Carbon offsetting supports vital Uruguay reforestation efforts

As we continue with our journey to make long-lasting environmental changes, we were delighted to announce recently that we have successfully reduced our carbon footprint by 27% for our 2021 operations.

This reduction came as our activities were independently assessed to secure the Carbon Neutral International Standard for another year. Whilst this was a huge step forward in minimising our impact on the planet, it’s great to know that we were also able to support other environmental initiatives to offset our remaining carbon footprint.

Investing in carbon credits

For organisations to become carbon neutral, credits need to be purchased to balance out carbon emissions. The aim for organisations is to operate with as small a carbon footprint as possible, only using purchased carbon units where necessary to offset emissions.

We’re delighted to have been able to implement a range of improvements to significantly reduce our footprint as we marked the first anniversary of our Carbon Neutral International Standard and will look to make further incremental changes in the coming years.

In the meantime, working with the team at One Carbon World, we were able to select an environmental initiative across the globe who can ensure our carbon credits are put to good use making a difference in their local community.

Supporting reforestation in Uruguay

When we heard about the great work happening within the La Pitanga reforestation project in Uruguay, we were keen to invest our carbon credits. Units purchased supported the project, which is expected to last 100 years, covering 18,000 hectares of land. It’s estimated that 4.5 million trees will be planted during that time.

The project aims to redevelop degraded grassland that up until recently was used to graze cattle. Instead, the land will now be turned into forest plantations, enriching the soil and boosting the local ecosystem. Creating critical wildlife habitats and storm water management – whilst improving air quality.

Locally the project provides employment prospects, together with professional growth opportunities, with approximately 260 job positions created and more than 70 farmers directly benefiting from the project. Whilst engaging with local schools through workshops and presentations to deliver educational training.

Crucially the work is verified by the Rainforest Alliance and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures workers receive a fair wage for their contribution – which as a Living Wage Employer, is of huge importance to us.

Looking to start your carbon neutral journey?

If you’re thinking about how your organisation can start the process of becoming carbon neutral, then the team at One Carbon World are on hand to support you.

They work with organisations big and small to look at their carbon footprint. The first step is to review annual carbon emission levels across a range of business activities – from delivery of goods to energy usage. One Carbon World’s process is in line with the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard, which measures scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Then once the carbon footprint has been independently verified, carbon credits can be purchased to offset the remaining balance – resulting in a carbon neutral status. The team at One Carbon World will work with you to identify environmental projects that these carbon units could support, with a wide range of global projects that help redevelop local communities and drive employment opportunities.