Trade Carbon Credits

Connecticut apartment building powered by fuel cell

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:31:00 +0000

360 State Street, a mixed use state of the art development in Connecticut has installed 400 Kilo Watt fuel cell on site to produce clean energy. The fuel cell will provide power to 500 residential units and other areas within the building.

The fuel cell, developed by UTC Power, is the first large scale deployment for power generation. The 400-kilowatt cell is part of the developers’ efforts to make the building as environmentally sensitive as possible, Mike Brown, UTC Power’s vice president for government affairs and general counsel, said.

According to the developers of 360 State Street, the apartments in the building have half the carbon footprint as compared to normal apartments, are equipped with energy use web page to monitor energy usage in real time, and each floor in the building has a recycling room.

Australians less worried about climate change

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:00:00 +0000

According to a recent poll conducted by Sydney’s independent Lowy institute, 46 percent of the respondents are really worried about climate change, compared with over 68 percent four years ago.

Australians are losing interest in climate change and global warming, and as the poll suggests fewer people are worried about it. So what has really changed over the past few years? Well over the years people have developed a deeper understanding of the issue, and according to about 13 percent of the respondents, the science of climate change is still a dispute. So basically what people are saying is that scientists should get their facts straight! And then we’ll worry about it!

Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, is also among the biggest per capita polluters. It has an average output of 20.5 tons of carbon dioxide per person per year, compared with 19.7 tons for the US, 4.5 tons for China and 1.1 tons for India.

Soccer Nations offset their carbon emissions

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:39:00 +0000

Over half of the nations participating in the Soccer world cup 2010 have pledged to reduce their carbon emissions. Many will support an organic compost project initiated by company called Soil & More Reliance. This project, based in South Africa, has been chosen by United Nations Environment Programme as one of the best emissions reductions projects. The company runs plants that produce compost for organic farming in South Africa.

Teams of the following countries have pledged to support this project: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ivory Coast, England,Greece, Italy, Japan, Cameroon, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Serbia, South Korea, USA, Uruguay and the host country South Africa.

Porsche Unveils Three Hybrid Cars

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Porche revealed three new hybrid cars at a press conference at Geneva Motor Show. The cars include a mid-engine super car, a race car, and the new Cayanne S Hybrid.

The super car, named 918 Spyder, has a very impressive performance statistics. Fitted with a plug-in hybrid engine, it would achieve 78mpg and go from 0 to 60 M/hr in under 3.2 seconds.

The second car is a race car, called the 911 GT3 R Hybrid that uses two electric motors on the front axle to supplement the 480 horsepower engine driving the rear wheels. Instead of the heavy batteries usually found in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator is installed next to the driver, delivering energy to the electric motors.

Also Porches first production hybrid, The Cayenne S Hybrid, features a highly sophisticated full parallel hybrid system that combines the power of a 333-horsepower V6 with an 47-horsepower electric motor; offering 380 horsepower and essentially the high performance of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6.

Carbon is a hot topic at POWER-GEN Europe 2010

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:43:00 +0000

By Nigel Blackaby (Conference Director POWER-GEN Europe)

Engineers, advisors, researchers, and key energy executives from across Europe will all be meeting in Amsterdam between 8-10 June for the energy industry’s premier European event: POWER-GEN Europe. The conference track exploring the carbon market - Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Fossil Power Generation, runs over the whole three days and will analyse many new developments in the market. This will explore the ways in which the electricity industry is addressing the need to reduce its CO2 output.

Pre-combustion carbon capture (both the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle and the Oxy-fuel technology) will be a topic for the first session, chaired by executives from Siemens and Honeywell. This will explore the technology developments in the area and in the second session there will be an update on pilot operations which are being run by Alstom.

Strategies for reducing the carbon footprint will also be discussed, including an industry insight from the strategy manager at EDF, with regards to the expected pace for carbon footprint reductions in the power sector. Here, a look at Carbon Capture & Storage policies in the US and CCS-ready solutions from across Europe, will also shape the debate.

Post combustion CO2 capture discussions will look at the numerous PCC pilot plants which are now in operation. The results from these plants, including Siemens’ pilot operation, will be assessed and further ideas for process improvements will be considered.

Potentials for efficiency improvements, through the use of organic rankine cycle technology, CCS technology and modernising power plants, will be scrutinised – with case studies from Kazakhstan, Vienna and Germany, all helping to bring this important issue to life.

New carbon capture concept developments will finish off the discussion sessions, where the integration of carbon free power generation systems and fossil fuel power plants will be presented, providing plenty of opportunity for discussion on the future of carbon markets.

