Carbon+Offset+Fund


 * What is the Carbon Offset Fund?**

The goal of the Carbon Offset Fund is to create "carbon neutrality" when engaging in certain activities that release large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, such as flying. Achieving this carbon neutrality can be done by purchasing carbon credits that will then be used to sponsor actions that will prevent or absorb the same amount of carbon emissions that you create.


 * Cost of Purchasing an Offset**

The cost of an offset will differ depending on the type and magnitude of the activity. Prices typically vary between $5 and $25 per ton with some companies even charging $30 to $45 a ton. However, the average is currently at $10 a ton.


 * Funding**

The original intent was to have the Rubenstein School pay for work-related travel. This would include trips for professional meetings, presentations, research, outreach, and travel classes. Individuals are also encouraged to purchase carbon credits through the UVM giving page.


 * Calculating Carbon Equivalents**

The "Radiative Forcing Index" (RFI) measures the total effects of climate changed caused by aircrafts. This index describes how these emissions have a warming effect on the climate. This index not only accounts for carbon emissions but other greenhouse gases and the effects that contrails and ozone have as well. It has been estimated that the RFI ranges from 2-4 for emissions created by aircrafts (IPCC 1997).

The amount of carbon emissions created by jet travel varies depending on the length of a trip. Therefore, flight lengths are separated into three different groups labeled short haul (less than 250miles), medium haul (250-500miles), and long haul (more than 500 miles), and are each given a calculated coefficient (.64, .44, .40 respectively).

The formula for calculating total carbon emissions is as follows: Total CO2= # of Passengers*miles travelled*CO2 emission factor*RFI Calculations are doubled for round trips.


 * Fund History**

During a meeting that took place on December 18th, 2006, it was decided that this fund would sponsor local activities such as direct funding of solar on Aiken Center and would keep the money used to purchase carbon credits in a local bank rather than using a large organization. The Fund would begin January 1st, 2007 and would start with $1000 and would be added to during the year from the offsets of students, staff, and faculty travel. Donations from students, staff, and faculty would be welcomed.

I am currently in the process of submitting a pre-proposal to get this fund reinstated.

[|https://www.uvm.edu/~conserve/carbon/about.htm]