EasyJet has recently announced that it will offset the emissions from all of its flights to become the world’s first major carbon-neutral airline. This will be achieved through the compensation of fuel emissions through investing in a variety of programs and projects that plant trees or create solar or wind power. The schemes, verified through the Gold Standard or VCS, will take a number of forms across the globe..
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is the method by which a company’s carbon emissions can be compensated through projects which reduce emissions in other sectors or locations (such as through the production of green energy, the planting of trees or the protection of ecosystems). These compensation ‘credits’ are bought in order to offer a way to calculate the equivalent of a company/person's carbon footprint, and then used to fund environmentally friendly projects, such as those previously mentioned.
In addition to companies in all sectors, airlines are starting to embrace the carbon offsetting industry as a way to ensure that their impact is mitigated, but all sorts of industries and even individual consumers are moving towards a greener future through this method.
EasyJet announced on their website: "This means making sure that for every tonne of CO2 emitted by our planes, there is one tonne less in the atmosphere. We can do this by investing in projects which physically remove CO2 from the air such as planting more trees or protecting against deforestation."
EasyJet's declaration comes shortly after the announcements of several other airlines, that they will be offering optional carbon-offsetting plans for their passengers. These airlines included BA, Air Canada and Air New Zealand.
Consumers are willing to pay more money for offsets
Given the results of a recent study from the University of British Columbia, it is quite clear that many travellers and consumers are more than happy to pay a small fee to offset their own personal emissions from flying. In fact, the majority of those surveyed said that they would be in favour of paying a fourteen CAD carbon tax if the money was to go towards carbon offsetting projects.
Why and how to go Carbon Neutral with DGB!
The case of EasyJet and other airlines demonstrate that it is possible for even large companies that emit high levels of carbon emissions to offset in a way that is economically viable. Whether you’re an individual with a passion for the environment or the CEO of a large company that wants to mitigate whilst improving customer relations and future proofing against punitive measures, carbon offsetting is an option for everyone. To mitigate yours, get in contact with us today!
