Open Letter on Scope 2 GHG Reporting

At the Climate Action Reserve, we are strongly committed to developing effective, market-based approaches for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We also believe that promoting the development of renewable energy is essential to any serious effort to mitigate climate change. Creating demand for renewables through voluntary markets for green power and “renewable energy certificates” (RECs) is one way to help advance both objectives. However, it is critically important that such markets be based on sound GHG accounting.

Recently, the World Resources Institute published a new guidance document regarding how companies should report their “Scope 2” greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions that arise from consumption of grid electricity, heat, or steam. The guidelines allow companies to use RECs to “reduce” their reported GHG emissions. If enough RECs are purchased, a reporting entity’s GHG emissions from electricity can be reported as zero, equivalent to not having consumed any electricity!

The parallel to carbon offsets is clear. By following the guidelines, companies can effectively claim to have “offset” their Scope 2 emissions using RECs or other contractual arrangements for green power. But is buying REC’s equivalent to buying offsets? Our longstanding answer is no.

It should be a bedrock principle of GHG accounting that no company be allowed to report a reduction in its GHG footprint for an action that results in no change in overall GHG emissions. Yet this is precisely what can happen under WRI’s new guidance.

It is because of this problem that we, along with other GHG accounting practitioners and academics, are calling on companies to not use the contractual/REC-based reporting method allowed by the guidance, and to rely instead on grid-based emission factors to determine Scope 2 emissions (which is also provided for in the guidance).

You can find out more by reading the open letter here. We would welcome your views and insights, and if you agree with us, you can also sign on to the letter.

Public comment period open for draft Mexico ODS Project Protocol Version 1.0 – workshop February 26 – comments due March 17

In anticipation of NACW 2015, we’d like to share our favorites in downtown Los Angeles

The next NACW will take place in downtown Los Angeles this April and we’re very excited to welcome delegates to our hometown. In addition to the Reserve’s main office, downtown Los Angeles is home to many top notch sights and treasures, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Central Library, and Grand Central Market. To get you excited about joining us in downtown LA, we’d like to share some of our favorites in the neighborhood. Please feel free to contact us for additional information or recommendations! And please feel free to share your favorites in the comment section below. Thanks!

