Balance Carbon
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Return to Summary of all ProvidersPrimary activity : RetailerCarbon offset retailers either fund or purchase carbon offsets in large quantities and then on sell them to individual consumers in smaller quantities. Price (per tonne CO2e) : AU$0 - AU$30
Summary
Balance Carbon's view on the role of carbon offsets in addressing climate change"Carbon offsets provide a pathway to help minimise an organisation's or individual's impact on climate change, when used in conjunction with a strategy to measure, manage and mitigate emissions from existing activities. In moving towards the low carbon economy, carbon offsets provide an important instrument of transition.
Balance Carbon has the role of helping organisations transition into the new low carbon economy. We view greenhouse gas (GHGGreenhouse Gases in the earth's atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. The Kyoto ProtocolAn international agreement linked to the UNFCCC and sharing its aim of stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, but requiring separate ratification by governments. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, sets binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by industrialized countries. It entered into force for ratifying countries in February 2006 and commits developed nations to collectively cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 per cent of 1990 levels by 2012. Came into force in Australia on 11 March 2008. lists six major greenhouse gases, which vary in their relative warming effect. The six gases are: carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. (CO2), methaneMethane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with a GWP of 21. (CH4), nitrous oxideAgriculture accounts for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Australia, The transport sector also contributes to emissions of N2O. N2O has a high global warming potential of about 310 times that of CO2.it breaks down very slowly – over about 120 years (N2O), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbonsMajor releases of HFCs are from leakage from refrigeration equipment during operation and its end-of-life destruction. Minor releases arise from the use of HFC-containing aerosols, air conditioners and metered dose inhalers.HFCs have very high global warming potentials (140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxide).), PFCsMost emissions of PFCs in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years). (perfluorocarbons) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is a man-made chemical. The major sources of SF6 release include leakage from electrical switchgear, from magnesium smelting processes and use in semiconductor manufacture. It has by far the highest global warming potential (23,900 times that of carbon dioxide), however it is only released in relatively small amounts.).) emission management as the umbrella or framework for product and service innovation, building brand reputation, improving competitiveness and reducing operating costs. When we deal with GHG emissions we are also dealing with improving efficiency, minimising wastage and using better business practices to achieve positive environmental, social and economic outcomes."
Detailed InformationClick on the tabs below for more information:
Summary
Role in the Carbon Offset Market[Q1]RetailerMain client base[Q3]All types. Large Public Companies, SME's, NGO's, Local & State GovernmentOffset Products
Offset Products
Price(s) per tonne[Q17]AU$0 - AU$30Project Type(s)[Q32] - Hydroelectric (small scale)
- Avoided deforestationProject Location(s)[Q33]- International
- Domestic
[Find out more about project types]Offset Quality
Offset Quality
Organisation is licensed to provide financial advice (or to be an authorised representative in providing financial advice) in the context of brokerage of carbon commodities[Q23a]Information not providedOffsets generated and sold by Balance Carbon[Q38]- Verified Carbon StandardThe VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a global standard and criteria for validating, measuring, and monitoring voluntary carbon offset projects. For more information, see here. VCUs
Non-accredited offsetsHow does your organisation calculate the amount and price of carbon offset required by customers?[Q10]- Customer’s online data input about flights, car usage, electricity consumption etc. (i.e. online only service)
- Personal contact from clients with specific needs for type of offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. and tonnage
- Personal contact from customers wanting the service of carbon footprinting and (generic) offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. purchase to achieve carbon neutralityDo you provide quality assurance or technical documentation on your web site or on request?[Q16]http://www.balancecarbon.com/knowledge-centre/legislation-standards/
Is your organisation audited by an independent third party for the sale and retirement of offsets and / or RECs?[Q16b] NoDoes your organisation supply National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) or NCOS compliant abatement to customers from 1st July 2010?[Q18] Yes, NCOSThe Commonwealth Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) came into effect on 1 July 2010 coinciding with the cessation of the Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™ program. It is intended to ensure that consumers have confidence in the voluntary carbon offset market and the integrity of the carbon offset and carbon neutral products they purchase. It provides guidance to businesses who wish to make their organisation carbon neutral or develop carbon neutral products in a way that achieves emissions reductions, through the purchase and cancellation of eligible carbon offsets. More Information eligible offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. units
[Q19]What evidence of purchase can customers expect to receive when buying carbon offsets from your organisation?- Certificate for amount of offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. purchased
- Independent certification and / or third party documentation in relation to the project
- Certificate of Retirement/Acquittal
- Certificate of Transfer/Ownership
- Serial numbers to identify offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. units purchased
- Tax InvoiceWhat documentation is available to customers about the carbon offset project/s as part of the education and quality assurance process?[Q22]- Project Design DocumentA Project Design Document is the official application drawn up by an entity applying for project approval under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). PDDs must be validated by an independent third party, then approved and registered by the CDM Executive Board before a project qualifies as a CER carbon credit earner. as defined under Kyoto
- Validation Report – From the Relevant Standard
[Find out more about issues relating to offsetting]
[Find out more about Certification Standards]Resources
Resources
Do you provide a carbon footprint calculation service for your customers?[Q12]- Yes, our own online calculator
- Yes, personalised assessmentCarbon calculation - methodology, standards or guidelines[Q13]- NGA FactorsThe National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors is an Australian guide to emission factors from a range of sectors that is used by companies to calculate greenhouse gases. It is prepared by the Department of Climate Change and replaces the AGO Factors & Methods Workbook. For more information, see here.
