CARBON OFFSETTING UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN VALUE OF
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INTRODUCTION As businesses increasingly take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and consider their overall impact on the environment, leading new research shows that carbon offset programmes deliver substantially more benefits than expected – bringing value that might previously have been hidden. For many years there has been anecdotal evidence that investing in a carbon offset programme delivers a wide range of positive social and economic benefits beyond just carbon reduction. Cookstove project
Now, new academic research conservation, investment in local As organisations realise the value carbon reductions that will unlock economies, technology transfer, local of material carbon management hidden value for your business, our shows that every tonne of infrastructure and training, and positive strategies, and consumers, customers environment and communities around CO2 offset not only funds impacts on water resources. and staff increasingly expect business the world. GHG reductions, but can to demonstrate their commitment Furthermore, the research shows that to tackling climate change, reducing Visit www.icroa.org to find a list of deliver up to a staggering environmental impact and supporting there are a number of benefits for accredited offset providers. $664 in additional economic, your business too. As well as helping communities, a strategy that includes UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN VALUE OF social and environmental meet your environmental targets, an offsetting is a cost-effective approach Read on to find out more about benefits. offset programme can improve staff CARBON OFFSETTING delivering several important benefits. Imperial College London University’s and community engagement, increase evidence-based research. The benefits to communities market differentiation, and stimulate Choosing to offset through an around the globe include job new resource efficiency efforts (and accredited ICROA member will An Imperial College University Study shows that for every creation, household savings, savings). Plus it’s increasingly important ensure that your investment 1 tonne of C02 emission removed from the atmosphere through health benefits, environmental to winning new tenders/business. delivers independently-verifieda carbon offset programme - a further value of US$664* dollars is delivered in economic, social and environmental benefits for local communities around the world. $3 $52 Economic Fuel savings benefit FOR EVERY 1 TONNE OF CARBON REDUCTION ¢56 $609 Skills & Jobs Environmental TOTAL $664 above and beyond carbon reduction Reforestation project Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 3
THE CHALLENGE Leading businesses that About ICROA and Imperial College Secretariat, Andrea Abrahams, BP • Envirofit International London University TargetNeutral and Laure Fievet, ICROA follow best practice and Secretariat. With special thanks to • The Paradigm Project The International Carbon Reduction offset their carbon emissions and Offset Alliance (ICROA) is Imperial College London Teams, all • Face the Future as part of a broader carbon a global non-for profit housed ICROA member companies especially Rebecca Fay, The CarbonNeutral management strategy, within the International Emissions Company, Rhiannon Szmigielski, • South Pole Carbon Ltd Trading Association. Its members experience business benefits provide carbon reduction and Climate Care, Nadine Planzer, Climate • Green Resources AS and see additional value offset services across the world to Neutral Group, Mike Tournier and Junio Palomba at Climate Friendly. • Offsetters Climate Solutions Inc from the carbon reduction 1000s of organisations including household brands and multinationals projects they support. supporting the reduction of global ICROA would like to extend a big thank • Infinite Earth Limited emissions towards the goal of avoiding you to the project developers that • Pacific Forest Trust However, to date, there dangerous climate change impacts. contributed to this research including: has been little research to • Biofilica Environmental Investments The primary aim of ICROA is to promote • E+Carbon, LLC understand and measure • Hivos best practices in carbon management this value. and offsetting. ICROA keeps abreast of • Carbon Clear Ltd • Conservation international the latest developments within carbon • DelAgua Health The International Carbon Reduction and management and the carbon markets to • And the 75 corporates that Offset Alliance (ICROA) and Imperial ensure its members adhere to the best • First Climate Markets AG participated and provided valuable College London University (Imperial), possible practices in the