Ark Climate

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    Primary activity : RetailerCarbon offset retailers either fund or purchase carbon offsets in large quantities and then on sell them to individual consumers in smaller quantities.    Price (per tonne CO2e) : AU$11 - AU$20

    Summary

    Ark Climate's view on the role of carbon offsets in addressing climate change

    "Carbon offsets provide capital for investment in carbon abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual. solutions and to provide a price signal / penalty / cost for CO2A greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomassBiomass is non-fossilized and organic biodegradable material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as Biofuels, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. , as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. emissions.
    Ark Climate advocates the need to sustainably reduce energy and resource consumption at the same time as purchasing offset products. Carbon offsets and the purchase of renewable energy fit within the organisation's recommended hierarchy of carbon management which is promoted to all clients."


    Detailed InformationClick on the tabs below for more information:

    Summary

    Role in the Carbon Offset Market
    [Q1]Retailer
    Main client base
    [Q3]Government, Corporate

    Offset Products

    Offset Products

    Price(s) per tonne
    [Q17]AU$11 - AU$20
    Project Type(s)
    [Q23]- Hydroelectric (small scale)
    - Plantation of monoculture non-native plantation for harvesting
    - Converted oil fired generator to natural gas
    Are offsets packaged with other services (such as footprinting, carbon neutrality etc)?
    [Q10]Yes

    [Find out more about project types]

    Offset Quality

    Offset Quality

    Organisation is licensed to provide financial advice (or to be an authorised representative in providing financial advice) in the context of brokerage of carbon commodities
    [Q23a]Information not provided
    Offsets generated and sold by Ark Climate
    [Q33a]- Voluntary Carbon StandardThe VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a new global standard and criteria for validating, measuring, and monitoring voluntary carbon offset projects. For more information, see here. VCUsVoluntary Carbon Unit. Description of carbon offset derived from accreditation to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.
    - NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement SchemeNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme commenced on 1 January 2003 and targets are set until 2012. It is one of the first mandatory greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes in the world. GGAS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of electricity. For more information see here. NGACsNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Certificate is a tradeable commodity used in the NSW GGAS. One NGAC represents the abatement of one tonne of CO2e associated with the consumption of electricity in NSW. NGACs are transferable certificates that may only be created by accredited abatement certificate providers.
    How does your organisation calculate the amount and price of carbon offset required by customers?
    [Q10]- Personal contact from clients with specific needs for type of offset and tonnage
    - Personal contact from customers wanting the service of carbon footprinting and (generic) offset purchase to achieve carbon neutrality
    Do you provide quality assurance or technical documentation on your web site or on request?
    [Q16]Information not provided
    Is your organisation audited by an independent third party for the sale and retirement of offsets and / or RECs?
    [Q16b] RetirementIn the context of carbon offsets, this is the act of removing a carbon credit or permit from the market so that abatement cannot be traded any further. Retiring offsets helps to prevent the resale or reuse of offsets that have already been used. of RECSRenewable Energy Certificates in Australia are issued by the Australian Government's Office of Renewable Energy Regulator. They are equivalent to one-megawatt hour of renewable electricity. RECs can be bought and sold both by electricity retailers and by other businesses in order to meet the legal requirements of MRET.
    RetirementIn the context of carbon offsets, this is the act of removing a carbon credit or permit from the market so that abatement cannot be traded any further. Retiring offsets helps to prevent the resale or reuse of offsets that have already been used. of offsets
    Audited: Annually
    Does your organisation supply National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) or NCOS compliant abatement to customers from 1st July 2010?
    [Q18] Yes, NCOS compliantAbatement that is compliant with the National Carbon Offset Standard. NCOS compliant abatement currently includes Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) except long term (lCERs) and temporary (tCERs); Emission Reduction Units (ERUs); Removal Units (RMUs); Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERs) issued by the Gold Standard*; Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) issued by the Voluntary Carbon Standard, however where VCU credits are issued for reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) and other agriculture forestry and land use (AFOLU) projects, they must apply methodologies approved under the NCOS Standard. abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual.
    [Q19]
    What evidence of purchase can customers expect to receive when buying carbon offsets from your organisation?
    Information not provided
    What documentation is available to customers about the carbon offset project/s as part of the education and quality assurance process?
    [Q22]- Information not supplied


    [Find out more about issues relating to offsetting]
    [Find out more about Certification Standards]