Delegates at this conference track also have the opportunity to come together with the other attendees of POWER-GEN Europe and its co-located shows (POWERGRID Europe, Renewable Energy World Europe and Nuclear Power Europe) in the plenary session, to discuss the climate policy uncertainty, where this means the power industry can go from here and what implications this has for the development of low carbon power generation technologies.

TD bank goes carbon neutral

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Building greener buildings, lowering its energy consumption, and making a significant investment in renewable energy from sources like wind, solar and low-impact hydro power, and purchasing carbon offset credits has allowed TD bank to become carbon neutral, the bank announced today.

TD bank has also unveiled the new "green" design for its future stores. The new stores will have a consistent look and feel and will also be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. LEED evaluates buildings for their overall environmental performance in five areas: sustainable sites, water use, energy efficiency, materials and resource use, and indoor environmental quality. LEED Platinum is the highest level of LEED certification; TD Bank is targeting LEED Platinum certification for its new Queens Village store.

TD Bank's new 3,800 square-feet prototype branches will reduce energy consumption by 50 percent compared with previous designs, with nearly 20 percent of the store's energy being produced onsite through solar panels and solar drive-thru canopies. The branches will feature: wood from sustainably managed forests, products that emit little-to-no volatile organic compounds; walk-off mats and air filters that trap particles of dirt, dust and pollen for improved indoor air quality; insulated glass with a low-E coating to help keep a balanced, temperate environment; and sensors to control lighting. Stores will be maintained with green cleaning products, and will recycle paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics and disposable batteries.

Going carbon neutral for such a large bank must be a big challenge, but TD bank has done it, and set an example for others to follow.

Networking with rural electrification projects around the world

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:15:00 +0000

I came across an interesting website called GVEP International, its a not for profit organization seeking to reduce poverty through accelerated access to modern energy services.

Not only does it help entrepreneurs, and other NGOs in electrification projects, it allows members to network with each.

People seeking funds, will also find a wide range of financing opportunities, that are listed on GVEP website.

Developing countries need to be prepared for climate change

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:57:00 +0000

A recent study by World Bank reveals that it will cost developing countries USD 75 billion to a 100 billion a year for the next 40 years to adapt to climate change.

The 'Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change' (EACC) study showed that under the relatively dryer scenario, the adaptation cost is estimated at USD 75 billion per year, while under the scenario that assumes a future wetter climate, the cost is USD 100 billion.

Effects of climate change on developing countries include droughts, diseases and a reduction in agricultural productivity. To cope with these threats, huge infrastructure investments will be required.

Save Energy - Get Paid

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:49:00 +0000

There are many companies offering carbon offsets to general public, but there is a problem with it; you have to BUY them. And lets be honest, not many people like to spend their hard earned money on buying carbon offsets. Don’t worry though, all this is about to change. That’s because Earth Aid, an energy conservation company, will PAY you to cut down your energy usage.

"Earth Aid's service is the first tool that can measure and verify your energy savings, “bundle” them with savings from other households, and then sell them on carbon markets, in the same way as big business." Earth Aid website.

This is how their service works. You subscribe to Earth Aid, free of cost. Earth Aid tracks your energy usage (Electricity, gas, and water) over time. After a year, your energy consumption is compared to the baseline period, and you get paid for any reduction in energy usage. Sounds worthwhile.

World’s first Carbon-Neutral country

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:17:00 +0000

Tuvalu, a small island nation between Australia and Hawaii, has vowed to become the first carbon neutral country in the world.

Rising cost of fuel and climate change has led them to become carbon free for good. In 2008, Tuvalu teamed up with e8, to set up a solar project. This project meets about 5% of the electricity demand of the capital city; Funafuti.

So far Tuvalu has managed to save 17000 tons of fuel and cut 50 tons of CO2 emissions, and this is just the start. Their plan is to be 100% carbon free by 2020. World’s fourth smallest nation is set to make their place in history with this exemplary feat.

"We look forward to the day when our nation offers an example to all -- powered entirely by natural resources such as the sun and the wind", Tuvalu's Public Utilities Minister Kausea Natano said.

Race for Carbon Accounting Software

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Recently, Verisae, a carbon software company based in Minneapolis, acquired a patent for recording and reporting carbon emissions. Carbon Accounting software is growing fast, as the demand for it is increasing at a rapid pace.

Even big companies like SAP and Microsoft are making moves to create their own Carbon Accounting software.