Max:
Sixth Street Tavern	Favorite sandwich: The BBQ Pork Banh Mi from The Sandwich Shop on 6^th Street, just around the corner from the Biltmore Favorite breakfast: The Original Pantry Café, at the corner of 9^th St and Figueroa. If it’s crowded, sit at the counter Favorite casual beer bar: Casey’s Irish Pub, Grand Ave just south of 6^th Street Favorite craft beer bar: Sixth Street Tavern Favorite business lunch: Blue Cow Kitchen, up the hill on Grand Ave Favorite dinner: Mas Malo (Mexican), 7^th Street between Grand and Olive Further afield: LA Farmer’s Market: 3^rd Street and Fairfax Ave, 10-15 minutes from downtown Griffith Observatory: In Griffith Park, Google it. Stellar views of the LA basin, and you can learn science things. Hermosa Beach Pier: Get the beach vibe. Plan for a long walk and then lots of food and drink options. Bring flip-flops and sunglasses, regardless of weather.
Stephanie:
Grand Park	Favorite park: Grand Park is a nice downhill stroll from the Music Center to City Hall; the big fountain is especially nice at night Favorite place to walk around: Little Tokyo has cool shops, restaurants, the Japanese American National Museum, MOCA-Geffen Favorite historical spot: Olvera Street, a good place to buy a leather purse, Day of the Dead skull, some dulce, or a Los Doyers t-shirt, and take a tour of the Avila Adobe, the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles Favorite view: View from the revolving L.A. Prime restaurant on top of the Bonaventure Favorite lobby: the very Moroccan Hotel Figueroa
Rob:
G&B Coffee	Favorite coffee: G&B Coffee Favorite gastropub: Wurstkuche Favorite restaurant: Orsa & Winston Favorite bar: Cole’s/Varnish Favorite Japanese: Izakaya Honda-Ya Outside of DTLA Favorite Chinese food: Newport Seafood (San Gabriel) Favorite café: Casbah Café (Silver Lake) Favorite gastropub: Beer Belly (Koreatown)
Rhey:
Peddler’s Creamery	Favorite street art: Parking by Banksy (Broadway & 9^th) Favorite place to wander: The Last Bookstore – used & new books, interesting finds (signed Miranda July book!), even a dollar section upstairs Favorite photo op spot: on top of the ice cream-churning bicycle at Peddler’s Creamery, yes they let you sit on top and take photos. Great spot for delicious organic vegan ice cream. And if you can pedal for 20 minutes at a steady pace, you can sign up for a pedaling-churning session and receive a free scoop of ice cream in return. Favorite pie spot: Pie Hole – they offer not just sweet pies, but savory pies too, like chicken pot pie, kale & mushroom pie, steak & ale pie Favorite taco spot: Guisados
Teresa:
Casey’s Irish Pub	Best happy hour: Casey’s Best whiskey bar: 7^th and Grand Best rooftop cocktails with a view (and also a good happy hour): Takami Restaurant Best Happy Hour (food) w/ great sports viewing: Bunker Hill Bar and Grill Best Divebars: La Cita, Down and Out (Couldn’t pick one 😉 Best tacos: Grand Central Market!! Best coffee: Spring for Coffee – it’s literally in the Biltmore (entrance on Grand) and it’s SOOOO good!
Sarah:
Gather DTLA	Favorite museum: Grammy Museum Favorite yarn/knitting store: Gather DTLA (inside the Last Bookstore) Favorite theatre: the Orpheum Favorite bar: Villain’s Tavern Favorite lunch spot: Grand Central Market
Mark:
Tacos Tumbras a Tomas	Coffee: G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market Quick lunch: cabeza and carnitas tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas in Grand Central Market Sandwich (kinda): beef tongue schnitzel bäco at Bäco Mercat Happy hour deal: $5 Manhattan + $5 half-dip & fries at Cole’s Cocktail: Poblano Escobar at Las Perlas
Stephen:
LA Boulders	Athletic Pursuits: LA Boulders (LAB) Cheap Eats: Wurstkuche Café: Zinc Cafe Veggie Options: Tierra café Drinks: The Varnish
Rachel:
Grand Central Market	Favorite lunch spot: Grand Central Market – lots of variety and a great example of classic downtown and “new downtown” coming together. Try a pastrami at Wexler’s Deli or Thai comfort food at Sticky Rice. Favorite rooftop bar: Ace Hotel – hidden gem on Broadway with an always interesting mix of people (and cocktails!) Favorite bar for a group: The Edison – home to LA’s first power plant, this is a speakeasy-type place with very cool architecture and history Favorite casual dinner spot: Tender Greens – fast, fresh and very close to the conference hotel Favorite dinner spot: Bestia – a little off-the-beaten-DTLA path, but worth the trip to the Arts District for unique Italian small plates in a vibrant, fun setting
Gillian:
Bottega Louie	Favorite indoor market: Grand Central Market Favorite outdoor market: the Wednesday Farmer’s Market at Pershing Square Favorite sushi: Sugar Fish Favorite cookie: the macaroons at Bottega Louie’s Favorite happy hour: the Golden Gopher
Gary:
Bradbury Building	Favorite architecture: the Bradbury Building, the rotunda at LA City Hall, the Ace Hotel, the Children’s Reading Room at the Central Library (and the rotunda there too), and just a bit out of downtown the Mercado Paloma Favorite music hall: Walt Disney Concert Hall Favorite lunch spot: Baco Mercat, Grand Central Market, Daikokuya in Little Tokyo Favorite dinner spot: Bestia, Church & State Favorite taco spot: Guisados (especially the original location in Boyle Heights)
Heather:
The Last Bookstore	Favorite Bookstore: The Last Bookstore. Words can’t describe how awesome this place is. $1 used books upstairs? Yes, please. It’s easy to while away the hours in this store, so plan accordingly. Favorite Hair Salon: Industry DTLA. Not only have I been going to the owner for haircuts for the past 6 years, he now has a new space complete with edgy boutique items designed and made locally. Favorite Theater: The Theater at Ace Hotel. If you have a chance to catch at show here, it’s an experience you will never forget. The completely restored 1920s theater will take your breath away. So many beautiful architectural details, even if the seating is a bit cramped and vertically daunting. Favorite Crepes (breakfast OR lunch!): Crêpe X-press Cafe. Savory or sweet crêpes for breakfast or lunch, any of them can be made gluten free! The salads are also great, and they serve Illy coffee, if that’s your thing. I love the Voulez-Vous and À Bientôt savory crêpes and the classic Crêpe Xpress sweet crêpe with banana, strawberries, and Nutella. Favorite Happy Hour with a View: The Standard Hotel. Lots of seating with great views of the city and a cool, modern vibe.

Former CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley joins Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors

New election brings prominent, notable environmental experience from national, state and city levels

LOS ANGELES, CA – White House veteran and key leader in national, California and Los Angeles environmental policies, Nancy Sutley, has been elected to the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors. Ms. Sutley formerly served as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and currently holds the position of Chief Sustainability and Economic Development Officer for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). During her career, she has served under two presidents, one governor and one mayor. Her seat on the Board brings a wealth of environmental experience.

