Duotone Diversity Magazine No.02 2020

H O W D O E S C A R B O N O F F S E T W O R K ? WE CAR E The calculation of each product’s carbon footprint is based on several factors such as raw materials, energy used during production, packaging and logistics. The calculation is done to gain information about the total amount of CO 2 , which is emitted to the atmosphere by the production of the product. CO 2 emissions are measured in tons of CO 2 . STEP 2 O F F S E T T I N G E M I S S I O N S The exact amount of carbon, which is emitted by each product, is offset by supporting a carbon offset project that reduces the emission of greenhouse gases in the short or long-term. Such projects are validated and measured to ensure they produce authentic benefits and are genuinely “additional” activities that would not otherwise have been undertaken. The measured amount of CO 2 that is compensated by the carbon offset project is then indicated by certificates. By financing carbon offset projects companies purchase these certificates for the amount of CO 2 they need to offset. STEP 3 T R A C K I N G A N D C O N T R O L STEP 1 C A L C U L A T I N G E M I S S I O N S Building Kites, Bars, Twintips, Surfboards and accessories will always have an environmental footprint. At Duotone, we strive to minimize this footprint whenever possible by developing new environmentally friendly packaging, by improving transport routes, by researching recyclable materials and greener manufacturing processes and by supporting organizations that fight global warming. We take these efforts very seriously because we are responsible for future generations to be able to enjoy these amazing sports in incredible surroundings as well. One important measure we take for 2020 is the compensation of carbon emissions generated by the production and transportation of our products. In short, this means: All of our products will be produced climate-neutral from 2020 onwards by offsetting all carbon emissions caused. Greenhouse gases like CO 2 disperse uniformly throughout the atmosphere, which means the concentration of greenhouse gases is approximately the same all over the planet. Thus, the location on Earth where emissions are generated or saved is irrelevant when it comes to the global concentration of greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect. That is why emissions that cannot be avoided locally can be mathematically offset through climate protection measures at another location. This is implemented by supporting so called “Carbon Offset Projects”. A common project type used to offset emissions is renewable energy such as wind farms, biomass energy, or hydroelectric dams. Also, the replacement of fossil fuel technologies through innovative, climate-friendly alternatives is an option as well as measures like afforestation. Often Carbon Offset projects also offer additional benefits to the local population like improvements in the quality of life, renewed streets, additional jobs, etc. For an acknowledged Carbon Offset project it is essential that it could only be realized because of the additional financial support through the compensation mechanism. This crucial attribute is called “Addionality of emission reductions”. Furthermore the reduction of emissions must be permanent and long term (longevity). Climate compensation can be conducted by states, companies and also by private persons. With the Kyoto Protocol the world’s leading states have committed themselves to a certain amount of emission reduction, thus it is mandatory for them. Companies and private persons do it on their own will. What does “Climate Neutral” mean? Companies, processes and products are termed “climate neutral” when their carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by supporting recognized carbon offset projects. A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. Carbon offset projects demonstrably save greenhouse gases through activities such as afforestation or renewable energies. Independent organizations such as TÜV, SGS, PWC, and others check the exact volume saved. Only projects requiring additional financial support are recognized as carbon offset projects. Internationally acknowledged quality standards guarantee the adherence to the criteria for carbon offset projects. They especially ensure that CO 2 emissions are actually compensated in the amount stated. International standards like Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard are covering most of the market. Both fulfill the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol. Additionally, independent organizations such as TÜV, SGS, PWC, and others check the exact volume saved regularly. Copy Katharina Zachmann W E C A R E P E O P L E 62 63 P E O P L E H ?