Carbon offsetting is the act of neutralizing CO₂ emissions by purchasing the rights to emission reductions created elsewhere - often, though not exclusively, through the generation of clean, renewable energy. The most widely accepted and well regulated offsetting practice is achieved through the financing of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). When an organization purchases carbon offsets, a corresponding number of RECs are used to mitigate its CO₂ emissions. The result is a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions allowing organizations that offset their full liability to make a claim of carbon neutrality. Organizations and individuals alike will be pleasantly surprised at how easy and affordable it is to combat climate change through carbon offsetting.

What is a Renewable Energy Credit?
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) make it possible for organizations to offset their carbon emissions through third-party investments in clean, renewable energy. Energy generated from a renewable source consists of two distinct products: (1) the energy and, (2) the environmental benefits of that energy - namely the prevention of carbon emissions associated with conventional energy generation. Decoupling these products allows energy providers to sell into two markets, one electric and one environmental, thus providing two sources of revenue, both of which are often necessary for financial viability. One REC represents the environmental benefits gained by generating one megawatt hour (MWh) of clean, renewable electricity. This includes the avoidance of numerous emissions, most notably the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂). When an organization offsets their carbon emissions, we allocate an equivalent number of RECs to negate the organization's carbon liability. We pride ourselves in the use of only Green-eŽ Certified RECs, ensuring the full integrity of your carbon offsetting initiative.

NOTE: The Green-eŽ logo helps consumers easily identify environmentally superior renewable energy products. For more information on Green-eŽ certification requirements, call 1-888-63-GREEN or log on to www.green-e.org.

What is the best way to neutralize carbon emissions?
The best strategy for neutralizing carbon emissions consists of a three step process beginning with resource conservation, moving on to the direct purchase of green products and services including clean, renewable energy, and ending with the calculation of your carbon liability and the purchase of offsets.

1. Reduce Consumption
   The best way to begin your Climate Conscious™ campaign is to minimize consumption. There are numerous ways to reduce energy use, including the purchase of energy efficient electronics and appliances, installation of energy saving devices such as motions sensors for lighting, and the reduction of energy use related to commuting and air travel through measures such as public transportation and telecommuting. Additional reductions can be made by distinguishing needs from wants when considering the purchase of goods and services. (learn more)
    
2. Purchase Green Energy, Products, & Services
   The marketplace for green consumption has grown dramatically in just the past few years. Increasingly, local utilities are giving their customers the option to purchase clean, renewable energy by sourcing wind, solar, and other alternative forms of power (find providers in your area). In addition, many organizations and individuals are beginning to generate their own sources of power through the installation of solar arrays and the use of biofuels. Though clean technology does not yet exist for air travel, automobiles can be powered by electricity (though emissions can be diverted upstream), biodiesel, and electric-gas hybridization. Office products that contain recycled content, are biodegradable, embody fewer toxins, and have earned third party certifications are now easy to find at www.TheGreenOffice.com.
    
3. Calculate & Offset Carbon Emissions
   Here you will find a state-of-the-art, user-friendly Office Footprint Calculator™ that takes just minutes to complete and provides a comprehensive measure of the carbon emissions associated with your organization. Once you have calculated your carbon emissions you can offset all or part of your liability by purchasing high-quality, low-cost offsets with the click of a button.
    

How does purchasing Renewable Energy Credits help?
The more RECs purchased in the marketplace, the more we stimulate the growth of the alternative energy market. A REC allows buyers to claim credit for the environmental benefit associated with the generation of clean, renewable energy. RECs are tracked so that the associated environmental benefits are claimed by only one entity. RECs also represent a green premium paid to renewable energy generators to help overcome the barrier of competing against artificially inexpensive, often subsidized, conventional power.

What are Green-eŽ Certified Renewable Energy Credits?
Green-eŽ is a voluntary certification program that sets consumer protection and environmental standards for renewable electricity products. It also verifies that Green-eŽ Certified products meet certain quality standards and offer incremental environmental benefits. All of our RECs are certified by the Green-eŽ Renewable Electricity Certification program (www.green-e.org) managed by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions. The Green-eŽ logo assures the product is subject to a robust audit each year that accounts for every megawatt hour sold, who sold it, who purchased it, and where that energy was generated. Green-eŽ certification eliminates fraud and double counting, ensuring customer confidence in purchases. Green-eŽ is recommended by the U.S. EPA Green Power Partnership.

What is clean, renewable energy?
Over the last two centuries, the vast majority of energy has been derived from fossil fuels extracted from the Earth's crust. Unfortunately, fossil fuels are both finite and highly polluting, threatening energy security, human health, and global climate stability. Scientists estimate that worldwide oil and natural gas reserves will expire well before this century ends and have measured a dramatic rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels from a pre-industrial average of about 275 parts per million (ppm) to 383 ppm today. In light of these stark realities, efforts are being made worldwide to reduce carbon emissions, including harnessing clean, renewable sources of energy. In the past few decades, alternative energy technologies have taken-off, including those derived from solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass resources. More recently, engineers have envisioned methods of harnessing tidal and wave energy from the ocean and even the kinetic energy from human foot traffic. While the opportunities abound, it will take a significant increase in investment and innovation, coupled with favorable governmental policy, to meet the world's energy needs over the coming century. Carbon offsetting through RECs is a powerful way for consumers to vote with their dollar for sustainable energy.