HomeOrganizations wishing to improve the carbon footprint of their operations generally begin by improving energy efficiency and reducing energy use through conservation measures. This is straightforward first step which may result in significant cost savings along with reduced GHG emissions.
The second step is often steeper. For facilities in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, investments in green technologies to reduce process emissions may be required.
The third step usually requires investments in green energy projects such as small hydro, solar, wind and geothermal energy to further reduce GHG emissions generated through the remaining electricity that the organization consumes. The green energy projects reduce emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity. In Manitoba most electricity is already hydro and the GHG emissions are already negligible.
Finally, most organizations wishing to become carbon neutral must deal with residual GHG emissions that cannot be easily or cost effectively avoided. This includes emissions resulting from chemical or biological processes, or business travel. Purchasing carbon offsets from other GHG emissions reduction projects is a straightforward way of offsetting unavoidable emissions.