Eco-Watch -- Carbon Offset Programs, Claims Questioned

Although it is relatively new to aviation, having only been offered to passengers in the last year, carbon offsets have become a $54 million industry, said the Federal Trade Commission, which regulates advertising claims, as it launched hearings into green marketing. Carbon offset programs raise a host of...

For immediate service; more information; and multi-user access (site license), non-profit organization, educational institute pricing, contact Karen Garner kgarner@accessintel.com at (301) 354-1612.

This story is only available to paid subscribers. Please login below with your username and password if you are a subscriber.

Username:
Password:
	What is my password?

Subscribe     Trial

Although it is relatively new to aviation, having only been offered to passengers in the last year, carbon offsets have become a $54 million industry, said the Federal Trade Commission, which regulates advertising claims, as it launched hearings into green marketing.
Carbon offset programs raise a host of questions such as where the money goes and what is it used for. How are the programs monitored for accuracy and for actual emissions reductions? How are emissions calculated and what percentage goes to the project versus airline/environmental partner administrative costs?
The climate exchanges being developed around the world have answered many of these questions, especially about monitoring and measurement. Indeed, calculating emissions is not objective with several different methods used. Related Story  Even so, certification of such programs and measuring their effectiveness prompt more questions, according to a report in The New York Times.
During hearings last week, the commission expressed concern at the accuracy of some claims, something environmentalists call “greenwashing,” according to the Times, which quoted Commission Chair Deborah Platt Majoras as saying “there’s a heightened potential for deception.” It also reported that panelists at last week’s session questioned how claims are certified for accuracy and whether carbon offset providers are counting projects that would be completed regardless of carbon offset contributions
In addition, others wondered about costs, citing a VW offering saying consumers can contribute to the planting of a forest in the Mississippi Valley for $18, said the newspaper, which quoted providers as saying the actual cost of planting a tree is roughly $5. Interestingly, they also said the tree must live for at least 100 years to fully compensate for the emissions in question, again raising the question as to just how effective such programs can be.
FTC guidelines date back to 1998 and leave out such newly created terms as renewable energy, carbon offsets and sustainability. These “Green Guides” need updating say industry and the agency has issued a request for comments on how to do that.
World Class Charters, Inc. is one of a number of business aviation companies announcing carbon offset programs. Its private corporate jet customers now have the opportunity to offset the carbon dioxide emissions associated with their charter flights via a donation to The Conservation Fund, a top-rated environmental charity. Customers can offset their flight with donation amounts based upon aircraft type, fuel burn and flight time. The airline industry is slow to the carbon offset market, although British Airways has been offering them for some years. Related Story  Continental and Delta announced programs last year, but the Times reported that sales were slow for the $5.50 contribution per round trip flight offered by Delta. The money goes to the Conservation Fund’s Go Zero program which manages Delta’s program.