parklands launches carbon offset program for local businesses

Now and in the future, Australia faces many natural resource management challenges to main its healthy landscapes and sustainable use of its natural resources.  Climate change presents challenges, as well as opportunities, for activities that target complementary greenhouse and natural resource outcomes.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Australia and other developed countries, have agreed to targets and mechanisms to limit greenhouse gas emissions,  The increase of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are believed by most climate scientists to be gradually warming the planet.  These increases are projected to be between 1-6 degrees Celsius, over the next 70 years.

Revegetation to enhance biodiversity and repair degraded lands can make an important contribution to reducing the greenhouse effect.  Industry, government, communities and individuals can help offset their greenhouse emissions through contributing to revegetation activities.

Locally, parklands will be offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to offset their car emissions through helping to revegetate the regional parklands.

The Forest package covers the basic requirements to satisfy the carbon offsets required per vehicle per year.

As such the planting will be in a forest-type project.

• One year membership per vehicle @ $37.50 (+ GST) - 17 trees planted
• One year membership per vehicle @ $30 (+ GST)  - 17 trees planted with assistance from the business/organisation

The Wodonga Institute of TAFE has become the inaugural member of the forest package, and will be planting the Huon Hill in the middle of the year.

The Woodland option allows the organisation or business to undertake further beneficial action for the environment.  This involves planting an additional 85 understorey plants, so that the planting provides a carbon sink and a balanced revegetation of the project area.

• One year membership $220 (+ GST) per vehicle – 100 plants (15 trees and 85 understorey planted)
• One year membership $170 (+ GST) per vehicle – 100 plants (15 trees and 85 understorey planted) with assistance from the business/organisation.

The Hume Building Society has become the inaugural member of the woodland package, and will be planting at Gateway Island in the middle of the year.

A competition is currently being run to determine a name for the carbon offset program. 

If your business or organisation is interested in becoming part of this growing program, please contact parklands on (02) 60236714.

(Information sourced from the Australian Greenhouse Office)