industry. All insights. globally recognised for environmental ICROA member companies follow and • Nexus Carbon for Development economics and valuation, set about to publicly report against the ICROA Code ICROA aims to: research the socio-economic impacts of Best Practice, which provides specific • Clean Air Action Corporation of the voluntary carbon market and requirements for the manner in which • Climate Bridge Ltd. > Support fast, global emissions gather evidence on the value and ICROA members provide their carbon reductions by promoting a impacts of carbon offsetting – beyond footprinting, greenhouse gas reduction • Emergent Ventures International responsible “reduce and offset” emissions reductions. advice and offset services. ICROA ensure approach to carbon management members are annually third party audited • Sustainable Carbon Climate by businesses and individuals. The research, finalised in May 2014, to ensure the quality of their services. Solutions reveals that carbon offsetting > Promote credibility and high standards delivers both business benefits to We extend our thanks to all the project • Bosques Amazonicos SAC in carbon management and voluntary the participating organisations, and participants, academics, businesses • Camco Clean Energy carbon offsetting, through widespread up to $664 worth of environmental, and project developers that took part adherence to and promotion of the social and economic benefit. This is in in this research. • Wildlife Works ICROA Code of Best Practice. addition to the carbon reduction for every tonne of CO 2 that is offset. Acknowledgments • Impact Carbon > Provide a credible, influential and The team that supported this research consistent voice on carbon reduction • EcoAct was led by Sophy Greenhalgh, IETA Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 4
THE CHALLENGE strategies, products and services The Centre integrates the College’s and raise the profile of the voluntary outstanding science and technology carbon market. research with a leading team of social and policy scientists, creating exciting > Enable bold carbon management interdisciplinary research programmes. strategies to be integrated profitably More specifically, the centre has a into business. longstanding background in economic environmental valuation – the process > Commit to shared learning, of placing monetary values on transparency and continuous environmental impacts – delivering improvement. work for UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, UK Department > Engage with governments and for Environment, Food and Rural other key stakeholders on voluntary Affairs and the European Commission. carbon market issues to help ensure that best practice becomes the norm The team that conducted the research in the voluntary carbon market. was lead by Dr Zen Makuck, Dr Ioannis Kountouris and Ms E Feng Tan Loh. Imperial College London University– Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP) Imperial College London is a research university located in London, United Kingdom, which houses The Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP). The Centre produces internationally- recognised research and teaching that addresses key environmental and global policy challenges through the interdisciplinary study of science, technology and innovation.Staff within CEP include climate change researchers, energy policy researchers, economists, engineers and ecosystems services researchers who work with firms in the following sectors: oil and gas, mining, water, waste, environmental services, and strategic advisory services. Schoolchild with filter Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 5
THE RESEARCH In 2013, ICROA and Imperial conducted a research study into the socio-economic impacts of the voluntary carbon market1. The study had two objectives: Part (1) To identify the motivations of businesses participating in voluntary carbon offsetting and to categorise the benefits they receive Part (2) To quantify the social, economic and environmental benefits delivered by voluntary carbon offset projects that are in addition to the carbon reductions they achieve (“co-benefits”) 1 Term used to describe the sector responsible for the production and life cycle of a carbon credit from conception through to retirement in an independent registry to ensure 1 tonne of C02e is removed from the earth’s atmosphere. Reforestation project
