What is carboNZero^{Cert TM}?

Many people are familiar with the term carbon neutral and carboNZero^{Cert TM} is the programme developed by Landcare Reserach especially for NZ, for those certified to achieve the same goal. By participating in the programme Pitango is committed to reducing its carbon emissions. There are three steps involved to the programme that require:

1. understanding and measuring our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
2. making a commitment to managing and reducing our emissions at source
3. offsetting or mitigating our remaining, unavoidable emissions

 

How long is the carboNZero^{Cert TM} certification?

The certification is valid for one year and the process of the programme is ongoing. Emissions data are collected monthly and measured yearly to determine an emissions inventory. It is from this yearly inventory that our remaining, unavoidable emissions are calculated. We then buy carbon credits to offset these emissions.

 

What are carbon credits?

All emissions will be off set by purchasing verified carbon credits from local renewal energy projects such as renewable energy generation from landfill gas and windfarm projects. One of the reasons Pitango have chosen to work with Landcare Research's carboNZero^{Cert TM} programme is because their requirements meet and exceed international best practice. They supply carbon credits from reputable projects that are at work in New Zealand and have direct impact on New Zealand's carbon footprint and not in some far away outpost overseas where accountability is difficult to manage. Landcare Research monitors the projects and has a system for managing and tracking the associated carbon credits so that the same credit cannot be used again and again. Pitango has purchased its credits from a NZ windfarm.

 

Do windfarms produce greenhouse gas emissions?

The activities associated with operating a windfarm will create greenhouse gas emissions if fossil fuel sources are used e.g. for office based activities and vehicle use. The construction of the windfarm will have generated emissions and the materials used will have embodied carbon associated with their manufacture.

 

How can I calculate my carbon footprint?

http://www.carbonzero.co.nz/CarboNZerocalculators.asp

 

How can I reduce my own carbon footrpint?

You can make very simple to sweeping grand changes. The first step is to be more conscious of how you are currently doing things and the impact it is having on the environment.

Some simple ideas that you might have overlooked....

• calculate your own carbon footprint http://www.carbonzero.co.nz/CarboNZerocalculators.asp
• identify ways that you can eliminate or reduce waste; check with your local council to see if they take items you are not sure about; if not, ask them for resources and encourage them to start taking them
• think twice before you start up the car and consider walking if it's a short distance
• pack your lunch (and enjoy a guiltfree carboNZero Pitango product like the new Risotto that's ready to heat n' eat and microwaveable in the bag!)
• turn out the lights (unless you are in the room and not sleeping)