"Carbon offsets play an important role in a multi-dimensional solution to slowing climate change. Carbon NeutralA voluntary mechanism where an activity, event, household, business or organisation is responsible for no net emissions of greenhouse gasesGreenhouse 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). 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 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. , purchasing renewable energy) and then purchasing offsets for any residual emissions in order to achieve zero net emissions. always advocates for, and supports through our work, the importance of reducing emissions where possible as a crucial first step. Offsets provide a facility to mitigate the impact of non-reduable emissions on our atmosphere.
Carbon offsetting through native tree planting is an important means of removing CO2A 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 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. is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. from the atmosphere. By sequestering CO2 for 100 years, tree planting offsets provide a bridge to a clean energy future during the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy generation. Planting trees as offsets can address other environmental issues such as salinity, erosion, loss of biodiversity and habitat, and land degradation. Tree planting also has the potential benefit of providing 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 BiofuelsBiofuels are renewable fuels made from biomass that can be used to supplement or replace the fossil fuels (such as petroleum and diesel) used in transport. The two main biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of sugar or starch in crops such as corn and sugar cane. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils in crops such as soybean, or from animal fats. , 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. fuel for clean energy production through Integrated Wood Processing (IWP) and biomass electricity generation plants."