In an effort to mitigate the harms caused by greenhouse gas emissions, a growing number of businesses, governments, and even individuals are seeking out ways to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.  In doing so, those seeking to offset their carbon emissions pay for emission reductions that are achieved elsewhere.

The concept of offsetting one’s emissions by paying for the actions of another is based on the growing market of emissions trading.  Unlike the highly regulated emissions market, carbon offsets involve voluntary actions by individuals, companies, or governments that are arranged by commercial or not-for-profit carbon-offset providers.

Currently, a number of different strategies are used to offset carbon emissions, including tree planting, renewable energy, methane capture, and energy conservation and efficiency.  In recent years, as carbon offsets have received more attention and undergone more scrutiny, a market in the purchase and retirement of carbon trading credits has grown, as has more standardization and certification of carbon offsets.

Citizens Energy strives to be a carbon neutral company.  After reducing our energy consumption and pursuing other strategies to reduce our carbon footprint, we are in the process of acquiring Renewable Energy Certificates and carbon offsets to mitigate our remaining emissions.  We also are seeking out opportunities with partners to engage in carbon offsetting projects, including Clean Development Mechanism projects and projects that produce Renewable Energy Certificates.

Businesses that are developing projects that will produce carbon offsets and are interested in partnering with Citizens Energy to offer these to consumers and businesses are encouraged to reach us at 617-338-6300.