CARBON IN THE NEWS
WEEK 13 2012
EcoVelocity motor show to showcase hydro-electric project in IndiaEcoVelocity, the largest showcase of low-carbon cars in Europe, will offset its emissions by supporting a hydro-electric project in India. As well as displaying the latest hybrid and electric vehicles and lower-emission petrol and diesel cars, EcoVelocity will also offer a series of presentations and talks from industry experts. And visitors will be able to get their hands on the cars over a 3.5-mile test drive route. James Brown from Carbon Neutral Investments, which is working with EcoVelocity to offset the carbon it produces, said: ‘EcoVelocity has taken the position as Britain’s major motoring show, and with all the exhibitors boasting impressive low emissions in their automotive products, it’s important the organisers can demonstrate the same values.’ Metro is again supporting the show, which will be held at London’s ExCel from May 10-13. To read this article in full click here
What car – Carbon neutral roadtests go live in April issue
What Car? has teamed up with Carbon Neutral Investments (CNI) to offset the emissions from all its road tests. CNI co-chairman, James Brown, said: “We are delighted to be working with What Car?, the UK’s premier car publication, to help reduce its carbon footprint. What Car? tests numerous vehicles every year, and by offsetting all road test emissions through the preferred project, is setting a new benchmark in the sector.” In utilising the Indian hydro-power project chosen by What Car?, the Maharashtra region has benefitted from associated environmental and socio-economic advantages. Further benefits will be realised as road tests are continually offset throughout the year. What Car? publishing director Andrew Golby, said: “What Car? continues apace with moving the brand forward, and this move to carbon neutrality by offsetting all our road tests will help keep us one step ahead in 2012.” To read this article in full click here
Arriva turn fleet green
Bus company Arriva have revealed plans to introduce more than £26.7m of new low carbon emission buses to its UK fleet. This investment represents the UK’s largest orders both for Volvo hybrid buses and for MAN EcoCity gas buses. £22.2m will be invested with the remainder secured through successful bids to the government’s Green Bus Fund, which helps bus companies and local authorities to increase the number of eco-friendly buses on the roads. Arriva will receive 77 hybrid electric double decker buses and 21 carbon-neutral biogas-fuelled single deck buses, to service the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Kent. Mike Cooper, managing director, Arriva UK Bus, said: “We welcome the minister’s announcement. “The Green Bus Fund is helping accelerate the introduction of low carbon emission buses across England and supports investment by the bus industry aimed at further improving bus travel’s environmental credential as one of the greenest modes of transport. “This investment is excellent news for our customers as it will offer them state-of-the-art new buses and a more comfortable journey. To read this article in full click here25 Brands join forces to build Carbon Offset Projects
Carbon offset developer NativeEnergy and a group of corporate leaders in sustainability are collaborating to help build two wind turbines in Iowa, a landfill gas-to-energy project in Oklahoma, and a farm methane reduction project in Pennsylvania. By working together, these brands will provide an economic boost to local communities and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 400,000 metric tons. Through purchases of NativeEnergy's Help Build™ carbon offsets, the companies have provided critical upfront funding for the projects. The participating companies include: eBay, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Esurance, Eileen Fisher, Clif Bar, Comedy Central, ABR, Inc., AllPack, Aveda, Ben & Jerry's, National Geographic, The Brick Companies, Brighter Planet, Carlisle & Co., College of the Atlantic, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, Designtex, Eco Products, Pax World, Presidio, Reverb, RLP Capital, Touring Green, and Vital Choice. To read this article in full click here
UK opens new carbon measuring center
The BBC reports that a new UK-based facility targeting the measurement of carbon emissions and promoting the development of sustainable, clean technology is soon to open. The facility, the Centre for Carbon Measurement, will be based at the National Physical Laboratory in south west London, and will be formally launched at the Planet Under Pressure event in London this week. The centre is intended to help the UK in its bid to ‘lead the world’ in climate modelling, carbon markets and green technology. Whereas policies have been made globally to try and meet emission reduction targets, without an efficient and reliable carbon measuring system, policies may be inaccurate and climate data flawed — which is where the centre steps in. There are already a number of projects earmarked for the centre to pursue, including providing guidance for companies reporting climate impact; quantifying leaks from Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) demonstrators, and providing a scientifically accurate framework for estimating carbon savings from smart grids. To read this article in full click here
Carbon-neutral certification now offered
Growing demand for carbon neutral products has led to the new exclusive partnership of NSF International and the Carbonfund.org Foundation, owner of the CarbonFree Product Certification Program. CarbonFree product certification is a credible, transparent way for companies to provide environmentally-friendly, carbon neutral products to their customers and is now offered through NSF International's Sustainability division. The NSF and Carbonfund.org partnership leverages their combined expertise in product sustainability and NSF's global certification management resources. Driven by corporate responsibility, consumer demand, and potential government regulation, many companies want to quantify, reduce and offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the products they manufacture and supply. This growing market for eco-friendly products and consumer demand for transparent, credible and readily-accessible information at the point of purchase, makes carbon content labeling an important and a viable educational tool for consumers. The CarbonFree mark can be found on a variety of products today, including food, beverage, electronics and apparel. To read this article in full click here
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