Burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas to produce electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Generating energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar and others, produces less emissions.
Switching to electricity officially accredited as coming from these sources—known as GreenPower™—is a recommended way of reducing your carbon footprint.
Some carbon offset providers also count renewable energy projects as a type of offset.
If you pay for accredited renewable energy projects as an offset, you can be assured that a range of important factors have been taken into account. These factors include making sure the offset has not been counted towards other schemes, is permanent and secure.
You can also be confident that the offset is above mandatory levels. Energy companies are required by law to buy a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources, which means that some renewable electricity would have been generated whether you bought it or not. In other words, if the electricity is not above these ‘business as usual’ levels, its value as an offset may be limited. For more information visit www.greenpower.com.au.
