Communication e)mission news

The Official Portuguese Delegation in Cancún (COP16) offsets all carbon emissions

09-12-2010

e)mission measured and compensated 96.63 tonnes of CO2 by supporting emission reducing projects that contribute to sustainability in developing countries.

The Official Portuguese Delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 16th Conference (UNFCCC-COP16) in Cancún, Mexico, pursuing the principal outlines of the event, chose to offset, for the second year, the principal carbon emissions related to its participation in this initiative through e)mission.

e)mission calculated a carbon footprint of 96.63 tonnes of CO2, with reference to the main emission sources, including air travel, hotel stays and local mobility in Cancún (shuttle services) of the Portuguese Delegation elements.

The offset of all emissions was carried out through high quality carbon credits originated by projects in the the e)mission portfolio that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to sustainability in developing countries, following the approach of the Kyoto Protocol. This way the Portuguese Delegation has been awarded the e)mission neutral certification.

Besides reducing greenhouse gases emissions, the e)mission projects portfolio contributes to enhance quality of life and promotes the sustainable development of affected local communities. These projects follow approved methodologies for the Kyoto Protocol´s Clean Development Mechanism. Projects are validated according to the most demanding international standards.

This offset allowed the support of projects from Brazil, Kenya and South Africa.

The 96.63 tonnes of CO2 emissions that were measured and offset by e)mission, are roughly equivalent to the following: approximate carbon impact of electricity consumption of 140 Portuguese homes for a year; footprint of an annual fleet of 25 vehicles (Ford Mondeo, 2.0 diesel, 25 000 km/year); carbon dioxide volume equivalent to 19 hot air balloons.

Last year, e)mission measured and offset 107.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions, in relation to the participation of delegates, including the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Environment, Chiefs of Staff, advisers and other experts. The foot print study included flights, hotel stays and local travels in Copenhagen.