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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Answers to commonly asked questions. If you have a question that isn't on the list, then please contact us.

Questions about the carboNZero programme:

Questions about CEMARS:

Questions about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions:

Questions about the carboNZero calculators:

Questions about carbon credits:

What is the carboNZero programme?

The carboNZero programme can be used by individuals and organisations to minimise their impacts on climate change by undertaking the following three actions:

  1. Understanding and measuring their greenhouse gas emissions
  2. Making a commitment to managing and reducing their emissions at source
  3. Offsetting or mitigating their remaining, unavoidable emissions

The carboNZero programme has been created by Landcare Research especially for New Zealand - hence the NZ in the middle of the name. Organisations can seek carboNZero certification for their efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and offset (balanced or neutralise) their remaining unavoidable emissions. An external audit is required to achieve carboNZero certification.

What are the implications for New Zealand businesses wanting to join the carboNZero programme?

Obtaining carboNZero certification requires commitment to reduce emissions at source. You will be expected to demonstrate continuous improvement and keep trying to be more energy efficient. Obtaining carboNZero certification also allows a company to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and enhancing New Zealand's environment, for example by:

What happens once a company has achieved carboNZero certification? Does the process continue?

carboNZero certification is time-limited and you must continue to monitor and manage your emissions and resubmit the data on an annual basis. The audit process will be less onerous for repeat years.

How can an individual join the carboNZero programme?

Go to www.carboNZero.co.nz and use the household calculator to calculate your emissions. There is an online facility for offsetting your emissions. However, we encourage you to look for ways to reduce your emissions because offsetting without reducing emissions simply balances your emissions at today’s levels. To reverse the impacts of climate change, we must achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. It also makes more sense to reduce your emissions so that you pay less for offsetting.

How do conferences and events achieve carboNZero certification?

The carboNZero programme provides an initial estimate of the expected emissions for the event. The carboNZero programme then works with the event organisors to ensure that emissions from the event are minimised through a management plan. This includes actions such as providing efficient transport options, accommodation close to the venue, and energy efficiency of the venue itself and waste minimisation. The event organisers then pay a deposit to purchase the majority of the carbon credits required to offset the unavoidable emissions associated with the event. Following the conclusion of the event, a final emissions calculation is completed once all information is collected, such as origin of travel for the delegates. Where the event wishes to be certified, the final emissions calculation, management plan, and mitigation of carbon credits are checked by an external auditor to verify that the event complied with the measure, manage and mitigate requirements of the carboNZero programme. Following the final emissions calculation, any remaining carbon credits are purchased in order to offset all the remaining unavoidable emissions from the conference.

Could a dairy farm have carboNZero certification? Would you have to take into account methane and nitrous oxide from stock?

There is no reason why a dairy farm could not apply for carboNZero certification. We would require methane and nitrous oxide to be included in the emissions inventory. However, scientists are still working out how to make these measurements. We look forward to the development of suitable factors that can be used to calculate emissions on the basis of stock type and numbers. Please refer to article on dairy farms for more information.

Are there tax breaks for having carboNZero certification?

The costs for the work undertaken by an organisation to reduce its emissions and the carboNZero certification costs are treated the same as any other business expenses.

How does the carboNZero programme relate to food miles?

If you are an exporter, you may have seen the increasing debate about the impact of distribution of products around the world, commonly referred to as food miles. Countries such as Germany, the UK, Canada and the USA often use New Zealand products as examples of the serious impacts caused by importing goods as part of campaigns to promote local goods. The UK Government has formalised foodmiles in its recent Sustainable Food Strategy (DEFRA 2005) and has implemented performance indicators based on the carbon dioxide emissions associated with distribution especially for air freight. However, the good news is that a company with environmentally responsible production processes and distribution to the UK by sea often have lower emissions than locally produced goods due to less efficient growing and production processes and the congestion on UK roads. Reducing emissions and offsetting your remaining unavoidable emissions for growing, production and distribution emissions gives you a market advantage and reinforces New Zealand's clean green image.

DEFRA 2005. The validity of food miles as an indicator of sustainable development. London, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

What incentive is there for consumers to purchase products with carboNZero certification?

Personal ethics will drive consumers to purchase products that have carboNZero certification. National campaigns for households to reduce their overall emissions of carbon dioxide may mean that consumers start considering the emissions associated with the products that they buy. carboNZero certification also provides a positive contribution to overall brand perception.

Are products with carboNZero certification healthy for consumers?

The carboNZero certification does not guarantee food safety or product composition (although it is healthy for the consumer's conscience!).

Are products with carboNZero certification healthy for the environment?

