Month: May 2023

Originally published on NRG Energy Insights

By Bernie Kinsella

Climate change has become increasingly front of mind, with many organizations looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. One “tool in the toolkit” is the purchase and use of carbon offsets, allowing organizations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting a variety of sustainable projects.

What are voluntary carbon offsets?

Voluntary carbon offsets are an instrument organizations can purchase to support projects around the globe to either reduce emissions entering the atmosphere or remove carbon dioxide (CO2). These offsets are generated from a wide variety of sustainable projects, such as wind and solar farms, reforestation initiatives and other nature-based solutions, energy efficiency measures, as well as harmful industrial process reduction technologies. The goal of these projects is to reduce the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, either through avoiding emissions or through direct removal of CO2. Voluntary carbon offsets are called “voluntary” because they are not required by law but are instead purchased by organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce their impact on the environment.

Types of voluntary carbon offsets

There are several types of voluntary carbon offsets available, each with its own specific focus and benefits. Some of the most common types of carbon offsets and related sustainable projects are:

Renewable Energy Offsets include wind and solar farms, hydroelectric dams, biomass energy and landfill gas to power facilities. The purchase of carbon offsets from these facilities can ensure that the projects receive the financing needed for construction and operation.Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) support activities like planting trees in degraded areas (reforestation and afforestation), paying stakeholders to not cut down trees (avoided deforestation), improved forest management (sustainable forestry practices), agricultural soil carbon sequestration, and wetlands restoration.Energy efficiency technologies include upgrading energy-efficient lighting and or HVAC systems, improving building insulation, and replacing outdated and inefficient appliances.Industrial processes typically refer to the capture and destruction of methane and other ozone depleting substances (ODS). Various industrial sectors use ODS in refrigeration, air conditioning, and the production of insulating foam and cushioning.

Why is carbon offsetting important?

Large, sophisticated businesses and organizations are among the largest emitters of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. By reducing their carbon emissions, they can better meet sustainability goals while also improving their brand reputation and appeal to customers, employees, and other stakeholders who are concerned about the environment. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, organizations can distinguish themselves from their competitors.

With several different types of carbon offsets available, organizations can choose the type that best fits their needs and goals and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in a meaningful and impactful way. Stay tuned, next I’ll explore how carbon offset projects are evaluated to ensure they are a true solution in the fight against climate change. 

Dedicated, ADA-accessible fishing pier on Lake Lomond to ensure No Child Left Inside

On bright summer mornings, kids hop on their bikes, fishing poles in tow, and ride to Lake Lomond at the center of Bagley in northwestern Minnesota.

They’re excited to spend time on the water, anticipating the joy of reeling in colorful catches the lake is known for—black bullhead, bluegill, green sunfish and yellow perch.

But after attempts at shore fishing, the kids largely leave disappointed, with nothing to show for their efforts.

“Kids love to fish, but they’re frustrated they can’t get their lines out far enough when they’re shore casting,” says Bill Prochaska, a Bagley City Park board member and long-time recreational fisher on Lake Lomond.

“For kids, there is no access to good fishing in a lake that has good fishing,” he explains.

Currently, the lake has two short boat loading docks that people sometimes try to fish on. But the docks aren’t compliant with the American Disability Act, and there are frequent disruptions with trying to fish where boats are docking.

The City of Bagley has the solution—with support from the community, it will build a dedicated fishing pier on the lake.

The initiative is part of the community’s commitment to No Child Left Inside, a movement in the United States to promote environmental literacy and opportunities for kids to enjoy time in nature.

With the new fishing pier, children, those who are wheelchair bound, and anyone who needs ambulatory assistance—from toddlers to veterans to octogenarians, Prochaska says—will be able to enjoy fishing on the lake.

“This pier is an answer to all of it,” he explains.

The model the city has chosen features a long trunk with a T-section. It will have paved access from the parking lot and is ADA-compliant.

The $120,000 pier is being funded by grants and donations from the community. Enbridge supported the project with a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant. We’re committed to building vibrant and sustainable communities near our operations by investing in projects that help improve, grow and nurture our environment and bolster environmental literacy—like this Lake Lomond fishing pier project.

The Bagley fishing pier is set to open in September 2023, in time for a few weeks of late-summer fishing before the cold Minnesota winter sets in.

“What makes kids happy?” Prochaska asks. “Play. Having activities and being outside. It’s important to encourage kids to leave video screens behind, to get on a bike or walk, and go play in our park and get on our fishing pier.”

“This fishing pier,” he adds, “is going to help us ‘leave no kid inside.’ ”