Lt-Governor backs scheme to offset local carbon emissions

The scheme aims to offset 10,000 tonnes of C02 and raise more than £100,000 split equally between green projects in Guernsey and worldwide.

Islanders input how many miles they drive annually and what type of vehicle they have online. Their carbon will then be calculated and islanders will pay to offset it under the scheme launched by ESI Monitor, a local environmental and social standards business, and sponsored by the Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

The Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder was one of the first to use the scheme by offsetting emissions from Government House road vehicles. ‘We are blessed with a beautiful natural environment here in the Bailiwick, so I’m pleased to be able to do something that directly helps to protect it for future generations,’ he said.

‘I’m also delighted to support a local initiative that is working to internationally recognised standards to help build Guernsey’s reputation as an environmentally responsible jurisdiction.’

Kenny McDonald, head of retail operations for the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said it was pleased to be the main sponsor of ESI’s carbon offset scheme.

‘As a responsible retailer we are committed to doing as much as we can to lessen our impact on the environment – and this is a fantastic green incentive we can encourage both our colleagues and members to get on board with.’

ESI Monitor hopes the scheme will encourage islanders to reduce their carbon footprint as much as they can in daily life. Normal carbon offsetting schemes work by calculating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by things such as cars, motorbikes and boats and spending money to sequester an equivalent amount of CO2 or stop it being emitted.

‘Carbon offsetting is not new,’ said ESI Monitor sustainability advisor Fred Betley. ‘However it is not always possible to be reassured that signing up to a scheme will have the impact that you would like.

‘By establishing this scheme, based locally and using certified projects, Carbon Offset Plus will offset 100% of a given activity and additionally provide grants to biodiversity in the islands, giving Channel Islanders the peace of mind they need that they are helping the environment at the point of pollution and further afield.

‘We also felt it was important for the scheme to directly benefit our local environment, which is why we will use half of the funds to support local conservation schemes.’

The company also thanked the CI Co-operative Society and the Lt-Governor, adding that a range of individuals and businesses were already signing up.

Islanders offsetting boat, car or motorcycle emissions will receive a windscreen badge to proudly display, demonstrating that they have made a significant contribution to the mitigation of climate change. Boat owners can also choose to purchase the Carbon Offset+ flag to fly and encourage others to join the initiative.

n For more information and to sign up, visit https://carbonoffsetplus.com or https://esimonitor.org/carbon-offset-plus/.

n Consumer, business and airline versions of the carbon offset scheme are coming soon, says ESI Monitor, and that once they are all live, funding of local

biodiversity projects could exceed £250,000 annually with islanders’ support.