Products with carboNZero certification are healthy for the environment only with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. It does not guarantee that other environmental impacts have not occurred. However, a company that has chosen to have carboNZero certification for its products is likely to be concerned about the environment, therefore more likely to adopt other measures to reduce overall environmental impacts.

 

How are emissions treated within the carboNZero programme for those that are covered under the ETS, and will this be carbon neutral through compliance to the ETS?

Fuel covered by the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ-ETS) cannot be recognised by the carboNZero programme as already offset, or carbon neutral. The reasons are summarised below:

To comply with Commerce Commission guidance on making a carbon neutral claim, the measurement of the emissions must be based on a suitable international standard, the amount of offsets must be equivalent to the measured footprint, offsets must be additional, the emissions reductions used to create the offsets must be verified as already achieved, and offsets must not be double counted. These requirements cannot be demonstrated for fuel participating in the NZ-ETS or from the cost of carbon being passed down to consumers.

Finally, the price added to fuel and paid by the consumer does not reflect the amount of greenhouse gases associated with the fuel because the measurement is not complete and only half of the emissions are offset. At the Point of Obligation, offsets may not have been used and where they were used, it is a forward action, not additional and may be double counted. A carbon neutral claim that recognised “offsets” made though the NZ-ETS would fail to meet many of the criteria set by the Commerce Commission and the ACCC. Claims that fuel is carbon neutral because it is covered by the NZ-ETS is misleading to consumers.

Further detail on the carboNZero programme and the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme is covered in:

www.carbonzero.co.nz/news/newsletters/issue9.asp#Ann and

www.carbonzero.co.nz/news/newsletters/issue2.asp#story2

 

What is CEMARS®?

How do you achieve CEMARS certification?

Once you achieve CEMARS certification does the process continue?

Why CEMARS?

Wouldn’t there be many benefits to a warmer and wetter climate and higher greenhouse gas levels, e.g. increased plant growth resulting in greater greenhouse gas absorption / oxygen production, and bigger yields of food crops?

Climate change will cause even more extreme weather events. Even if there are better crops because some areas are warmer and wetter, many will be wiped out by the storm events. While some crops may benefit, so will many weeds, pests and diseases. A warmer climate would mean they could spread to new parts of the country, and many tropical pathogens may be able to establish here.

What gases are counted as greenhouse gas emissions?

There are six main greenhouse gases:

Usually, all greenhouse gases are expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e).

How much carbon dioxide is sequestered by one tree?

The amount of carbon dioxide sequestered by a single tree varies with geographical location, soil type, rainfall, the species of tree and its age and health. To estimate how much carbon dioxide is sequestered on the basis of the number of trees is an inexact science and requires many assumptions. The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK recently ruled that there was no scientific basis for a claim by a company that the number of trees they had planted would sequester carbon dioxide equivalent to the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Do windfarms produce greenhouse gas emissions?

The activities associated with operating a windfarm will create greenhouse gas emissions if fossil fuel sources are used, e.g. for office-based activities and vehicle use. The construction of the windfarm will have generated emissions and the materials used will have embodied carbon associated with their manufacture.

Do hydroelectric power plants produce greenhouse gas emissions?

The activities associated with operating a hydroelectric power plant will create greenhouse gas emissions if fossil fuel sources are used, e.g. for office-based activities and vehicle use including boats. The construction of the hydroelectric scheme will have generated emissions and the materials used will have embodied carbon associated with their manufacture. There may have been wider environmental impacts depending on the way that the land was prepared prior to flooding to form the reservoir. If forested land was cleared, there will be losses of forest sink capacity. If forested land was flooded, there may be greenhouse gas emissions due to the decay of the trees. Additionally, there may be methane emissions from the reservoir especially if blooms of aquatic plants or algae develop and decompose under anaerobic conditions. These emissions are much higher in tropical regions than in more temperate regions.

Do greenhouse gas emissions need to be continuously measured or are formulas used to work out the emissions?

Electricity consumption and fuel volumes are monitored and these are converted to carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by using standard conversion factors. We regularly seek advice from the relevant New Zealand government departments and monitor international best practice to ensure that the conversion factors that we use are kept up-to-date. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) intends to publish national emissions factors for voluntary corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. The carboNZero programme will adopt these emissions factors for its calculators. However, the list to be published by MfE will not cover all the emissions factors used by the carboNZero programme. We will continue to maintain these additional emissions factors.

Calculations for emissions from electricity use appear to be based on a New Zealand wide equation. Is it possible to omit electricity from renewable sources in the calculations?