    Resources

    Resources

    Do you provide a carbon footprint calculation service for your customers?
    [Q12]- Yes, our own online calculator
    - Yes, personalised assessment
    Carbon calculation - methodology, standards or guidelines
    [Q13]- NGA FactorsThe National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors is an Australian guide to emission factors from a range of sectors that is used by companies to calculate greenhouse gases. It is prepared by the Department of Climate Change and replaces the AGO Factors & Methods Workbook. For more information, see here.
    - GHG ProtocolThe Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The GHG Protocol is an international accounting tool for government and business to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. It has been developed by a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and provides an internationally accepted accounting framework for GHG standards and programs, as well as inventories prepared by individual companies.
    - ISO 14064A global GHG accounting, reporting and verification standard. The goal of the standard is to 'provide a set of unambiguous and verifiable requirements or specifications to support organisations and proponents of GHG emissions reductions projects.'
    Do you apply National Greenhouse Accounts Factors full fuel cycle emissions conversion factors to calculate customer emissions?
    [Q14]- Yes
    In your calculation of customer emissions which of the 6 Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases do you include?
    [Q15]- Carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomassBiomass is non-fossilized and organic biodegradable material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as Biofuels, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. , as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.
    - MethaneMethane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with a GWPGlobal warming potential (GWP) measured in CO2e, is the potency of greenhouse gases, meaning their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, through the difference in time greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere, and their effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. The GWP is a numerical measure relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. So carbon dioxide itself has a GWP of 1 and, for example, methane has a GWP of 21. of 21.
    - Nitrous oxideAgriculture accounts for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Australia, The transport sector also contributes to emissions of N2O. N2O has a high global warming potentialGlobal warming potential (GWP) measured in CO2e, is the potency of greenhouse gases, meaning their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, through the difference in time greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere, and their effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. The GWP is a numerical measure relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. So carbon dioxide itself has a GWP of 1 and, for example, methane has a GWP of 21. of about 310 times that of CO2A greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature..it breaks down very slowly – over about 120 years
    - HydrofluorocarbonsMajor releases of HFCs are from leakageIn relation to carbon offsets, leakage is the direct or indirect increase in GHG emissions from a greenhouse gas reduction project, which is also measurable and attributable to the project. from refrigeration equipment during operation and its end-of-life destruction. Minor releases arise from the use of HFC-containing aerosols, air conditioners and metered dose inhalers.HFCs have very high global warming potentials (140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.).
    - PerfluorocarbonsMost emissions of PFCsMost emissions of PFCs in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years). in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature.). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years).
    Other carbon management services
    [Q11]- Footprinting services
    - Advisory services
    - Gifts
    - Carbon neutrality
    - Scoping customer emissions
    - Emissions reductionA measurable reduction in the level of greenhouse gases being emitted by a country, state, organisation or individual. products and services e.g. sale of energy efficient products
    - Emissions monitoring
    - Measuring and reporting services for carbon abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual. projects
    - Energy monitoring see www.carbontracker.com.au
    - Energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency improvements refer to a reduction in the energy used for a given service (heating, lighting, etc.) or level of activity. Such savings are generally achieved by substituting technologically more advanced equipment to produce the same level of end-use services (e.g. lighting, heating, motor drive) with less electricity. consulting
    - Carbon Footprinting
    - Sustainable design and planning
    - GHGGreenhouse Gases in the earth's atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. The Kyoto Protocol lists six major greenhouse gases, which vary in their relative warming effect. The six gases are: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), PFCs (perfluorocarbons) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). framework and accounting design
    - Economic modelling for abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual. projects

    [Find out more about carbon offsetting]

    Projects

    Project Information

    Baishun Run of River minihydro | International International Hydroelectric (small scale) Voluntary Carbon Standard VCUs

    General Information

    This project is not owned by Ark Climate | Small scale hydro project in China


    Price per tonne of CO2e
    [Q24]

    $18


    Quality

    Accreditation or certification achieved as at May 2010
    [Q33a]- Voluntary Carbon StandardThe VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a new global standard and criteria for validating, measuring, and monitoring voluntary carbon offset projects. For more information, see here. VCUsVoluntary Carbon Unit. Description of carbon offset derived from accreditation to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.
    Are the verified emission reductions created from this project NCOS compliant abatement?
    [Q36]