In this highly competitive industry, where big players like Microsoft and SAP are coming up with their own products, Verisae has an obvious advantage, and it wants the rest of the companies to know.

HARA software, backed by Al-Gore, is also a Carbon Accounting software startup. Its web-based software tracks the resources used by the company, like electricity and water, and emissions like carbon and other waste.

The software then forecasts future emissions and helps a company choose ways to reduce them, like new lights or a different type of refrigerator. It tracks its progress and creates an audit trail.

What implication will the patent acquired by Verisae will have on other Carbon Accounting software companies then? "Whether other companies ought to be worried is hard to say. Should they be aware of this? Yes," said patent attorney Eric Lane.

The patent claim by Verisae describes a very general method for tracking and accounting carbon emissions. Basically, other companies cannot make a product that has a process similar to the one described by Verisae. But they can create their own way of tracking and accounting for carbon emissions.

American Clean Energy and Security Act 2009

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Draft of the “ACES”, American Clean Energy and Security Act 2009, was released early this month by Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee. This legislation will prove to be a comprehensive energy policy, which America has lacked so far, and will hopefully put it on the correct course.

A look inside the bill reveals that it is indeed comprehensive. It is divided into four titles:

• Clean energy – Promotes renewable sources energy, carbon capture and sequestration, low-carbon transportation fuels, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission.
• Energy Efficiency - Energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry.
• Global Warming - Places limits on the emissions of heat-trapping pollutants; and
• Transitioning - Protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.

Under the section of global warming, the draft also covers carbon offsets. Allowing covered entities to increase their emissions above their allowances if they can obtain “offsetting” reductions at lower cost from other sources. The total quantity of offsets allowed in any year cannot exceed 2 billion tons, split evenly between domestic and international offsets. Covered entities using offsets must submit five tons of offset credits for every four tons of emissions being offset.

Offset Integrity Advisory Board, comprising of scientists and other relevant experts, will advise on the types of projects that will be eligible under the offset scheme. The board will also conduct reviews of all relevant areas.

The draft provides for strict oversight and regulation of the new markets for carbon allowances and offsets. It ensures market transparency and liquidity and establishes strict penalties for fraud and manipulation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is charged with regulating the cash market in emission allowances and offsets.

Click here to view complete draft

Carbon Sequestration with Biochar

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Slash and char is the new way of capturing carbon. Scientists say that charcoal created by Pyrolysis (Heating) of Biomass is a carbon negative process, which means that it results in reduction of net carbon in the atmosphere. Not only does it capture carbon, it also improves the quality of soil and water.

Biochar has the potential to act as carbon sink. Biomass can be charred and the resultant carbon rich char can stay under ground for thousands of years. If this is correct, then Biochar could be the answer to global warming. But before any large scale projects are carried out world wide, more studies need to be carried out to find out the effects on ecological systems.

Biochar is not something new; in fact it was used by Pre-Columbian Amazonian natives, who produced biochar by smoldering agricultural waste to increase soil productivity. Modern techniques of creating biochar involve heating biomass in absence of oxygen in kilns. This process of pyrolysis also results in creation of bio-oil and syngas.

Although, Biochar offers a multi-dimensional approach to mitigating global warming, there are some considerations. For example, not all biochar is equal, which means that the key chemical and physical properties of biochar are greatly affected by the type of material being used and the conditions of the pyrolysis process.

Biochar is being considered by UNFCC for inclusion in UN Certified Emission Reductions (CER) and Cleam Development Mechanism (CDM). Currently, only small scale projects have been implemented. However, biochar shows great potential for production and applications for carbon sequestration, biofuel production and improved soil health.

For further research:

The International Biochar Initiative
Biochar Carbon sequestration

Special thanks to Lopa Brunjes - VP of Biochar Engineering Corporation

Role of Farmers and Foresters in carbon management

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:53:00 +0000

Experts in soil carbon research have said that proper management of soil and forests can result in offsetting %11 of carbon emissions in U.S. It is indeed a unique opportunity for people involved in farming and forestation to participate in voluntary markets and help in reducing the carbon emissions.

A briefing "Down to Earth Carbon Science: Mitigating Climate Change with America's Farms and Forests", will be held in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 10:30 am in 1334 Longworth House Office Building and again at 3:00 pm in 328-A Senate Russell Office Building.

This briefing is very important, as it will address the importance of carbon sequestration through proper management of agricultural and forested lands. Four experts in this field will be featured in the briefing.