- GHG ProtocolThe Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The GHG Protocol is an international accounting tool for government and business to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. It has been developed by a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and provides an internationally accepted accounting framework for GHG standards and programs, as well as inventories prepared by individual companies.
- ISO 14000ISO 14000 is a set of international standards, which provide a framework for the development of an environmental management system (EMS) and supporting audit programs. The ISO 14000 series are intended to help organisations comply with applicable laws, regulations and requirements and to continually improve on their environmental performance.
- ISO 14064A global GHG accounting, reporting and verification standard. The goal of the standard is to 'provide a set of unambiguous and verifiable requirements or specifications to support organisations and proponents of GHG emissions reductions projects.'
- BSI British Standards PAS 2050PAS 2050 is a product carbon footprinting standard. It provides a method for assessing the GHG emissions arising from products across their life cycle, from initial sourcing of raw materials through manufacture, transport, use and ultimately recycling or waste. The Carbon Trust and Defra co-sponsored the publication by the British Standards Institution of PAS 2050.Do you apply National Greenhouse Accounts Factors full fuel cycle emissions conversion factors to calculate customer emissions?[Q14]- YesIn your calculation of customer emissions which of the 6 Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases do you include?[Q15]- Carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomassBiomass is non-fossilized and organic biodegradable material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as Biofuels, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. , as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.
- MethaneMethane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with a GWPGlobal warming potential (GWP) measured in CO2e, is the potency of greenhouse gases, meaning their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, through the difference in time greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere, and their effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. The GWP is a numerical measure relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. So carbon dioxide itself has a GWP of 1 and, for example, methane has a GWP of 21. of 21.
- Nitrous oxideAgriculture accounts for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Australia, The transport sector also contributes to emissions of N2O. N2O has a high global warming potentialGlobal warming potential (GWP) measured in CO2e, is the potency of greenhouse gases, meaning their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, through the difference in time greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere, and their effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. The GWP is a numerical measure relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. So carbon dioxide itself has a GWP of 1 and, for example, methane has a GWP of 21. of about 310 times that of CO2A greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature..it breaks down very slowly – over about 120 years
- Sulphur hexafluorideSulphur hexafluoride (SF6Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is a man-made chemical. The major sources of SF6 release include leakage from electrical switchgear, from magnesium smelting processes and use in semiconductor manufacture. It has by far the highest global warming potential (23,900 times that of carbon dioxide), however it is only released in relatively small amounts.) is a man-made chemical. The major sources of SF6 release include leakageIn relation to carbon offsets, leakage is the direct or indirect increase in GHG emissions from a greenhouse gas reduction project, which is also measurable and attributable to the project. from electrical switchgear, from magnesium smelting processes and use in semiconductor manufacture. It has by far the highest global warming potentialGlobal warming potential (GWP) measured in CO2e, is the potency of greenhouse gases, meaning their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, through the difference in time greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere, and their effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. The GWP is a numerical measure relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. So carbon dioxide itself has a GWP of 1 and, for example, methane has a GWP of 21. (23,900 times that of carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.), however it is only released in relatively small amounts.
- HydrofluorocarbonsMajor releases of HFCs are from leakageIn relation to carbon offsets, leakage is the direct or indirect increase in GHG emissions from a greenhouse gas reduction project, which is also measurable and attributable to the project. from refrigeration equipment during operation and its end-of-life destruction. Minor releases arise from the use of HFC-containing aerosols, air conditioners and metered dose inhalers.HFCs have very high global warming potentials (140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.).
