmental challenge we face.

82% believe reducing our use of fossil fuels is important.

32% would give up cigarettes to pay for a green tariff.

The easiest and quickest way to reduce your carbon footprint...

Switching to green energy is one of the easiest and quickest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It takes just 5-10 minutes and you can do it now through this web site. You can quickly and easily compare green energy tariffs to get the best deal in your area, and start saving money on your energy bills.

Where does renewable energy come from?

If you switch to renewable energy it is most likely to be coming from Wind Power, or Hydroelectric Power. Other sources include Solar Power and Wave and Tidal Energy.

There are also other largely untapped sources such as biomass, landfill gas energy and combined heat and power (chp).

It is also possible to install Solar Water Heating and Small Wind Turbines on to your own house.

So how do green energy tariffs work?

When you use electricity on a green energy tariff, the supplying company will put energy from renewable sources back into the National Grid.

Green energy currently costs more to produce - however some suppliers do not charge a premium, so green electricity shouldn't cost any more than you pay with your current supplier. In fact, if you also transfer your gas supply to them it is likely to be cheaper.

The more people who sign up to green energy the cheaper it will become in the future, and remember, many suppliers are already selling it as cheap or even cheaper than you may currently be paying for your electricity.

Solar Water Heating

2008-09-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to heat water. The technology is widely available and well developed.

The Solar Water heating systems can provide nearly all your hot water during the summer months and about 50% all year round. The average domestic system can reduce you carbon emissions by about 400kg per year.
For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later. The panels work throughout daylight hours, even if the sky is overcast and there is no direct sunshine.

A south facing roof is ideal for installation of a solar water heating system to ensure receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You may also need space to locate an additional water cylinder.

The typical installation cost for a domestic flat plate collector system is £2,000 - £3,000. Evacuated tube systems will cost £3,500 - £4,500. Grants are available for households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, from an organization called clearskies.

Solar water systems can also be used for larger applications such as heating a swimming pool.

Wind Power

2008-09-12T06:03:00.000-07:00

Wind Power can be used to generate electricity for your home using commercially available wind turbines, specially designed for domestic use.

The size of domestic wind turbines vary, but as a guide a typical domestic system is likely to be in the region of 2.5 - 6 kilowatts.

The ideal site for a wind turbine is on the top of a hill away from other tall buildings, however there are systems that have been designed specifically for more urban locations.

Wind Power systems can be installed in off grid locations (where the electricity grid is not available) or where there is a grid connection. A special inverter and controller converts DC electricity to AC at a quality and standard acceptable to the grid. For grid connected systems, no battery storage is required, and any excess electricity can be exported to the grid and sold to the local electricity supply company.

The cost of installing a wind turbine for your home is likely to cost in the region of £2,500 to £5000 per kilowatt of electricity. Government grants are available in many areas to help with the installation costs. In the UK, grants are available from an organization called clearskies, who make available £1000 per kWe installed up to a maximum of £5000 to help with the installation costs.

Small scale wind power is suitable for many homes, however depending on your location, planning permission may be required from your local government / council authority, as visual impact, noise and conservation issues have to be considered.

Home Solutions

2008-09-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Reduce heat loss in your home

The picture below illustrates some of the main causes of heat loss in a typical house and provides some suggestions on how this can be reduced.

Through the roof - install loft insulation

Through windows - fit double glazing

Through gaps around doors - fit draft excluders

Through walls - use cavity wall insulation

Through the floor - fit carpet with underlay

Reduce energy usage in your home

Within your home try to:

Reduce the use of electrical appliances

When replacing appliances, try to buy appliances which use less power and have a good energy rating

Turn things off when not in use

Replace standard light bulbs with their low energy equivalents

Household Energy Consumption

2008-09-12T05:56:00.001-07:00

The table below gives you an idea of which appliances in your household are contributing the most to your carbon footprint. We have highlighted the low energy light bulb in red to show you that it could save you £12 per year in electricity costs if used instead of a standard 100W bulb.

The energy saving could therefore pay for the initial cost of replacing the bulb within the first year, as well as reducing your carbon footprint. To buy these at low cost please click here

Appliance	Usage	Per Use	Cost per year	kg CO2 per year
Microwave Oven	96 times per year	0.945 kWh per use( based on 1.39 kWh for full power and 0.5 kWh for defrosting)	£9.07	39
Washing Machine	187 washes per year	EU energy label A-rated gives an average consumption at 40°C using a 2kg load to be 0.63 kWh	£11.78	51
Electric Tumble Dryer	148 uses per year	2.50 kWh per cycle Based on an average load capacity of 4.76 kg of dry laundry	£37.00	159
Gas Tumble Dryer	148 uses per year	Based on a 4kg load	£11.00	* See below
Kettle	1542 uses per year	0.11 kWh per use based on heating 1 Litre of water	£16.90	73
Gas Oven	135.1 uses per year	1.52 kWh per use	£7.60	38
Gas Hob	424 uses per year	0.9 kWh per use	£14.12	71
Electric Oven	135.1 uses per year	1.56 kWh per use	£21.08	91
Electric Hob	424 uses per year	0.71 kWh per use	£30.10	129
Dishwasher at 55°C	110 uses per year	1.07 kWh per use	£11.77	51
Dishwasher at 65°C	135 uses per year	1.44 kWh per use	£19.44	84
Fridge-Freezer A ++ spec	24 hours a day	206 kWh per year	£20.60	89
Fridge-Freezer A+ spec	24 hours a day	270 kWh per year	£27.00	116
Fridge-Freezer A spec	24 hours a day	408 kWh per year	£40.80	175
Standard Light Bulb	4 hours a day	100 W	£14.60	63
Low Energy Light Bulb	4 hours a day	18 W	£2.63	11