“We are honored to welcome Nancy Sutley to the Reserve Board of Directors. She is not only a strong, dynamic addition to the Board but also a natural fit to help guide our growth and strategic direction. Nancy’s interaction with and support of the Reserve actually goes back over a decade, and her accomplishments and experiences on national, California and Los Angeles levels relate to the core of the Reserve’s identity and vision,” said Linda Adams, Chair of the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors and Founding Partner of Clean Tech Advocates.

As CEQ Chair, Ms. Sutley was a chief architect of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and played a central role in developing and implementing the Obama Administration’s environmental priorities. Prior to this appointment, she held key roles in developing environmental initiatives in Los Angeles and California. She served as the Deputy Mayor for Energy and Environment for the City of Los Angeles under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. She represented Los Angeles on the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and served on the California State Water Resources Control Board. Before coming to Los Angeles, she held positions on the state level as Energy Advisor for Governor Gray Davis and Deputy Secretary for Policy and Intergovernmental Relations at California EPA.

“Joining the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors is an honor and also meaningful to me. I have followed the organization’s work since its inception and been very familiar with the role it has played in some of California’s pioneering environmental initiatives and outside the state borders. It is certainly poised to play even stronger roles in these arenas and internationally, and I am be honored to be asked to lend my knowledge and experience to help guide this growth,” said Ms. Sutley.

PG&E’s Melissa Lavinson elected to Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors

Energy and environmental policy expert adds more depth and reach to the Board

LOS ANGELES, CA – Melissa Lavinson, Vice President, Federal Affairs at PG&E Corporation, has joined the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors. Ms. Lavinson’s expertise on energy and environmental policy is well known in California and on Capitol Hill. Her work with Congress, trade associations, NGOs and other groups has also earned her a reputation as a key team player on issues vital to California and the nation.

“Welcoming Melissa Lavinson to the Reserve Board of Directors is very exciting for us in many respects. She is an extremely accomplished individual with a wealth of experience and accomplishments in energy and the environment. She will not only help guide the Reserve in its strategic growth and involvement on a national level, but also here in California. Also, the Reserve has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with PG&E, and it is wonderful to have the company involved with the Reserve on this level again,” said Linda Adams, Chair of the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors and Founding Partner of Clean Tech Advocates.

In her position at PG&E, Ms. Lavinson is responsible for directing the company’s efforts to shape, develop, implement and manage public policy on all federal issues that impact the company’s business. She also builds the company’s relationships on the federal level with Congress, the administration and diverse groups. Prior to joining PG&E in 1997, she was a Senior Associate at MRW and Associates in Oakland, California. Ms. Lavinson began her career with ICF Consulting and was based in Washington, DC. Currently, she splits her time between San Francisco and Washington, DC.

“I am honored to join the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors and looking forward to upholding PG&E’s history of collaboration with this great organization. In my role at PG&E, I see how California’s pioneering environmental initiatives impact work on a federal level, and the Reserve’s high standards and quality work have followed in those footsteps,” said Ms. Lavinson.

Errata and Clarifications released for the Landfill Project Protocol Versions 4.0, 3.0, and 2.0

New policy addressing City of Seattle and State of California waste diversion mandates and their effect on eligible waste streams in the OWC and OWD Project Protocols

How will you be green in 2015?

As we kick off the new year, we’re making our resolutions and planning for a super green 2015. As environmentalists, we’re excited to embark on a new path to reduced emissions (and increased savings)! Please share how you’ll be greening your 2015 in the comments below!

* * *I’m going to try and commit to biking to work ~80% of the time and buy less packaged produce.
– Stephen

I’m going to mirror Gov. Brown’s ambitious plans for California and cut my petroleum use in half.
– Rhey

This year I am volunteering on a committee to help my town develop a new Energy Plan to guide the Town’s efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of energy use by government, schools, residents, and businesses.
– Max

We’re making a bunch of green improvements at home in 2015: installing a tank-less water heater, removing most of the lawn in the front yard, and planting a bunch of trees to provide shade from the LA sun.
– Katy

This is just the latest incarnation of my long-standing love for thrift stores and charity shops, but 2015 marks my first serious foray into furniture refinishing! I’ve been in the market for a new desk, and last week I found a sad little Art Deco-esque piece at my local Goodwill that didn’t seem too far off from ending up in a landfill. I’ve already put in a fair amount of time with (non-toxic, biodegradable) paint stripper. This weekend will be sanding and oiling, and it should be good as new!
– Sarah

I plan to be green in 2015 by riding my bike more often. I usually wait until May and Bike to Work week to kick off my bike riding, but when the weather is nice I plan to ride as much as possible before then.
– Gillian

Infographic: Forest carbon in California’s cap-and-trade program

Learn about forest carbon, the offset project type with the highest number of issuances in California’s compliance offset program. To date, forestry projects have earned 7,669,946 compliance and early action credits.