For businesses to achieve significant Sample description: emissions reductions, they need a The majority of the respondents comprehensive carbon management are businesses in the private sector plan, which combines internal operating in Europe, Australia and North reductions with a carbon offset America, in line with the current market, programme. and cover a variety of sectors: finance/ insurance sector; transportation/ There are many changes companies tourism; professional/administrative can make to internal processes, services; information/communication; behaviour and facilities to reduce electricity/energy; manufacturing; their carbon emissions. However, construction; wholesale; government; carbon emissions cannot be reduced paper and printing; education; chemical; completely due to capital restraints textile and leather; waste management; and restrictions in technology. Carbon water; art/entertainment; sport offsets can enable businesses to take governance/events. full responsibility for their residual carbon emissions immediately, rapidly All businesses that participated have reducing global emissions at scale and a comprehensive internal carbon helping tackle climate change. Carbon management strategy and many offsets also provide a critical source companies have in-house sustainability of finance for renewable energy and or environmental departments. The other emissions reducing and resource respondents interviewed were senior Reforestation project, Africa conservation projects around the world. leaders, such as manager or director in a CSR, sustainability or environment Part 1: What are the business Imperial surveyed 72 businesses to related position. As a result, Imperial gather insights on motivations and deem them to have sufficient benefits of carbon offsetting barriers encountered to participating knowledge to answer the questions and why do organisations in offset programmes, as well as and that their responses are credible. choose to do it? collecting tangible benefits the businesses had experienced. The Methodology & data collection Many leading businesses already results offer useful insight into their To identify and categorise the benefits to motivations, impacts, tangible benefits business, a comprehensive literature review was participate in offset programmes and completed and a survey designed. The survey this research draws on their experience and challenges that will benefit other went through extensive consultation with ICROA to make a clear business case for businesses who wish to demonstrate members including a pre-test undertaken. action and help other organisations their commitment to managing their The surveys were completed through phone interviews by ICROA members with their to understand the value to reputation, environmental impact and supporting customers and by Imperial to the Climate employee engagement and market communities. Leaders Index of the Carbon Disclosure Project. Non-buyers of offsets which held a differentiation brought from carbon comprehensive internal carbon management Run-of-river hydro project, India offset strategies. plan were also approached to ensure balanced analysis is presented. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 7
IT BUILD Y G MISSIO ING AIR E THE RESULTS PLUS a number of offset buyers have highlighted the following business benefits: Figure 1: Motivations to offset Carbon offsetting delivers “Many of our larger customers tangible business benefits are seeing it as a real benefit, it further strengthens our REPUTATION / BRAND IMAGE 67% Reputation/brand image, employee engagement and market differentiation environmental credentials EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 48% are ranked as the three primary and proves that what we motivations for offsetting by buyers. do take action to minimise 67% of respondents have reported MARKET DIFFERENTIATION 47% positive and tangible business benefits our environmental impact. from their voluntary offset programme, We have also secured one PHILANTHROPY 37% despite the fact techniques to measure and quantify these are still at an early contract solely because of stage. Those benefits range from our offsetting commitment, EFFICIENCY 15% reductions in energy consumption so there will be financial and costs, to market differentiation, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 4% winning new business and client benefits that can be retention, to employee engagement. measured.” “Offsets offer us an “Brings a greater level of alternative to making transparency to our supply reductions in the most chain and incentivises cost-effective way possible. improvements.” We have implemented new technologies and “Our offset program new processes to increase caught the imagination of efficiencies, but doing more employees. Unexpected, but may not be the most cost- good. It became easier to effective route. This is where communicate sustainability offsets become our next messages and get buy in viable option.” to reduction measures. It helped change behaviours.” Click here to download your essential guide to carbon offsetting Unlock this hidden value by offsetting your carbon footprint Unlocking through the hidden value of an accredited carbon offsetting 8 ICROA member.