It is difficult to separate the renewable energy from the fossil fuel energy in the distribution system (national grid). As electricity demand goes up to meet peak demand periods during the day, it is generally the fossil fuel generators that produce more electricity to meet that demand. We are aware of this concern and we regularly review the protocols for the carboNZero programme calculations. Where your electricity generator supplies carbon neutral electricity, we still require you to record your electricity usage so that you can see the results of your efforts to be more energy efficient when you compare your monthly or annual data. Using carbon neutral electricity is not a reduction on your part, it is an offset made on your behalf by the electricity provider. The carboNZero programme follows the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for corporate accounting and reporting (World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development) for preparing the emissions inventory or carbon footprint. We use an electricity factor for calculating the carbon dioxide emissions using data provided by the Ministry for Economic Development and this accounts for the total mix of electricity sources that go on the national grid including electricity from renewable sources. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol rules require full disclosure of all emissions sources for the calculations followed by a listing of any exceptions. It is at this point that any pre-existing offsets can be accounted for to avoid double-offsetting. Reducing emissions and energy efficiency are important principles of the carboNZero programme. Measuring electricity consumption is essential for managing in order to reduce and be more efficient.

Are waste recycling initiatives included?

Waste and wastewater can be included in the emissions calculation and so recycling and minimising waste contributes to reduction of your emissions. Carbon credits are issued for adding to carbon sinks or for generating energy without the use of fossil fuels. This means recycling cannot generate carbon credits.

Is there a difference in the calculation between using litres of fuel or kilometres travelled for measuring the greenhouse gas emissions for using vehicles?

The most accurate way to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with using vehicles is to measure the litres of fuel used. Factors have been developed for estimating the emissions from vehicles using the kilometres travelled; however, these factors do not account for the maintenance of the vehicle or the way the vehicle is driven. Driver behaviour can affect fuel consumption by up to 25% and incorrect tyre pressure can increase fuel consumption by up to 8%. By measuring the litres of fuel used, you can see improvements in your fuel efficiency that result from keeping your vehicle well maintained and driving responsibly.

How are the greenhouse gas emissions calculated for air travel?

How are the greenhouse gas emissions calculated for air travel?
Currently the emissions factors used are based on carbon dioxide emissions only. The calculation involves flight distances and specific emissions factors sourced from the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for domestic and international flights. Many calculators include a multiplier for air travel as aeroplanes emit oxides of nitrogen and water vapour both of which can have an impact on atmospheric temperature. The multipliers used vary from 1 to 3. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends a multiplier of 2.7. The science behind this issue continues to be researched. The carboNZero programme uses a multiplier of 1.9 (Sausen et al 2005) to reflect the global warming potential of oxides of nitrogen that are emitted both into the lower and upper atmosphere.

Sausen R, Isaksen I, Grewe V, Hauglustaine D, Lee DS, Myhre G, Köhler MO, Pitari G, Schumann U, Stordal F, Zerefos C 2005. Aviation radiative forcing in 2000: and update on IPCC (1999). Meteorologische Zeitschrift 114: 555-561.

Is transport/storage of products overseas considered when calculating emissions?

The emissions from international maritime freight are generally classified as Scope 3 indirect emissions. Much freight leaving New Zealand is FOB or Free-On-Board meaning that the customer in the overseas county has organised and paid for the freight and hence is responsible for the emissions. What to account for and not to account for really depends on what retailers, customers, and other stakeholders might expect. Exporters often wish to include these emissions in their greenhouse gas inventory because they are important to consumers and their inclusion helps to counteract concerns about foodmiles.

What emissions are included in the conference or event inventory?

A typical emissions inventory for a conference or event will include emissions from organisational activities, the venue itself, visitor accommodation, and visitor air travel. For the emissions due to the venue, a pro-rata proportion is calculated based on the area of the venue used and the annual energy consumption of the venue. Additional sources may be included depending on relevance to stakeholders. For example, if an event requires a significant amount of material to be transported to the venue (such as props, staging equipment, lighting) then the transport and energy consumption for these will be included in the inventory. As with carboNZero certification for organisations, the emissions inventory is prepared in accordance with the international greenhouse gas inventory and reporting standard ISO 14064 part 1.

Isn’t the carboNZero programme just greenwash or a way for organisations to buy a good emissions profile?

The carboNZero programme is based on over a decade of research and we have worked with pilot organisations to ensure that the measure, manage and mitigate steps are based on credible science and checked by independent third-party auditors. Organisations seeking carboNZero certification must prepare an emissions inventory compliant with the international standard ISO 14064-1 specifications with guidance at the organisational level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removal. Additionally, they must implement and report on their emissions reduction plan before neutralising or offsetting their remaining unavoidable emissions. Without overall reductions in emissions, just neutralising emissions is like 'buying a Diet Coke to go with your double bacon cheeseburger - and calling it a weight-loss program. Efficiency (and calorie reduction!) comes first.' (Quotation from Joel Makover, Is Carbon Neutral Good Enough?)