*Gas driers are more carbon-efficient because they use a primary energy source. Click here to find out more on the Crosslee website.

The table below compares the various types of televisions and digital adapters, including on standby mode.

Appliance	Usage	Per use	Cost per year	kg CO2 per year
Primary TV – CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	198.5 W	£47.09	203
Primary TV – CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)	Standby 17.5 hours a day	4.2 W	£2.68	12
Primary TV – LCD 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	211.1 W	£50.08	215
Primary TV – LCD	Standby 17.5 hours a day	1.8 W	£1.15	5
Primary TV - Plasma 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	263.9 W	£62.61	269
Primary TV - Plasma	Standby 17.5 hours a day	3.6 W	£2.30	10
Primary TV – Rear projection 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	192.3 W	£45.62	196
Primary TV – Rear projection	Standby 17.5 hours a day	2.0 W	£1.28	5
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial	On Power 6.5 hours a day	7.1W	£1.68	7
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial	Standby 17.5 hours a day	6.4 W	£4.09	18
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial – Recorder	On Power 6.5 hours a day	17.6 W	£4.18	18
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial – Recorder	Standby 17.5 hours a day	11.3 W	£7.22	31

Household Energy Consumption

2008-09-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Appliance	Usage	Per Use	Cost per year	kg CO2 per year
Microwave Oven	96 times per year	0.945 kWh per use( based on 1.39 kWh for full power and 0.5 kWh for defrosting)	£9.07	39
Washing Machine	187 washes per year	EU energy label A-rated gives an average consumption at 40°C using a 2kg load to be 0.63 kWh	£11.78	51
Electric Tumble Dryer	148 uses per year	2.50 kWh per cycle Based on an average load capacity of 4.76 kg of dry laundry	£37.00	159
Gas Tumble Dryer	148 uses per year	Based on a 4kg load	£11.00	* See below
Kettle	1542 uses per year	0.11 kWh per use based on heating 1 Litre of water	£16.90	73
Gas Oven	135.1 uses per year	1.52 kWh per use	£7.60	38
Gas Hob	424 uses per year	0.9 kWh per use	£14.12	71
Electric Oven	135.1 uses per year	1.56 kWh per use	£21.08	91
Electric Hob	424 uses per year	0.71 kWh per use	£30.10	129
Dishwasher at 55°C	110 uses per year	1.07 kWh per use	£11.77	51
Dishwasher at 65°C	135 uses per year	1.44 kWh per use	£19.44	84
Fridge-Freezer A ++ spec	24 hours a day	206 kWh per year	£20.60	89
Fridge-Freezer A+ spec	24 hours a day	270 kWh per year	£27.00	116
Fridge-Freezer A spec	24 hours a day	408 kWh per year	£40.80	175
Standard Light Bulb	4 hours a day	100 W	£14.60	63
Low Energy Light Bulb	4 hours a day	18 W	£2.63	11

*Gas driers are more carbon-efficient because they use a primary energy source. Click here to find out more on the Crosslee website.

The table below compares the various types of televisions and digital adapters, including on standby mode.

Appliance	Usage	Per use	Cost per year	kg CO2 per year
Primary TV – CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	198.5 W	£47.09	203
Primary TV – CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)	Standby 17.5 hours a day	4.2 W	£2.68	12
Primary TV – LCD 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	211.1 W	£50.08	215
Primary TV – LCD	Standby 17.5 hours a day	1.8 W	£1.15	5
Primary TV - Plasma 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	263.9 W	£62.61	269
Primary TV - Plasma	Standby 17.5 hours a day	3.6 W	£2.30	10
Primary TV – Rear projection 34-37 inch	On Power 6.5 hours a day	192.3 W	£45.62	196
Primary TV – Rear projection	Standby 17.5 hours a day	2.0 W	£1.28	5
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial	On Power 6.5 hours a day	7.1W	£1.68	7
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial	Standby 17.5 hours a day	6.4 W	£4.09	18
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial – Recorder	On Power 6.5 hours a day	17.6 W	£4.18	18
Digital TV Adapter, Terrestrial – Recorder	Standby 17.5 hours a day	11.3 W	£7.22	31

Low Energy Light Bulbs

2008-09-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Low energy light bulbs use less than 20% of the energy of a conventional light bulb, and can last up to 15 times longer.

