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Urban Tree Planting and Urban Forest Management Project Protocols are now available
Climate Action Offsetter: The Climate Trust
Susan Thoman, director of business development at Cedar Grove Composting, shows off the company’s finished product. Photo by JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES
written by The Climate Trust
Seattle City Light, a public utility serving 740,000 residents in Seattle, Wash., signed a contract with Portland-based nonprofit, The Climate Trust, to launch the first-ever national project to voluntarily purchase carbon credits sources from reductions made with organic composting. Seattle City Light purchased 35,000 carbon reduction tons (CRTs) of verified emission reductions from two organic material composting projects within the state, eliminating harmful methane emissions. The methane removal from these projects is equivalent to 6,200 cars being driven annually!
“Seattle City Light’s long-term goal is to meet all of Seattle’s electricity needs through conservation, new renewable sources, and with renewable energy credits to maintain zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Corinne Grande, Seattle City Light Power Analyst from the Environmental Affairs Division.
The projects operated by Cedar Grove Composting prevent the emission of methane into the atmosphere. Methane has a global warming potential 23 times greater than carbon dioxide according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Typically, food and other organic materials are sent to a landfill, where organics decompose in an anaerobic manner, generating high levels of methane. Composting breaks down organics using an aerobic process—which results in substantially reduced methane emissions.
Cedar Grove Composting worked with Environmental Credit Corp (ECC); an experienced carbon offset project developer, to develop the projects in adherence to CAR’s Organic Waste Composting Project Protocol; managing the verification process, and structuring carbon credit transactions. The two projects are distinguished as the first projects quantified and verified under this new protocol, and also as some of the first carbon transactions involving organics composting domestically. The facilities accept material from a variety of residential and commercial sources including Seattle and King County, Wash. as well as other counties in the state.
In addition to the credits purchased by Seattle City Light, other environmental and economic benefits of the methane reduction project include the ability to utilize recycled food material as compost; improving soil health and structure; increasing drought resistance; and reducing the need for supplemental water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
“This project illustrates that investment in innovation such as organics composting projects can pave the way towards more sustainable methods of handling long-time problems like community waste, in addition to helping protect the climate,” said Derek Six, Portfolio Manager & CFO for Environmental Credit Corp.
Utilities such as Seattle City Light have relied on The Climate Trust (TCT) to finance and effectively manage numerous greenhouse gas reduction projects on their behalf. While The Climate Trust is well-versed in helping businesses and utilities meet their carbon reduction commitments, the heart and soul of our operations is in working with project developers such as ECC to achieve our mission and help mitigate climate pollution. For more information on The Climate Trust, please visit www.climatetrust.org
New standard for urban forest offset projects aims to engage more cities and urban areas
Climate Action Reserve adopts new version of its Urban Forest Project Protocol
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Board of Directors of the Climate Action Reserve, an environmental nonprofit organization and North America’s premier carbon offset registry, today adopted an updated version of the Urban Forest Project Protocol (UFPP). The protocol provides a standardized approach for developing offset projects from managing and planting trees in urban areas and significantly expands the land area that’s eligible to be developed into an offset project. This expansion and other updates aim to make urban forest offset projects more feasible for more cities and urban areas.
“There’s tremendous potential to store carbon in trees and reduce urban heat island effects, and cities across the country have expressed great interest in doing this. This was a challenging project type under the previous versions of the Urban Forest Project Protocol, but we expect there will be widespread use of the updated protocol,” said Linda Adams, former Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors. “The protocol presents a wonderful opportunity for cities to address climate change, improve the beauty of their surroundings and earn revenue that they can either invest in more urban forest management or in other sustainability initiatives.”
The most significant update of the new protocol version, which was developed with support from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CalFIRE) and extensive contributions from a diverse workgroup, is the introduction of urban forest management. Cities and urban areas can earn offset credits across an entire urban area by adopting activities – such as managing healthy, vigorous trees that are well-spaced and avoiding tree removals – that increase the total amount of carbon stored in the trees. As established under the previous versions of the protocol, cities and urban areas can also still earn offset credits by planting trees to increase the amount of carbon sequestered and stored. The protocol adopted today, though, addresses increases in carbon throughout a community, which means there is greater potential for more trees to be part of an urban forest project.
Other updates to the protocol include revisions to the guidelines for monitoring and verification of the projects and rules for project aggregation.
“Our main goal with the update of the Urban Forest Project Protocol was to increase the accessibility and usability of the protocol without compromising the integrity of the standard. Thanks to feedback from cities like Santa Monica and CalFIRE and the contributions from the protocol workgroup members, we have a strong urban forest protocol that can serve as an important tool for cities to not only address climate change, but also to reduce the urban heat island effect, provide habitat, and help clean the air,” said Gary Gero, President of the Climate Action Reserve.
Notice to holders and potential buyers of ODS credits
Parties holding or considering purchasing ozone depleting substances (ODS) credits issued for projects that took place at the Clean Harbors Incineration Facility in El Dorado, Arkansas should be cognizant of a current review by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and are strongly advised to not engage in any transactions with those credits until the review is complete.
On May 29, ARB issued a notice regarding ARBOCs issued to ODS projects that took place at the Clean Harbors Incineration Facility. While ARB believes the GHG reductions from those projects are real, quantified and verified, it is reviewing whether the facility was not in compliance with provisions of its operating permit issued under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The notice advises the review process could take 55 days. To aid in the review, involved parties may submit information and ARB may request additional information during the next 25 calendar days. After all information is received, the ARB Executive Officer has 30 calendar days to make a final determination regarding the invalidation of the credits under review.
Questions about ARB’s review should be directed to ARB. Questions about the Reserve’s actions and CRTs it has issued to affected ODS projects can be directed to Kristen Gorguinpour at [email protected] or Katy Young at [email protected].