Is it possible for greenhouse gas emissions to be double-counted by different parts of the supply chain?

The greenhouse gas emissions generated by an organisation’s activities are detailed as direct emissions (Scope 1), e.g. from fuel use; indirect emissions due to purchased electricity (Scope 2); and indirect emissions not directly under the control of the organisation (Scope 3). Scope 3 emissions are counted if they are relevant to stakeholders. For example, the freight of export products to overseas destinations is often the responsibility of the buyer. However, consumers perceive the impacts of this transport as belonging to the manufacturer or seller of the product. Double-counting could take place if both the buyer and the seller accounted for the emissions due to the same activity, e.g. international maritime freight. The emissions can be allocated on the basis of ownership or equity (proportional). As more products and services achieve carboNZero certification, organisations will be able to discount emissions from their offset obligations. The carboNZero Programme encourages organisations to disclose the full emissions inventory prior to any discounting or removals to encourage continued resource efficiency.

What offsets or carbon credits does the carboNZero programme use?

The programme sources credits that have been generated from both compliance, and voluntary standards from a range of projects.  The projects are located both in New Zealand and other countries such as Brazil, China, Turkey, and Thailand.  All credits are assessed and approved by the programme prior to use.  If you would like to know more about the specific credits used for your certification, the programme can provide you with the more detail on request.  

If you want to align your certification to a particular type of carbon credit project then we will endeavour to accommodate your preferences, including provision of appropriate communication materials for your customers and stakeholders.

Are any carbon credits at risk of being double-accounted?

Yes there is a risk that the credits from a discrete project are already being accounted for in a national inventory.  For example, voluntary credits should not be claimed for reductions from a project where the emissions are captured in a country’s national inventory report (for reporting under the Kyoto Protocol).  This is because any potential credit is likely to be claimed at the national level as opposed to the project.

The carboNZero programme minimises the risk of using double counted carbon credits by sourcing credits that have been generated from reputable standards that have rules in place for preventing double counting. 

I believe I have my own credits to use for offsetting my emissions within the programme. Can I do this?

Possibly, but they need to be assessed by us to ensure they meet the programme requirements.  Essentially the credits you are using must have been generated to a standard acceptable to the programme, and then your particular project is assessed for compliance with programme requirements i.e. not all carbon credit projects from an acceptable standard will necessarily meet the carboNZero programme requirements.  Standards currently accepted by the programme are listed in the mitigate page of the website.

If I believe my project is eligible for carbon credits, where do I go to get them recognised?

To confirm, the carboNZero programme does not provide any services related to awarding carbon credits.  You would need to apply directly to an appropriate credit standard.  To get an idea if your project may be eligible for credits from any standard, we suggest considering the following questions:

For example, one additionality test is that a project must be able to demonstrate that revenue from the carbon credits is required to make the project viable. 

If the projects reductions are associated with emission sources already being measured at a national level for Kyoto Protocol UNFCCC reporting, then any carbon credit claim would effectively be double counting. 

Most credit standards also require several other principles to be met such as no leakage, being permanent, measurable, and verifiable.  These terms are usually explained within the credit standard, or for a general definition see the mitigate section of the website.

My technology reduces emissions – can I get recognition for this (e.g. carbon credits)?

You can only get recognition in the form of carbon credits if your technology meets the requirements of an appropriate credit standard.  You would need to make an application to the standard in order to be awarded the credits.  The other form of recognition is by marketing your technology as reducing emissions, which is where CEMARS or carboNZero certification can assist to provide a robust claim and therefore attract more customer business. 

As part of the certification requirements, clients must set targets to manage and reduce their emissions by having a verified management plan.  Therefore, these businesses will be seeking options to reduce their emissions by various means including the adoption of new technologies and other capital investment projects.  So if you think you have a technology that reduces emissions, then carbon conscious businesses and individual consumers is a market you can tap into.   

Can I just plant a certain number of trees to offset my emissions and gain carboNZero certification?

Any tree planting project would need to be awarded carbon credits through an acceptable standard and be assessed as meeting the requirements of the programme.  The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK has previously ruled that there was no scientific basis for a claim by a company that the number of trees they had planted would sequester carbon dioxide equivalent to the company’s greenhouse gas emissions

See www.ebex21.co.nz for more information.