In 2019, the industrial sector accounted for 29.4% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec (behind transportation at 43.3%). Many companies are therefore turning to reducing and offsetting their GHG emissions. Some are even attempting to go carbon neutral. But how can they do that? Here are a few tips that can help you achieve it.
According to Carboneutre Québec, being carbon neutral means an organization has successfully reduced its carbon emissions to zero or offset those it could not reduce. Since it’s extremely difficult to avoid 100% of GHG emissions, most companies will have to engage in compensatory activities to become carbon neutral. Trees play a very important role in carbon neutrality, since they use the carbon dioxide in the surrounding air to produce their energy. In order to offset carbon dioxide emissions, companies can plant trees that capture the equivalent amount of CO2 they emit.
Still according to Carboneutre Québec, the offset cost for one metric ton of CO2 is $35 for plantings in the boreal forest or $35 for agricultural plantings, with a $7 per ton rebate for farmers. After this, there is a fixed fee for small polluters and a variable fee for larger ones.
Would you like to learn more about carbon offsetting? Contact an advisor at SADC Arthabaska-Érable!
