The projects we support

We’ve got some pretty exacting standards when it comes to picking offsetting projects, but with the help of our partner, Carbon Clear, we’ve been able to source carbon credits from projects that we’re truly proud to be involved with.

Ningxia Tianjing Wind Farm, China
This project has a total installed capacity of 50.25 MWh, generated from 67 turbines which automatically adjust to accommodate changing wind speed and direction. By replacing coal-fired electricity generation, the wind farm helps to displace 90,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year and reduces other pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. It has also provided jobs and training during construction and operation.

MingYing Micro-Hydro, China
This small scale project in China’s Guizhou Province uses the potential energy of water retained by a dam and converts it into hydro-electricity. With its three generators and three turbines it generates 16,960 MWh per year, of which 16,600 MWh is connected to the China Southern Power Grid, thereby displacing part of the electricity generated by the grid’s fossil-fuel fired power plants. The project runs on proven environmentally sound technology, provides employment to the region and subsidises electricity bills for people living nearby. On a more local level, benefits include land compensation given to farmers, and the fact that local people have access to clean fuels rather than having to burn firewood which reduces vegetation.

Howrah Jute Mill, India
This project in West Bengal (the first of its kind) used to be powered by coal, but now runs on power generated from the by-products of jute production, known as “caddies”. These consist mainly of fibre and dust and have replaced the 400 tonnes of coal the mill used to burn every year. The caddies used to be dumped as solid waste, so as well as energy generated from sustainable fuels the project also has the double benefit of disposing of the waste productively rather than it rotting and producing methane, a more potent green house gas than CO2. The revitalisation of Howrah Mills is a stimulus for the jute industry, which is very labour-intensive and therefore contributes considerably to local employment.

Varahi Micro-Hydro, India
Located in Western Ghat, Karnataka in India, the Varahi Tail Race hydroelectric power plant has a total installed capacity of 22.5 MWh, displacing coal-fired power and saving approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This proven environmental project is best practice for its type. It provides long term jobs and ensures a constant supply of electricity to the area. In addition the tail race water is also used to irrigate large areas of farmland.

Erakandurai Wind Farm, India
This small scale wind farm in Tamil Nadu generates an estimated 7.2 GWh of electricity per year and supplies a reliable source of energy for the textile industry and the region at large, helping it avoid long term fuel price and supply risks. It’s provided small scale local employment, while also reducing air pollution and aiding in the development of local infrastructure.

Jalalpur Biomass, Punjab, India
This fuel switch project uses rice husks as fuel to generate power and steam, which in turn are used at a local textile plant which would otherwise still be using power from the usual grid, and steam from oil-fired boilers. On top of these environmental advantages, the project has also delivered socio-economic benefits in the form of local business opportunities while it was being built, continuing employment opportunities and it also provides a better end solution for the rice husks, which would otherwise rot and produce methane.

On top of these we’ve also financed two smaller projects via Carbon Clear and will be buying credits arising from them when they become available:

• Philippines mini-taxi – retrofitting engine efficiency kits in tuktuks.
• Nicaragua brick kilns – replacing brick kilns run on unsustainable fuel sources with new technology that enhances burn efficiency while using sustainable fuel sources.

We know that offsetting isn’t the whole solution, but we also believe that each of these projects represents a fantastic development in addressing the sustainability challenge, and we’re extremely proud to have been involved in every single one of them.

We now look forward to continuing to work with Carbon Clear and purchasing credits for further small scale schemes, while also looking into new and innovative ways to reduce our own environmental impact.

This page assured by Bureau Veritas April 2009. View our main assurance statement, including scope of work/limitations and findings.