Why carbon dioxide (CO2)?
Why can offsets only be purchased for CO2?
CO2 is the dominant greenhouse gas, accounting for about 85% of the effect of UK ground-based sources and a large part of aviation's effect. The distribution, lifetime, and impact of CO2 are well understood, as are the contributions from other greenhouse gases from ground-based sources, but the impact of aircraft emissions other than CO2 (non-CO2) are less well understood. We therefore think it is logical to concentrate on CO2 for the time being.
How is offsetting my CO2 going to help reduce the threat of climate change?
Reduce My Footprint believes that every contribution matters, however small it is. We also believe that action by individuals or businesses is quicker and more direct than the development of government schemes. Even when such schemes are in place, there'll always be room for individual action.
How are emissions calculated?
Emissions are calculated using published information on energy consumption. For specific businesses we can estimate the overall footprint or, separately, the "travel" and "office" components. The data that we use are best estimates available, within the limits of practicality, using government sources wherever possible.
What is emissions trading?
Trading in CO2 allowances is already in place in Europe for a number of energy-intensive industries.
Under the European Emissions Trading Scheme a cap is applied to the total emissions of CO2 from the industries involved. Each industry and, within the industry, each company, is allocated a specific number of CO2 units.
Companies that emit less than their individual allocation can sell to those who emit more than their allocation. If the cap is set correctly and administrative procedures are rigorous, this is a cost-effective way of reaching environmental targets.
Discussions are taking place to incorporate aviation into the European Emissions Trading Scheme.
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