Please click here for the full size PDF version.

Our favorite books read in 2014

We took a page from the New York Times, which recently published their list of “What’s the Best Book, New or Old, You Read This Year,” and created our own list of the best books, new or old, that our staff and friends read this year!

We’d like to hear about your favorite reads in 2014 as well! Please leave a comment sharing your favorite — and the first five commenters win an upcycled handmade (by Reserve staff) bicycle chain holiday ornament!

Name	Book	Why it was your favorite read
Joel Levin	The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler	I have not read Chandler before, but man is he a great writer. His descriptions of people and situations are so rich. Much of it seems so familiar because he created the whole “noir” detective genre and influenced so many writers after him. Also, everything takes place in very identifiable locations in Los Angeles. Philip Marlowe’s office was just a block from where I work!
Jennifer Weiss	Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema
Sarah Wescott	We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson	We Have Always Lived in the Castle was recommended to me by a few people who were surprised that I had never picked up a Shirley Jackson novel before. I thought this book offered a really interesting look into what is presented in the story as sort of a socially disintegrating upperclass family, in addition to what it is probably best known for – its innocent but sinister young narrator, Merricat, and her strange psychological state. The story is riddled with dark humor, and seemed to be a bit ahead of its time. The Haunting of Hill House, which Stephen King has cited as a major influence on the Shining (another favorite of mine), is next on my list.
Gary Gero	The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert	An environmental science book that reads like a murder mystery but of course we all know whodunnit!
Gloria Gonzalez (Ecosystem Marketplace)	The Closer by Mariano Rivera	Most of the books I’ve read over the year were in some way related to journalism or environmental issues. But the one that I read purely for fun was the biography of Mariano Rivera, a now-retired New York Yankees pitcher who has been my favorite Yankees player for more than a decade. The book is called the Closer and I think it would be great read even if you’re not a baseball fan. He has lived an incredible life, rising up from abuse and extreme poverty in a small fishing village in Panama to become the greatest closer in baseball history. He is generally considered one of the good guys in a sport that has way too many bad guys who have tainted the game for many fans. A great book that even a Boston Red Sox fan could enjoy!
Katie Ordal (The Climate Registry)	Lean In by Sheryl SandbergBright Shiny Morning by James Frey	Nonfiction – Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I know there has been some criticism lodged at the book for various reasons but for me personally, her message (about women in the workplace) rang true and her perspective was one that I identified with immediately. I don’t think I have ever recommended a book to more people (both women and men) than this one.Fiction – Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. Yes, THE James Frey that everybody loves to hate. Really, I think he is a flawed human being that has become the scapegoat for all of the things that are wrong with the publishing industry. All that aside, I’ve read quite a few books about Los Angeles and this one is my favorite. The man knows how to tell a good story.
Laura Zahn (The Climate Registry)	The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay	The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay beautifully presents the tragedy and power of the human condition. I picked it up on a whim and couldn’t put it down until I turned the very last page. I wanted the book to go on forever.
Syd Partridge (California Air Resources Board)	The Martian by Andy Weir	This is a sci-fi novel about one of the first astronauts to visit Mars, and his story of survival after he is accidentally left behind on Mars.
Michael Seitz (US-China Clean Tech Center (UCCTC))	How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie	“How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a classic, but the tenets that it teaches to more observant readers do not simply constitute a study on social manipulation. The book teaches us to go about our business with a more positive outlook and helps us to appreciate the struggles of others in relation to ourselves. Ultimately, through being a more thoughtful and cooperative person, you can better negotiate with others to identify solutions that help both of you succeed. By applying the principles I learned through reading the book, I have become a more level-headed person and have been able to connect with others on a level I had hardly considered before.
Scott Hernandez (Carbon Trade Exchange)	Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn	My favorite book this year is hands-down, Gone Girl. Haha. I’m serious. It’s really good. My second favorite is Flash Boys, which might be more appropriate for this audience, as it has lessons for the carbon market in keeping out fraudulent activities.
Stephanie Schwartz	Blood Will Out by Walter Kirn	A self-absorbed but surprisingly riveting account of Kirn’s friendship with con-man and convicted murderer Clark Rockefeller (Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter). Too wacky to be true, and yet every word is.