You can get more details on Soil Science Society of America website

Carbon trading - Cap and Trade System

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Carbon trading can be seen as a market-based solution to reduce Greenhouse Gas pollutants. It is also referred to as “Cap and Trade”, and has a goal of reducing carbon emissions in a cost-effective manner. This mechanism was also included, inter alia, in the Kyoto Protocol for members needing to reduce their emissions. The term cap and trade is self explanatory, the businesses around the world, whether larger or smaller, are permitted to emit certain amount of greenhouse gases.

Since this true for both smaller as well as larger businesses the smaller businesses, having lesser requirement or it is relatively cheaper for them to reduce emissions, can trade off their left-over allowances to bigger businesses who find it difficult to make such reductions. The Cap and Trade program was introduced in the United States in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment, the test results of the program were so successful that The Economist magazine termed it “probably the greatest green success story of the past decade” (July 6, 2002).

Emissions trading, as set out in Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol, allows countries that have emission units to spare - emissions permitted to them but not "used" - to sell this excess capacity to countries that are over their targets. Auctions are also held as an alternative way to handle initial allocation. Although there are many different types of auctions, however, one crucial distinction is between auctions that produce revenue for the government and those that do not, but most of them fall in the former category since government is the sole creator of these permits. The other form of auctions is known as zero-revenue auctions.

Recently the Obama administration, keeping the climate change at the top of its agenda, has also kept cap and trade at the apex of its bills yet to be presented before the congress. The Administration has proposed that, in order to reduce emissions effectively and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 83% below 2005 levels by 2020, there should be 100% auctioning of allowances.

Many believe that cap and trade mechanism is the most effective way to control greenhouse gases, and if put into action at the right time and monitored properly it can result in maximum emissions reductions, encourage innovation, and ensure a measure of fairness to low income consumers and coal dependent regions.

Carbon offset business

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Carbon offsetting provides an alternative to reducing CO2 emissions, at individual and organizational level. Individuals are not bound by any regulation to reduce their carbon emissions, but there are people who would like to compensate for their CO2 emissions by purchasing carbon offsets. Even large organizations like Google utilize services of offset providers.

So how does carbon offsetting work

There are many companies that are offering carbon offsetting services. When you pay these companies to offset your emissions that money is utilized on projects which cause equal amount of reduction in CO2 emissions. If you are interested in offsetting your carbon emissions, you can do a research on CarbonCatalog.org, which monitors carbon offset providers and the projects.

These projects not only result in reduction of carbon emissions, but they also create jobs and sustainable development in third world countries. When selecting a carbon offset provider, it is important to see how your money will be utilized, as there are many different ways in which carbon emissions can be offset. Some companies have alternative energy projects, while others maybe involved in efficient building practices. Select projects that not only result in reduction of CO2 but also provide sustainable development.

Vote Earth – Earth hour

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:48:00 +0000

On Saturday, 28th of March 2009, over 1 billion people around the world will switch off their lights for one hour, at exactly 8:30pm local time. WWF has organized a truly global event. It is a call to rise and take control over the future of our planet. It is an exciting event, a moment in history when people of the world will set their differences aside and unite for a single cause. Don’t forget to vote Earth

List of Climate Exchanges

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Everyone knows Carbon can be bought and sold, but many have asked where? Well, I have compiled a list of exchanges around the world that deal in emission trading. Exchanges where you can trade carbon credits:

• Chicago Climate Exchange (Chicago, US)
• European Climate Exchange (London, UK)
• Nord Pool (Oslo, Norway)
• Power Next (Paris, France) and
• European Energy Exchange (Leipzig, Germany)

Carbon Trading with ASO ETF

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:59:00 +0000

AirShares EU carbon allowance fund, allows investors to enter the European carbon trading market. This fund tracks the futures contracts for European Union Allowances. Although ASO can be bought and sold like ETFs and is also categorized as one, but its not exactly an ETF, since there is no physical exchange of the commodity involved. According to some estimates global carbon trading market is worth more than a $100 billion.

There are some risks though. First of all, fund managers experience would be limited, since this is a completely new type of fund. Secondly, shareholders do not have the protections provided to ETF shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940, because this fund is a commodity pool.

As with any other investment, if you are interested in trading ASO ETF do your due diligence. Further Reading:

Fool.com
Yahoo Finance

Opportunity for farmers to trade carbon credits

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:09:00 +0000

Farmers and landowners could receive extra income from already-existing land management practices by selling carbon credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange, said a Purdue University expert.

