Gormley CO2 plan could be extended to private sector

IRELAND:Plans by Minister for the Environment John Gormley to introduce a scheme to offset the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by globetrotting Government Ministers and officials could be extended to include private companies and even individuals.

Under the proposed scheme, Government departments would be required to record all official flights from next year onwards and calculate the CO2 emissions involved as well as the cost of offsetting them, based on a set price for every tonne of CO2 emitted.

The value of the total offsetting requirement would then be paid to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership for investment in "gold standard" offsetting projects in least-developed countries covered by Ireland's overseas aid programme.

Mr Gormley envisages that it would be similar to the offsetting scheme operated by the partnership for the British Foreign Office. "The important element is that the credits will come from 'gold standard' projects which adhere to the highest environmental and sustainability standards."

The Department has proposed that Ireland's scheme would cover all flights taken by not only Ministers, but also by officials.

"If implemented, it would be the first such 'whole Government' offsetting scheme in place anywhere," a spokesman said.

Ireland spends a modest €500,000 a year with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership and the money is ring-fenced for seven priority countries for overseas aid.

Projects that benefit from this contribution include a solar water heating programme in Uganda, designed to reduce electricity bills.

"I hope that the scheme will be successful and, if it is, there is the possibility that it could be offered as a service to the wider public and semi-State sector," Mr Gormley said in Bali yesterday, "but the priority at present is to get it up and running.

"Offsetting is not a cure for climate change, but it is the most practical way to compensate for the environmental impact of aviation emissions at present.

"Foreign travel is a necessary part of Government work and what we are putting forward is realistic and practical."

It is understood that some work remains to be done by the Department on how the amount of emissions to be offset should be calculated - for example, if Ministers or officials are using Government jets or travelling business class on commercial flights.

Overall, the Bali climate conference is expected to generate 47,000 tonnes of CO2, mainly from air travel by some 12,000 participants but also from ground transportation and air-conditioning hotel rooms in the hot and humid tropical climate.

Meanwhile, property developer Treasury Holdings is set to become a "carbon neutral company" following an independent assessment of activities in its Irish headquarters at Connaught House, Burlington Road, Dublin, opened by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Monday.

Chairman Kevin Kelly said the assessment included an analysis of energy use as well as waste disposal, business travel and staff commuting habits. What could not be reduced under the company's new action would be offset through a variety of projects, he added.