Going Carbon Neutral at IIED September 2004 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Document begins: Going Carbon Neutral at IIED September 2004 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Background Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are contributing to climate change ­ the evidence is now clear. Efforts to reduce GHG emissions through government action at the international level, through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, have led to modest action in some countries. However, responsibility for reducing emissions also lies with private companies, non-government organisations, communities and individuals. IIED Activities IIED recognises its responsibility to reduce its GHG emissions. An initial estimate of our emissions for one year, January to December 2003, is 372 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Of this, work travel comprises 69% (almost all from air travel), commuting to and from IIED offices 4%, utilities (gas and electricity) 26% and waste 2%. We are encouraging voluntary activities amongst IIED staff to reduce emissions. These include: more cycling; replacing face-to-face meetings with tele/video conferencing; and travelling by train instead of flying to European destinations. Using a `green' electricity supplier is also being investigated. In future we expect to monitor such activities to ensure that they have the desired effect. However, we also need to offset our unavoidable ...