Fitting Low Energy Light Bulbs is simple, helps the environment and should reduce your lighting bills.

So what type of low energy bulb should you buy?

Both CFL light bulbs (low energy light bulbs) and LED light bulbs offer substantial energy savings. LED bulbs offer the greater saving overall using less energy and lasting longer at 60,000 hours, however a greater initial investment is required. In addition alternative fittings may be required and at present they only provide directional lighting.

With improvements in LED’s making them more and more viable, they will be the choice of the future, but for now we would recommend choosing CFL bulbs. The energy savings are still very good and although they have a lesser life span at 6,000-15,000 hours, they are much cheaper and can directly replace your current bulbs which only last 1,000 hours, helping the environment and your pocket straight away.

Will just swapping light bulbs make a difference?

By swapping a normal bulb to an energy saving bulb you could cut energy wastage by three quarters and save £9 on your electricity bill. It might seem like a small change, but if every home in the UK changed just 3 light bulbs, enough energy would be saved to light the UK’s street lamps.

But don’t energy saving light bulbs use more energy when first turned on, therefore wasting more energy if switching lights on and off?

Carbon Footprint carried out an in-house investigation and found that if anything low energy bulbs used slightly less energy when first switched on, gradually building up to a continual wattage (which only took a couple of seconds).

CFL Low energy light bulbs contain mercury, is that safe?

Low energy bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury which is not at all dangerous when contained within the bulb. The bulbs should be disposed of responsibly and can either be collected in your normal household waste bin or can be recycled at your local council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre or at collection points provided by some light bulb retailers.

Should you break a bulb in the house, it is advised that the broken material is swept up using a damp cloth and both the debris and cloth put into a double layered plastic bag and taken to a collection point for disposal. The room should then be well ventilated for at least 15 minutes.

Cavity wall insulation & Loft Insulation

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Cavity wall insulation is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing heat loss in your home. Up to 35% of heat can be lost through the walls of your home.

Cavity wall insulation is a simple solution which can reduce heat loss in your walls by up to 60%. This could save you up to $350 (£200 GBP) per year on a your heating bills, if your home is currently poorly insulated. The cost of installing cavity wall insulation should be recovered within 5 years from the savings in your heating bills.

You first need to check that your walls are suitable for cavity wall insulation. Cavity walls are at least 12 inches (30cm) thick and comprise an outer and inner wall separated by a air gap. If you are unsure then contact a cavity wall specialist.

It's well worth checking to see if you are eligible for a grant. Government grants are available in many countries, to help pay the cost of installing cavity wall insulation.

Loft Insulation

25% of the heat generated in your house could be going through the roof!

Loft insulation is one of the most cost efficient ways of reducing your heating bills and is also easy to install.

The ideal thickness of loft insulation is about 200mm (8 inches), so if the insulation in your loft is less than this then you should top it up.

Loft insulation can be installed by anyone reasonably competent at DIY (do it yourself). Lay the insulation between the joists where possible, and then at right angles to the first layer when it reaches the top of the joists (most joists will be less than 4" high). Make sure the loft hatch is also insulated.

Grey Water Technology Solutions

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Not only is water a scarce resource globally- it also takes a huge amounts of energy to move it around - all adding to your carbon footprint. Grey water is the solution.

Money goes down the plug-hole

Most consumers are very wasteful when it comes to water usage. In Western economies, we take water supply for granted and use huge quantities of potable water - often for non-essential purposes and - worst - sometimes we just pour it straight away. An increasing number of us now have water meters fitted to our homes - meaning that we are quite literally pouring money down the drain.

So what can you do ? Clearly, we can all make efforts to cut down on our use of water by simple means (see Less Waste) - but also domestic water treatment equipment is now available to help householders to recycle used potable water ( 'Grey Water') and also to harvest rainwater. We like to think of this as Green Water.

Giving Grey Water the Green Rinse

With the right treatment, you can put Grey Water to good use in applications such as laundry, toilet flushing, and also for plant watering - for which the phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients provide a good food source. Grey water provides many benefits.

You can install a home UV filtration system from a number of suppliers globally.

Rainwater Harvesting

This is a low cost option that simply involves the collection of rainwater from surfaces on which rain falls. Generally, water will be collected from the roofs of buildings and stored in rainwater tanks. All you need is to capture this rainwater and direct it from roof gutters to your rainwater storage tank.

Car Travel

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What can drivers do to reduce emissions?

For local travel consider leaving the car at home and either walk, cycle or use public transport

Keep the vehicle properly serviced

Check tyre pressures at least once a fortnight

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the boot

Plan the journey, so you don't get lost and waste fuel

Try to avoid congested areas

When starting up, there is no need to allow the engine to warm up - it is better to just drive off

Try to avoid sudden acceleration, engine revving, and sudden braking - harsh accelerating and braking can use up to 30% more fuel and increase wear and tear of the vehicle

Avoid using air conditioning if possible, as this uses more fuel

Drive with the windows closed, as this reduces drag on the vehicle

Accelerate slower

Switch the engine off if you think you are likely to be stationary for more than 2 minutes

On motorways be aware of the cars 3 or 4 ahead, and keep a good distance from the car in front to avoid unnecessary braking

When replacing your car, look for the most carbon efficient (i.e. with a low gCO2/km figure) or with a high mpg - check out our car emissions calculator to see how much you could save

Biodiesel offers a great way to cut car emissions

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Biodiesel is a fuel that can be used in any diesel powered vehicle. It is biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel is a fantastic way of reducing your carbon footprint as it only releases the carbon dioxide that the plants absorbed whilst growing, therefore there is no negative impact on the carbon cycle.