    - Yes, NCOS compliantAbatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual. that is compliant with the National Carbon Offset Standard. NCOSNational Carbon Offset Standard. The National Carbon Offset Standard was released by the Commonwealth Government in November 2009, to come into effect on 1 July 2010 coinciding with the cessation of the Government’s Greenhouse Friendly program. It is intended to ensure that consumers have confidence in the voluntary carbon offset market and the integrity of the carbon offset and carbon neutral products they purchase. It provides guidance to businesses who wish to make their organisation carbon neutral or develop carbon neutral products in a way that achieves emissions reductions, through the purchase and retirement of carbon offsets that are beyond those achieved by the CPRS and achievement of Australia’s national emissions reduction targets. compliant abatement currently includes Certified Emissions Reductions (CERsCertified Emission Reductions are credits generated under Kyoto's CDM. One CER unit is equivalent to the reduction of one metric tonne of CO2e. They are designed to be used by industrialised countries to count towards meeting their Kyoto targets. They can also be used as part of domestic targets, for example EU companies and governments use them as offsets against their emissions under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.) except long term (lCERs) and temporary (tCERs); Emission Reduction Units (ERUs); Removal Units (RMUs); Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERsVerified Emission Reductions or Voluntary Emissions Reductions are tradable credits for greenhouse emission reduction activities generated to meet voluntary demand for carbon credits by organisations and individuals wanting to offset their own emissions. VERs can be generated from projects to which a range of circumstances might apply, including:
    - are either based in a country that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol (e.g. USA) or does not have the infrastructure to support CDM project development;
    - have not yet been registered under the CDM;
    - fall outside the scope of the CDM;
    - are too small to warrant the costs of CDM approval;
    - are specifically developed for the voluntary market.    ) issued by the Gold StandardA certification standard for carbon offset projects. Initiated by WWF, SSN and Helio International, the Gold Standard for CDM projects was launched in 2003 after wide-ranging stakeholder consultation among key actors of the carbon market as well as governments. For more information see here.*; Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) issued by the Voluntary Carbon StandardThe VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a new global standard and criteria for validating, measuring, and monitoring voluntary carbon offset projects. For more information, see here., however where VCU credits are issued for reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDDReducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and other agriculture forestry and land use (AFOLU) projects, they must apply methodologies approved under the NCOS Standard.     abatementA reduction in the amount or intensity of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of actions taken by a company or individual.

    Is this project additional to Australia's commitments under Kyoto
    [Q37]- Yes

    Forests NSW Carbon Pool | NSW NSW Plantation of monoculture non-native plantation for harvesting NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme NGACs

    General Information

    This project is not owned by Ark Climate | ReforestationThe reestablishment of forest on land that was previously forested but converted to another use before 31.12.1989. by Forests NSW - Department of Primary Industries


    Price per tonne of CO2e
    [Q24]

    AU$14


    Quality

    Accreditation or certification achieved as at May 2010
    [Q33a]- NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement SchemeNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme commenced on 1 January 2003 and targets are set until 2012. It is one of the first mandatory greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes in the world. GGAS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of electricity. For more information see here. NGACsNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Certificate is a tradeable commodity used in the NSW GGAS. One NGAC represents the abatement of one tonne of CO2e associated with the consumption of electricity in NSW. NGACs are transferable certificates that may only be created by accredited abatement certificate providers.
    Are the verified emission reductions created from this project NCOS compliant abatement?
    [Q36]

    - No

    Is this project additional to Australia's commitments under Kyoto
    [Q37]- Technically, abatement created from this project before March 2008 remains additional to Australia’s Kyoto commitments (Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol on November 2007 and the agreement took effect at this time).

    Bell Bay Natural Gas Generator | TAS TAS Converted oil fired generator to natural gas NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme NGACs

    General Information

    This project is not owned by Ark Climate | Originally oil fired peak load generator recently converted to natural gas and connected via bass link to national electricity grid.


    Price per tonne of CO2e
    [Q24]

    $12.50 basic or $18.00 premium (using 150% offset ratio)


    Quality

    Accreditation or certification achieved as at May 2010
    [Q33a]- NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement SchemeNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme commenced on 1 January 2003 and targets are set until 2012. It is one of the first mandatory greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes in the world. GGAS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of electricity. For more information see here. NGACsNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Certificate is a tradeable commodity used in the NSW GGAS. One NGAC represents the abatement of one tonne of CO2e associated with the consumption of electricity in NSW. NGACs are transferable certificates that may only be created by accredited abatement certificate providers.
    Are the verified emission reductions created from this project NCOS compliant abatement?
    [Q36]

    - No

    Is this project additional to Australia's commitments under Kyoto
    [Q37]- Technically, abatement created from this project before March 2008 remains additional to Australia’s Kyoto commitments (Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol on November 2007 and the agreement took effect at this time).

    Contact Details

    Contact Details

    For more information please contact:

    Ark Climate
    http://arkclimate.com.au
    (03) 9682 4200
    Suite 4/ 24 Eastern Road, South Melbourne, Vic.
    Information Submitted by Ark Climate in April 2010