Deadline extended to May 30 for Grassland Project Protocol workgroup applications and RFP to assist with protocol development
Thanking bicyclists on Bike to Work Day!
This year, we signed up with Metro Los Angeles to serve as a Bike to Work Day pit stop host. As an environmental nonprofit working to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we’re excited to support local bicycling efforts to further support emissions reductions in our community.
Even though the weather was forecasted for a high of 101 degrees today – the hottest in this current heat wave – many dedicated bicyclists sweated their way through the sauna-like heat and commuted to work on their bicycles.
We were happy to share our thanks for their efforts to clean our air and help our climate. At our pit stop, bicyclists and bicycling enthusiasts were able to pick up maps of bike paths in LA county, safety guides outlining the rules of the road, brochures for local bicycling nonprofits, reflector lights, patch kits, and breakfast goodies.
Bicycling is a great way to reduce emissions, get exercise, reduce traffic congestion, save money, and enhance the community’s quality of life. We received a comment that “Bike to Work Day should happen every month, no every week!” We agree!
Special thanks to Metro Los Angeles, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and the U.S. Bank Building for their support!!
Climate Action Reserve awarded Environmental Protection prize at the largest social impact awards in the country
CLASSY Awards Announces Eight Nonprofit Winners Live on Stage
San Diego, CA – The CLASSY Awards, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, announced eight Winners live on stage this past weekend at the 5th Annual CLASSY Awards Ceremony. More than 3,600 programs worldwide were evaluated during a yearlong research process. The Winners were selected by the Leadership Council, a prestigious board of 100+ leaders and experts in the social sector.
The Ceremony featured co-hosts Elizabeth Gore, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the United Nations Foundation and Kenna, Founder of Summit on the Summit and Grammy-Nominated Musician, along with 12 influential speakers.
“We are truly honored to be in the company of so many amazing and accomplished organizations. Seeing the impactful work of the winners and all of the nominees at the awards ceremony really made a bold statement about the power of collaboration, passion and drive,” said Gary Gero, President of the Climate Action Reserve. “We share this award and the recognition of our work with all of the environmental groups, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions and individuals who have been a part of our work over the last 11 years.”
“All of the organizations participating in the CLASSY Awards are big thinkers and bold leaders,” said Elizabeth Gore, this year’s co-host of the CLASSY Awards and Entrepreneur–in-Residence at the UN Foundation. “The winners recognized on stage are implementing creative new solutions, taking risks and leveraging best practices to guide their strategies. The UN Foundation recognizes their leadership and we are proud to support their efforts in driving significant social progress moving forward.”
This year’s CLASSY Awards Winners include:
- Active Duty & Veterans Services: The Mission Continues
- Animal & Wildlife Welfare: World Vets
- Disaster Relief & Public Safety International Medical Corps
- Educational Advancement: Project Lead the Way
- Environmental Protection: Climate Action Reserve
- Health Services: Jhpiego
- Human Rights & Social Justice: Immigration Equality
- Poverty & Hunger Relief: Action Against Hunger
The Climate Action Reserve is the largest offset registry to serve the carbon markets. With deep roots in California and a reach across North America, the organization encourages actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and works to ensure environmental benefit, integrity and transparency in market-based solutions to address global climate change.
“Our global social landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and bold solutions are needed to address new and existing challenges,” said Pat Walsh, Co-Founder of the CLASSY Awards. “The winners awarded with a CLASSY this year are driving significant progress in the 8 major cause sectors, and their work deserves recognition. We are honored to be able to shine a spotlight on their successes.”
More information about the CLASSY Awards Winners, Finalists and Nominees can be found at: www.classyawards.org or email [email protected].
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About the CLASSY Awards
The CLASSY Awards, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, is the largest social impact awards ceremony of its kind, celebrating the greatest champions of social progress. The yearlong initiative identifies and evaluates organizations in eight major cause categories, including Active Duty & Veteran Services, Animal & Wildlife Welfare, Education Advancement, Environmental Protection, Health Services, Human Rights & Social Justice, Poverty & Hunger Relief, Disaster Relief & Public Safety. The winners are determined by the CLASSY Awards Leadership Council, an honorary board of leaders and experts whose unique perspective and valuable insight establishes this recognition as one of the highest honors in the social sector. For more information, visit www.classyawards.org.
About the United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.
Heather O’Neill elected to Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors
New Board seat adds a strong connection to the advanced energy business sector
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Heather O’Neill, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and the Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEEI), has joined the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors. Ms. O’Neill’s election to the Board adds a voice from the growing advanced energy industry, a broad sector that includes technologies and services ranging from energy efficiency to wind, solar, and hydropower to smart grid and energy storage, many of which contribute to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are very pleased to welcome Heather O’Neill to the Reserve Board of Directors. In electing Board members, we have always been diligent in seeking diverse representation from leaders in the environment, energy and policy sectors, and Ms. O’Neill adds a strong and experienced perspective from the emerging clean energy economy. We could not have found a more fitting addition for helping guide the Reserve’s current work and strategic direction,” said Linda Adams, Chair of the Climate Action Reserve Board of Directors and Founding Partner of Clean Tech Advocates.
AEE is a national association of business leaders working together to make the global energy system more secure, clean and affordable. The association’s mission is transforming public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy companies. In her position, Ms. O’Neill is responsible for deepening and broadening AEE’s relationships with funders and foundations and building partnerships with allied organizations that advance industry growth. Prior to AEE, she served as a program officer at the Robertson Foundation and led the foundation’s energy and environment efforts.
“I am honored to join the Climate Action Reserve’s Board of Directors. In my work, I have seen how aligned organizations can leverage each other’s work for greater impact.The Reserve is another strong testament to the effectiveness of partnership,” said Ms. O’Neill.