Biodiesel can be made from waste vegetable oil. This can be collected from chip shops and restaurants and processed to make biodiesel that can be used to run any diesel motor.

What many people don't realise is that biodiesel is actually good for your car too. Unlike conventional diesel, biodiesel replenishes the lubricity, reducing engine problems and enhancing the life and efficiency of your motor. Biodiesel 's natural cleaning properties will also help to clean injectors, fuel lines, pumps and tanks, meaning that the overall maintenance costs are reduced.

Virtually anybody can make biodiesel, as it is so easy you can even make it in your own kitchen.

There are however a few words of caution to bear in mind.

You may need to pay a small amount of duty on the fuel depending on the source and quantity used.

If using cooking oils, check to make sure it does not contain animal fat. The use of animal fats as a fuel is illegal as it falls under a specific waste legislation.

Check your car manufacturer’s warranty for their advice on fuel use- some manufacturers will not honour the warranty should you use a fuel different to that advised.

In summary, once you’ve done your homework and are happy to make the change, your diesel motor will run better and last longer on biodiesel fuel, which is much cleaner, better for the environment and better for health. If you make it from used oil it's not only extremely cheap but you'll be recycling a troublesome waste product.

Frequently asked questions

The mass production of biofuel has been reported to cause negative economic, social and environmental impacts in some of the economically less developed countries growing them. Should we really be encouraging a swap to biofuel if this is the case?

There have been issues recently with some farmers cutting down areas of natural rainforest or converting agricultural land for the production of oil producing crops. Although they offer an increased income this can result in damage to natural ecosystems or a local food shortage. If carefully managed however, there are many advantages to oil crop production.

With their resistant nature, plants such as Jatropha can be grown in areas of desertification, where no other crops can grow, creating an income for landowners.

Jatropha also possesses pest resistant qualities and can be planted in field margins around other crops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

And finally, in addition to oil, the leaves can be used to make dyes and the stems sold as a wood product.

Whilst the crops offer huge potential for reducing CO2, the mass production of any crop can create negative knock on impacts which must be taken into account.

Are there any alternative sources of biofuel?

Research is currently underway into the use of algae in biofuel production. Algae has the potential to yield much higher quantities of oil and can be grown on sewerage plants and other alternative areas, taking the pressure off conventional farm land.

Secondary biofuel, sourcing oil from waste products, as described above requires no additional farming and reuses an unwanted resource. Quantities available would not be able to meet a countrywide demand, however there is plenty to meet current demands and used in part with diesel makes a significant difference to CO2 emissions.

So is Biofuel the answer to lowering vehicle emissions?

Biofuel has the potential to significantly reduce worldwide vehicle emissions; however the impacts of mass production must not be ignored in the process. Biodiesel as produced above, used either as your sole fuel or used in part with diesel will lower your emissions, however the best answer is to reduce your driving altogether! The less we all drive and the more we walk, bike and use public transport the better!

Recycling

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Throwing things away is a waste of the energy and the resources taken to make the product. Reducing the number of things that need to be thrown away, reduces the amount of materials which have to be quarried and mined.

Reduce, Re-use, Repair and Recycle

Reduce

We should all avoid products with excessive packaging

The production of the packaging uses additional energy

The extra volume and weight will have to be transported (by lorries, aircraft, ships etc.)

The packaging will be thrown out and will need to be collected from your home by a large waste disposal truck

Packaging then takes more space at land fill sites

Re-use

Everyone should try and re-use products for as long as feasibly possible. It is amazing how often people buy certain products and use them only once or twice, even though they can be re-used many times. For instance can you think of some items of clothing you have worn only once?

Recycle

Recycling uses less energy and produces less pollution than making things from scratch.

For example:-

Making Aluminium cans from old ones uses one twelfth of the energy to make them from raw materials.

For glass bottles, 315kg of CO2 is saved per tonne of glass recycled after taking into account the transportation and processing

Making bags from recycled polythene takes one third the Sulphur Dioxide and half the Nitrous Oxide, than making them from scratch.

Another form of recycling is composting household and garden waste.

Why compost?

it helps fertilize soil, making plants and vegetables grow better

using home made compost will minimise depletion of peat bogs

reduces the number of refuse collections needed

reduces the strain on land fill sites

you may be able to get a reduced price compost bin via the recycle now website

What can you compost?

Garden waste (fallen leaves, grass cuttings and prunings)

Kitchen waste (such as raw vegetables, fruit, crushed egg shells, tea leaves and tea bags)

In addition try, shredded paper and cardboard.

