Becoming Carbon Neutral

The term carbon neutral implies that the activity, organisation or region in question produces zero net greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved through a hierarchy of avoidance, reduction, switching energy sources, sequestering and offsetting residual emissions.

State and local governments, companies and other organisations are making the commitment to become carbon neutral within specified timeframes. There is however, no single universally accepted protocol for doing so. They also face a diverse array of carbon offset products of varying quality on the market.

The Middle Way provides clients seeking to become carbon neutral with a robust, transparent and verifiable process including the following steps:

• Measure the carbon footprint - setting boundaries, collecting data, developing an emissions inventory, establishing data management systems, preparing a report.
• Engage with stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for using less energy and for using it more efficiently
• Purchase accredited renewable energy products
• Identify and purchase appropriate carbon offsets, setting criteria for the type of offsets and the preferred offsets retailer.