THE RESULTS Table 1: Offsetting Benefits Ranked by Offset Buyers Benefits Potential quantification/indicators Tax credits Most tangible Energy/cost reduction Reduction in energy consumption Cheaper than in-house abatement or purchasing green energy certificates Number and value of tenders that ask about commitment to emission reduction Winning/answering tender Number and value of contracts that state the requirement of carbon offsetting Customer’s preference Market differentiation Price premium Volume of green products sold Employee survey Employee engagement Number of events hosted and turnout Number of visits to the company’s intranet site Sustainability related reputation indices and rankings Least Brand recognition tangible News coverage Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 9
THE RESULTS Relevance and co-benefits deliver value to business When buyers were asked what factors drive their preferences for certain offset types, relevance to business and co-benefits were the two most cited factors. These drivers were particularly of value to buyers who are looking to build reputation and brand image and to differentiate themselves in their markets. However, the research also revealed a potential gap in buyers’ preferences and what is available, with 82% of respondents saying they would like to see more quantification and valuation of co-benefits. Respondents felt that this information would help their communications with customers and employees, promote transparency and understanding of their return on investment and help build the business case for offsetting. Significantly, buyers also indicated a willingness to pay up to 33% more per Reforestation project tonne of CO2 for projects with verified social, economic and environmental co-benefits, drawing upon the value Selecting the right project to Purchasing carbon offsets through As expected, most businesses set a co-benefits from carbon offset members of ICROA, who are budget for their offset programmes offset your emissions is key committed to following a Code of and will seek the most cost-effective programmes can deliver for the business. Specifically, through a choice Best Practice, ensures buyers can options to meet their goals. However, Although relevance to business and experiment that was included in the confidently select projects which meet as demonstrated above, many are co-benefits are important selection research, social co-benefits were valued the essential quality criteria to ensure willing to pay a premium for the criteria for buyers when choosing the highest of the three types, followed project registration procedures are additional values a project can deliver offset projects, project registration by economic, with environmental co- followed and issuance risk is reduced. with verified co-benefits. and issuance risk and carbon price benefits ranked third. continue to be leading decision- making criteria. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 10
Part 2: Quantifying the American Carbon Registry (ACR), Clean Co-benefits are organised under Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and Implementation (JI), Climate Action environmental benefits that Reserve (CAR), Gold Standard (GS) and projects deliver Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Social Standards – Climate, Commmunity & Biodiversity Alliance CCBA and Social Economic The first part of the research set out to identify the direct benefits Carbon Standard SCS, where verified experienced by businesses that along with carbon standards. offset their carbon emissions. In Part 2 we expand on the measurement, A significant number of co-benefits quantification and monetisation were identified in the research process. of co-benefits transferred to local The list of co-benefits collected for Social communities and the environment this study is therefore by no means where the project is being developed. exhaustive and we have not listed all benefits. Improved quantification of co-benefits from these projects will enable The analysis has been conducted using businesses to make the links to their Run-of-river hydro project, India project type, location and volume Environmental strategic objectives and goals, such of emission reductions to normalise as building reputation/brand image, the co-benefits delivered against the employee engagement and market sample size. Where quantified data differentiation, and consequently, to and economic methodology valuations were available, co-benefits have Sample description reap the full spectrum of benefits and value associated with carbon offsetting. been monetised. The sample portfolio generates around 32 million tonnes of CO2 (MtCO2) Methodology Each method for valuing co-benefits emission reductions per year and around is presented in Table 2 (page 14). The 836 MtCO2 reduction over the project’s To quantify – and where possible monetary value of co-benefits has lifetimes. In 2012, the total volume of monetise – co-benefits from offset been aggregated across the portfolio voluntary offsets transacted was 101 projects, a survey was developed and normalised by the (annual or total) million tCO2 (Peters-Stanley et al., 2013). for project developers of voluntary tonnes CO 2 generated to arrive at the The sample portfolio’s annual tCO2 retailed projects. The survey design co-benefit $ per tonne CO 2value. This generation corresponds to 32% of the was informed by academic and is indicative of our sample only and transacted volume in 2012. industry literature reviews, analysis of helps to demonstrate the kind of value internationally recognised sustainability delivered from offset projects. It is by standards, and industry expert no means exhaustive of the full market consultation with 13 organisations. Only and we aim to develop and extend this voluntary market projects using ICROA information for further, more detailed, endorsed standards were included: Run-of-river hydro project, India analysis and research in future. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 11