Gifting items to charity is also an excellent form of recycling. Charities not only sell old clothes, but would also appreciate other house hold items, such as books, music CDs, videos, etc. As well as saving the planet against global warming you will also be helping others.

Switch to Green Energy

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Compare all the Green Energy suppliers and prices for your area.

It’s simple and easy to find the best deal, you can apply online and we'll also offset 1 tonne of CO2 for every household that switches energy provider through this web site.


Please enter your full postcode

e.g. SO40 9AA
Why we need your postcode (click)

Offsetting Carbon Footprint

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Is offsetting the solution to climate change?

At Carbon Footprint, our belief is that climate change will only be addressed if each and every one of us takes responsible steps to REDUCE their CO2 emissions.

We do realise that for some individuals, businesses and organisations, avoidance of all CO2 emissions will be almost impossible – in this case, Carbon Offsetting plays a vital role.

What is Carbon Offsetting ?

Each of our everyday actions consume energy and produce carbon dioxide emissions, e.g. taking holiday flights, driving our cars, heating or cooling our homes and offices. Carbon Offsets can be used to compensate for the emissions produced by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving somewhere else.

How do I Carbon Offset ?

The process of Carbon offsetting involves two steps – first a calculation of your carbon footprint. For individuals, you can do this on-line with our real-time calculator. For small businesses we offer a free to use on line calculator. For larger organisations, we offer a service tailored to the needs of your business – please contact us for your obligation-free carbon footprint appraisal quotation.

The second step involves buying carbon offset credits from emission reduction projects. Such projects will prevent / have already prevented or removed an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere in the World. As CO2 emissions are distributed across the World, it does not matter whether you make the reduction in Manchester or Mumbai – the positive effect on the environment will be the same.

What types of carbon offset can I buy & what are their benefits?

Carbon Footprint offers a broad range of products that fall into two categories that we call Certified Carbon Credits and Voluntary Carbon Credits.

Certified Carbon Credits

Certified Emission Reduction (CER) products are Kyoto Protocol compliant. They are fully traceable, and will have been verified by the United Nations (UN).

European Union Allowances (EUAs) can be retired. Offsetting in this way reduces the amount of carbon dioxide allowance, available for the largest polluting companies to buy. The EUAs would otherwise be traded on to Companies to help them to meet their emissions targets. By buying these types of offsets you are encouraging organisations to continue to make savings of CO2, and pushing the market to make it increasingly expensive for polluting companies to buy more credits.

Voluntary Carbon Credits

These products include our international tree planting programmes, and our clean energy fund. Our programmes are independently monitored and fully traceable. Trees reduce CO2 by a process known as carbon sequestration – i.e. trees breathe in CO2 and exhale harmless Oxygen. Our Kenya trees are planted on owned & managed land, where they are protected by local legislation.

Trees have further benefits of providing sustainable eco-environments. They provide a habitat for wildlife, encourage biodiversity, and beautify the landscape. In developing countries, they also support community sustainability by encouraging sustainable land management & build wealth creation.

We also retire Verified Emission Reduction (VER) credits through our Clean Energy Fund. All carbon offset projects in our Clean Energy Fund will be verified against the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS).

Is Carbon Footprint approved by DEFRA's Code of Best Practice?

Carbon Footprint welcomes DEFRA's initiative to establish a code of best practice for carbon offsetting.

This code is currently being reviewed and is due to be in place by the middle of 2008, so at the moment no offset provider is approved by DEFRA, as the code has not yet been released.

We are however, delighted to be consultees in DEFRA's Code of Best Practice consultation programme, and will seek accreditation as soon as the code is in place.

How are Carbon Footprint's offsets verified ?

Carbon Footprint has adopted a strict protocol for management of offsets / supply chain from the inception of our business. We carry out careful due diligence of our project collaborators and suppliers before we offer any products to you.

Most of our projects are verified against the international Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS).

Ongoing management of our carbon offset project portfolio is fully traceable. We keep detailed records of all purchase made through this web site, along with a database of all the offline sales (most of which are made to companies). We also have a system, which records when tree planting has occured or offsets have been retired, so they can be cross referenced with the customer purchases.

Solutions for Carbon Footprints

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Carbon Footprint supports carbon offsetting projects internationally, to help address the threat posed by climate change.

Our balanced programme includes support of renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon sequestration. In addition we have an account to retire credits from the European Climate Exchange (ECX), and can purchase CER credits / projects for our larger customers.

Clean / Renewable Energy

We support alternative and renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and biomass. Currently Carbon Footprint is support the following projects

Wind Power Generation in India

Hydropower Generation in South America

Fuel Switch from fossil fuels to agricultural waste in Africa

Tree Planting / Sequestration

Sequestration reduces carbon dioxide emissions by taking it out of the atmosphere. Tree planting is a well-known form type of sequestration, and we are also appraising new technologies to “bury” CO2 that are showing good potential. Currently Carbon Footprint is supporting tree planting activities in Kenya and UK.

