Carbon offsets
Through its carbon offset program, SMUD provides you with an opportunity to neutralize the carbon dioxide emissions produced during a number of daily activities - driving a car, using the air conditioner, turning on your lights, or taking a plane on a business trip.
The idea behind carbon offsets is simple. Individuals buy offsets from a company or organization that invests in projects such as reforestation or solar and wind power. The offsets neutralize the individual’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the company builds projects that would not have been built without the individual's contribution.
It's more than a gesture - they really work
SMUD's carbon offset program follows guidelines set by the Climate Action Registry. An independent third party verifies all carbon offset amounts to assure participants that their dollars are really helping the environment.
Offsets support local economy
SMUD uses the carbon offsets to build green projects that help the local economy. The current project is a dairy digester. Methane gas from cow manure is sequestered and used to produce energy.
SMUD's carbon calculator uses local rather than national data in determining your carbon footprint. If you don’t know what your average electric bill is, you don’t need to rummage through the recycle bin at home. You can simply upload the information from SMUD.
SMUD’s carbon calculator features three links – “Calculate", "Buy offests" and "Learn". By answering a series of simple questions, you can estimate your carbon footprint and then purchase offsets to reduce or eliminate it, or you can simply learn about global warming and offsetting
But offsets are just one piece of a larger puzzle. People should conserve and implement energy efficiency measures, too. Offsets are a good start as we begin to adjust to this changing energy climate, but ultimately, we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy efficiency is the most effective way an individual can reduce global warming – drive less, install compact fluorescent light bulbs, reduce electricity use during the peak usage hours of late afternoon and early evening. This is why SMUD offers a wide variety of customer rebates for energy efficient appliances at smud.org.
Calculate your carbon footprint
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