The sample characteristics are described below: Figure 2: 56% of the projects are forestry/land use projects, followed by household Figure 3: 56% of the projects are located in Africa, followed by Asia (24%), Latin device distribution projects (32%), energy efficiency/ fuel switch projects (7%) and America (17%) and North America (3%). 83% of the projects are certified by renewable projects (5%). social standards in addition to carbon accounting standards, such as the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB), GS and Social Carbon (SC). 5% Water purification 17% Latin America 3% North America 3% Wind 2% Run-of-river hydro 34% Afforestation/ reforestation 19% REDD/ avoided conversion 3% Improved forest management 24% Asia 56% Africa 8% Domestic biogas 7% Biomass 2% Clean cookstoves & water purification 17% Clean cookstoves Our figures have all been calculated conservatively using the data collected from respondents. Individual limitations on data are outlined in Table 2, found on page 14. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 12
THE RESULTS Total benefits per tonne from 59 surveyed projects $3 C56 $52 $609 $664 Econonomic Skills & Jobs fuel savings environmental TOTAL benefit Economic Social Economic Environmental Total The projects are estimated to To-date, the projects Assuming the household Projects that conserve natural Using this research as contribute around US$110.4 contributed around device distribution projects ecosystems are estimated million to local economy US$725,000 to local meet their targeted number of to generate around US$16 a base, we determined during development stage infrastructure and services, households (1.9 million), they billion of ecosystem benefits that offsetting and a further US$78.7 million such as education, healthcare, are estimated to generate per year. Whilst the lands 1 tonne of CO2 delivers per year of operation through transport systems and micro- around US$2.8 billion of are conserved for carbon local employment and financing local projects: Per household savings: around sequestration, they also deliver benefits totalling sourcing local services and tonne of CO2, US$0.007 is US$52 per tonne of CO 2 . other ecosystem services $664 material: US$2,600 per 1,000 spent on local infrastructure such as soil protection, water tonnes of CO 2 to the local development. regulation, and biodiversity economy. conservation: every tonne of The projects collectively train CO2 generates around US$609 around 211,310 local people of ecosystem benefits. in administration, with technical skills, or in health & safety or environmental/ community issues: Around 2 people are trained per 1000 tonnes of CO 2 . Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 13
THE RESULTS Table 2: Breaking down the quantified co-benefits2 delivered from Carbon Offset Projects The table below summarises the co-benefits of the studied projects. Quantification of co-benefits3 Co-benefits Quantification Valuation Per tCO 21 Method Employment creation (48) Based on the number of jobs generated multiplied by the country’s minimum wage. Normalised Development 1,467 jobs created US$*2.6 million US$0.003 by total tonnes CO 2 for development stage and annual tonnes CO 2 for operational stage. Project development was assumed to take a year Operation (per year) 8,042 jobs created US$*17.9 million US$0.559 Sourcing local material and services (13) Total spending on local material and services, normalised by the total tonnes of CO 2 for Development US$58,327,800 US$*107.8 million US$0.129 development stage and annual tonnes of CO 2 for operational stage Operation (per year) US$38,230,000 US$*60.8 million US$1.895 2 We refer to the additional benefits a project delivers beyond carbon reduction as “co-benefits” 3 The response rate differs across questions as some are irrelevant to the specific project or due to limited information available to respondents at the time of the survey. The sample size is indicated in the findings by stating the number of projects in parentheses. US$ are the values as reported by survey respondents, and US$* are adjusted values according to Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) . N.B, this is a sample of the voluntary market projects and by no means represents the full value of the market. We hope in due course to evaluate the broader market but in the meantime aim to demonstrate the further value being delivered through carbon offset projects our members are retailing. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 14