Energy Efficiency

We also support projects which aim to improve energy efficiency around the world and hence reduce carbon emissions.

Retirement of Carbon Credits

Carbon Footprint has an account to enable us to retire European Union Allowances (EUAs), on the European Climate Exchange.

This service is currently only available to organisations wanting to offset large volumes of CO2. Contact us if you are a business that would prefer to offset by retirement of EUAs.

Certified Emission Reductions (CERs)

Carbon Footprint can also source Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). Companies in countries with Kyoto targets can undertake Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in those without Kyoto targets. Following a verification process such projects are credited with CER.

Carbon Footprint can source CERs to offset emissions for businesses / large organisations. Often the entire project is bought as it comes to market. There is however a continuous CER pipeline, so Carbon Footprint can source your CER to-order. You can choice between Renewable Energy Projects and Energy Efficiency projects.

Alternative / Renewable Energy

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Carbon Footprint Ltd supports a variety of clean / renewable energy offset projects around the world. Examples of carbon offset projects supported through Carbon Footprint's Clean Energy Fund are shown below.

All carbon offset projects in the Clean Energy Fund will be verified against the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS).

Wind Energy Project in Harshnath, India

The objective of this carbon offset project is development, design, engineering, procurement, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of wind power projects totaling 4.8 MW wind power projects in the Indian state of Rajasthan to provide reliable, renewable power to the Rajasthan state electricity grid which is part of the Northern regional electricity grid. The project will lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions because it displaces electricity from fossil fuel based electricity generation plants.

The carbon offset project activity contributes towards sustainable development of the country and the state of Rajasthan by reducing the dependency on fossil fuel based electricity generation, which ultimately leads to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon offset project also fulfils several other sustainable development objectives as set out below:

Carbon Dioxide abatement and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through development of renewable technology
Reducing the average emission intensity, average effluent intensity and average solid waste intensity of power generation in the system
Conserving natural resources including land, forests, minerals, water and ecosystems and
Developing the local economy and create jobs and employment, particularly in rural areas, which is a priority concern for the Government of India

The total estimated reductions from this carbon offset project are 16,591 tonnes of CO2e

Hydropower Generation in South America

The objective of this carbon offset project is to reduce the emissions through the displacement of fossil fuels through clean renewable energy generation. South American electricity matrix expansion is moving towards a larger participation of thermo / hydro power generation and therefore increases the importance of renewable sources like this carbon offset project.

The installation of small hydropower plants is the direct proof that the energy company is committed to the environment and sustainable practice through the generation of electricity utilising clean renewable sources, and in compliance with all environmental regulations. This carbon offset project is a reference on how one can expand generation capacity in a sustainable way.

Fuel Switch from fossil fuels to agricultural waste, in Africa

The purpose of the carbon offset project activity is in offering local farmers the opportunity to improve their livelihood stream through the sale of agricultural “waste” products, while at the same time allowing the project sponsor to proceed without importing costly fossil fuels.

A company operating a crude palm oil refinery for edible oils constructed a new biomass-fuelled refinery to burn agricultural residues and plantation based firewood instead of traditional fossil fuels. The new biomass boilers primarily utilise agricultural residues, specifically coffee, rice, macadamia, and cashew husks and shells, as well as eucalyptus firewood. In addition, because the boilers will use solid fuels, they will also burn the “spent earth,” a densely packed clayey mass and a waste product of the crude palm oil refining process, which contains residual oil at 20% by weight. Business-as-usual procedures are to dump this spent earth, thereby creating methane emissions through the anaerobic digestion of the organic material.

The current practice in co-operative coffee processing plants is to discard the husks as waste material, which in itself, if stockpiled in anaerobic heaps releasing methane into the atmosphere.

Specifically, the carbon offset project will:

Increase income/employment opportunities by supplying economic value to a product that has previously been considered to be waste;

Allow the possibility for spin-off small-to-medium enterprise development as farmers derive additional income from their labor;

Optimize the use of natural resources, avoid new uncontrolled waste disposal sites;

Diversify the sources of heat and power generation;

Use clean and efficient technologies, and conserve natural resources;

Act as a clean technology demonstration project, one of the first of its kind in Kenya, encouraging development of modern and more efficient cogeneration of electricity using biomass fuel throughout the Country;

Reduce the land area required in the footprint of the refining facility as compared with the dumping of agricultural waste;

As opposed to a fossil fuel-fired plant, the carbon offset project does not lead to an outflow of foreign exchange capital, since the biomass waste does not have to be imported.

Tree Planting in Kenya

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See the latest Kenya tree planting photos

Click here to plant a tree now!

Carbon Footprint is proud to support local communities in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, through our new tree planting programme with ESCONET. By planting trees you can help:

Offset CO2 emissions
Reduce poverty
Provide wildlife habitats
Create a brighter future for project team members including orphans and people living with HIV / AIDS

Latest News...