- PerfluorocarbonsMost emissions of PFCsMost emissions of PFCs in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years). in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years).Other carbon management services[Q11]- Footprinting services
- Advisory services
- Carbon neutrality
- Scoping customer emissions
- Auditing
- Emissions monitoring
- Measuring and reporting services for carbon abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual. projects
- Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency improvements refer to a reduction in the energy used for a given service (heating, lighting, etc.) or level of activity. Such savings are generally achieved by substituting technologically more advanced equipment to produce the same level of end-use services (e.g. lighting, heating, motor drive) with less electricity. Auditing
- NABERSthe National Australian Built Environment Rating System - is a national initiative managed by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. NABERS is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS rates a building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment, and provides a simple indication of how well you are managing these environmental impacts compared with your peers and neighbours.
- GreenStar Assessments
- Project development
- Consultancy on emission reducing project options in Australia and Internationally
[Find out more about carbon offsetting]Projects
Project Information
Run of River Hydro | International
General Information
This project is not owned by Balance Carbon | 86MW Run of RIver Hydro Project in Himachel Pradesh, IndiaPrice per tonne of CO2e[Q30]$3-$15
Project Type(s)[Q32] - Hydroelectric (small scale)Quality
Accreditation or certification achieved as at August 2011[Q38]- Verified Carbon StandardThe VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a global standard and criteria for validating, measuring, and monitoring voluntary carbon offset projects. For more information, see here. VCUsAre the verified emission reductions created from this project NCOS compliant abatement?[Q41]- Yes, NCOSThe Commonwealth Government’s National Carbon Offset StandardThe Commonwealth Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) came into effect on 1 July 2010 coinciding with the cessation of the Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™ program. It is intended to ensure that consumers have confidence in the voluntary carbon offset market and the integrity of the carbon offset and carbon neutral products they purchase. It provides guidance to businesses who wish to make their organisation carbon neutral or develop carbon neutral products in a way that achieves emissions reductions, through the purchase and cancellation of eligible carbon offsets. More Information (NCOS) came into effect on 1 July 2010 coinciding with the cessation of the Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™The Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative operated between 2001 and 30 June 2010. It certified carbon neutral products and services and approved abatement credits for sale on the voluntary market. Applications for new abatement projects have closed. These were not considered eligible offsets under NCOS and could not be retired for the purpose of becoming carbon neutral under the NCOS from 1 July 2010. This situation may change in future as a result of reviews of the NCOS by DCCEE. program. It is intended to ensure that consumers have confidence in the voluntary carbon offset market and the integrity of the carbon offset and carbon neutralA voluntary mechanism where an activity, event, household, business or organisation is responsible for no net emissions of greenhouse gases and can therefore be declared carbon neutral in that specific area. Carbon neutrality can be achieved by reducing emissions as far as possible (e.g. energy efficiency, purchasing renewable energy) and then purchasing offsets for any residual emissions in order to achieve zero net emissions. products they purchase. It provides guidance to businesses who wish to make their organisation carbon neutral or develop carbon neutral products in a way that achieves emissions reductions, through the purchase and cancellation of eligible carbon offsets. More Information eligible offsetA carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHGGreenhouse Gases in the earth's atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. The Kyoto Protocol lists six major greenhouse gases, which vary in their relative warming effect. The six gases are: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), PFCs (perfluorocarbons) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).) emissions or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere that is used to compensate for GHG emissions from your own activities. For more information see here. units
Greenhouse Friendly | QLD

General Information
This project is not owned by Balance Carbon | Avoided deforestation - Minding the Carbon StorePrice per tonne of CO2e[Q30]$15-$22/tonne
Project Type(s)[Q32] - Avoided deforestationThe carbon offset project / program uses private land?[Q32a]- This project retrospectively transpired on private land. It issued financial reward to landholders via the creation of carbon credits in exchange for avoided deforestation of their private properties (which has been registered on the land Title for perpetuity).Quality
Accreditation or certification achieved as at August 2011[Q38]- Non-accredited offsetsAre the verified emission reductions created from this project NCOS compliant abatement?[Q41]- No
Contact Details
Contact Details
For more information please contact:
Balance Carbon
www.balancecarbon.com
1300 7754 10
370 Unley Road, Unley Park SA 5061Information Submitted by Balance Carbon in October 2011




