Carbon Dioxide Offsets
The safe limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is believed to be about 350-ppm and the present level is around 390-ppm. Older economic models that ignore the natural world are short sighted and unbalanced. We need to move towards a more sensible and sustainable economics. Quick action is need.
In our small business, hydrocarbon fueled vehicle use is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. We intend to purchase carbon dioxide offsets for the hydrocarbons used in our vehicles. We understand this is an imperfect solution but something needs to be done. Our governments seem paralysed. The purchase of carbon offsets using the following simple relation will be used:
About 2.3 kg of CO2 are created for every litre of gasoline burned. Our vehicle has a combined fuel efficiency of 14-litres/100-km. The average job requires about 1000-km of driving so this means the average job will add:
2.3-kg CO2 / litre x 14-litre/100-km x 1000-km = 322-kg CO2 per 1000-km driving
The current cost per metric tonne (T) CO2 is CAD$ 45.00 as defined by Less Emissions Inc. (see link below)
This means the average job will cost an additional 322-kg x T/1000-kg x $45.00/T = CAD$ 14.49 per 1000-km
This CAD$ 14.49 per 1000-km of driving seems a small additional cost to help ensure we do not continue to damage our atmosphere.
Learn more about Carbon Dioxide Offsets at Wikipedia
Learn more about a Canadian carbon offset program for businesses and individuals interested in lessening their environmental impact. Less Emissions Inc.
Article: Go carbon neutral. (David Suzuki Foundation) link here
Article: Doing Business in a New Climate: A Guide to Measuring, Reducing and Offsetting Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (David Suzuki Foundation) link here