Carbon Footprint Ltd have received endorsement from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for our reforestation efforts in The Great Rift Valley. All trees pledged and planted by Carbon Footprint / ESCONET are being included in the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign, which aims to plant over 1 billion trees in 2007 across the globe to help avert damaging and economically debilitating climate change.

"We have but a short time to avert damaging and economically debilitating climate change. Forests are natural and economically important 'carbon sinks'. Globally, forest cover is at least one-third less than what it once was. It is time to reverse the trends, it is time to act.”

Achim Steiner, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme

What is ESCONET?
Escarpment Environment Conservation Network

ESCONET aims to effectively mobilise and build the Great Rift Valley community’s capacity to rehabilitate, conserve and protect the natural ecosystems and promote the sustainable maintenance of a clean, healthy environment.

The Challenge

The Kikuyu escarpment forest with its great mixture of both large and small wildlife animals, birds and butterflies, has been the beautiful gateway to the Great Rift Valley until degradation trend struck. This environment is the source of water and thus livelihood to the neighbouring communities.

In just a few years, wanton and deliberate destruction of the escarpment environment through charcoal burning, logging for timber and fuel wood, ring-debarking of medicinal trees and overgrazing has resulted to virtual depletion of forest vegetation cover. This has in return resulted to drying of springs/rivers/streams, soil erosion, emigration of wildlife/birds, scorching sun, human-wildlife conflict and the scarring of once a beautiful scenic landscape that generated some income through tourism.

The worst result from this environmental destruction was the ethnic clashes witnessed recently between the pastoral Maasai and the farming Kikuyu over use of the dwindling water resources at the base of the escarpment. This resulted in unnecessary deaths, injuries, loss and destruction of property and displacement of many families.

The communities have due to the negative climatic changes become even more dependent on the forest for their livelihoods. The women and girls move longer distances in search of fuel wood and water, exposing them to danger of attacks and sexual assaults. The Maasai have to bring their cattle to graze in the forest. With the loss of flora and fauna, the tourism income is dwindled, bringing the curio business down with it.

ESCONET has already started the rehabilitation project with members contributing their time, energy, implements and finances to plant of 30,000 indigenous trees on 30 hectares of the worst degraded areas.

Additional Benefits through your tree pledge in addition to Offsetting Carbon emissions

Poverty reduction through employment creation

Water catchment areas will be conserved providing water/food security.

Birds, butterflies and other wildlife habitats will be conserved and others created

Bees attracted by the trees in flowering seasons will benefit the community through sale of honey hence reduce poverty

Sale of fruit will help the community earn extra income

Nutritional Benefit from some of the fruit trees planted like the Avocado trees which are of great nutritional value

Ecotourism will be promoted with better forests giving alternative occupation to those previously engaging in destructive forest activities

The pastoral communities will have pastures for their animals during drought times

Some of our teams have orphans and Persons Living With HIV/Aids (PLWHA) and we contribute to them directly or through the Red Cross, Limuru Branch

The needy will benefit as we make contribution to the Kenya Red Cross Society, Limuru Branch whose youth group is our member. The money will also be promotion of education from the income

The trees also assist in the prevention and control of soil erosion

Beautification of our locality and the roads

Tree Planting Done in UK

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Planting trees is one of the easiest ways to offset your carbon footprint and become carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and wood, both of which are very useful for humans and other animals.

Offset CO2 emissions
Provide wildlife habitats
Plant native British trees
Enhance the natural UK landscape

Click here to plant a tree now!

We can sequester (i.e. absorb) the atmospheric carbon as part of the process of photosynthesis of trees and plants, which enables them to grow. Through this process, carbon dioxide is converted into stored carbon, and this is why trees are sometimes referred to as ‘carbon sinks’. By taking this carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, trees clean the air, and offset our polluting lifestyles.

Each tree planted ‘offsets’ your environmental impact by ‘breathing’ in about 730 kg CO2 emissions over its lifetime of 100 years. It is estimated that the average person needs to save about 7,000 kg of CO2 per year. So planting just 10 trees each year is one strategy for achieving this.

All trees planted are native broad-leaved trees, which as well as taking in CO2 also provide sustainable habitat for wildlife and enhance the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are the trees planted?

Most Carbon Footprint / Tree Appeal trees will be planted in low-profile surroundings. With the help of our tree planting partners and their local environmental knowledge, these native broad-leaved trees will be found homes where they are most needed; supplementing hedgerows, woodlands and nature reserves; alongside our highways, rivers and farmland. Trees are also planted in school grounds helping to educate and raise awareness among pupils.

For the trees being endorsed by Bill Oddie, you are able to select the UK county where they will be planted. If for some reason we are unable to plant in your county we will endeavor to plant in an adjacent one.

Would they be planted anyway?

There is a UK quota for tree planting which the government are committed to meet. All trees planted through Carbon Footprint will be in addition to any national quota, so you can be sure that any tree you are funding would not have been planted without your support.

How much carbon dioxide does a tree absorb?

It is estimated that one broad leaf tree will absorb approximately 730kg of carbon dioxide during its full life-time (approximately 100 years).

What are the advantages of planting trees in the UK?

