CarboNZero programme

The carboNZero programme is a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction scheme that is administered and offered by Landcare Research [http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz] a New Zealand crown research institute . The programme is based on four steps:
*Measure - to establish a carbon footprint or GHG emissions inventory
*Manage - to reduce GHG emissions
*Mitigate - to neutralise remaining unavoidable emissions by purchasing high quality carbon credits or offsets
*Market - to report or disclose achievements in reducing GHG emissions

The carboNZero programme [http://www.carbonzero.co.nz] website has simple calculators for Households, Travel, Schools and Small Businesses to calculate their carbon footprints.

There is also a formal certification scheme involving independent audit that allows organisations and companies to claim carbon neutral status and to use the carboNZero logo.

History

The carboNZero programme was created as part of a project called EBEX21 or Emissions Biodiversity Exchange in the 21st century [http://www.ebex21.co.nz] . EBEX21 was established to assist landowners to retire or setaside marginally productive land and allow it to regenerate to create new areas of native forest. In order to compensate the landowners for lost production, EBEX21 applies strict rules based on the Kyoto Protocol to allocate voluntary carbon credits that are pooled and sold through the carboNZero programme. Early participants in the programme include Adventure South, TIANZ (the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand), Toyota NZ, Attitude Foods and South Pacific Picture's drama series Shortland Street. The New Zealand Wine Company produced the first carbon neutral certified wine in the world for its Grove Mill and Sanctuary labels through the carboNZero certification programme. Companies that have achieved carboNZero certification include Antipodes Water, Contact Energy (for their coprporate operations), Intercity Group (for their corporate operations), Meridian Energy, South Pacific Pictures, The New Zealand Wine Company, Sarah Trotman & Associates and Wa$ted (the television series).

External links

* [http://www.carbonzero.co.nz carboNZero programme website]
* [http://www.ebex21.co.nz EBEX21 website]
* [http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz Landcare Research website]