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Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the application of new technologies, processes or practices to achieve the same benefit or improved benefit while using less energy. Energy efficiency opportunities can be found in all sectors of the economy: industrial, commercial, transportation and residential. When you support energy efficiency, Carbonfund.org purchases and retires “carbon credits”, including Chicago Climate Exchange Carbon Financial Instruments (CFIs) or Environmental Resources Trust-verified energy efficiency credits.
IdleAire Project
Location: Nationwide
Owner/Developer: IdleAire
Verification: Environmental Resources Trust
The IdleAire Project reduces tailpipe emissions from some of the heaviest emitters of all: the 18-wheelers that transport our consumer goods all over the country. IdleAire installs a small technology in trucker cabins to prevent the need to keep the engine running for power during rest stops. The technology allows truckers to heat and power the interior of the truck, run the radio and check email without forcing the engine to burn diesel, saving a gallon of diesel per hour.
Chicago Climate Exchange
The Chicago Climate Exchange is North America’s largest carbon trading market, with nearly 300 companies, cities, states and universities participating in a “cap-and-trade” program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. CCX members calculate their emissions from a 1998-2001 baseline and are required to reduce their emissions from these levels over time. If they exceed their target CO2 reductions, they may sell their credits; if they fall short of it they must buy credits. The entire process works like one, big market-based incentive program to become more energy efficient. Carbonfund.org purchases what are known as “carbon financial instruments” from the CCX and retires them. Essentially, we are buying and retiring forever the right of other companies to continue releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