These trees will improve our local environment and provide habitats for our local wildlife.

Only native British broad-leaved trees are planted in the UK, ensuring they are in keeping with the local surroundings.

Tree Appeal

Carbon Footprint has an exclusive agreement with Tree Appeal, allowing you to buy trees via the internet (i.e. the carbonfootprint.com web site). You can even specify which county the trees will be planted in.

Tree Appeal helps responsible organisations reduce their environmental footprint by planting native British broad-leaved trees. By planting trees we can help you to become carbon neutral. In the process we are providing wildlife habitat for many hundreds of years, passing on to future generations a fascinating and highly valuable ecological heritage.

Carbon Offset Standards

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The Voluntary Carbon Market Standards

The following is a list of the most commonly used international standards, used in the Offset Market.

VGS

Voluntary Gold Standard

Launched in May 2006 by WWF-UK (a nonprofit foundation)

It is a simplified version of the CDM Gold Standard, using the basic methodologies of the CDM Gold standard

Only available for projects in developing countries

They are focused on renewable energy and energy efficient projects with strong sustainable development benefits.

VCS

Voluntary Carbon Standard

This standard was developed by the Climate Group and International Emissions Trading Association (IETA).

It provides real, quantifiable, additional and permanent projects based emission reductions.

It has also created a registry to register, transfer and retire Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs).

VOS

Voluntary Offset Standard

Launched on the 28th June 2007 it is the latest voluntary standard to be released. It is based on the existing standards promoted by the UNFCCC. It brings the voluntary market up to the level of the regulated and standardized procedures of the (Kyoto) compliance market. VOS endorses the existing gold standard methodology. It meets and at some points exceeds CDM and JI standard.

Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CBB)

This standard has been developed by the Climate Community and Biodiversity Alliance.

It is for land based projects that can simultaneously deliver compelling climate biodiversity and community benefits.

It uses methodologies of the intergovernmental panel on climate change good practice guidance (IPCC GPG) but can also use approved CDM methodologies for calculating carbon reductions/savings.

Green-e

The Green-e logo is US based nationally recognized standard.

It is the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and companies that use renewable energy.

Voluntary Carbon Standard

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VCS aims to be the global bench mark standard for project based voluntary emission reductions.

It provides a credible but simple set of criteria that will provide integrity to the voluntary carbon market. The VCS will ensure that all project-based voluntary emission reductions that are independently verified to meet its criteria – defined as Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) - represent real, quantifiable, additional and permanent project-based emission reductions.

* VCS ensures a project will deliver contracted emissions reductions

* VCS ensures additionality

* VCS prevents double counting

* VCS prevents leakage effects

The VCS has created a registry managed by the bank of New York which is used to register, transfer and retire VCU’s from the market and therefore prevent double counting.

There are 10 minimum threshold criteria which the emission reduction project must satisfy in order for its reductions to meet The Voluntary Carbon Standard and be verified and registered.

1) The offset project must be one of the endorsed project categories

2) The emission reduction must involve any of the 6 GHG’s currently included within the Kyoto Protocol

3) The project start date or emission reduction must be on or after January 1st 2000

4) The crediting period should be a single crediting period of 10 years commencing from the project’s start date

5) The project boundary shall encompass all anthropogenic emissions by sources of GHG’s. Incorporating all primary effects (intended changes in emissions caused by the project) and significant secondary effects (unintended emissions caused by the project). The project will only use one project boundary to avoid double counting.

6) Secondary effects are to be incorporated into the calculation methodology

7) The calculation methodology is to use CDM Executive board approved calculations for determining the emission reduction where possible. Combinations of approved methodologies can be used. The proponent may use a performance standard or best practice approach when a CDM methodology is not available either in its entirety or as a combination.

8) The project activity must be additional i.e. the emission reduction must be below what would have occurred in the absence of the project.

9) The project must not have any negative impact on the sustainable development in the local community.

10) The project must use the most recent emission reduction monitoring protocol that has been approved by the CDM executive board or the JI supervisory committee.

DEFRA Code of Best Practice

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DEFRA launches process
On 19 February 2008, Hillary Benn, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the framework for the Code of Best Practice for Carbon Offsetting.

"Carbon Footprint believes that climate change will ultimately be tackled by each and every one of us being aware of our carbon footprint and making lifestyle changes to reduce it, however we realise that reduction to zero is not possible for everyone, and in this way carbon offsetting plays an important role. We have been vocal for some considerable time to promote a standard for all voluntary offset programmes and welcome the government's new initiative being lead by DEFRA"

John Buckley, Managing Director, Carbon Footprint

What is this "code of best practice"?

It is a programme set up to look at developing a voluntary code of practice for carbon offsetting. The main aims of establishing a best practice code are to:

* educate people about offsetting and its role in addressing climate change

* enable people to make choices about offsetting

* increase consumer confidence

* show offset providers the quality and verification standards to which they should aspire

This applies to offsetting to consumers - there are no plans as yet by DEFRA to roll this out to businesses.

For more information on the DEFRA consultation process go to... DEFRA CODE