"Farmers and landowners have an opportunity to sell carbon offset credits into carbon trading markets if they implement certain conservation practices," said Lenny Farlee, Purdue Extension forester. "Eligible practices include no-till farming - if implemented between 2006 and 2010 - grassland plantings that have been done since 1999, as well as forest tree plantings done since 1990."

Carbon offset credits are emissions credits earned by eligible offset projects that sequester, destroy or displace greenhouse gas emissions.

Farlee said that forestland owners involved in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Classified Forest Program also have an opportunity to trade carbon offset credits on the growth of their forest properties.

AIG demands delay in Australian Emission Trading Scheme

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Australian Industrial Group has asked the Australian government to delay the Emission Trading Scheme in Australia, which is slated to be in action from 2010. The group is demanding a delay of two years, based on the premise that businesses do not have enough liquidity to handle the extra financial burden that will be ensued by implementation of Emission Trading Scheme.

It is true that businesses are short on cash, and many are struggling for survival. But its also true that the Emission Trading Scheme will be beneficial for businesses in the long run. Not only will it result in creation of thousands of new jobs, it will also allow Australia to meet its Carbon emission obligations.

Recent economic downturn has shifted the focus away from global warming. Governments have also started to favor cash strapped businesses in order to save their economies. Although global economic downturn in it self may result in lower production of CO2 as demand for various products decreases, it is important for initiatives like Australian Emission trading Schemes to go ahead on time.

EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Emission trading system is often called Cap and Trade. It is used by countries as a measure of controlling pollution. Generally, central authorities or governments set a limit or cap on the amount of pollution that is generated in a specific country. Individual companies are allowed emission permits. Companies must not exceed the limit that they are allowed. If say company X wants to exceed the set amount of emission limit, it must buy credits from other companies that have not crossed their emission limit and are willing to trade. This mechanism allows the countries to keep the level of pollution within control, and also allows sustainable growth.

EU Emission Trading Scheme is based on the directive of European Commission. ETS started operating as the largest multi-country, multi-sector emission trading scheme in the world. Under this scheme large emitters of carbon dioxide, like power plants and other industrial units, are monitored (currently over 10,000 units are actively monitored under EU Emission Trading Scheme) and have to submit their annual emission allowances report to the government.

Ownership of emission allowances are electronically held in a central registry. This registry contains transaction information for all member states. It is overseen by an EU level administrator, who checks for irregularities in transactions. Currently most of the industrial units in EU Emission Trading Scheme automatically receive free credit allowances from their governments. If a company or organization has received extra allowances, it is free to sell those credits to anyone. National Allocation plans can be viewed for most of the EU countries. These plans show the allowances for industrial units.

Participating industrial units can reassign or trade their allowances by; privately moving allowances within a company or across the border, Over The Counter, or by trading on the spot market. Spot market trading of Carbon Financial Instruments works much like a stock market, where companies or private individuals may buy these instruments through brokers who are listed on the exchange. The exchange for trading of CIF’s in EU is called European Climate Exchange (ECX). Current products offered on ECX are EUA (EU Allowances) and CER (Certified Emission Reduction) units.

How to trade carbon credits

noreply@blogger.com (greengeneration) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Global carbon market was worth $118 Billion in 2008, and is still growing at a very fast pace, despite a global recession. In fact analysts predict that the market could grow up to $150 billion by the end of this year. So what exactly is this carbon credits trading? Is the question asked by many people. In this article I will try to summarize the background of carbon credit trading and the current situation of the carbon market.

In 1997 a protocol to the UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) was initially adopted for use, in Kyoto Japan, and is commonly known as Kyoto protocol. This protocol legally binds the parties (industrialized countries) to the protocol to reduce their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

This protocol defines mechanisms like Emissions Trading and Clean Development Mechanisms that allow industrialized nations to meet their GHG obligations by buying GHG reduction credits from other countries. Thus allowing third world countries to carry out projects under Clean Development Mechanism and make a profit by trading the carbon credits with developed countries. In essence it means that if a country cannot meet its Green House Gas reduction target, it can buy credits from other countries that have credits in excess.

As a result Carbon has become a commodity, which like other commodities, is traded in open market, called carbon market. According to pointcarbon.com report “The total traded volume in the global carbon market grew from 1.6 Gt (1.6 billion tonnes) in 2006, to 2.7 Gt in 2007 — an increase of 64 percent (see Figure 2.1). The value of the carbon traded grew even more, by 80 percent in the same period, from €22bn ($33bn) to €40bn ($60bn).