The projects contributing carbon credits and in consideration for the 2010 Legacy Portfolio are being created by Offsetters and working with their team of BC-based Clean Tech Partners who have designed some of the province’s clean energy technologies in conjunction with the Clean Tech Partners project customers.
These Clean Tech Partners include Ballard Power Systems, IMW Industries, Lignol, Nexterra Systems and Sempa Power.
Offsetters said that the projects are the first of many that will be underway by the end of 2012. The first project is Sempa Power’s Hybrid Heating System which has been installed in eight project sites in British Columbia as well as in Manitoba. The technology allows closely monitored fuel switching between electricity and fossil fuels to create cost effective and energy efficient heating and hot water for operations such as resorts and public facilities.
The 2010 Legacy Portfolio of carbon offsets also includes International Gold Standard projects which represent the global nature of the games. The Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), together with Offsetters is working to offset the estimated 118,000 tonnes of direct carbon emissions from the games.
They are also working together to encourage spectators, guests, sponsors and partners to offset the estimated 150,000 tonnes of indirect carbon emissions generated by attending the 2010 Winter Games.
There are currently 42 sponsors and partners who have chosen to become Carbon Partners under the voluntary program, offsetting some or all of their carbon emissions.
Spectators who choose to offset can use Offsetters’ 2010 Travel and Accommodation Carbon Calculator to calculate and offset their Games-related carbon footprint with a few mouse clicks online. Anyone can purchase one tonne of carbon offsets from the 2010 Legacy Portfolio for $25 that includes an Offsetters 2010 collector’s pin.
James Tansey, CEO and co-founder of Offsetters, said: ”British Columbia is demonstrating their leadership within Canada and internationally in the fast growing clean technology sector. The projects we implement with our partners will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they will also showcase made in BC climate change solutions.”
Linda Coady, vice president of sustainability at VANOC, said: ”We have set an ambitious goal around the carbon management of the Games. We hope that what we accomplish here in Vancouver will leave a lasting legacy for the Olympic and Paralympic Games of the future.”