THE RESULTS Table 2: Breaking down the quantified co-benefits delivered from Carbon Offset Projects (continued) Co-benefits Quantification Valuation Per tCO 21 Method Household savings (13) Time savings is converted to potential income generation by multiplying 25% of the time saved with Fuel saving US$ 148 per household per year 278 US$* per household per year shadow wage. The projects collectively target 1,912,932 households. US$52 Assuming 273,276 devices are disseminated annually (1,912,932 over 7-year crediting period), the accumulated saving is calculated as around US$*2.8 Time saving 10 hours per household per week 87 US$* per household per year billion. The figure is normalised by the total tonnes of CO 2 generated from household device projects (53 million tonnes of CO 2). Number of people trained on the project, including project staff, contractors and local community, Capacity building (41) 211,310 people trained to-date US$0.002 normalised by tonnes CO2 generated to-date (109 million tonnes of CO2 pro-rata). Projects’ expenditures on local infrastructure and Infrastructure US$ 725,000 contributed to-date US$0.007 services, normalised by tonnes CO2 generated to-date development (5) (109 million tonnes of CO2 pro-rata). Based on the area conserved multiply by TEEB2 US$16 billion of ecosystem derived indicative value of ecosystem benefits per Ecosystem benefits/ 2,802,520 ha of natural habitat benefits per year (including US$608.668 ha of ecosystem type, normalised by the annual CO 2 biodiversity (19) conserved carbon sequestration) tonnage generated by projects that conserve land (26 million tonnes of CO 2). 4 The valuation methods are simplified to provide values of the co-benefits per tonne of C02 generated 5 TEEB – The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) has undertaken a number of case studies from the sample portfolio to estimate the annual ecosystem benefits from different ecosystems/biomes. The use of benefit transfer technique offers a useful approach but if applied indiscriminately without taking into account the differences between projects could lead to the wrong conclusions. Therefore, the ecosystem benefits derived in this study using TEEB’s estimates should be considered with caution. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 15
THE RESULTS During the study, we were also able to quantify other significant benefits. For the scope of this research we have not monetised these benefits but included them as indicators to further value. As the research programme progresses we will be able to analyse these additional benefits further. > Technology transfer – 64% of the > Improved public health – Efficient > Air quality – 32% of the projects > Water resource – 30% of the projects involve using technology household devices promoted by have a positive contribution to projects have positive impacts that is new to the region. The new the projects have the potential local air quality. However, there is on local water resources through technology is imported either from to reduce 40-100% of indoor air a lack of quantitative information reducing water pollutions. As in another country or another region pollutant concentrations, thus on the extent of the claimed the case of air quality, there is a within the project country, and can reducing indoor smoke related positive impact. The actual benefit lack of quantitative information. be maintained in the long-term by illness. Less time spent in poor health of air pollution reduction could Therefore, the monetised benefit the local workforce. means the household members have be estimated using the social cost of improving local water resource more time for income generating for each pollutant, however in the could not be estimated. activities, education or recreation. In absence of quantitative information, addition, reduced illness also saves this has not been carried out in household medical costs and cost to this study. public health systems. Unlocking the hidden value of carbon offsetting 16
CONCLUSION Increasingly, businesses brought about through offset programmes, our goal is to provide a are considering their clearer picture and food for thought carbon management on the value of integrating offsetting activities as part of their as part of businesses’ sustainability strategies. And therefore to help broader sustainability those strategies build reputation programmes, covering and brand, engage employees and total environmental differentiate in the marketplace, in impact, citizenship and addition to delivering essential global carbon emission reductions. supply chain resilience. We aim to build upon this study over Carbon offsetting offers companies time in order to further demonstrate the opportunity to align their the value that offsetting carbon reduction approach with programmes bring to business and other corporate priorities. But, to encourage both project developers do that requires offset projects and businesses participating in to demonstrate the non-carbon offset programmes to take part in benefits they are delivering and to our continued research efforts. place a value on those co-benefits. For further information and With $664 of additional value enquiries please contact for every one tonne of CO 2 , the secretariat@icroa.org additional social, economic and environmental value of carbon- By building the value case for offset projects is clear. integrating offsetting into business, we hope to initiate further voluntary action From training to job creation, on carbon mitigation by business. fuel savings to time savings, infrastructure development to For further information and to see ecosystem conservation, the how your business can unlock the benefits extend to communities hidden value of offsetting, visit and economies around the globe. www.ICROA.org By setting out the academic evidence based on the benefits Cookstove project, Cambodia
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